Page 53 of Eleanor & Grey

Because, when Riley turned five, that meant she was off to kindergarten, and what was the point of a nanny when a child was in kindergarten all day?

For after-school activities? That was when a parent brought in a babysitter, not a nanny. Soon enough I’d be replaced by a thirteen-year-old girl who would gladly accept twenty bucks to watch Riley.

I’d been dreading the day Riley’s mother, Susan, asked me to meet up with her for brunch to talk while her husband had a ‘daddy and me’ day with Riley. Nothing good ever came from brunch conversations with your boss, except for the bottomless mimosas I was gulping down to tame my nerves.

“I really am sorry, Eleanor. You have been nothing but a saint to our family since we took on your services five years ago. I mean, heck, you’ve been with us since Riley was four months, and there’s no way we could’ve survived without you. It’s just that with Riley going off to kindergarten next year…” Her words trailed off as she readjusted herself in her chair.

She was so nervous. I assumed it was her first time ever having to let someone go. She was struggling to actually say the words.

“I get it, Susan, really. You don’t have to feel bad.”

Her eyes watered over, and she clasped her hands together. “But I do feel bad. You’ve been such a big part of our family for so long, and letting you go is just so hard.”

“Well, you could always get knocked up again.” I was joking, but like, really. Get knocked up again, Susan.

She laughed a “never in the history of ever will I do that again” kind of chuckle before downing her mimosa.

“But honestly, at least we have quite a few more months before school starts,” I commented. I’d take any silver lining I could find, and having that buffer would give me some time to search for new employment.

Then, Susan ripped that gem away from me. She cringed. “Actually, Eleanor, we’ve decided to cut ties earlier. I was able to get Riley into a 4k program this semester, and then in the summer we’re taking a family trip to Italy. When we get back, we figured it might be best to just bring on a babysitter to look after Riley.”

Oh.

That’s a low blow, Susan.

She’d used the devastating B word.

I’d been wiping her kid’s bum for how many years? And she wasn’t even going to give me a few months to figure things out?

I tried my best to not allow my emotions to overtake me, but I wore my heart on my sleeve. If I was upset or hurt, people could read it on every part of my body. I had no poker face. What I felt was what you saw, and what you saw was what I felt.

I’d gotten that trait from my mother.

“Oh, that’s…wonderful. That will be so great for all of you,” I said.

She frowned. “Yes, I think so. But, here…” She went rummaging through her purse and pulled out an envelope. “I wanted to give you this, you know, to cover the short notice of the job ending.”

She handed me the envelope, and I thanked her. “Really, that means a lot to me.”

“Of course, sweetie. It’s the least we can do. Also, there’s a little slip in there with a reference to one of my family’s closest friends, Claire. They are looking for a full-time nanny for their girls. I already called her and mentioned your name. They are interviewing for the position next week, and I gave you the strongest recommendation. It might be something worth looking into.”

A bit of relief filled me up as those words left her mouth.

Silver linings are back in action.

“Thank you, Susan. Really. That’s more than I deserve.”

“It’s not a problem at all, really.” She sat back in her chair and grinned. “I’m going to need the keys to the house and BMW back now.”

“Oh? I thought the BMW was a goodbye gift,” I joked.

She didn’t laugh this time. She just gave me a tight smile and held her hand out.

Well then.

I handed her the keys, and she stood up from the table after she laying down cash for her part of the bill. “Okay, well, good luck with everything, Eleanor! I wish you the best. Stay warm out there, and Happy New Year!”

She hurried away, leaving me a bit stunned by how fast everything had unfolded.

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