California Dreamin' Collection

by Heather B. Moore, Kaylee Baldwin, Annette Lyon, Jennifer Moore, Shannon Guymon, Sarah M. Eden

  Lila put the plate down and motioned to the table. “I want to talk to you about what happened yesterday with Haiden.”

  Jo walked over and sat down next to Lila, bracing for whatever was coming.

  “He says that you made him look bad in front of Baxter yesterday. He also says that you’ve been disrespectful to him. I can’t allow that.” Lila sounded tired.

  Haiden had certainly twisted the facts to suit his purposes. “Well, I’m sure that if you talk to your husband, he can tell you what happened yesterday,” she said, feeling shaken as the thought of being fired entered her mind. “He was there.”

  Lila sighed and massaged her forehead. “I already did, but he said what he always says— that Haiden is spoiled and immature. Which isn’t true at all.” She looked at Jo fiercely, as if daring her to argue.

  Jo remained silent as she waited for the words, you’re fired to fill the room.

  “But the kids seem to like you, and you’ve kept them out of my hair, so we’ll call this a warning.”

  Jo felt relief so acute, her hands began to shake and so she clasped her hands in her lap.

  “I’ll admit that Haiden can be demanding,” Lila continued, unaware of the effect her words had had on Jo. “But he has a good heart and means well. He was just hungry.” Lila gave a brittle laugh. Her tone shifted to one of veiled anger. “And I hate the idea of him going hungry.”

  Jo bit her lip, hesitant to speak, but knowing she had to. “Mr. James told me specifically not to cook for Haiden anymore. He said that it’s not what I was hired to do, and that I’m only supposed to look after the children— that’s it.” Trembling slightly after speaking so boldly, she added a bit more quietly, “If Haiden is hungry or needs something, shouldn’t he be able to take care of himself?”

  “Yes. And no.” Lila sighed and shook her head. “I don’t know. But I can’t handle the stress of Haiden coming to me all the time, unhappy about what you’re doing or not doing. You’d better either get along with my brother, or… or you’re gone. Understood?” She stood up, not waiting for an answer as she walked out of the kitchen.

  Jo sat there, feeling as if she’d been punched in the stomach. She’d been expecting the words, but hearing them was a different matter altogether.

  Should I go to Baxter? No. Even if he’d stick up for her again, if Lila said the nanny was gone, she was gone. The thought of leaving the kids now made Jo want to cry. If she needed to make pancakes and smoothies for the little man in order to stay, then that’s what she’d do. Who cared about pride when children were depending on her?

  She put on a smile as Tru and Nellie ran into the kitchen, smiling and laughing as they rushed to the stove and smelled the apple crisp. She felt her heart ease at their simple joy in something new and delicious. She served them and even smiled as Haiden walked in with a complacent expression, as if he already knew he’d gotten his way. Before he could say anything, she dished up a large portion and handed it to him.

  The next month settled into a pattern. She and the kids spent a couple of days a week driving out to far destinations and exploring all kinds of fun things to do in California. The rest of the week, they spent at the beach or relaxed at home by the pool. She made it a point to take the children to the library at least once a week, and she introduced them to her favorite books, starting with Robin McKinley’s The Blue Sword. Slowly but surely, she was weaning them from the video games that had been such a big part of their lives. Truman could now be found reading Rick Riordan on a couch with his feet up, and Nellie was now obsessed with The Magic Treehouse; she zipped through five books in a matter of weeks.

  Baxter was thrilled with everything they were doing and insisted that Jo take pictures of the kids and text them to him throughout the week. He always promised to come along on their next adventure, but something always came up, and he backed out last minute.

  As she lay on a chaise lounge next to the pool and watched the kids swim, Baxter texted her to have the kids ready that night to walk the red carpet for a friend’s movie premier, she jumped up and down in excitement. Finally, the kids would get to spend time with their dad. Her phone beeped, and she glanced down at it.

  You’re coming too. I’ll watch the movie with you guys, but I’ll have to stay for the after party. Have Fitz drop you off. Wear something nice.

  Jo thought of her clothes and groaned. She glanced at her jeans and her nicest t-shirt as she texted back.

