Page 1 of Nanny Crush
Chapter One
SASHA
I’m sitting in my friend’s coffee shop as I sip my latte and read over the classifieds to find a job. I’ve circled everything that strikes my interest, but, if I’m being honest, I’m not passionate about any of them. It isn’t exactly my dream to work as a waitress at the bar and grill, to sort through mail at the post office, or clean the doctor’s office after business hours, but I need the money, which means I have to worksomewhere.
I turn away from the paper and look out the window in front of me. It’s a dreary day as the gray sky spits down drops of rain. Thick clouds loom overhead and the treetops are whipped by the wind gusts. The inside of the coffee shop is brightly lit, meaning I see my reflection in the window more clearly than the world outside. Due to the humidity, my dark hair is falling flat today. I find my dark eyes staring back at me and notice how tired I look thanks to stressing about finding a job.
I’ve been unemployed for a month now, ever since I was laid off from my seasonal position at the local toy store. They knew they’d need the extra help over the holidays, and I was hoping it would turn into a full-time position. Once the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season was over, however, I was thanked for my time and given my last check. I managed to save some money while I was working, and I’ve been living off my savings ever since, but my stash is getting low, and I no longer have the luxury to be picky. Now I will take anything I can get.
I pick up my latte and take a sip, thankful that my best friend gives me my morning jolt for free or I wouldn’t be able to afford even that. The coffee shop is slowing down as everyone makes their way to work and school, and the room grows quiet around me. Sometimes I wished I lived in a bigger town so finding a job, and maybe even a boyfriend, wouldn’t be so hard.
When the last customer leaves the shop, Kinsley comes over to sit across from me. She lets out a long breath. “Whew, I didn’t think we’d ever make it to the end of the line.”
I smile. “It was pretty busy.”
She nods. “We’re always crazy busy on cold or rainy days. Something about it just makes everyone want a yummy hot cup of coffee.”
I take another sip of mine, enjoying the warmth it brings to my cold body.
“Any luck?” she asks, leaning in to see the things I’ve circled.
“Not really. I’ve circled the things I don’t think would be horrible. That’s about it.”
She smirks. “I know the feed store is hiring.” She lifts her brow.
“Eww, no way. Old Mr. Laurence is a perv with a capital P.”
She giggles. “Hey, maybe you’ll find a sugar Daddy.”
I fake a gagging sound and that only makes her crack up.
“Are you sure you don’t need to hire someone? I learn fast. And I’ll do all the jobs you hate doing.” I bat my lashes at her and stick out my bottom lip.
“I wish I was. I would hire you in a second, you know that. I just can’t afford anyone else right now.”
“I know,” I reply. “But it was worth a shot.”
“I was trying to think of anything I’ve heard about, but nothing comes to mind. What do you want to do?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I like kids, but I’ve already checked with the school and they’re not hiring chaperones or anything. That wouldn’t be good enough, either, because they don’t get many hours. I can clean, but most people already have someone to clean their houses and businesses. I mean, I can apply for this doctor’s office, but that’s just kind of creepy, having to go in at night and work when nobody else is there.”
She nods. “It’s like the beginning of a scary movie.”
I agree.
“Oh, I got it!” she says, snapping her fingers.
“What?”
“One of my customers is looking for a nanny for his two kids. You’d be perfect.”
I feel my face pinch. “A nanny? Me?”
She nods. “Yeah, why not?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. I mean I like kids, sure, but I’ve never had to keep any alive before.”
She laughs. “You’ll be great. It’s a piece of cake. I mean, all you have to do is feed them and play with them.”
