Page 14 of The Unconventional Nanny
A shame really. Owen would make a great parent. And probably my sisters as well, but none of them have ever even hinted to the idea.
"But you want to be Everly's nanny?"
"Temporarily."I emphasize the one word again. "I'm not saying I'm the best candidate. Hell, I totally get why you would be hesitant, but I'll watch her like a hawk and keep her alive.”
It's all I can offer, but I figure it has to be better than where he currently is—canceling meetings so he can stay home with his daughter, his business falling to the wayside in the meantime.
"Do you know CPR?"
I sit up straighter. "That I do. I'm certified and everything. My last job required it."
"That's something at least."
I watch the wheels turn in Ang's mind and I understand the hesitation. If the situations were reversed, I’m not sure if I would hire me either.
"And you have the time?"
I laugh. "Unfortunately, yes. That I have plenty of. My plan was to start looking for jobs this week, so I do in fact have loads of free time until I find one." Ang squints his eyes at my explanation. "Oh, don't worry. I have money saved up for rent. I wasn't going to flake on that."
Only a small white lie. I have this month's rent, and fully plan to have a job before next month's is due, but Ang doesn't need to know that. He has enough of his own problems to worry about.
"Fine." He blows out a puff of air. "You can do this week and we'll see how it goes, but I'll start looking in the process."
I nod my head and internally do a little dance. One problem solved. At least for the meantime. And I can look for a job while I'm watching Everly.Two birds, one stonekinda thing.
Then I hear Everly screaming from the living room and I wonder what the hell I got myself into?
Chapter Seven
ANGELO
Leaving Everly with Gracie is one of the hardest things I've had to do, but missing this appointment could be detrimental to my business and my family.
Annie bought the shop just a few doors up from the diner a few months back, but it wasn't until recently that she hired me. It’s a small job, but one that keeps my employees busy and me in business, so really there is no job too small.
"Sorry I'm late." I walk at a fast clip through the nearly empty space. "I appreciate you waiting."
"It's only been ten minutes, Angelo." Annie laughs. "You can take a deep breath. I know you have kids at home."
"Yeah, well, it's not the kids that are the problem. It's the damn babysitter who keeps canceling on me," I grumble.
Annie gasps. "Do you need to reschedule? I completely understand if you do. Family's important." Annie snaps her fingers. "Oh, do you need someone to watch the kids? I would be happy to help, or they can come here. I don't have a problem with it."
I smile with gratitude. "I appreciate the offer, but I found someone last minute who's willing to help me out for a bit."
I don't mention that it's Annie's sister. My client was very adamant when we met that she didn't want people to know she's in town, nor did she want to know about what her family is doing. I was sworn to secrecy about her identity and her familial relationship to those who already moved here. Something about keeping it fair. So, instead, I keep that bit of information to myself and ignore the sadness in Annie's eyes.
"Let's talk about your plans for this place. Have you decided what you want it to be?"
There's nothing normal about this project. When Annie hired me, she didn't know what business she wanted to open, just that she wanted one on Main Street. The plan was to decide after demolition of the interior was complete. Well, we are at that point.
"I'm thinking a pub. This town doesn't have a bar, but I also don't want to take away from the diner, so maybe just some bar food. Burgers and such." She bites on one of her nails the longer she thinks about what she wants to do. "I haven't been to the diner, but the sign mentions club sandwiches. Do they have a lot of dinner items?"
I smile at her reassuringly. "The Crazy Fox primarily caters to lunch. Sure, Bee has some breakfast items, and yes she's open for dinner, but it's only because there isn't another place in town to eat. I'm sure she'll be fine with you opening a pub and offering another option."
Annie blows out a relieved breath. "Okay, a pub it is. I know you must think I'm a complete flake for not having an idea before I bought this place, but I just couldn't decide what would be a good addition to the town. There are already so many lovely places. I want to add to it, not take away from something else."
"I don't think you're flaky, and I like that you care enough about this town that you took the time to see what would work best. My family would be proud to have you."
