Page 3 of The Christmas Nanny

Jeremy stepped forward, and I stepped in the way, closing the door. “Go fuck yourself.” His friends made obnoxious teasing sounds. “And you two, go fuck each other.”

It felt amazing. I sat in the car for several minutes, patting myself on the back. If you let people run all over you from the get-go, they will always run all over you. It felt fabulous cutting that cord.

Annette was sitting on her back porch, a wine bottle and two glasses on the table, when I arrived. A space heater glowed beneath the table and felt good on legs and ankles.

“You need a friend to drink with?”

“Only if she’s willing to finish the bottle with me.”

“I’m willing to finish the bottle and start on a second.” I plopped down in the chair next to Anette. In the summer, the backyard was full of flowers and fruit trees. The winter turned it gray and depressing.

Annette filled our glasses, a smile developing across her lips. “What did you think about that nanny ad?” She watched me over the rim of her glass. “Sound doable?”

I drank a little and put the glass down. “It’s kids, Annette. I don’t know shit about watching a kid. I’d rather order out than cook.”

“Just one, according to the ad. I say give it a shot and see what happens. Your life needs a good shock to the system.”

“So, if I run into issues, I can drop the rugrat off to you?” We finished the bottle, and Annette opened another.

“Absolutely not. Kids are gross, though, I suppose, Deacon and I will have one someday. If I have to.”

“You’re not helping.” I opened the ad on my phone and reread it. “I’m going to do it. I’ll see what they say and decide if it’s offered. Hell, they probably won’t even call me.”

I called about the job and was told to send a cover letter and resume. I spent the rest of the night on Annette’s laptop, working on a cover letter. I had a copy of my resume on my phone and sent both.

Before I went to sleep, I had a returned message with a scheduled interview on Monday. Annette and I were both stunned. The stars were finally aligning in my favor. Jeremy could kiss my ass, though, unfortunately, his mouth never even found its way to my ass.

Chapter two

Jacob

I watched the last member wrap up her workout and gather her things. Lauren was one of the first members I signed to a contract. That was three years ago, and she stayed with me until the bitter end. The end officially started at 6 p.m.

I unplugged the Christmas tree and walked away. I had no room for it at home, and whoever was moving into the building next could throw it away or use it. I didn’t care. It was going to be a shitty and jobless Christmas anyway.

I glanced at the box on the desk, the one stuffed with all my personal belongings: a plaque boasting the gym of the year, its first year, and the first physique trophy I won on my thirtieth birthday two years ago. I also kept a personal journal with everything from gym experiences to the dozens of women I’d dated. I enjoyed writing and felt most comfortable writing about things close to me. Writing was one of my outlets. With no job lined up, maybe I could become a lowly writer, barely making enough to secure my next meal. I hoped my artwork sales would pick up the closer to Christmas we got. Like my writing, my paintings weren’t for everyone.

“You okay?” Lauren asked, gym bag slung over one shoulder, an expensive bottle of water sharing a hand with car keys. Soaked with sweat, she still smelled deliciously edible. Eventually, I’d invite her over for another modeling session. The last one went so well that the painting brought in double what I expected. Nothing happened between us after her session, something I truly regretted. Despite knowing her for three years, I knew very little about her personal life.

“Yeah, just fucking sucks to be closing the place down. I worked my ass off for three long years. I can’t compete with the chains. People don’t realize what a rip-off they are. They get you to sign a contract, and then you’re screwed.” I nudged the box away, trying not to show Lauren my shitty side, which was difficult because losing the gym hurt to the core.

“Got any plans for what’s next?” She dabbed sweat from her forehead and temples. A shiny bead raced down her neck and disappeared down her shirt between her breasts.

“Absolutely none. I kept thinking the universe would swoop in and save the gym. That didn’t happen.” I’d sunk the last of my trust fund into the gym, my return on investment a big fat zero. My grandfather was probably turning over in his grave. I could work for my father, but that would be admitting failure, precisely what he told me would happen if I tried running a gym. No thanks. My older brother could stay number one on the favorite kid list.

“I can probably get you something at the firm. Lots of positions open.” Lauren shrugged. I had no law degree, so she meant an opening in the mail room. Not interested.

“I appreciate that, but I don’t want to sit in an office all day or be stuck in corporate America. It’s not my style. I’ll figure out something.” My phone buzzed, and a picture of Emily—my girlfriend of almost a year—appeared on the screen. I’d yet to tell her about the gym. Sometimes, I thought the gym was the only reason she was seeing me. She would be pissed at the news. It was good that I’d yet to buy her a Christmas gift.

“Well, the offer stands.” Lauren adjusted her gym bag on her shoulder. “And if you ever need a place to crash, my door’s always open.”

“I appreciate that, too.” I stood and followed her to the front door. She stopped before heading outside and put her coat on.

“You know I care, Jacob.” She landed a kiss squarely on my lips and left. I locked the door and sat on a bench, my lips still moist from Lauren’s kiss. I’d stayed with a witch and missed out on a princess. I watched her walk to the car and then watched her pull away. I should have gone after her. A good-looking brunette with big brown eyes and a wicked smile, she was smart and had a personality that made you want to hang out and talk to her until the early morning hours. But, for whatever reason, I never did—my loss, not hers.

My phone rang, and Emily’s image appeared once again. “Hey, what’s up?” I asked. My voice sounded pitiful, and I knew that wouldn’t be lost on Emily.

“Why so glum? It’s almost Christmas. I can’t wait to see what you got me!”

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