  Do jeans count? LOL. She added a smiley face emoji and sent the text. She was embarrassed she that didn’t have anything nicer.

  Within seconds, she had a reply. Take the credit card and run to Stella’s Boutique. I’m friends with the owner. I’ll text her to say you’re on your way. Don’t worry about the price. If people take pictures of my family, I want everyone to look their best.

  A smile slowly broke across her face. His family? She closed her eyes and wished for a moment that she really were. Then she quickly texted Fitz about the situation. He replied with an offer to take the kids to lunch while she shopped.

  Two hours later, she had a shopping bag with the most gorgeous dress she’d ever seen. She chose a plum-colored, sheath dress with matching shoes and earrings.

  She felt guilty taking up so much of Fitz’s time as he drove her all over L.A., but there was still one problem— her makeup. Back in the car, she mentioned her worries to Fitz, so he drove her to the mall, where he introduced her to his cousin Charlotte— a tall, gorgeous woman with long, black hair and bright-red lipstick. When she finished with Jo’s makeup, she couldn’t recognize herself. She looked so glamorous. She looked amazing.

  I look pretty.

  She had no idea what to do with her hair, though. She usually wore it in a ponytail. “Charlotte told me to go down the street to her friend who does hair, but we don’t have enough time,” she said, pulling the mirror down in the car to study her hair.

  “It’s beautiful the way it is,” Fitz said.

  Jo blushed and held the door open for Truman and Nellie. “I would hate to embarrass Bax.”

  Fitz snorted and shut the door behind them. “You won’t embarrass him; you’re gorgeous. People will probably be wondering who the smokin’ hot girl is.”

  Jo laughed and turned to walk upstairs and came face to face with Haiden. “Hello,” she said coolly, and tried to move around him.

  He blocked her way though, making her step back. “Where have you been all day?” he asked. “I had to make myself a sandwich for lunch.”

  She concentrated on not rolling her eyes as she glanced at Fitz and noted his faint sneer. “I had to do a little shopping. We’re going to a premier tonight with Baxter.” Again she tried to pass him.

  Again Haiden moved in front of her. “He didn’t mention a premier to me,” he said, sounding insulted.

  She sighed loudly in frustration. Fitz handed her the sack and pushed her up the stairs, past Haiden, smiling politely at him. “I think it’s a kid movie. A new star like you wouldn’t be caught dead at a kid’s movie premier. No worries.”

  Haiden continued to scowl; as she climbed the staircase, she could feel his eyes on her back. “But why is she going?” he asked, sounding jealous.

  She didn’t wait to hear Fitz’s explanation, instead hurrying to the children’s’ rooms. She went through their closets, marveling that Truman had his own tuxedo and Nellie had more than six formal dresses. Being the children of a movie exec had its perks. She pulled out clothes for them and instructed them to take showers. She checked her watch; she still had enough time to get herself ready and curl Nellie’s hair. Hopefully Lila would be pleased when she saw how cute her kids looked.

  When she walked down the stairs wearing her dress the cool slide of the silk made her feel like she belonged in this house, and in this life. Nellie clapped, but Fitz stood at the base, staring at her with his mouth hanging open. She had to stop and grin at that.

  Truman smiled sweetly at her. “I guess Nellie’s right. You do look l
ike a fairy,” he said shyly.

  Jo walked over and hugged him. “You are a charmer, Truman James.”

  Fitz walked over and touched her shoulder. “You’ll fit right in on the red carpet. You’re stunning.”

  Jo looked away shyly, not knowing how to handle such a compliment gracefully. Probably because she’d never had any practice at it.

  Time to change the subject.

  “Is Lila coming?”

  Fitz shrugged and opened the front door for them. “She usually doesn’t. We’d better get going. Traffic is going to be brutal.”

  Jo shook her head ushered the kids into the BMW. When she looked back at the house, Haiden stared at them from his bedroom window, and Jo felt a shiver as their eyes met and felt a wave of hostility aimed at her. She shook it off, though, determined to enjoy her first premier.

