by Jenny Frame
Wendy looked angry and worried at the same time. She stood up suddenly. “I’m going to have a strong word with her.”
Trent got up quickly and walked around the desk to stop Wendy. “No, don’t. Sit down. I talked to her, just like you advised me to,” Trent said.
Wendy sat back down slowly. It heartened Trent that after only a short time, Wendy cared for the children already. So different from her own nanny.
“You did?”
Trent nodded. “Ali had the idea that boarding school was like me sending her into care. I explained that it wasn’t like that. It was an expensive place with everything that they would need, and I admitted that I hadn’t been the most welcoming. I promised I would try harder if she would give me a chance.”
Wendy jumped up and unexpectedly threw her arms around Trent and hugged her. “Oh, well done. You’ve taken the first step. I’m proud of you.”
No sooner had she received the unexpected hug that set off sparks all over her body than Wendy backed away quickly and seemed quite embarrassed.
“I’m sorry. That wasn’t appropriate.”
“It’s all right—”
“No,” Wendy interrupted her, “I’m an emotional person and sometimes emotions overtake me. It’s something I’m working on.”
Even though Trent was a master at suppressing emotions, it was sad to hear someone as kind and caring as Wendy was trying to do the same.
“You shouldn’t do that. I admire that in you,” Trent said.
Wendy gazed at her silently and the blush on her cheeks made Trent wonder what she was thinking.
“Anyway,” Wendy said, “it’s not appropriate to hug your boss.”
“I suppose,” Trent agreed reluctantly.
Wendy’s big smile was back. “But I’m happy you made some progress in your relationship with Ali.”
“Yes, you were right, of course. I’m going to be connected to them as long as they need me, so it makes sense to make an effort.”
Wendy’s eyes fixed on her sleeve. “What happened?”
Trent lifted her arm and remembered about the pizza sauce. “Oh, that? I got it on me when I was clearing up.”
Wendy took a step to her and undid her top button. “Take it off. I’ll soak it.”
Trent covered Wendy’s hands on her shirt. “It’s okay. I’ll buy a new one.”
“It’s an expensive shirt. You can’t just throw it—Oh, I’m doing it again.” Wendy dropped her hands quickly and pushed one of her braids behind her ear sheepishly.
Trent decided to save her blushes and unbuttoned her shirt, leaving her in her white T-shirt. She handed it to Wendy and said, “If you can save it, then I’d be grateful.”
“If you’re sure. I’ll give it a go.” Wendy took the shirt and walked out of the office.
Trent touched her fingers to her jaw, where Wendy’s cheek had touched, and closed her eyes. She could still smell Wendy’s perfume and her mind started to wander.
“No, no. She’s your nanny remember? Remember? Your much, much younger nanny.” Trent felt there was a memory just out of grasp. Something about her nanny. Trent shook off the feeling and went back to her whiteboard.
Chapter Eleven
As the next few weeks passed, Trent got more and more used to having Alice, Noah, and Wendy in her life. In fact, she found herself making excuses to phone home in the afternoon and trying not to stay late at work. Coming home to a warm home was something she hadn’t experienced since Becca left her, and even that was quite different to the barely controlled chaos that two children brought.
A thought struck her. This was what Becca had wanted to bring to their relationship all those years ago—warmth, and family. When Becca made it clear that she wanted a baby, their relationship broke up because Trent wouldn’t even consider it. She couldn’t understand the need to add to their relationship. Was this what Becca wanted to add?
Trent leaned back in her office chair and turned towards the window. Her life had changed so much since the last time she’d gazed out of that window, wondering what was missing from her life. Her social life was non-existent but it didn’t seem to matter that much. She was actually enjoying dinner at home and learning a different set of social skills than she was used to.
She had always been charming and an expert at small talk, but talking with children was a completely different beast. Trent couldn’t even draw from her own childhood—she had always felt more comfortable with adults as far back as she could remember. But she was getting better with Noah and Alice.
Alice was still extremely quiet and had terrible nightmares, but she was giving Trent a chance, and she had started visiting the child psychologist, so they were hopeful that would help. Noah had grown even more attached to Trent. She pretended to find it tiresome, but it was actually nice to feel wanted for something other than her money or her notoriety.
Trent was shaken from her thoughts by her phone beeping with a text message. She picked it up and read, Trent, make a decision about your birthday celebrations, or I will plan you the biggest surprise party with cake, clowns, and pony rides. You know I would. Becca x
Trent chuckled. “Oh, I know you would.”
Becca had been bugging her about doing something for her birthday for weeks. She thought if she delayed long enough, it would be too late to do anything, but Becca wasn’t kidding.
She thought about what would be the easiest and least fuss. “I’ve got it.” She typed back, Dinner at mine. Bring the kids to meet Alice and Noah, and ask Sammy and Val. I’ll ask Wendy my nanny to help me organize it. Will that do, bossy? x
The text came back seconds later: Perfect. I can’t wait to meet her. x
“That’s one thing sorted out.” Trent had been itching to call home and now she had the excuse. She picked up the phone and dialled. Wendy answered after quite a few rings.
“Trent residence,” Wendy said.
