by C. J. Duggan
Penny stared at me; there was a long, uncomfortable silence as I waited for her to say something, but she was giving me nothing. I cleared my throat and glanced at Nikki, who smiled and nodded, encouraging me to continue.
‘The moment I stepped off the plane I knew I’d made the right move. I feel I’m more than ready for this new chapter of my life.’
‘And you believe you can handle a challenge?’ Emily asked, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows raised in interest.
‘I’m the eldest of four from a working-class family so I’ve been surrounded by children all my life, in times when it wasn’t easy. But my family worked hard, banded together and pulled through. I don’t shy away from anything – my stomach doesn’t turn, and the tears don’t flow. I mean, I’m not a robot or anything, but I come from tough stock. I will love the children and I will care for them, something that was never more apparent to me than when working for the Liebenbergs. I cared for their boys, Alex and Oscar, since they were babies, which was a challenge, but I loved my time there.’
‘Dennis did provide a rather impressive recommendation for you,’ Penny said finally. ‘And I am going to be completely honest with you: if it wasn’t for that recommendation, I seriously doubt I would have let you through that door.’
Okay, ouch.
‘You see, I don’t much care how many brothers and sisters you have or how hard it was for your father to put food on the table – that doesn’t affect me one way or the other. Nor do I care for any girlish fantasies you have about traipsing around New York City. What I care about is you being fully present; in your mind, in your heart. That your dedication is solely to my grandchild.
‘You are to ask no questions, you are to simply do what is required and nothing more. If you are successful, you will be given a full induction on what is expected of you. You will sign a non-disclosure form.’
‘And how am I to know if I am successful?’ I asked, perhaps not as confidently as I would have liked.
‘Well, we have a fair few questions to go through first,’ said Emily in a no-nonsense tone.
‘And another interview,’ said Penny.
‘Another?’ Nikki and Emily both looked at Penny, confusion creasing their foreheads. Well, creasing Nikki’s anyway; something told me Botox was keeping the wrinkles at bay for Emily.
Penny gave her daughters a pointed look. ‘Yes, another.’
‘You don’t mean—’
‘Are you sure that’s a good idea?’ said Nikki, cutting off Emily’s question.
Penny sighed, the first proof of her having any human emotion. ‘We can’t hold off any longer, we have to get him involved.’
The three women looked grim, like they were about to encounter the bogeyman. Their dread was palpable, and although I had just banged on about being able to handle anything, now I wasn’t so sure.
‘Get who involved?’ I asked tentatively.
Penny’s eyes cut sharply to mine, and I regretted my words immediately.
‘First lesson, Miss Williams: ask no questions.’
I glanced at Nikki, hoping to find some comfort in an eye roll or a wink, but I saw nothing more than her sad, worried expression.
I swallowed, nodding my understanding even as I thought, What the hell have I gotten myself into?
Chapter Two
I knew I’d screwed up the interview. I would be hearing ‘if you are successful’ for the rest of my days. I went down the steps of the brownstone and made my way back to the car, feeling deflated despite the VIP experience. The driver was holding the car door open. Such a different world, I thought, as I smiled my thanks to him. Not really knowing the rules, I had tipped him on the way here, and I supposed I had to tip him again. I was seriously going to run out of money at this rate. Maybe there was something in my NYC guide about tipping etiquette for private chauffeurs. I flipped through the pocket guide, wondering how this could be my biggest drama right now.
Then the door opened. ‘Slide over, sweetie.’
Juggling my book, I did as the voice said, too shocked to think. Then I recognised the body of Dominique as she got in beside me.
‘Where are you staying?’ she asked, holding her belly and catching her breath.
‘Park Central Hotel,’ I said, looking at her, slightly worried we might be taking a detour to the hospital.
‘Oh, nice. Hey, Dave, drop Sarah off first then drag me home. I know how much you love going to Brooklyn.’
A smiling pair of brown eyes flicked up in the rearview mirror. ‘I would drive to the ends of the earth for you, Nikki Fitzgerald.’
‘Aw,’ she said, tilting her head and offering a high-wattage smile.
