Page 13 of The Unconventional Nanny
Unfortunately, luck isn't on my side.
I walk into the kitchen and stop dead. Sitting at the small table are Ang and Everly. "Oh, I'm sorry. I figured you would be at work. I can go back to my room until after you're done." I point my thumb back in the direction of the in-law suite.
"Don't be silly. You're welcome to use the kitchen any time you want. There are homemade waffles on the island if you want some. The little lady insisted I make them this morning."
Everly gives me a big toothy smile. Her face is covered in sugary goodness, and I'm betting if I touched her hands, they would be sticky.Definitely a kid after my own heart.
"That sounds great. Thank you."
I search the cabinets until I find a plate and the silverware drawer. I plop two big Belgian waffles on a plate and drown them in syrup.
Ang laughs at me when I join him at the table.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
I brushed my teeth before coming out, so maybe I got some toothpaste on my chin and didn't realize. I go to wipe the area but he shakes his head.
"I thought my girls had a sweet tooth, but I see they have nothing compared to you."
I glance down at the waffles that are now swimming in the sticky goodness, and shrug."It wouldn't be a proper breakfast if it didn't involve a little sugar."
Yes, I have the mindset of a child. No, I don't care.
With a laugh, Ang responds, "My daughters would agree with you."
"Boo-wee, boo-wee," Everly looks at me and chants while pounding her fists on the table.
I raise my brow at her father. I'm not fluent in toddler speak, so I have no idea what she could possibly want.
"Bluey. It's her favorite show. I'm going to get her cleaned up and put it on the TV. Give you a chance to enjoy your breakfast in peace."
I don't take my first bite until after Ang and Everly leave the room. I was too busy watching how good he is with her to focus on my food. But once the two are out of my sight, it's game on.
And the moan that leaves my mouth when the first bite hits my tongue . . . Daaamn . . . Ang is one hell of a chef.
I always manage to burn waffles and pancakes when I try to make them, so I normally stick to the frozen ones I can buy at the store.Ang apparently doesn't have the same problem. These are perfectly fluffy and make me want to stuff my face until I fall into a food coma.
I don't get the chance to truly indulge before Ang's heavy footsteps catch my attention. He walks back into the kitchen with a truly impressive scowl on his face.
"Everything okay?" I ask as he drops back down into the chair next to me.
Ang lets out the heavy sigh of a man tired of being frustrated. "My babysitter canceled on me again. I need to find someone new. Maybe a nanny. Someone I can put on a salary so they’re more reliable. I have meetings I need to attend, a business to manage. Being the boss doesn't allow me the luxury of canceling on clients."
I take another bite of my waffle and chew it slowly while I think. This is one of those times where impulsivity could be detrimental to not only myself but another human being.
"I’m sorry. You don't need to listen to my sad stories while you're trying to eat your breakfast." Ang starts to get up from the table, but I stop him with my hand on his arm.
"It's not a sad story. You're in need of advice and I happen to be here as a sounding board. I was giving myself a moment to think everything through." I clear my throat and give myself an extra moment to make sure this is the right decision. "I'll do it."
"Excuse me? Do what?"
"I'll be your nanny." Ang starts to balk at the suggestion, so I place my hand in the air to stop him. "Temporarily until you can find someone more qualified."
Or qualified at all, for that matter.
"Have you ever worked with toddlers? Any nieces or nephews you've babysat?"
"Ah, no. I might have five older siblings, but apparently none of them thought reproducing was a good idea."