“Hello, it’s me. How are things today?” Trent asked.
“Oh, hi,” Wendy said brightly, “it’s music time.”
Trent could hear the tambourine in the background and felt a smile creep up her face. She gave her cheek a soft slap and thought, Stop it. You’re getting too soft.
Wendy sang at every opportunity, but each afternoon she had a time set aside for music and both children really looked forward to it.
“What are you singing today?” Trent said.
“Songs for the fireworks tonight. You haven’t forgotten? Will you still be able to come?”
Shit. Trent had forgotten. It was November fifth, Fireworks Night, and they were going to an organized display at London’s Victoria Park. Wendy planned it as her first night out together with the children. There were going to be food stalls, fairground rides, and entertainers.
Just as she was about to answer, there was a knock at her office door. “Could you hang on a second, Wendy?”
“No problem.”
Trent pressed the hold button and said, “Come in.”
India walked in holding a suit carrier on a hanger. The awards dinner, Trent remembered.
“Your dinner suit’s been delivered for the awards dinner tonight.” India hung up the carrier on the coat hook on the back of the office door.
The annual family law awards dinner was the biggest night of the year in her field. Recognition by one’s peers was the highest accolade, and her father had won an award, and tonight she was nominated for the second time. This time she was expected to win.
“Thank you, India.”
Trent rubbed her forehead anxiously. What was she going to say to Wendy and the children? She had been making progress and building a relationship with Alice and Noah, and a friendship with Wendy—was she going to let them down on their first big family night out together?
But if she was a no-show at the awards, it would show a complete disregard for her colleagues, and she already had a difficult relationship with some of the other firms due to her reputation and tough negotiating style.
She couldn’t miss this.
Trent took a breath and took Wendy off hold. “Wendy?”
“I’m here.”
“Wendy, about tonight—” Trent’s guilt made her stumble over the sentence.
“You’re not coming, are you.” Wendy sounded disappointed.
“No, I’m sorry. I forgot about a work thing. I’m going to be late back. Get the children whatever they want, make sure they have a good time, and I’ll reimburse you.”
“Of course I will. That’s my job.” Wendy’s voice had gone from happy and enthusiastic to monotone.
Trent felt like the biggest arsehole in the world. “Thank you. See you tomorrow morning, then. I’ll be late back.”
“Bye.” Wendy hung up.
Trent put the phone down and guilt churned in her stomach. She stood up angrily and walked over to her suit carrier. She unzipped it a few inches and saw the black tie hanging loosely.
Under normal circumstances, she would have had this night in the forefront of her mind, have a date to go with and a hotel suite booked for afterwards, but her life was anything but normal now. This night had slipped her mind.
“Why should I feel guilty? This is my job, my livelihood.” Her chance to achieve the award her father won at an earlier age than him, Trent added silently.
I’ve turned my world upside down for them. They’ll probably have a better time without me.
But that was difficult to make herself believe. Alice and Noah had been jabbering about Fireworks Night at breakfast. It was the most excited she had seen Alice since coming to live with her.
Trent sighed and shook her head. There’d be other Guy Fawkes Nights to go to. This was important for her career, and the children would just have to understand.
* * *
Wendy pulled Noah’s jumper over his head and encouraged him to push his hands through the sleeves, but Noah had lost his usual excitement and zeal. After she told Alice and Noah that Trent would be working, a gloom had descended over the flat.
Wendy was angry at Trent. The worst thing someone could do when they were trying to build a relationship with a child was to let them down. She had worked so hard since she arrived to get them to this point.
A work thing? More likely a date.
Did Trent genuinely forget or was she trying to get out of this night out?
Wendy didn’t know, but even if this work thing was important, Trent had to remember beforehand and not build up the children’s hopes.
She smiled and gave Noah a kiss on the cheek. “Cheer up, little man. We’re going to have fun no matter what.”
Wendy stood up and said, “We’ll get tasty things to eat from the food stalls, and there’s games, and a big bonfire. We’ll have fun.”
Noah nodded sadly.
She stroked his head. “I’ll just go and see if your sister’s ready.”
It was sad to see Noah’s little disappointed face. Noah had decided to transfer all of his love and hero worship from his dad to Trent when they first met, no matter how much Trent didn’t want it. She just wished Trent could see how disappointed he was.
Wendy walked to Alice’s bedroom and found her sitting on her bed with her earbuds in, blocking out the world. Another angry and disappointed child.
She couldn’t blame them. There was a part of Wendy that was looking forward to spending the evening with Trent. Watching her progress and her tentative steps to making a relationship with Alice and Noah was sweet.
It was kind of endearing that this successful lawyer, who tore people to shreds in court, was flummoxed by a hug and a kiss from two little people. Not to mention that she was incredibly good-looking, in a stiff, chiselled kind of way.
But work obviously came first.
Wendy took off Alice’s earbuds. “You’re supposed to be getting your warm clothes and shoes on, Ali.”
Alice scowled. “I don’t want to go. It’s just a stupid fireworks display.”
Wendy put her hands on her hips and looked directly at Alice. “You didn’t think that when we were singing songs about it earlier today.”
