Page 21 of I Knew He Was Trouble
I shrug. “I’m not a professional chef or anything, but I know my way around a kitchen.”
His smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “It smells great. Thank you.”
I nod and move past him toward the front door.
“You’re not going to eat with us?” Evie calls after me.
I turn to her and offer a warm smile. “I gotta get home, let my dog out, and make my own dinner, but I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Okay, bye.” She waves and heads to the kitchen.
When she’s out of earshot, I look at Tyler and motion to the door. “Can we have a quick word outside?”
His face pales, but he follows me onto his porch. “Did Evie not listen? Are you going to quit? Because if you are, I need at least a week or two’s notice to find someone else.”
I hold my hands up. “There’s no need to get yourself in a tizzy. I just wanted to talk to you about something.”
Tyler clears his throat. “Sorry, what did you want to discuss?”
“Evie mentioned that she loves her dance classes.”
His smile is genuine this time. “I’ve never missed one of her shows. She’s great, and I’m not just saying that because I’m family.”
If he’s not a good neighbor, at least he’s a good uncle. “Did you know that your sister pulled her out of dance for the time Evie’s staying with you?”
“She did what?” he sputters. I think that flustered Tyler is my favorite version yet. It’s nice to see the side of him that isn’tcompletely put together. “I just assumed dance was a seasonal thing.”
I shake my head. “Most dance schools run for the duration of the school year.”
Tyler runs a hand through his hair. “Why would Tess pull her out?”
“Evie said her mom didn’t want to put too much on your plate.” I cross my arms, trying to stave off the chill from the early fall breeze. “I just wanted to let you know in case you wanted to reach out to her dance studio. I’m happy to drive her there after school if needed.”
He nods. “Thanks for letting me know.”
“I think this might be the most civil conversation we’ve ever had, Dr. Strange.” I walk down his front steps and head toward my house.
“And you had to ruin it.” I turn around just in time to catch Tyler’s mock salute. “See you tomorrow, Crazy Dog Lady.”
I glare at him. “That’s Crazy DogMomto you.”
He holds a hand to his chest. “Oh, excuse me.”
“You’re lucky I like Evie,” I call back before continuing my quick walk home.
His low groan hits my ears, but I don’t acknowledge it. If I’m going to have to put up with Tyler for the next three months, he’s going to have to learn to put up with me too.
Kelseyhasbeenmynanny for three days and the world hasn’t imploded, so I’d say we’re doing pretty well. Or at least surviving. I’ll take anything at the moment.
“You were right.” Evie’s eyes practically roll back in her head as she takes another bite of pizza. “This is the best pizza I’ve had in mylife.” Her emphasis on the word makes it sound like she’s a pizza connoisseur.
I finish off my third slice, humming in agreement. Nothing can beat a good sourdough crust, in my opinion. Now, if we’re talking about the best meals I’ve ever eaten…I still can’t stop thinking about the Caprese chicken that Kelsey had waiting for me when I got home from work on Monday. Not that I’d ever admit that toher, but I wouldn’t be mad if I found a plate of it at my kitchen table once a week.
I don’t expect her to make me dinner, though. I didn’t hire Kelsey to take care of anything other than my niece, and I told her as much yesterday when I got home from work to a pot roast dinner that was as delicious as the recipe my mom made growing up.
I shake my head and pull myself from thoughts of Kelsey.
“Auntie D told me to tell you hi and give you a big hug,” I say.
