Page 20 of The Christmas Nanny

“I got up early and put chains on the tires.” He held up a hand before I could say it. “Me being the All-American boy.” He motioned over his shoulder. “I’ll meet you in the living room when you’re ready.”

I gathered my stuff and shoved it into my bag. Was he serious? I’d been around men who spent the first week or so trying to impress me, all the while trying to get into my panties. Then they became dicks and weren’t worth keeping around. I ensured the top was on the mini mace spray hidden in my bag. I felt foolish for bringing it. I took a deep breath, wishing I could have slept better, and left the room. I wanted to ask why he was being so nice yet not expecting a piece of ass.

Jacob led me through the kitchen and to the garage. He opened my door, reminding me he was the All-American boy, and climbed into the driver’s seat. “Sure you’ll be able to make it to your interview?” I asked.

“Yes. The main roads should be driveable. If I don’t need the chains, I’ll remove them before I leave your place.”

Snow crunched loudly beneath the tires as we left Jacob’s house. I’d not practiced one bit for the interview. That was fine since I knew there was no way I’d be qualified. It sounded like a dumb idea, anyway.

Jacob didn’t say much on the way to my house. He seemed lost in thought. Maybe he was practicing the interview in his head. I was sure he was more prepared than me. When we arrived at the apartment, Jacob came around and opened the car door, hooking his arm around mine and helping me up the stairs. I opened the door, and Wigglebutt was standing there waiting.

“Thanks for bringing me home, Jacob. And thanks for not pushing things last night. I had a lot on my mind.” I put my hand against his face and gave him a gentle kiss.

“Promise me you’ll call after your interview. I wanna know how you did. Remember, imagine everyone naked. It’ll make you smile and relax.”

“I will,” I said.

He stood at the door momentarily, his fantastic eyes never leaving mine. “Let me make you dinner tonight. We can celebrate your new job.”

“And your new job. I think we both got this.” At least, I thought he did. I stepped into the apartment. “Good luck, Jacob.”

He turned and left, my heart sinking. Sinking why? I’d known him for only a couple of days. I doubted he would call after not getting laid last night. That’s the way men were.

I grabbed the dress from the closet I thought I wanted to wear, but a few minutes in front of the mirror told me differently. A dress didn’t seem right for the job. Blue jeans? No way. I grabbed the pantsuit I hadn’t worn in six months. The mirror told me it was perfect for the occasion.

“What’re you staring at?” I asked Wigglebutt. I followed him into the kitchen and filled his dish. As he ate, my mind shifted back to Jacob. Damn, I wanted him to paint me sitting in that chair. I’d thought sitting in the chair last night had been a subtle enough hint, but he didn’t seem to think so. I shook the thought from my mind and put on a watch. It was almost time.

My phone buzzed in the bedroom, and as I entered the room, I could see it was a message from Jacob. “You were right. The main roads are fine. Good luck!” He signed it, All-American boy.

“Thanks!” I replied with All-American girl.

I grabbed the car keys and traversed the snowy steps to my car, thinking I needed a trip to the beach, a mixed drink, and sand running between my toes. It would be a bitch getting out of the parking lot, but then everything would be a breeze. The city was usually efficient about clearing streets on weekdays. On weekends, not so much. Work had not said a word about employees staying at home, so off to work I would go after the interview.

Everyone knew where the Quartermains lived. I’d been guilty of driving by their mansion several times over the years. I think everyone in town did at least one time. It’s what we did when we envied the rich and famous. I thought about what I would say in the interview. I needed a great opening.

“I love kids and think that raising them with a good role model in their lives would ensure success in life. I believe in eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise. And, by the way, can you take care of me for the rest of my life?” The last bit made me laugh and returned my mind to my job and what I had waiting atop my desk. A stack of accounts to rummage through, useless calls to make, and asses to kiss. It all gave me anxiety. I really needed an alternative. The other option was to go on medication like everyone else at work.

I slowed as I approached the open gates and stopped at the guard house. I told the security guard who I was, and he told me to follow the road ahead and park at the front door. He said someone would be right out to get me. Before he waved me forward, he said, “Make sure this is the right move for you.” He returned to the warmth of his guard shack and closed the door.

The road had been cleared of snow. A fountain near the front drive sprayed water from buckets held by four little boys. Mist rose from the water, making the fountain creepier than it should have been. As I was about to leave my car, I heard an SUV coming up the drive.

The sun reflecting off the SUV’s front window made it hard to see who was driving, but my jaw dropped as the driver pulled behind my car. Jacob got out, his eyes wide and confused.

“Don’t tell me you’re here about the nanny job,” I said.

“You, too?” he asked.

“Shit.” Jacob stood beside my car in awe of the Quartermain mansion. “Why’re they interviewing us at the same time?”

I hated to state the obvious. “We’re competing against each other, Jacob. It’s what rich people do to people like us. We’re pawns in their money-making schemes.” I knew this because the rich men I “dated” threw money at me in disgusting ways. They made me feel like it was their world and I was just visiting.

“You can have the job, Christine. I can go work for my Dad.”

Jacob started back to his car. “No. Wait.” I grabbed his arm. “Let’s see what happens. We may both hate it here. The kid is probably one of those rich brats we disliked in high school. Please stay.”

“I’ll blow the interview, so there’s no question who they will hire.”

“No, you won’t.”

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