“I am. But until then you live in my house, and you will live by my rules. And living in my house and by my rules you will have a curfew and log your outings. To make sure those rules are followed around the clock, my help will aid in this.”
My jaw dropped open. “Now, you have to be joking. Because I know my mother would never give her nineteen-year-old son a curfew on the cusp of his college enrollment and give him a nanny to watch over him.”
“If you want to call this help a nanny you can, but I like to use the term at-home personal assistant to me, the employer. I filed the forms to hire help this morning through an agency. This is a done deal, Truman.”
I just kind of sat there with my mouth open. “Mom.” I broke out in few short laughs. “You can’t expect me to actually listen to whatever old hag you’re hiring. Actually, I’m telling you right now that I refuse to listen. I’m a grown man, and legally, you can’t make me do anything I don’t want to do.”
“You haven’t been acting like a grown man, Truman. But you are right about one thing: legally, I can’t make you do anything you don’t want to do. So, if you choose to disregard my rules, then you will be treated just as you said, a grown man. And do you know what grown men do, Truman? They take care of themselves—all by themselves.”
My eyes widened. She wasn’t going where I thought she was.
Pushing a few strands of her brown locks behind her ear, she nodded once. “I know you see where I’m going with this.”
“You’ll cut me off.”
“Yes.”
I leaned back. “And kick me out!”
“Exactly.”
I jumped from the couch to my feet. “Mom, I’m your son. You wouldn’t!”
Cocking her head to the side, she gave a wide smile. “It’s funny how quickly a grown man goes back to being my little boy with only a few words.”
Chapter Twelve
Lacey
“So what does at-home personal assistant mean? I thought you’d be doing a nanny job?” Margot’s voice sounded through the receiver.
She’d been talking to me on the phone since I called her with the news from the hiring agency. I put in my paperwork, and it didn’t take long for them to find me something. A woman in the North Shore needed an at-home assistant to do the cleaning, cooking, and other standard household maintenance. The man and woman of the house needed someone who didn’t mind extensive hours, possibly staying up late or even staying over some nights when they got back late from events. I started this afternoon.
“No, idea,” I said into the receiver balanced on my shoulder. “It sounds like a nanny job to me since the couple has kids, and they want me to cook and clean. But the agency lady stressed that her client told her at-home personal assistant. Whatever that means.”
“How old are the kids?”
“No, idea. Their names are Adelaide and Truman, though. Rich people names. If they’re babies they probably use those silver rattles from Tiffany’s,” I joked.
“Nice. I meant the richness, not the rattles.”
I could practically hear Margot’s grin on her end.
“How much does it pay?”
I got my overnight bag out of the closet. I was informed that tonight would be one of those nights where I’d have to stay over. I was so overwhelmed. These people lived rich, and I didn’t know how to go into a situation like that. I’d go by the seat of my pants I guess. I was confident I could mesh into their world if I needed to.
“A lot,” I said, answering Margot’s question. “I couldn’t believe the figure. And they’re giving me an advance, so I was able to hire Mama a caretaker. She’s here now. Her name is Sue.”
“You’re in the big leagues now, honey. Just think, with all that dough you can pack up and go with that company when you get the part—”
“You know I took the job to pay for Mama’s new treatments.” Exactly the reason I got the paperwork done and filed so quickly. According to the doctor’s letter, Mama’s condition wasn’t getting any better. We had to utilize as many recommendations that the physician suggested no matter what the cost. We had to try everything. I had to try everything.
“But you will have extra. Promise me you’ll at least put it away for a rainy day?”
I chuckled, putting my sleep shorts in the bag. “I can promise that.”
“Good. And I’d love a tour of the place. So when the moneybags leave out of town one of these nights—”
“Oh, no.” I held up my finger in the air like she was there to point the gesture at. “You will not be going there. I don’t want to lose my job that quickly, thank you very much.”
She huffed into the phone. “Fine. But call me if you need back up. You know I’m here if you need me.”
I smiled, zipping up my bag. “That’s why I love you.”
“Lacey, your cab is out front,” called Sue from the hall.
“I have to go. My cab is here. Wish me luck.”
“You won’t need it, but good luck. Sample every bit of that expensive food for me.” She laughed.
“I will. Bye.”
“Bye.”
I dropped the phone in my satchel and grabbed my overnight bag. Before I left, I stopped by Mama’s room. She was living the highlife, too. She lay there on her bed with her lunch on her bedside table. Ignoring her steaming lunch, she painted her nails a ruby red.
Letting go of her doorframe, I shook my head. “Make sure you eat that,” I said, pointing at her lunch, “and your dinner once it’s time. Sue has been informed to threaten you with nail polish removal if you don’t.”
“Sue works for me, honey-child,” she said, not looking up from her nails. “Therefore, she does what I say.”
Already with her nose in the air, and she hasn’t had her caretaker longer than two hours. I kissed her cheek. “You’re stubborn.”
“And you’re going to be late. Get out of here before you get into trouble.”
Not wanting to bump her steady hand, I gave her one last gentle kiss. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Don’t hurry back. I like my servant.”
