Page 2 of Six of Hearts
Entering the house, it was even more clear that it was larger on the inside than it appeared on the outside.
I was greeted by a huge foyer, with a gorgeous chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and a marvellous curving staircase leading to the second floor.
Despite the home's upper-class feel, Noah kicked aside a ball as he entered, and I took immediate note of the photos of twoadorable blond-haired boys hanging on all the walls and one of the pair of them and Noah in front of a Christmas tree.
The holidays weren't too far away, and it was good to see that Noah was a dad that cared for his kids.
This was what I'd been hoping to see—evidence that this wasn't just a wealthy man looking for glorified childcare. The photos were everywhere, the toys scattered despite the pristine décor. This was a home where children were loved and prioritised.
He grabbed the frame and handed it to me.
"These are my boys, Oliver and Theo." Seeing the photo up close, it was clear the boys were twins. They had dark eyes just like their father, but didn't bear much resemblance to him otherwise. They must take after their mother.
"You'll learn the difference between them soon enough. Oliver is more adventurous than Theo, but they're both athletic, sweet boys. I'm sure you'll love them.”
The way he talked about them—the pride and affection in his voice—made me relax slightly. Whatever this job turned out to be, at least I'd be working for someone who genuinely cared about his children.
"Follow me.”
I set the photo back down in its place and followed Noah as he led me up the staircase. We passed a pair of bedrooms that clearly belonged to the boys, and then turned into an office.
It was decadent and clearly a place Noah spent a lot of his time. It had papers all over the place, though they were well stacked and organised, and had huge, mahogany bookshelves that were filled with thick and thin books, and even more pictures of his kids.
Even sweeter were the brightly coloured children's books that were lined in alongside the thick, academic tomes.
Noah's kids were never far from his reach.
"Have a seat," Noah said, motioning to one of the plush chairs facing the massive desk.
"Thank you," I replied, settling into the chair and trying to project confidence despite my nerves.
Noah walked up to one spot on the bookshelf and pulled it aside, briefly shocking me. I watched as he opened a small camouflaged door that covered a couple of the shelves. He reached in and pulled out a couple of water bottles and shut it again.
He handed one over to me, and still recovering from the surprise of the hidden compartment, I just shook my head.
"Not thirsty?" he said, setting the bottle down in front of me, and then settling into his leather desk chair.
I felt like an idiot. To make matters worse, I was actually really thirsty.
"I'm just too nervous to drink, I think."
Noah smiled, and the warmth of it helped ease some of my tension.
"There's no need to be nervous. Your credentials speak for themselves. I guess I'd just love to know a little bit more about how you came to want to do this as opposed to working in a school or counsellor's office?”
I was prepared for that question.
"I've actually always loved kids. I never had any siblings, so I always wanted to go hang out with my friends that had little kids in the home and jumped at the opportunity to work with younger grades when I was in high school. I just think I doa good job of speaking their language, which is why I went to school for early childhood development.”
I paused, considering how honest to be. “
The truth is, I could probably make more money in a school system with benefits and a pension. But right now, I want to be immersed in this work. I want to see the day-to-day growth, be there for the small moments, not just the structured learning time.
Maybe at some point I'll want the stability of an institution, but right now I want to be able to work with kids all day, every day. To really make a difference in their lives."
Noah nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Very good, well, I've got great news for you then."
"Oh yeah?" I replied.