‘You live in Brooklyn?’ I asked.
‘Much to my mother’s disgust.’ She laughed.
Silence fell as Dave indicated to pull out into the street.
‘Hey, don’t worry about that interview, it’s just a process my mother and sister like to go through to ensure they are in control, when they’re actually not. The job is yours.’
‘You really think so?’
‘They haven’t even interviewed anyone else, and if the recommendation came from Dennis Liebenberg, you could be an axe murderer and they would be hard-pressed to go against it.’
‘Well, I’m not an axe murderer, so hopefully that would go in my favour, too.’
‘I should think so,’ she said, examining me. ‘I would pack my bags if I were you, I don’t think you’ll be staying at Park Central too much longer.’ She turned away to look out her tinted window.
I was afraid to hope, but then I thought, if I was going to be the au pair to her baby, shouldn’t she have a say?
‘When are you due?’
Nikki sighed, her hand going to her belly. ‘Never. I am never, ever having this baby. I feel like I’ve been pregnant for twelve months already.’
‘Your first?’
Nikki burst out laughing. ‘Oh no, but definitely my last; I have four more rugrats waiting for me back in Brooklyn. As much as my mother complains about my location, I am sure a big part of her is relieved that I don’t visit with the grubby-fingered little munchkins often. I mean, you’ve seen how white that place is, that couch would be smashed within seconds.’
If not for the physical resemblance, I’d have sworn Nikki was adopted. She had a warm, genuine aura about her; she had alleviated the thick tension when she entered the room. I liked her, but I couldn’t help but swallow at the thought of five children. Was I destined to become the au pair for them? Was this what the cryptic interview was about? Capture my interest and then hit me with the big reveal?
I cleared my throat. I knew I wasn’t meant to ask questions but I wouldn’t sleep tonight unless I had some more clarity. ‘So have you had au pairs before or is this your first time?’
Nikki looked at me and frowned. Now she resembled her mother. Then her face lightened as she broke into laughter. ‘Oh God, no, I’m not hiring an au pair. No, no, no, I would never subject any poor soul to my brood. Oh, you poor thing, is that what you thought? No wonder you’ve gone white.’ She continued to laugh, which didn’t make me feel any better because that left a far worse alternative: I was going to be an au pair for Emily Mayfair, ice queen. I felt sick.
‘Oh, okay, so how many children does Mrs Mayfair have?’ I asked gingerly.
‘Emily?’
I nodded.
‘Emily has a boy and a girl, precious little poppets who have been sent away to the best boarding school that money can buy. Don’t stress, my sister’s au pair days are well and truly over.’
Now I was confused. Why was I even here? Who could I possibly be employed by? I knew they were being cryptic but this was just getting ridiculous. The no-questions rule be damned, I had to know.
‘So, why are you here?’
‘Exactly.’
Nikki smiled. ‘Well, you’re about to find out. Dave, can we take a detour to Lafayette, please?’
‘Are you sure?’ Dave asked.
‘Oh, it’s okay, he’s not there today,’ Nikki said, waving dismissively as she tapped away on her phone.
‘And Mrs Worthington—’
‘It will be our little secret.’
Dave mumbled under his breath.
‘Don’t worry, Dave, she hasn’t put a tracking device on your car … yet.’
As much as I was looking forward to the mystery being solved, I didn’t want to get Dave fired. I leant across the leather seat. ‘You know, I think I’ll just wait until tomorrow’s interview. I mean, what’s one more day anyway?’
‘Absolutely not, I don’t want anyone else for the job, and I certainly don’t want you having a night to think about it and change your mind.’
‘Why would I change my mind?’
Dave’s eyes flicked up again, meeting Nikki’s briefly before she looked out to the streetscape again. ‘Oh, no reason,’ she said unconvincingly.
Now I was worried. From the moment Dr Liebenberg had spoken of helping with a ‘situation’ it was obvious that I was signing up for something strange. What was this place on Lafayette? If I woke in a bathtub of ice without my kidneys, I was going to be seriously pissed.
