“Oh! Good! So it's being seen after all.”
“I'd say so.” Tess studied him. Wait, so … he knew about this? Huh. Confusion filled her.
The man rubbed his temples. “I'm Brian Taylor. Come on in, and we'll discuss the ad.”
“Tess Dixon.” They shook hands, and she followed Brian into the house.
“My girls aren't home. They're with my sister, but if this interview goes well, you can meet them soon.”
Concern overtook her. Ok, this was going too far. What in the world was happening here? “Look, Mr. Taylor...” How could he actually be interviewing for this ad? What the hell had she just walked into?
“Do you have a resume? Experience with children?”
She stopped in her tracks, dumbfounded. Was he serious right now? “Yes. I'm the oldest of five, and I grew up having to care for my siblings when my father was sick.” Which had been often. Then came the caring for her father part, which turned into a whole new issue. But that wouldn't be, and couldn't be, divulged. “I've also taken care of other children in recent years.” And they too, hadn't learned about her past. No one could.
He faced her and nodded. “My girls … they've had their struggles over the last few years.”
“I see.” She debated on her next move. Holding the ad up again, Tess tried to get another word in. “Mr. Taylor-”
“Brian, please.” He smiled.
Tess melted. What a smile.
“Ok, Brian.”
“Are you new in town?”
“I am. Arrived today, actually.”
He reeled back, eyes wide. “Oh?”
“Yes. I'm working with movie producers on a music soundtrack, and I get to stick around on set. But while I'm here, it would be nice to get another job that will pay more immediately.”
“A songwriter?” His brows rose. “And you're just passing through?”
“Yes. The movie is being made not too far out of town. Look, Mr. Taylor, I'm not here to apply for the ad. I...”
“Not here to apply for it? Then why are you here?” Question filled his eyes.
“I was down at Brewed With a View, where an older woman with a ton of bracelets gave me this. She told me it was a nanny position, but when I read the ad, it had nothing to do with a nanny job. It was … a wanted ad for a stand-in mom. I thought … I don't know, I felt the need to come here and see what's going on. I told myself just a peek at the house. Then you came out, and … here we are.” She held it out to him, and Brian snatched it from her hands.
As he read on, he shook his head. “Unbelievable!” he grunted. “I love those three, but this time, they went too far.” Anger laced his tone.
“Those three? There's only two girls names listed.” Confusion clung to her voice. So there were two different ads? Huh?
Brian met her gaze. “This isn't the ad I've been referring to. I'm afraid there's been a mix-up. Seems our local matchmakers are at it again, and they've allowed my girls to get sucked in. I'm not looking for a wife and stand-in mother, Tess.”
Embarrassment and shock hit her all at once. “I'm utterly confused right now.”
Brian sighed, but amusement filled his eyes. He walked away to a nearby table and picked something up. “Here.” He thrust another paper at her. “This is the correct ad. This is the one I'm referring to.”
Tess read on. Indeed, he'd placed a real wanted ad for a nanny. “I'm so sorry for coming over here, insinuating and guessing things.”
He laughed. “This ad is old, too. I immediately had them remove it, but apparently the dear old ladies had a few hidden copies left. Does that mean you aren't interested in the position, because I'm getting downright desperate here. If you sit down, I'll offer you a cold beverage and discuss the job. The guest quarters on the property would be included.”
Light bulb! A perfect fix to Chandler's screw up. Maybe this hadn't turned out so horrible after all.
“I don't have a resume on me, since I obviously wasn't expecting this, but I can give you references and everything. I do hope you know this won't be permanent. I'll be here a few months and then be moving on.” Better to get it all out now. She didn't, couldn't, do permanent.
“A few months will help me find another solution,” Brian said. “Where will you go after this?”
She shrugged. “That depends on things.”
He took a long, hard look at her, his eyes trying to search deeper and dig for more.
“I swear I'm not on the run. I just like to travel. I'm not one to plant roots.” Partial truth. She was on the run from the pain in her heart, but she wasn't dangerous and wasn't running from anything that would end up harming anyone. She just could never show her face at home again. Not after how no one believed her. How they'd believed him and all of his lies.
Tess kept her composure. Every time she thought of the situation, emotions slammed her. Right now wasn't the time to allow that. Later, when she was on her own and could pen her feelings into words that would make great lyrics, she could fall apart, but not right now. Not when she had a chance to pick up a temporary job.
Everything was always temporary.
Brian picked up good vibes from Tess. She had a quirky way about her, but overall, he liked her. He questioned what brought her here when she'd seen the other ad, but regardless, she seemed to be a quality candidate to fill in as a nanny, since the girls had once again run off their last one.
