by Scott, Lisa
Her mother’s words tickled the edges of her memory. “Don’t worry about your school work, Veronica. The best thing you can do is find yourself a rich husband.”
And despite all her protests, all her work in college to be something more than a scheming harpy like her mother, here she was on the very same path. What do they say about the apple and the tree?
The cab stopped in front of her apartment building. “Twenty-one fifty-six,” said the cabbie.
Veronica panicked, and looked in her wallet. She had a twenty-dollar bill and two quarters. Taking a deep breath, she lifted one shoulder and curled her mouth into a smile. “Silly, silly me. I’m short about a dollar. Can you help a girl out? You seem like the sort who knows how to take care of a woman.”
And as he accepted her reduced payment with a smile, she stepped out into the cold, gray day realizing her mother had been right all along. Finding a rich man was Veronica’s best bet.
And her whiny little stepdaughter better not get in her way of this one.
***
Three weeks later, Shawna was in love with her job. Gah, and her boss, too. Jeremy was so funny and thoughtful and fun, she forgot how handsome he was. The James family train method of maintaining order was holding strong, and she’d even tricked the kids into helping her clean up by making it a race. “Who can pick up and put away ten toys the fastest?” she’d challenge them. “I bet Jenny can!” And oh, the race that ensued left the place spotless.
She even liked the darn animals. The parrot enjoyed perching on her shoulder and twining its beak in her hair, while the cats followed her around the apartment and curled up at her feet whenever she paused to sit down. Which wasn’t often.
She was so busy and so happy working for Jeremy and his kids, she’d skipped a few auditions. In fact, she hadn’t been on one since the day she first met the James family. And she wasn’t even upset that she didn’t get the part of the dancing clock in the sleep medication commercial she’d auditioned for a few weeks back. But she did find herself singing all the time; and she only sang when she was happy.
As she sat coloring with the kids, she realized the only thing keeping this job from being perfect was Veronica. She wasn’t giving up on Jeremy, so she was around a lot. Questioning Shaw’s decision to give the kids string cheese for a snack. “What about a nice brie?” she’d suggested. And now, criticizing her crayon drawings as rather juvenile for a twenty-three year old. Shaw pressed so hard on the crayon it broke.
Veronica snickered. “You must have skipped pastels in performing arts school.”
Shaw finished the purple and pink drawing of a unicorn Jenny had requested, and signed her name at the bottom. “No. I was so talented in crayons, they exempted me from the course.”
Maddie grabbed the picture from her and squinted at it. “Snow?”
Shaw rolled her eyes. “It says ‘Shaw.’ S-H-A-W.”
Jenny stood next to her sister shaking her head. “It looks like S-N-O-W. The bar on your H is too short. And the A is missing its tail.”
“You guys are tough,” Shaw said.
“Guess you didn’t take handwriting, either,” Veronica said.
“Snow!” Jake said. “Your name is Snow.”
“Your skin is as white as snow,” Veronica offered. “Haven’t you ever heard of spray tanning?”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be? Jeremy’s busy working and we’ve got things under control here.” The way Shaw saw it, Jeremy didn’t seem to be encouraging her. But he wasn’t discouraging her, either. He went to a lot of charity events, and Veronica was the perfect go-to date. And that was enough to keep her in the game.
“Don’t wait up for us!” she’d told Shaw last Friday when they went to some charity auction. But they were home by ten.
And since Jeremy worked from home, Veronica stopped by a lot. Shaw was seeing more of her now than when they lived in the same apartment.
As subtle as the scent of her heavily applied, insanely expensive perfume, Veronica picked up her bridal magazine and was leafing through it, when Jeremy came out of his office. “I’ve got to go to an event for the zoo this Saturday night. Are you busy?” he asked Veronica.
“Let me check my schedule.” She pulled out her phone, tapped the screen and shrugged. “Looks like I’m open.”
“Great. Can you watch the kids? I thought I’d take Shawna since you don’t really like animals. The event is being held among the zoo displays. I know you probably wouldn’t want to get your Jiminies dirty.”
Veronica’s jaw hung open. Then she snapped it shut and laughed in a high-pitched giggle. “Of course! You think I can’t handle the kids?”
He turned to Shaw. “Is that okay with you, Shaw? Would you like to come?”
“Of course. I love animals. And I’d hate for Veronica to suffer through it.” She looked at her. “Guess you owe me one.”
Veronica said nothing, but Shaw could see her hands gripping the edge of the couch, her knuckles white.
“Actually, could you keep an eye on them right now? I want Shaw’s opinion on the logo I just created for a new client.”
“Daddy, her name is Snow. Look at how she signed her drawing,” Jenny said, with her hand on her hip.
Jeremy looked at the picture and chuckled. “Kinda like Madonna, huh? A one-name wonder. Alright, Snow, let me show you what I’ve worked up.”
Shaw thought about ducking so the daggers from Veronica’s eyes had no chance of hitting her. Veronica hadn’t been given a nickname.
Leading her to his office, Jeremy sat down in front of his computer, and brought up the image. “It’s for the Naughty and Nice bakery.”