  When they arrived, Baxter was waiting for them. Nellie and Truman flew out of the car and were immediately enveloped in a warm hug from their dad. Jo looked around at all the A-list actors and models walking around and felt like shrinking back into the car. But with Baxter’s hand firmly on her back, she was propelled with Truman and Nellie onto the red carpet. She waved goodbye to Fitz as he drove off wishing he could be standing there with her. The constant flash of the cameras was overwhelming at first, but Nellie and Truman confidently held up their chins like pros and posed for the cameras. Jo took a deep breath and followed their example.

  She comforted herself with the knowledge that she was a nobody. None of these people cared about who she was. She walked with the children, stopping when Baxter stopped, moving on when he moved. Sometimes the reporters had questions for Baxter, and he pulled Truman and Nellie in front of him. She pretended she was at the beach and tried to smile serenely.

  This is no big deal.

  “And who’s this gorgeous creature, Baxter?”

  She felt Baxter’s hand on her arm, and her head swiveled in surprise as he pulled her forward to stand next to him and the children. Baxter smiled and winked at her. “This divine creature is Jolie Barrett, an up-and-coming artist and close family friend. I’m working up the courage to ask her to be in my next project.” He grinned as a million cameras suddenly exploded.

  She guessed his explanation was Hollywood speak for this is my new nanny. She concentrated on keeping her smile in place but squirmed inside.

  Moments later, they were safely inside the theater, and Baxter disappeared to speak to some friends. One of the countless people working the event ushered them to their seats, and she spent the next fifteen minutes until the movie started listening to Truman and Nellie point out all of the celebrities they knew. The list was long and intimidating.

  When the movie started, Baxter showed up and sat next to her, handing her and the kids large tubs of popcorn and packs of red vines. Jo sat back and enjoyed the movie about a teddy bear brought to life and an evil woman who wanted to stuff him. Jo glanced at the children a few times, watching the joy on their faces and wishing she could bottle the moment to remember forever.

  Afterwards, Fitz showed up and ushered them outside to their waiting car. When they got home, she put the kids to bed, then spent ten minutes washing her face before putting on shorts and t-shirt. She met Fitz in the kitchen, and they spent the next two hours talking and laughing about the evening.

  But the best part was the kissing by the pool, which followed the talking.

  “You must have kissed a thousand women to be so good at this,” Jo said, leaning back.

  Fitz grinned and shook his head. “Nah. It’s just different when you kiss a woman you care about.” He lowered his voice. “It means more.”

  She gazed at him silently, trying to decode what he’d said. He cares about me?

  He put his arm around her shoulders, and they stayed like that for a while before she yawned and he insisted she go to bed.

  She woke up the next day fully expecting to take the kids to the Santa Monica Pier. She wanted the kids to feel a live starfish at the little aquarium. She floated down the stairs, smiling as she wondered what to make them for breakfast.

  “There she is.”

  Jo’s head whipped up as she reached the bottom step. Haiden and Lila looked at her with twin glares.

  “Uh, hi,” she said, voice sounding squeaky as she moved farther into the foyer.

  “I suspected something was going on, but to have this thrown in my face is too much,” Lila said, studying the nanny as if she were a disease on a petri dish.

  Jo looked from Lila to Haiden and back again. Haiden grinned maliciously at her. “What’s going on?”

  Lila held an iPad out to her. Jo took it and stared at a picture of herself, Nellie, Truman, and Baxter— who had his hand on her shoulder as he grinned at her as she smiled confidently at the camera.

  I looked pretty good.

  Then she read the caption.

  Baxter James’s new mistress displayed for the whole world to see, shamelessly flaunted in front of the world and his children as his aging wife stays at home, forgotten and ignored.

  Jo’s mouth fell open. She gaped at the picture in horror. “No.” She pushed the iPad back at Lila. “That’s a lie,” she croaked. “I went to be with the kids, so Bax could talk to everyone. I would never…”

  Haiden sneered as he put his arm around Lila’s shoulders. “Told you something was going on between them. The way he always stuck up for her was a huge clue.”

  A wave of anger built up inside Jo’s chest. “Shut up, Haiden,” she snapped before turning back to Lila. “I am not having an affair with Bax. I would never do that to you, and I would never do that to myself.” In spite of her firm voice, her heart raced.