Alice said nothing and Wendy answered her own question. “Is it because Trent isn’t coming?”
“No,” Alice said a little too quickly.
“We’ll still have a fun time, Ali. Come on. Get your things on.”
Wendy heard the front door open and close. Trent wasn’t coming home till late. So who was that?
“Who is that?” Alice said fearfully.
Wendy put her finger to her lips. “I’ll look.”
She carefully looked around the door and was relieved to see Trent standing by the kitchen counter.
She walked down the hall. “You gave me the fright of my life. Did you come home to get changed for your work thing,” Wendy said sarcastically.
Trent just smiled at her jibe. “No, I cancelled my work thing. I’ve got a fireworks display to go to.”
Noah, who had followed her into the living area, ran and jumped into Trent’s arms. “You’re coming with us?”
Wendy watched Trent give him a hug without the awkwardness she usually saw.
“Yes, I am.” Trent looked into Wendy’s eyes and said, “Work can wait.”
Wendy felt a joy and excitement in her chest and stomach. That should not be happening. It was good for the kids, after all, not her.
* * *
Trent got a quick change, and she and Wendy took two now very excited children to the Tube station. The Tube was packed with other commuters going to the fireworks display. When they got to the station, Wendy said, “You hold on to Alice—I’ll take Noah. Keep a tight grip.”
“I will,” Trent said. “I’ve learned my lesson.”
After getting off the Tube, they followed the long line of people going in the same direction. There was a big crowd inside the park and lots more going in the gates alongside them. Alice was holding Wendy’s hand and Noah was stuck to Trent, who said to Wendy, “It’s really busy.”
Wendy nodded and stopped them once they got into the park and directed her words to Alice and Noah.
“This is a really busy place, so you have to make sure you hold our hands and keep close, okay? If you see a ride or a stall you want to see, tell us, and we’ll go together. No running off. Promise?”
“Promise,” Alice and Noah said in unison.
They walked on to the area with the fairground rides and game and food stalls. Trent was surprised by the squeals of happy children and adults. It wasn’t like anything else she’d been to before.
“What will we go on first?” Trent asked.
“How about the big wheel? We can all stay together then,” Wendy suggested.
Trent nodded and the kids jumped in excitement. As they waited in line, Trent said, “Why don’t we get something to eat after this, and then we can buy dessert and eat it while we watch the fireworks?”
Wendy and the children were wreathed in smiles. This wasn’t scary, Trent thought. Making these three smile made her feel happy, and she wanted much, much more of this feeling.
As it turned out, they enjoyed themselves so much on the big wheel they decided to go on a few more rides before they ate. Trent had taken them on the waltzers alone, as Wendy could never stand the dizzying feeling. It gave her a good opportunity to take some lovely pictures of the three. She took a whole raft of photos, and her heart melted at one of them that captured each one smiling brightly. Perfect. Trent had grown so much in this last month, and even if she didn’t know it herself, Wendy was confident she would be a good parent.
Then a sadness came over her, as she reminded herself that she would have to leave these three eventually. Just then, Trent looked at her from the ride and smiled. Wendy felt a powerful thud in her heart. No, no, don’t do this. Don’t be falling for your employer.
She took a few pictures with Trent’s phone and saw lots and lots of texts and Twitter notifications popping up, all saying, Congratulations! She wondered what that was about.
Trent handed out the treats, keeping the toffee apple for herself.
“I haven’t seen a toffee apple in years,” Wendy said.
“It’s my first time. I always wanted to try one.” It was a traditional Fireworks Night and Halloween children’s treat, one she’d never had but had seen other children have.
Alice tugged on her jacket. “When does it start, Trent?”
Trent looked at her watch. “Any minute now.”
“Stay close, both of you. It’s getting busier,” Wendy added.
Trent remembered she wanted to ask about her birthday dinner. “Wendy, it’s my birthday in a few weeks’ time, and my friends insist I have a celebration. If we have a dinner party at the flat, would you help me organize it? I’ll get a caterer, of course.”
Wendy smiled. “I’d love to. Don’t get a caterer, though—I’ll be happy to make the food.”
“Are you sure? I didn’t want to put you to any trouble.”
Wendy leaned in and whispered to Trent, “It would be my pleasure.”
Trent shivered. Wendy was so sexy, even when she wasn’t trying to be.
Then the first of the fireworks shot into the air to mark the start of the display. This was a great day, Trent thought.
* * *
Wendy came out from Noah’s bedroom and peeked into Alice’s room. What she saw there made her heart flutter. Trent was sitting propped up against the side of the bed, holding Alice’s hand. They had both dropped off to sleep, exhausted from the night of high emotion. The first few fireworks had been okay, but then the big bangs started and Alice didn’t react well. She covered her ears and screamed as her mind took her back to the night of the accident.
Much to her surprise and delight, it was Trent who leapt into action, taking Alice to the side and calming her down. After that, they got a taxi home.
Wendy couldn’t believe this was the same person who’d hired her a month ago, but Alice and Noah were slowly burrowing their way into Trent’s heart, and again her own heart fluttered at the thought.