Page 7 of Cedarwood Manny

Chapter Two

The next morning, Nathan pressed the plastic pod into his coffee machine. While his java brewed, he leaned against the counter. Ever since he’d bumped into Adrien, he hadn’t been able to think of anything else. The soulfulness in Adrien’s eyes, combined with the sadness, bothered Nathan. He didn’t know Adrien well, but he sensed the man had a lot on his schedule and needed a break.

Then again, so did he. A steady job would be nice. He’d moved to Cedarwood with high hopes he’d find his future in his adopted hometown. So far, he’d spent lots of time waiting tables and working toward his certification as a manny, but had no employment to show for his effort. Now that he had the proper credentials, no one wanted a manny. He could handle children as well as anyone else. Being a man didn’t make him less qualified.

His phone buzzed.A text? From Adrien?He doubted he’d hear from the dentist already, but a man could hope. He hadn’t called Adrien first and Adrien didn’t strike him as that forthright. Chatty, but not forward.

He checked the screen. Instead of a text, he had an email waiting. He brought up the message. The subject line made him pause.An Offer of Employment.Holy shit.He focused on the sender’s name.The Child Academy and Care Services—his employer. He sucked in a ragged breath as he tapped the full message.

Dear Mr. Gordon,

In agreement with your contract with the Child Academy and Care Services, we’ve paired you with a family. I know you’ll fit in well with this family, but as per our guidelines, you’ll meet the family today at one p.m. at the CACS offices. We’ll supply your information, but it’s strongly suggested you bring your portfolio.

The family information is listed below. Take time to familiarize yourself with each member to ensure your interview goes smoothly.

Meet me in the atrium at twelve-forty-five and I’ll introduce you to the family at one.

Best,

Cheryl DeArmond

Director of CACS

Family:

Adrien Ellet

Father

Occupation: Dentist

Age: 40

Marital status: Single

Address: 412 Blanche Drive, Cedarwood

Kyle Ellet

Age: 4

Same address as father

Mr. Ellet has primary custody

Photos are attached and please be prompt.

Nathan stared at the names on the email, then glanced over the photos.Holy crow.He thought Adrien might be the same guy he’d met at the coffee shop. How many other men in Cedarwood were named Adrien and were dentists? Not many, he guessed. His heart beat faster when he saw the photo of Adrien. The man had been handsome in person—much better than the picture.

He put his coffee down. He knew Adrien. Their meeting the day before had been an accident and a bit painful—he hadn’t been burned, but hot coffee on skin wasn’t pleasant—but he’d gotten to know Adrien. The question remained—would Adrien see the meeting as something organic or contrived? Would he see the situation as Nathan trying to make the right impression ahead of the meeting today? Nathan hadn’t been trying to get a job yesterday. He’d simply wanted to speak to the handsome man responsible for colliding with him.

In a few hours, he’d have the chance to not only meet up with Adrien, but maybe even clear the air and nab a job.

Nathan finished his coffee and sent a reply to the training center to agree to the meeting. He hurried through a shower and planned his outfit for the interview. He didn’t have much, but maybe if he scored the job, he’d be able to afford more clothes and nicer stuff. Then again, if he had a steady job, he could stop living out of a suitcase in his miniscule apartment.

His phone rang. Nathan stood before the mirror in the bathroom and tied the towel around his waist. He set the phone on the stand, then answered the call. He appraised himself. “Hello?”

“Hi, babe.”

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