  Lila closed her eyes and shook her head. “Pack your things, and get out of my house.” She spoke softly before she turned and walked away.

  Haiden eyed Jo with scorn. “Maybe you should have been nicer to me when you had the chance.” And he walked away.

  Jo stared after them as her world spun out of control. I’ve been fired for having an affair with my boss? This could not be happening to her. She turned to escape up the stairs but bumped into Nellie and Truman, who were staring at her with haunted eyes.

  She realized they must have heard everything and felt horrified.

  “You’re leaving us because you love our dad?” Truman’s voice sounded faint.

  “No.” Jo shook her head and collapsed to her knees. She grabbed the kids in a hug and began crying. “No. Someone made up that lie, but your mom believes it. I love you both too much to ever hurt you that way.”

  She headed to her room, and the kids followed. But she needed a moment alone, so she went to the bathroom and shut the door. She sat on the toilet lid for five minutes and sobbed her heart out. She leaned her head against her hands, feeling the weight of the situation crash upon her.

  When she finally opened the bathroom door, she found Tru and Nellie talking quietly on her bed. She gave them a watery smile and began packing.

  “I was texting my dad while you were crying in the bathroom,” Truman said. “He told me to tell you not to leave. He wants you stay here with us.” His eyes were calm and hopeful.

  Nellie nodded in agreement and she put her hand in her brother’s. “You love us. You can’t leave,” she said, her chin quivering pitifully.

  Jo’s shoulders sagged. She grabbed the kids in a big hug, taking more comfort from them than she was giving, she was sure. She pulled and wiped her eyes, then had to grab some tissue to blow her nose.

  “Okay, we’ll wait for your dad,” she said, running a hand over Tru’s bright-blond hair.

  Five minutes later, a banging sounded on the bedroom door, and Truman looked at her worriedly as he jumped off her bed and stomped over, ripping the door open. His shoulders relaxed before he flung himself into Fitz’s arms.

  “They’re trying to get rid of Jo,” Tru said, his voice trembling.

  Jo looked at Fitz in misery; he returned the look with dark, worried eyes. �
��Haiden has informed me that I’m to escort you out of the house and drop you off at the airport.”

  She nodded. Tru and Nellie began talking over each other as Fitz turned and shut the door before sitting on the bed beside Nellie. Tru took charge and explained his dad’s instructions. Fitz looked relieved and reached over to hug Tru. “You did everything right, buddy. Way to go.”

  The sound of a car engine drew everyone to the window. They watched as Baxter jumped out of his Jaguar, his face grim. Fitz reached back for her hand, and she melted into the comfort of his side.

  “I’m going to go see what’s going on,” Truman announced, and walked to the door.

  Fitz shook his head quickly and jumped in front of the child. “That might not be an appropriate conversation for you to hear. I’ll go see what’s going on.” And he disappeared out the door.

  Twenty minutes later, someone came through the door. They looked up to see not Fitz, but Baxter walking in. Although his smile was real, his eyes were tired. “Mommy is leaving for a much-needed vacation at her favorite spa. And Fitz is helping Uncle Haiden move out right now, so I’m taking everyone out for breakfast. Sound good?”

  Nellie reached for her dad’s hand. “Does Jo still have to leave?”

  “No. Jo never has to leave.” Baxter turned and looked at her with embarrassment in his eyes. “She can stay with us as long as she wants to.”

  Truman walked over and slipped his hand into hers. “Then she’s never leaving. She loves us.” His voice sounded relieved and strong. “And we love her.”

  Her face slowly lifted into a smile. She knelt beside Tru and wrapped her arms around him, leaning her head against his. “I do love you,” she whispered. Nellie’s arms wrapped around her from behind.

  Baxter nodded. “The first time I saw you on Skype, I knew that you had love in your heart to give. Nellie and Tru need you, Jo. I know this whole situation is embarrassing and stupid, but I promise to make it up to you.” His voice turned sad and tired as he added, “Please, don’t leave them.”

  Jo saw anxiousness in Baxter’s eyes. “I always wanted to be an artist because I love beauty. I never realized that loving children was the most beautiful thing I could do.”