Page 49 of Where the Blacktop Ends

Because it isn’t about her being Liam’s nanny anymore, it’s about her being with me.

Chapter 17 – Georgia

“Georgia Cameron!” James practically shrieks as I finish recounting what happened with Troy after the party last weekend.

“I know. But in my defense, you were the one who encouraged me to drink all that champagne. My inhibitions were down and he’s so freaking hot, even if he is a total asshole.”

James snickers, shaking his head as we walk, Liam nestled comfortably in my arms. He’s two years old, but I remember from helping to raise Evie and Ember—Kids are never too old—or too big—to want to be carried. Especially in a city that feels oversized to them.

I noticed it the first time we took the train here—the noise, the crowds, the chaos—it all spooked him. For a moment, I considered turning back and heading straight to the Hamptons. But slowly, he’s come out of his shell during our visits, and now he’s all smiles, waving and pointing, his excitement building with each new discovery and his vocabulary growing. Today’slittle field trip has turned into the perfect way to introduce him to interesting sights, smells, people and teach him new words. Though I’m not much of a city girl myself, seeing the joy on his face as he takes in the Halloween decorations on every storefront and at James' office has made the trip worth it.

“So, he really froze like a statue? And neither of you have mentioned it since?” James asks, his voice dripping with amusement.

“Yep,” I reply, dramatically popping the ‘P.’

James snickers.

“But I avoided him all weekend—except for when I called him out on the back deck about Liam. I’m still pissed he didn’t mention he’s running for governor—in another state, no less. That feels like crucial interview material, right? I mean this changes things for me. It changes everything.”

James tilts his head. “If you’d known upfront, would you have taken the job?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“Would you have gone back to Texas when the Smiths left?”

I grit my teeth. He’s right, and we both know it. I wouldn’t have gone home. Not yet. It feels like I still have more to do here. More room to spread my wings and explore.

“Probably not.”

He shrugs. “Then it shouldn’t matter that much.”

“It’s not just about losing the job,” I sigh. “It’s the fact that he didn’t eventhinkto tell me so that I could prepare Liam. I need to prepare him, you know?”

“He probably did consider it,” James shrugs. “He just didn’t think it was important enough to bring up yet. Plus, Liam’s notgoing to understand what it means if you tell him he’s moving to another state.”

“Excuse me. Whose side are you on?”

“Yours, always,” James replies, holding up his hands in surrender. “I’m just saying, cut the guy a little slack. Maybe he was going to tell you that night, but then, you kissed him and threw him into cardiac arrest. He’s old, you know? And you’re... you. It’s a lot to handle.”

I roll my eyes as we continue down the sidewalk, finally arriving back at his office just as his lunch break wraps up.

“Ghosts! Ghosts! Ghosts!” Liam chants, pointing at the Halloween decorations inside the lobby.

James smiles, reaching out to pinch Liam’s cheek affectionately. “He’s so smart.”

“He loves Halloween decorations. Mind if we take a look one more time before heading back to the Hamptons?”

“Back where you belong with Troy,” James teases as we follow him inside.

One hour later, we’re on the train headed back to the Marshall home. The entire ride James’ words run through my head.Would I have taken the job even if I knew Troy would potential be moving Liam to North Carolina? Is my frustration towards Troy misplaced?

I’m not sure, but it still feels wrong that he kept this from me. He trusted me with his grandson’s life, but not with something as huge as his run for governor. It feels like his priorities are skewed. And what did he mean when he said he’s doing all of this ”for his family“? What family? The only family he’s told me about is his son, Max, and Liam.

I decide later tonight I’m going to do some digging—something I should’ve done before I accepted this job. Who exactly is Troy, beyond the man I work for?

As we step off the train and into the quaint town, my phone buzzes with a notification. It’s from Troy—a rare sight since he hasn’t texted me since the night that he saw me eating naked in his kitchen.

Troy: You took Liam to the city.

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