Chapter Three
I wish I could say the beauty of the rustic building made me feel more optimistic about things, but I was tired, hungry and over it as we rode the elevator to the ninth floor. It opened directly opposite a set of rich mahogany doors with a gold 9A in the centre. Nikki walked toward the doors while I stood in place, widened eyes taking in the luxurious space. The white and grey marble floors gleamed, reflecting my totally inappropriate outfit choice back to me. The click of Nikki’s low heels bounced off the ornate high ceilings. I tried not to let my mouth gape, because, well, that would just be embarrassing.
Then I remembered, whatever the feeling churning inside me, I was in New York fucking City!
Nikki had already announced herself via the video intercom and now she confidently pushed the unlocked door and made her way through, leaving it open for me. She grinned as I followed her, sensing that I was rather taken aback by the scale of the apartment.
‘Three-and-a-half-thousand square feet, Brazilian hardwood flooring, twenty-six-foot-high ceilings, roof garden.’
‘Wow!’ I said.
‘If you think this is impressive, wait until you see the star attraction,’ she said, gesturing for me to climb the sweeping stairs that wrapped around the wall. As I ascended, my attention was diverted to the massive windows with their sweeping city views. I misstepped a few times and made sure to grip the balustrade to make the climb without serious injury. With a view like that I didn’t begrudge the detour anymore, I could sightsee from the apartment. The whole day had been a bit of a magical mystery tour; from Seventh Avenue Park Central Hotel, to a Turtle Bay Gardens brownstone to a Manhattan penthouse. Yeah, just another Monday.
On the landing of the second floor we were greeted by an older lady, the penthouse equivalent of the brownstone’s Frieda, except this woman seemed a little more guarded as her eyes swept me over.
Nikki slid off her scarf and handed it to the woman. ‘How is she?’ Nikki whispered, not an easy feat when she was trying her best to recover her breath from the ascent.
‘You shouldn’t be climbing those stairs, Miss Nikki, I will not be mopping up if your waters break. I could have come down to you.’
‘No, don’t wake her.’
‘She’s awake.’ The woman waved her words away as she went to the closest door.
Nikki’s eyes were alight when she looked at me. ‘Come,’ she said, and stepped into a nursery bigger than my parents’ lounge, dining, kitchen and bathroom combined. A light grey shaded the walls and was highlighted by white furniture and pink fabrics, and another giant window that overlooked the city. A rocking chair next to the window made for the most out-of-this-world nursing corner. I stood in the middle of the room, taking it all in, hardly believing that people could be born into such places. It was such a far cry from my world.
Nikki crept forward, peering into the white cot that had pride of place in the centre of the room. As she tucked her hair behind her ears, a beaming smile spread across her face. ‘Hello, beautiful,’ she crooned. ‘Look who’s awake.’
I walked closer, but before I could cover much distance, Nikki reached in and carefully lifted the baby from the cot. Bigger than a newborn and far more alert, at a guess the baby was three or four months old.
Nikki shifted her into her arms with well-practised ease. ‘Did you have a good sleep, Gracie girl?’
And almost as if on cue, the crinkled little pink face yawned. We all smiled, even the cranky maid, who watched from over Nikki’s shoulder.
Nikki looked at me, as if seeing me for the first time. ‘Now, Grace, I want you to meet someone very special.’
She came over to me, rocking the baby ever so gently.
‘This is Sarah. Don’t tell anyone, but she’s going to be your new au pair. You are going to be hanging out with her a lot, and she’s new to New York, so you’re going to have to take care of her, okay?’
Grace’s wild, roaming gaze shifted around the room, flitting from Nikki to the ceiling, and then my way – I could almost feel my heart tighten. A jet-black mop of hair and those blue-grey eyes I had seen before; the worldly, distinctive gaze of a Worthington.
I held out my hand, placing it in the little curve of her soft, wrinkled fingers. ‘Nice to meet you, Grace, I hope you can keep a secret.’ I smiled, admiring the perfect bow of her lips, and her button nose.
Nikki laughed. ‘Don’t worry, she won’t tell anyone.’
‘What? Not even me?’