Identical twin cupcake girls, one dressed as a vixen, the other as a demure maiden smiled at her. She laughed, sitting next to him. “I like it.”
“Good. Ideas have been coming to me so much quicker now that you’re here.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Seriously?”
He stretched back in his chair, lacing his hands behind his head. “For the first time in a long time, I can relax and focus. I know you’ve got things under control. I can trust you. We’re lucky to have you here, Shaw.”
“I’m really happy to be here.”
“You know, you don’t have to do all the cooking. I’ve been meaning to hire a chef. We’ve been living on takeout since … since Dina died. She was a great cook.” He sat forward and looked over at her. “But you are too.”
She smoothed her hands down her thighs. “I didn’t even know I enjoyed cooking. I don’t mind. Really. Maddie and Jenny like helping me.”
They were shoulder to shoulder and her belly flipped hearing this praise from him. Oh, she was so cliché, feeling lust like this for her boss. Bad made-for-TV movies used this device as a plot starter. What would he do if he knew how she felt? Would he fire her? She’d grown to love the kids. She wouldn’t be chasing their daddy and mess things up.
Get over it, sister. She stood up. “Did you want to go grab lunch with Veronica?” Boy, did it suck saying that. But if he were taken, she wouldn’t be dreaming about him, right?
“No, I’m not hungry.”
“I think she is.” She hoped the double entrendre was noticeable in her delivery.
He cocked his head. “What are you saying?”
She turned her hands up and shrugged. “She’s here a lot.”
“She was Dina’s friend. She’s here for her.”
Shaw raised an eyebrow. “It’s not exactly like you need her help now. But she keeps coming.”
“Hmm.” He rubbed his chin. “Maybe she feels put out.”
The man was clueless. But dating was probably the last thing on his mind. Maybe a night babysitting the kids would send Veronica packing. “What should I wear Saturday?”
“It’s formal. I’ll pay for a gown. My wife had an account at the shop down the street. Pick out something and have them bill me.” He turned back to his computer, then looked at her. “Oh, and Dina used to stop at the Di
va salon beforehand. Feel free if you’d like. It’s on me. I really appreciate this.”
“No problem.” I’ll just be worrying about it all week.
***
Veronica was not going to pout about this anymore. If Jeremy liked his new help, it was time to get rid of her. She knew plenty of people who could get Shawna out of the picture. Pacing the apartment, she pulled out a cigarette and inhaled slowly, waiting for the nicotine to calm her. Rarely did she allow herself the indulgence. She could handle this, but who was the right person to call?
With a snap of her fingers, Veronica popped open her laptop. Mark Hunt had the right background, and hopefully he remembered that embarrassing photo she still had of him from their days in college. Trying on her lingerie probably seemed like a lark at the time, but now, it was her golden ticket. Stubbing the cigarette out, she felt much better.
After a quick Internet search, she found him, pleased he was still working in video production. She dialed his number and got him on the first ring. “Mark? It’s Veronica Midas. How are you darling? I was hoping we could meet up this Friday. I have a teensy little favor to ask of you. And old photos to share, of course.”
***
Shawna’s fingers trembled during the cab ride to the lunch meeting that would change her life. She just couldn’t believe her luck. Or maybe she should call it her bad luck; she’d have to leave the James family. But the opportunity of a lifetime had just landed in her lap. She’d dropped the triplets off at day care, before dashing off to this interview. She hadn’t mentioned it to Jeremy.
The owner of a video production company was looking to cast someone as the host of a ten-week reality dating show touring the country called, “In Search Of Prince Charming.” Mark Hunt had gotten a copy of her audition tape from a friend in the business, and thought she was perfect. He apologized for the hasty interview, but apparently, the woman they’d hired was a diva who just wasn’t working out. Once the paperwork was signed, she’d have to leave for the tour in two days. The crew was already in Boston, filming, and she’d join them there. This meeting was just to formalize the details.
If she decided to take the job.
She paid the driver, took a deep breath, and tried to erase the image of seven beautiful children from her mind. This was her dream, and she’d finally made it. She walked into the restaurant and told the hostess she was meeting Mark Hunt.
“Right this way,” she said, leading her to a table.
This is really happening! She smoothed her hands down her skirt.
Mark stood up and introduced himself, and Shawna liked him immediately. He was in his thirties, and dressed in an expensive suit. She’d googled his company and read incredible things about Golden Egg productions.
She shook his hand, “It’s so mice to neet you,” she said, then plopped in her seat, mortified. “I mean, it’s so nice to meet you. I have to admit, I’m really nervous. This is such an incredible opportunity. I can’t believe how lucky I am.” She grinned at him, hoping she seemed more enthusiastic than desperate and pathetic.
He frowned for a moment, then forced a smile, and she wondered if she’d blown it. “I’m just glad you’re going to be able to fill in on such short notice,” he said. They ordered drinks, and he got right down to the details of the job—and the incredible salary—and the opportunities this would no doubt bring her.
“So what do you think?” he asked.
She twisted her napkin in her lap. “I’d have to leave a fantastic job I have right now. I’m a nanny to seven wonderful kids. I’d hate to leave them. They lost their mother last year, but how could I pass this up? I’ve been dreaming of this kind of opportunity since I was little.” She sat on her hands to keep them still. “One of my few memories of my mother is dancing with her. She was a ballerina, but then she developed cancer. She wrote me a letter before she died, telling me I’d grow up to do great things.”
