Page 116 of The Manny

“Yes. I could have pursued teaching, if that was what I’d wanted. I didn’t though, because it’s the emotional part that of the job that I enjoy the most. I teach my kids too, but it’s the nurturing side of being a manny that’s fulfilling.”

“Huh.” He shook his head and took another sip of his wine, staring at me as if I was a puzzle to be worked out.

I happened to glance over and I met the gaze of a red-haired guy sitting alone, at a small table near us. From his expression, I got the feeling he was listening to our conversation. Whether he agreed with Dan’s take on things or not, I wasn’t sure. Frankly, I didn’t care what either of them thought. I loved my job and knew I was instrumental in helping children. That was enough for me.

I met Dan’s gaze again. “You have no idea what it is I do, so of course you have the wrong idea about my job.”

Dan shrugged. “I know you babysit kids.”

“I don’t just babysit them. Ihelpthem. The child I’m watching over now lost her mother recently. She’s five. Can you imagine the trauma that poor child has experienced? I do my best every day to show her that life still has meaning. That life still has joy. That isn’t easy to do with a five-year-old who has lost her entire world.”

Dan set his glass down. “She lost her mother?”

“Yes.”

“Ouch. That’s rough.”

To put it mildly, Dan.

“Is she living with her dad or something?” he asked, frowning.

“No. Her father isn’t in the picture. She’s living with her uncle. He has no experience with children, so he hired me.”

“Ahhh. I see.”

“It’s taken a few months, but she trusts me now. She laughs more these days. When she first came to us, she was an emotional wreck. I feel good that I’ve been able to comfort her. I don’t just stack blocks and change diapers. I do my best to help these kids grow up into happy people.”

Dan sighed. “You do seem… invested.”

“Of course I am. I live with these families. I put everything into them.”

“So… you’re living with this kid and her… uncle?”

“Yes.”

“Full-time?” He frowned.

“That’s how it works when you’re a live-in manny.”

He rubbed his jaw. “That’s a rather weird situation.”

“How so?”

He sighed. “Well, you’re living with another man.”

“He’s my employer.” Hopefully he didn’t notice the wobble in my voice.

“Still…” Dan wrinkled his brow.

“Not everyone understands my situation.” I gave a polite smile. I didn’t care if Dan understood anything about me. I’d already made up my mind that I was never going to see him again after tonight. I couldn’t wait for this date-from-hell to be over.

“I can see you like your job.” He laughed. “For whatever reason.”

“I told you the reasons.”

“Right.” He sighed and glanced around. “The food sure is taking a long time.”

I narrowed my eyes. “You made a lot of special requests. I’m sure that will slow things down in the kitchen.”

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