Page 17 of The Accidental Nanny
Can this girl be real? I gawk at her in shocked amazement as she carries on.
“I flooded the laundry room, but I’ve cleaned it up,” sheadds quickly. “I’m sorry, okay. I can do better.” She gets the key for my car and hands it to me. I give hers back.
“I want Gemma to stay,” Ace says, standing behind us.
We both spin around to look at my son.
“Ace, I think your dad is right. This job isn’t for me.” Gemma kneels beside Ace and runs a gentle hand down his arm.
“Daddy, you promised me. I like her.” Eden’s voice pops up next, coming from the other side of the room.
“Guys, I don’t think I’m cut out for this. Your daddy needs to find someone who knows what they are doing.” Gemma opens her arms, and Eden goes to her.
“You let us paint. I’m never allowed to paint.” Eden starts to cry again, and Gemma holds her.
“And we got sweets after school,” Ace adds.
“Secret sweets, guys. Secret. I’m in enough trouble here.”
Laughter fills the room from both children. Gemma seems to have a natural way with them that she doesn’t even realise.
“Daddy, I like her. She’s fun, unlike you,” Ace says.
His statement is a real punch to the gut. I watch as he gives her a small grin. This is the first time he has laughed since Julia left us. Hell, it’s the first time I’ve laughed.
“Gemma, play with me. This is you.” Eden gives her a naked doll with blonde hair.
She walks off, leading Gemma to her playroom. The kids have spoken. Neither Gemma nor I have a say in the matter. They want her, even if I don’t.
I spend an hour tidying up and going through my clothes—most go in the bin as they are pink.
“What time do the children go to bed?” Gemma asks a while later.
I look at my watch. It’s a quarter past seven.
“Shit, sorry, I forgot you’re still here. Let me put Eden to bed, and I’ll be down.”
It is another hour before they are asleep. Gemma is sittingon the sofa in the living room, scrolling through her phone again.
“I don’t know what you have done to make them want you to stay.” I take a seat on the chair opposite her.
“You don’t like me.” She puts the phone in her lap and looks directly at me.
“I don’t know you, but I don’t think you’re qualified enough.” I stop talking, taking a deep breath. “I need to ask, have you ever slept with men for money?”
She doesn’t blink or look away, but her cheeks redden. “No, never. I thought it would be an easy way out without having to work.”
“Thank you for your honesty. For now, you can stay. One more mistake, and you’re gone.”
“I understand.” She swallows hard and, for the first time, she looks down at her hands. “My parents don’t think I’m capable of anything.”
“Prove us all wrong, then. I’ll see you at seven.” I am trying to be nice, even if my temper is trying to gain the upper hand. “Mum is coming tomorrow. She’s going to teach you how to cook and clean. Just the basics.”
“That will be helpful. Thank you for not firing me.” She gets up, ready to go.
“The kids like you. How?” I want to know.
Gemma stops by the front door. “How what?”