Laughing, I left her bedside. After grabbing a stylish brown hat from Mama’s closet—she was too busy to notice—I headed outside to the cab. Sue watched me from the door as I stuffed my curls into the velour riding hat.
Hopping inside the yellow taxi, I rolled down the window to give Sue advice. “Mama’s a handful. Don’t let her walk all over you.”
She waved me off. “I’ve seen it all, Lacey. We’ll be fine.”
She hadn’t met my mama.
Chapter Thirteen
Drake
“I guess today is D-Day.” Adele stood in my doorframe with her arms crossed and looking pissed-the-hell off.
Shaking my head, I threw a mini basketball into the air as I lay on my bed. “I don’t know why you’re so upset. You’re the one who gets a personal slave who will chauffeur you around to your activities and act as your own personal chef. I get a spy.”
“What about what you said is a good thing?” In a huff, she came into my room and collapsed on my desk chair. “I now have a personal stalker who will always be around me even when I don’t what her to be. All the North Shore kids will laugh at me, and on top of all that, Mom said this woman is in charge of chaperoning my sleepover tonight because she and Dad have a banquet to attend. My life is hell, Drake. Everyone will think I’m the lame new girl at the country club.”
Tossing the ball, I frowned when I caught it. “Sleepover?”
“Yeah. Some of the junior members from the country club are coming over after the club’s pool party today. Mom set it up, so I could meet some friends. They’ll be my classmates in the fall, and I need to make a good impression.”
I gazed her way. “Pool party at the country club? What’s today?”
“Saturday.”
That must have been what Ms. Ashley Jameson was going on about at Father’s fundraiser. I guess I’d be there too since I said I’d go. Tha
t was the last place I wanted to be, though. Frankly, I’d thought about calling up Derrick. He seemed like a cool guy at Margot’s party. I bet Mom would just love that option. She’d never agree to that social activity if I “logged” it in. God, what the hell happened to my life? I met an exotic girl, she called the cops on me, and now I was under nanny arrest. Thank God I’d be off to school soon.
“Knock, Knock.”
I turned my head. The nanny-sentencer herself made her appearance at my doorframe.
Mom walked in and put her arm around Adele’s shoulders. “Why such the long face?”
“Mom, all the kids will laugh at me if this woman follows me around. No one will probably even come to my sleepover tonight after they see her at the pool party today.”
“And see, I thought having your own personal assistant would make you considered the cool kid. And she won’t be following you. She’ll just be nearby when you need her.” She rubbed her shoulder.
“Like a stalker.”
“No. Not like a stalker; like someone who will be around when you need assistance. This change really is to benefit both you and your brother.”
Sure it was.
“Take tonight for example. We wouldn’t have been able to schedule your sleepover right away due to your father’s busy schedule this summer. Because we hired help, your life and your plans didn’t have to be disrupted.”
Adele pouted like she was ten instead of fifteen. “But what if she doesn’t know how to make the food for it? The girls at the club will expect certain things, Mom.”
“She will be able to handle it just fine. The agency highly recommended her with her background. She’ll also take you to the pool party.” Mom glanced my way. “You’re going to that too right, Truman? Ashley Jameson said she invited you.”
“Yep,” I said, refusing to look at her.
Mom sighed. “Adelaide, why don’t you go get your swim bag ready?”
Great. She was sending Switzerland away—neutrality in the form of my kid sister.
Nodding, Adele left the room.
“Truman, you will see that this is for the best. You won’t be tempted to get into any more trouble and will have an easy rest of the summer here at home. Your father and I will no longer have to worry about you, and the whole house will be stress-free because of it. This new situation is only a good thing. You may not see it now, but you will.”
I didn’t say a word.
“Now, I want you to leave whatever attitude this is that you have in this room. The new assistant will be here soon, and you’re going to act like the gentlemen I raised when you meet her.”
I smirked. Like hell I was going to meet that old hag. “I don’t plan on meeting this woman anytime soon, Mom. Just so you know.”
“You will meet her, and when you do, you’re going to treat her with respect. After the initial meeting, you don’t even have to cross paths. She’s only here to make sure you get in on time and are accounted for, so quit being dramatic like she’s here to be your warden to keep you under lock and key.”
She was worse than a warden. She was my nanny.
Chapter Fourteen
Lacey
I couldn’t believe it. These people had gates. Gates! And they had a guy at the gate just to let people into the property. Being here was like stepping into another world.
The cab drove me all the way up to the house on what seemed to be a winding half-a-mile driveway. After I paid my fare, I quickly composed myself. Might as well get into character early. I was an actress and could literally fit into any type of environment. These new surroundings shouldn’t be an issue.
Stepping onto the cobblestone walk, I approached the grand door of the split-level ranch home. The place looked massive from the end of the driveway; up close I felt like a little ant in its shadow.
The brass knocker gave a sound reminiscent to one that might be heard at the Addams Family’s manor: loud and echoing.
