Page 24 of Nolan

How the fuck does she even know that Ash goes here? Has she been following us like Nolan partway suggested?

"Annabelle," Lisa calls, her voice saccharine. "Just the person I wanted to see."

I force a polite smile. "Hello, Lisa. I'm here to pick up Ashlynn."

"That's actually what I wanted to talk about." She steps closer, lowering her voice. "Don't you think it's a little confusing for my daughter to have her nanny pretending to be her mother?"

The accusation hits like a slap. "I've never pretended to be her mother. I care about Ashlynn, and I'm there for her. That's my job."

"Your job." Lisa laughs softly. "Is it also your job to move in on my husband while you're at it?"

"Ex-husband," I correct her before I can stop myself. "And my relationship with Nolan is professional."

Lisa's perfectly sculpted eyebrow arches. "Really? That's not what I heard. Small town, honey. People talk."

My cheeks burn, but I maintain eye contact. "I'm sure they do. But Ashlynn's well-being is what matters here, not gossip."

"I agree completely." Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "Which is why I'm moving back to town. My daughter needs her real mother, not a stand-in."

Before I can respond, the doors to the dance studio open and little girls in pink leotards come streaming out. Ashlynn spots me and breaks into a run, her tutu bouncing with each step.

"Anna." she shouts, launching herself into my arms. I catch her, breathing in the scent of baby shampoo and sweat.

"Hey, sweetie. How was dance class?"

"I did a pirette."

"A pirouette? That's amazing." I smile, setting her down.

"Ashlynn," Lisa steps forward, arms outstretched. "Aren't you going to say hello to Mommy?"

Ashlynn edges closer to my legs, suddenly shy. "Hi."

The hurt that flashes across Lisa's face is genuine, and for a moment, I feel a pang of sympathy. But it vanishes when she looks at me, her eyes hardening.

"This is exactly what I'm talking about," she hisses. "You've turned my daughter against me."

"That's not true," I say quietly, conscious of Ashlynn's small hand in mine. "She's just not used to seeing you. She doesn't know who you are."

"Well, she better get used to it." Lisa straightens, adjusting her designer bag on her shoulder. "Because I'm not going anywhere this time. And Nolan and I have a lot to discuss about the current... arrangements."

"You should talk to Nolan about that."

"Oh, I will." Her smile is all teeth. "And you should start looking for a new job, sweetie. Because when I'm done, you won't be needed anymore."

She bends down to Ashlynn's level. "Mommy will see you very soon, princess. I promise." Then she straightens, gives me one last meaningful look, and walks to her sleek sports car.

Ashlynn tugs at my hand. "Anna? Are you mad?"

I kneel down, making sure my face shows none of the turmoil I'm feeling. "No, sweetie, not at all. How about we get ice cream on the way home?"

Her face lights up, and as we walk to my car, I try to ignore the hollow feeling in my chest. Lisa's words loop in my mind:You should start looking for a new job. The thought of leaving Ashlynn and Nolan makes me physically ill. But maybe Lisa is right. Maybe I've crossed lines I shouldn't have.

As I buckle Ashlynn into her car seat, my phone buzzes with an incoming call. Nolan's name flashes on the screen. For a moment, I consider not answering, letting it go to voicemail like I've done with some of his hourly check-ins today. But Daisy's advice rings in my ears.

Be direct with him. Tell him how you feel.

I take a deep breath and answer the call, not yet knowing that across town, Nolan is already on his way to us, and everything is about to change.

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