Mark looked down.
Maybe she was revealing too much, but she couldn’t stop now. Shaw pressed her eyes shut, hoping to keep back the tears. “She’d be so proud to see me on TV.” She blew out a breath and looked at him. Why was she hesitating? She had to take this job; but something was holding her back. “I just wish my father were still alive to talk this over with.” She stared out the window, wishing her heart would give her the right answer. Would she regret it forever if she passed this up?
Mark sighed and set down his drink. “Hell, I didn’t look horrible in that bustier,” he mumbled.
“Excuse me?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. The offer’s off the table.”
She sat up. “What? Why?” She shouldn’t have hesitated. He was probably questioning her commitment.
“I can’t do this to you, kid,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
He shifted in his seat, looking around the room. “You have to promise not to say anything to Veronica. She set this up, there is no job, she just wanted to get you away from the man you’re nannying for. I owed her a favor, and said I’d offer you a position that would force you to quit and leave town.” He sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re too nice to do this to. Don’t tell her I tipped you off. Just tell her you wouldn’t take it, okay? I don’t know what you did to her, but watch yourself.”
Her heart tumbled, but luckily the anger in her gut kept the tears from falling, too. “Thanks for being honest with me. I’ll keep this between you and me.” She pushed away from the table, wondering why Veronica hated her so much.
***
Veronica showed up at Jeremy’s bright and early the next morning. Hopefully, Shawna had already packed up her things and left for Boston, and Veronica would be there to save the day.
But then Shaw answered the door.
Veronica felt her smile fall. “What are you doing here?”
“Nannying, like I always do. Why? Did you expect me to be somewhere else?”
“No. Not at all. Why would I think that? I was just stopping by. I thought you’d be taking the children to day care, that’s all.” Good recovery, she thought to herself.
“We don’t leave for another hour.” Shaw stepped aside so Veronica could come in. “Actually,” Shaw said, “I was offered a fabulous job touring the country as the host of a dating show. Just out of the blue! Imagine my luck.”
“What wonderful news! When do you leave?”
Shawna shook her head. “I just love my position here so much, I couldn’t take it.
Veronica froze, as an icy chill shot through her. “Why not? Why ever wouldn’t you take it? It’s everything you’ve ever wanted!”
Shawna folded her arms and smiled at her. “Maybe what I’ve wanted has changed. And it’s all thanks to you setting me up with this job. I really like the kids. And Jeremy, too. He’s out, by the way.”
Veronica pursed her lips, turned on her heel and marched down the hall.
She waited until she got home to scream. Then she composed herself. If she couldn’t get rid of the nanny, then she’d just have to out-nanny her. “A determined Midas woman is an unbeatable foe,” she said, repeating her mother’s words.
***
That Saturday night, with her hair in a ponytail (that she slaved over for half an hour to get just so) Veronica put on her yoga pants and a comfortable shirt so she could dance and sing and play and do whatever else the little hellions wanted to do. Maybe she’d wear the kids out so they’d go to bed early. No, I want Jeremy to see me interacting with them when he gets home. Panic swelled in her chest. What if he had fun with Shawna? What if they stayed out late? Jeremy usually rushed home before eleven to be sure the kids were okay.
Veronica showed up half an hour early, hoping for a little alone time before they went out. She shouldn’t be upset by this. He was being thoughtful by not inviting her to a place where she’d feel uncomfortable. She felt better as she waited to be let in.
But then Shawna opened the door in a stunning lilac gown with her hair pulled up off her slender
neck. Someone who knew what they were doing had made up her face. Veronica forced a smile. “Is that what you’re wearing?”
Shawna looked down and smoothed her hands over her hips. “This isn’t good?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be fine. No one will pay you any mind.” She pushed past her and walked into the apartment. “Now where are my favorite children in the whole wide world?
“I’m not sure, but Jeremy’s kids are in the playroom.”
Veronica narrowed her eyes at her then stalked off down the hall. “Kids? I’m here. Who’s ready to have some super-duper fun? We’re going to play games and make crafts and…” God. What else do people do with kids? She just hoped Jeremy was nearby to hear this interaction with the children.
“Good, you’re here,” he said, walking down the hall adjusting his cuff links. She sucked in a breath. The man was so handsome. That used to be her top priority in a guy—good looks. But then her job as a marketing assistant had her landlord pounding on her door every month because her rent was late. When he gave her the eviction notice she had three choices: find a cheaper apartment, which would be impossible—she was already at the bottom of the barrel; find a roommate—not gonna happen; or find a man to take care of her like her mother had advised her all along. God, she hated when her mother was right.
She’d thrown up the day she quit her job to marry her first husband. But then she’d never looked back. She’d been blessed with good looks and brains, but the brains hadn’t gotten her far enough. It was time for plan B—her mother’s plan.
And once she’d decided the working world wasn’t for her and her best chance was to land a man, she’d convinced herself looks didn’t matter. A handsome bank account was the important thing.