When the door opened, a young girl stood there. She had very soft, angelic-like features and long, brown hair cascading around her face. I was surprised to see her. I assumed the kids in this household would be younger, but this girl looked around fourteen or fifteen.
Smiling bright, I reached out my hand. “You must be Adelaide.”
She just stared at my hand like it was covered in mold. “It’s Adele.”
I raised my eyebrows. This girl sure was a snippy little thing. I’d dealt with worse. “Sorry about that, and I will remember that for the future.”
Not saying a word, she left the door.
I guess I’d let myself in. I did, and closed the door behind me. Doing a spin, I took in the space. The house had one of those modern layouts like the celebrities live in out in the country, wide halls and plenty of space to get lost in with its beauty. The large windows covered the place in light, and there were old looking statues and flower arrangements displayed near the clear glass.
I gazed around for Adele, but she left me. She’d be a tough one to break, but I was up for the challenge. Taking it upon myself, I explored the space. The foyer had a large staircase, but I passed it and went into the living room. There was a beige loveseat and a matching couch situated around the fireplace. I imagined that during Christmas many stockings would be hung there with a heavily decorated tree adjacent to the hearth in the far corner. With the fancy way this place was decorated, though, I doubted any handmade ornaments would be on the pine. These people most likely had interior designers who made the tree pretty for them, no handmade crafts or other things present.
Dropping my bag on the couch, I studied the empty walls. There were no decorations or family pictures. What was up with that? When I saw a moving box in the corner, it all made sense. These people must be new residents to this place.
“Okay. I’m down here meeting you because I have to not because I want to.”
I froze at the deep, velvet voice that came from behind me. No way . . .
“You and I are going to get a few things straight right off the bat. I do not need a person acting as my nanny. Telling me what to do, or watching what it is that I chose to do is unacceptable. I don’t care what my mother said to you, and if you believe being employed by my mom gives you power over me you have another thing coming. I take care of myself and do not need you keeping tabs on me. As long as you understand that, I believe our relationship can function without any unnecessary glitches. I consider myself a reasonable guy and can make this work.”
I couldn’t move, not one inch.
“Hello?”
The blood pounded behind my ears.
“Hi. Speaking to you here?”
When he grabbed my arm, I knew he’d find out why I didn’t speak soon.
Chapter Fifteen
Drake
I turned the frail little thing around with ease. I didn’t expect her to be so light. When I came downstairs to meet the old broad, I thought she’d be a pretty hefty one. The nannies Adele and I had growing up always were. I figured Mom would stay consistent.
Head bowed down, she wouldn’t look at me, not at first.
As I stood there awkwardly waiting for her to speak to me, she moved. Her small hand went to her brown hat. The skin was smooth, young. Again, I didn’t expect that.
When she pulled her hat off, I quickly understood why her skin looked so young.
She was young.
Her brown curls fell from underneath the hat. She tipped her head up, and her locks cascaded down the caramel skin of her face.
Seeing who the person was, the jolt in my heart showed my true initial reaction to her presence. Despite what happened, I was still enticed by her. But as I opened my mouth, the incorrect initial reaction sounded from my lips. “You’ve got to be kidding me, right?”
She blinked a few times.
“You’re my nanny?”
Her mouth dropped open. “You’re Truman?”
I fought myself from shuddering at the name. “I go by Drake.”
She shook her head, eyes wide in shock. “I-I just assumed that you guys were kids. Oh my God.”
Oh my God was right. This was definitely an interesting turn of events, and as I stood there watching one of the most intriguing girls I’d ever met something clicked in my head. Her presence was excellent news for me. I had something over her that would get her fired for sure, and once she was, I no longer had the problem of a nanny, at least until my mom hired another. But the real beauty of the situation was I knew my mother’s intentions. I knew the nanny bullet was coming, so I could prepare accordingly. And if I worked good ole’ Mom just right, I might get out of the situation entirely.
Coming out of my thoughts, I studied Lacey standing there before me. I smirked as I took in her attire. Might as well get in some fun and mess with her a bit before her inevitable firing. “You sure do clean up rather well, don’t you?”
She narrowed her eyebrows. “What do you mean?”
I gestured toward her face. “No piercings,” I said, eyeing the mouth I once took as my own. “Frumpy outfit.” The girl actually wore a granny sweater and a knee-length skirt. “Your midriff too good to show us here over on the North Shore?”
Blinking once, she didn’t say a word. I decided to keep on with the hits.
“Is the girl from the West Side trying to fit in? Tell me: does my mom know where you’re from?”
This last comment must have triggered something inside her because her expression went hard, and her eyes blazed like the fire we had between us the night we met. “You’re being petty, Truman.”
“Drake,” I gritted through my teeth.
“Drake,” she gritted through hers. “Don’t you understand I did you a favor by keeping you out of my side of town? You didn’t belong there, and had no idea what you were dealing with. I didn’t want to call the cops on you—”
“Sure you didn’t. You tricked me into coming back to you so you could teach me a lesson. Well, guess what? You’re about to find out what it feels like when someone else plays with your life.”
The Space Between Page 7