Page 25 of The Last Thing
The apartmentI’m living in is beautiful. Like Frannie’s, it overlooks the river, and there’s a little bench seat next to one of the windows. It’s where I’ve been living for the last two hours, intermittently reading books and snacking.
I’ve found a few more foods that settle well. Mostly potatoes. Microwaved tater tots with sour cream have been my go-to forthe last hour, though I’ve managed to keep down some baked apples as well—which I ordered from the café down the street along with the chicken soup which is supposedly magical.
When I hear the downstairs door open and footsteps rumbling up the stairs, I consider going to say hello, but I’m exhausted and feel gross and I’d rather make a good first impression.
I look out at the sky darkening over the river.
This is home now. And tomorrow is the first day of my new life.
CHAPTER EIGHT
HALLIE
What doI take to meet a client for the first time?
Usually, I have a portfolio and references and all kinds of things, but usually it’s an interview. It seems like this Wilson guy really wants to hire me. And I’m cool with that, as long as he passes my vibe check. Though with Frannie’s endorsement, I don’t know how he could not.
He said to come over around 7:45, so I’m waiting one more minute before walking across the hall.
I’m dressed in my typical summer nannying attire. Relaxed fit thick canvas shorts with a simple V-neck tee. My hair is tucked back in a braid, and I’m ready for whatever the day might bring.
And I’m praying a lot of nausea won’t be a part of that.
But that might be wishful thinking.
I grab one of the ginger hard candies that have become my saving grace and head across the hall.
There are faint footsteps and then heavier ones, and finally the door swings open.
“Hey, thanks for coming over this morning, I’m?—”
“Deck,” I breathe, my heart stuttering as I take in the devil of a man who I was only supposed to have one night with.
One night. And now… oh fuck. Ohfuck.
“Hellion?” he rasps, eyes locked on mine.
“Also known as Hallie,” I chirp.
We stare at each other, eyes wide.
What in the fucking fuck? Of all the places and all the neighbors and all the jobs… Deck?
Here?
My hand almost goes to my stomach.
My baby daddy.
At least I found him?
I open my mouth to speak, but before I can say a word, a little girl flies over, coming to a stop in front of her dad.
She’s beautiful with big green eyes and light brown hair.
“Are you my new nanny?”
I look at Deck, because—what the fuck—am I?
