Page 18 of The Unconventional Nanny
The drive to the diner is quick. No matter where I go in a town this small, it is. I could get away with getting rid of my car and walking everywhere. And I just might to save money.
"Looks like Daddy beat us here."
"Daddy! Bee! Daddy! Bee!" Everly continues to chant the two names as I unbuckle her and we walk hand in hand inside the diner.
As soon as Everly sees her father, she drops my hand and dashes across the crowded space, expertly weaving between tables. Ang wastes no time picking her up and spinning her around.
My ovaries explode, right there in the doorway, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.
I mean Ang is handsome. I would jump his bones in a heartbeat. But to be attracted to the fact that he's a fabulous father?
Yeah, I'm not sure about what that means.
I’m following the path Everly took when a woman I can only assume is the owner, Bee, hollers, "Everly bug. I've missed you."
"Bee Bee!" the little girl screams at the top of her lungs, causing everyone in the place to chuckle.
I'm happy to see no one minds Everly's pure enjoyment, because if anyone tried to kill her joy, I’d have to knock them out.
I stop in my tracks.Where the fuck did that thought come from?
"Gracie?" Ang's befuddled tone pulls me from my wayward thought.
"Yes?" I croak.
"Everything okay? You look like something or someone spooked you."
Something spooked me alright. One day with this family and already I'm having crazy thoughts. Not to mention I haven't even met his other two daughters yet. How am I going to feel once I spend time with all four of them?
I realize it's been too long since I've answered when Ang gives me a strange look. "Sorry, I got sidetracked. And yes, everything's good."
Ang doesn't look like he believes me, but he doesn't say anything. We all take a seat at the metal table. My chair is covered in lime-green vinyl, while Ang's is wooden. Bee brings over a booster seat for Everly. I expect the sassy little thing to refuse to sit in it since at home she barely sat still, but apparently Bee has special powers that I need to ask her about.
"Well, isn't this cozy." Bee doesn't bother to be discreet or quiet when she talks. "Such a cute little family."
"Bee." Ang tries to warn the older woman, but she continues talking right over him.
"It's about time those girls have a woman in their life. Something more permanent than the babysitters you've been using. I've always said they were nothing but fickle youngins who didn't deserve your time."
Ang turns to me and starts to explain as I pop an eyebrow at him. "I've never dated any of the babysitters. Bee here is just looking to cause trouble."
"And it's a good thing, too. None of them deserve you. Now this lady here? She's different. She's special. I can tell just by looking at her."
My face suddenly feels hot and I imagine it's as red as the plastic chair at the next table. "Ah . . . thank you?" Yes, it comes out like a question. Because, really, I can't tell if I should be honored or mortified that the owner of this fine establishment is trying to set me up the first time I meet her.
"Grams!" A younger version of the older woman joins the table and barks at the owner. "You can't just say whatever pops into your head. One of these days someone isn't going to like it and you're going to be in trouble."
"Oh, pssh." Bee waves the young woman off. "Everyone in town is used to my ways by now."
I'm tempted to remind her that I'm not from here, and I'm certainly not used to her or her mouth, but I keep mine shut. I doubt it's smart to get on this woman's bad side.
"Grams, did you even introduce yourself to the woman before you started harassing her?"
Bee doesn't look the least bit concerned when she shakes her head no. "Why would I have to introduce myself? Everyone knows who I am, and I already know who she is. Gracie Baker. Youngest sister to Owen, and Ang's new tenant."
I roll my eyes heavenward. Wow. Talk about no privacy. I mean, it’s not like I wasn’t given a heads-up. Annalee warned me. Heck, my brother warned me. But for some reason, I thought they were exaggerating. Clearly that isn't the case.
"Oh, and Daisy was right. She does wear some fun shirts," Bee adds.