They sat across from each other at the dining room table. “So, Tatum is twelve and Alice is nine. They're both great kids, but they aren't without their troubles.” This would be the time that could possibly scare off Tess. Most other applicants felt they weren't equipped to deal with 'issues'. The few who did never lasted long.
“I've dealt with my fair share of trouble,” Tess replied with a smile. She was so easygoing, and gorgeous, too. Hazel eyes that could pierce right into your soul. Dirty blonde hair which she'd pulled up in a messy bun.
He couldn't guess her age by looking at her. She seemed younger than his own thirty-six years, but he sensed an old soul, too.
“Tatum doesn't talk,” he began.
“Doesn't talk?”
“Yes. She's … it's selective muteness.”
“May I ask why?”
Brian's throat grew dry. “The girls witnessed their mother's death four years ago.”
Her face crumpled. “Brian, I am so sorry.”
He cleared his throat, unable to speak at the moment. Finally, words formed. “Thank you. Ah, sometimes she's very closed off and won't communicate in any way, shape, or form. We've had psychologists and psychiatrists in and out, but when it comes down to it, most say she'll speak when she's ready.”
Tess nodded in understanding. “Ok. And Alice?”
“Alice can be the wild child. Her moods will change quickly. One minute, she'll warm up to you. The next, you're her worst enemy. It goes for anyone. She's a little rough around the edges and has found herself in trouble at school.” When Tess didn't speak, Brian continued. “I'd need you to get them off to school in the morning, then your days would be free until they come home. I'm usually home at five or so.”
“And what do you do?”
“I'm a teacher, and I also coach. Eighth grade math.”
She smiled. “Teacher. That's awesome.”
“Weekends would be off, unless I ask otherwise. Would these hours work with your schedule?”
“I think I can work with them. I don't always need to be on set, but there may be days I do need to go. I'm in the background as the songwriter, but I have the option to see some of the scenes unfold. It'll help with writing several songs for the soundtrack.”
“What a neat opportunity. Have any of your songs hit the radio airwaves?”
Her smile grew. “I have a few.”
“A few? So, you're famous?”
Tess laughed. “I'm so not famous.”
“Do you even need this job?” he teased.
“I need it to keep me busy,” she
admitted. “Right now, my stream of income is great with the songs playing on the radio, but I may not sell a song in a while. I like to find temporary jobs when I can.”
“So you don't stay in one place too long?”
“Back to that?” She folded her hands together. “I like this life. It works for me.”
He held up his hands. “No judgment from me. Just asking. Will you be staying through the summer?”
“Yes. They'll wrap up filming in August. At least, as of now. That could change, depending on any issues.”
“So do all songwriters get to stay around the film shooting?”
“I think it depends. For me, it works. I have nothing to tie me down. I don't have to do this, but it gives me a chance to travel.”
He eyed her. “How do you live that way?”
“Not planting roots? Easily. I like the lifestyle.” She shrugged.
“Hippie family?”
She laughed. “More like unstable. It's hard when there were that many of us and a lot of life's complications.”
“I hope I'm not offending you. I'm just … trying to wrap my mind around this. How old are you?”
“Twenty-seven.”
“So young!” Brian mused. Actually, a little older than he initially thought. She didn't look much older than early twenties.
“I want to experience so much while I can, you know? Before you know it, life sneaks up on you. Ages you. Maybe one day I'll find the one, settle down, and plant roots, but I'm not looking. If it happens, it happens.”
“Ok, so how about those references. Once I confirm them, we can see about introducing you to the girls?” He held his breath. Today turned out to be better than Brian anticipated. If he could get someone to take the job, things would be a lot smoother around here.
“I think I like that idea.” she agreed.
Brian handed her a piece of paper, and she wrote everything down. “Want to see the guest house?”
Her eyes lit up. “Sure!”
One thing he knew: this woman had a lot of spunk. If her references checked out, what would it hurt to bring a free spirited, fresh new perspective into his life?
He didn't admit it to many, but he'd become lonely. The girls' problems sometimes felt like a reflection on his parenting, doing it alone after four years. Something about Tess gave him hope, and he hadn't grasped on to hope in quite some time.
~End of Sneak Peek~
To continue reading, pick up September Breeze
Collect Them All
A CINNAMON BAY ROMANCE:
Love on the Boardwalk (Book One)
September Breeze by Nikki Lynn Barrett
Playing Doctor by Monique McDonell
Jewel of the Bay by Brea Viragh
Must Love Maybe by Holly Cortelyou
Treasure of My Heart by Shannyn Leah
Hers to Choose by Connie Davé
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Love on the Boardwalk: A Cinnamon Bay Romance - Book One Page 18