A deep voice pulled our attention to the nursery door, where a man watched with interest. It wasn’t the shock of his voice or that he’d appeared out of nowhere that caused my breath to hitch in my throat. It was that his unnerving blue-grey eyes were looking right at me.
‘Hello, Ben,’ Nikki said, turning her attention back to Grace. ‘I thought you weren’t going to be in today.’
‘No such luck,’ the man said as he walked to the other side of the cot. His demeanour made Penny Worthington seem like Mary Poppins. He scooped a soft teddy from the mattress and looked at it thoughtfully.
‘You say that like you don’t want to see me,’ Nikki teased.
‘Just how often do you use this place as a drop-in centre?’
‘Can’t an aunty come see her favorite niece?’
My eyes shifted to Ben with a new interest as the penny finally dropped: this was Nikki’s brother, Ben Worthington. I quickly turned away when he looked at me, focusing on Grace, now fully awake and squirming in Nikki’s arms.
‘Don’t let Emily hear you say that,’ he said, his hardened eyes changing as he regarded his daughter. Love softened his face, transforming him, making him more human and no less handsome. His hair was dark, as were the circles under his eyes, and there was stubble along his jawline. His tall, lean frame was encased in an immaculate business suit, but his look was tempered by something unkempt. I tried to stop them, but my eyes kept straying back to him. I had never felt more awkward, but then it suddenly hit me: Grace was the ‘situation’, and I was to be the au pair for this little baby. Ben Worthington was my potential, rather intimidating, new boss; the one I was meant to meet tomorrow. He probably had no idea.
Until Nikki let the cat out of the bag.
‘Ben, this is Sarah, the one Mother has been grilling about the au pair position for Gracie.’
Ben’s eyes went from soft and lovely to harsh, flicking to me then to his sister.
Nikki read the change, and handed Grace over to the maid. ‘Ruth, can you take Gracie, please?’
Perhaps I should have been grateful that Nikki was on the receiving end of those eyes, but I felt even more uncomfortable when the siblings continued to speak as if I wasn’t there.
‘A little young, don’t you think?’ he said.
‘Don’t start, she is more than qualified. You
read the profile.’
‘It’s just paper.’
‘Well, what are you going to do then, Ben, because you can’t keep up what you’re doing; it’s ridiculous. Ruth may be a wonderful housekeeper but she can’t be your nanny, too. Have you even held your daughter today?’
His rage was palpable. If looks could kill I would have been seriously concerned for Nikki’s safety. But she refused to back down, ignoring the vein that bulged in his neck.
‘Go home, Nikki, and worry about your own brood.’
Nikki breathed out a laugh. ‘You are just as selfish as Dad. Come on, Sarah, I’m sorry you had to witness this.’
I was more than happy to follow her out and get away from him. At least I had clarity once and for all: come Thursday, I would fly home and write this off as an experience.
We had barely made it to the stairs when Ben’s voice stilled us.
‘I didn’t ask Sarah to go, just you.’
Nikki looked at me from the step below; she appeared as shocked as I was. ‘What?’ she asked.
Ben leant casually on the doorframe, sighing wearily and rubbing the stubble on his jawline. ‘Might as well get this over with, saves having Mother and Emily on my doorstep tomorrow.’
‘Yeah, well, nobody wants that,’ agreed Nikki. She stepped up to be level with my terrified expression. ‘I’ll wait for you downstairs, and then Dave can drive you back to the hotel,’ she told me.
‘I’ll make sure she gets home.’
‘It’s no trouble, I’ll wait,’ Nikki said adamantly.
‘I don’t know how long this will take.’
How long could it take for him to say I wasn’t suitable for the position? I could tell Nikki was thinking the same.
‘I’ll wait,’ she said pointedly.
Ben shook his head. ‘You’re stubborn as a mule.’
‘I could think of worse traits.’ Nikki turned to me. ‘Go on, I’ll be downstairs.’ She spoke like I was about to go off to war. Maybe I was.
As she started to descend the stairs, leaving me alone with Ben Worthington on the landing of his penthouse suite, I switched into another mode. Adopting a new bravery, I turned and met his expectant stare, ready to hold out my hand and properly introduce myself, but I was curtly cut off.