by Sandi Lynn
Sebastian walked over and grabbed my bags.
“You’re staying with me until you figure things out.”
“No. I can’t do that.”
“Too bad.” He began rolling my bags over to his house.
I placed my hand on my forehead.
“We’re not going to let you stay in a shelter, Alex,” Stefan said.
“Why? Why can’t you just leave me alone and let me go?”
“Because shelters are dirty,” Sam said as he took a few steps closer. “Although I’m not sure if Sebastian’s house is any cleaner.” His lips formed a smirk.
“Sam, stop it.” Julia playfully smacked his arm.
“Just go to Sebastian’s house and we’ll figure something out,” Stefan spoke.
“Fine.” I turned to the Uber driver. “I’m sorry but I won’t be needing you after all.”
“Okay. Have a nice day,” the nice man spoke.
I gave him a small smile and reluctantly walked over to Sebastian’s house.
Stefan
“I’m warning you right now, bro,” I said as Sebastian walked back over.
“Warning me about what?”
“Stay away from Alex.”
“Seriously, Stefan?” His eye narrowed at me. “Do you honestly think I would try something?”
“Duh.”
He rolled his eyes and shook his head.
“Don’t forget the barbecue starts at six.” He walked away.
I said goodbye to Simon, Sam, and Julia and walked up to Lily’s room. Opening the door, she was sitting on her bed watching TV.
“Are you happy now? Alex left. She’s going to stay with Uncle Sebastian.”
“Good.” She sat there with her arms folded.
“What is your problem, Lily?”
“Nothing. She just shouldn’t be here.”
I sighed as I stared at her.
“We’re going to Uncle Sebastian’s later for a barbeque so make sure your homework is done.”
She rolled her eyes at me.
“Don’t roll your eyes at me, little girl.”
I shut the door and went into the guest room where Alex stayed last night. Lying on the bed was one of her sweaters. Picking it up, I took it over to Sebastian’s.
“Where’s Alex?” I asked Sebastian.
“In the guestroom.”
“She left this at the house.” I held up her sweater.
I walked up the stairs and when I approached the guestroom, I lightly knocked on the door.
“Come in.”
“Hey.” I smiled. “You left this at my house.” I handed the sweater to her.
“Thanks. How’s Lily?”
“She’s a brat and she’s pushing every one of my buttons.”
“Isn’t that what children do?” She laughed.
My phone pinged with a text message from Simon.
“Come over. I need to talk to you.”
“I have to go. Simon needs me to run over.”
“Okay. Thanks for bringing this by.”
“You’re welcome. See you later at the barbeque?”
“We’ll see.” The corners of her mouth curved upward.
I placed my phone in my pocket and headed over to Simon’s.
“What’s up?”
“I ran the background check on Alex.”
“And?”
“Her full name is Alessandra Nicole Clark and she’s as clean as a whistle. So, I decided to pull a background check on her parents. Her mother died when she was seven, and her father had a few DUI’s over the years. He served a six-month sentence for driving under the influence with Alex in the car when she was nine. She went into foster care while he was in jail and when he was released and completed his classes, she was returned to her home.”
“She told me today that she left home when she was eighteen and that her father wouldn’t be receiving any Father of the Year awards. Now I know why.”
“Where has she been for seven years?” Simon’s brows furrowed.
“I don’t know. All I know is the last place she was in was Seattle.”
“Do you think her father abused her?”
“I asked her if he—you know, and she said no.”
“Maybe it wasn’t physical abuse that drove her away. Who knows. Anyway, she checks out as far as I can tell. I have someone checking on that phone number you gave me. I’ll get the information tomorrow.”
“Thanks, bro.” I placed my hand on his shoulder.
“Anytime, brother.”
Chapter 9
Alex
I helped Sebastian get things ready for the barbeque. As he was making the burgers, I took note of the seasonings he was using.
“Don’t tell anyone what you saw here.” He smirked. “It’s my own special blend. Top secret.”
“I won’t.” I let out a laugh.
His family started to arrive as I was setting the paper plates, napkins, and silverware on the table outside on the patio.
“How’s it going?” Stefan asked as he walked over to me.
“It’s going good. Hi, Lily.”
“Hey.” She looked down as she walked past me.
“I’m going to grab a beer. Can I get you one?” Stefan asked.
“Sure. Thanks.”
While Sebastian grilled the hot dogs and hamburgers, I watched as Lily sat in the sand with her bucket and shovel. Taking my chances, I walked down and joined her.
“What are you doing?” I asked as she was drawing in the sand with a stick in her hand.
“What does it look like? I’m designing my sandcastle before I build it.”
“Nice. You have a real talent like your dad and Uncle Sam.”
She shrugged.
“Your dad told me about Nanny Kate.”
“Why would he tell you?”
“Because he’s worried about you. My mom died when I was seven.”
“From what?” she asked.
“Cancer. So, it was just me and my dad. Kind of like it’s just you and your dad.”
“Is your dad nice?”
“I’m not going to lie to you because I don’t believe in lying to children. But no, he’s far from a nice man.”
She stopped digging in the sand and looked up at me.
“Where is he?”
“He’s at home, back in Ohio.”
“Do you miss him?”
“No. Not at all.”
“I’d miss my dad.”
“I know you would.” I gave her a smile.
“Do you miss your mom?” she asked.
“I do, and I think about her every day.”
“I miss Nanny Kate.”
“What do you miss about her?”
“I don’t know. I just miss her.”
“Tell me what the two of you used to do.”
“She was just always there. She’d read to me, help me with my homework, pick me up from school. Now, things are different.”
“You’re angry at Nanny Kate, aren’t you?”
She slowly nodded her head.
“I was angry too when my mom died. I was so mad at her for leaving me.”
“You were?”
“Yes. It wasn’t fair, and I had all this rage inside me screaming and fighting to get out.”
“What did you do?” she asked.
“I talked to her. Sometimes I still do.”
“I wish I could talk to Nanny Kate.” She pouted.
“Why can’t you? You can text her or even call her on the phone.”
“Do you think my dad would let me?”
“I’m sure he will. Listen, Lily, just because someone isn’t around anymore, doesn’t mean you have to forget them. Do you have any pictures of you and Nanny Kate?”
She shook her head.
“I’m sure your dad does. Maybe he can print one and give it to you. I have a picture of me and my mom that I keep with me everywhere I go.”
“You do?”
“Yep.” I smiled.
/>
“Can I see it?”
“Sure. It’s in my room at your uncle’s house. Do you want to come with me, and I’ll show you?”
“Yeah.” She smiled.
Stefan
“This is making me very nervous,” I spoke as I brought the bottle up to my lips.
“So far so good,” Sam spoke. “She’s not yelling or screaming at Alex.
“Look!” Sebastian said. “They’re coming and Lily is holding Alex’s hand.
“What the hell?”
“Looks like Alex might have gotten through to her.” Julia smirked.
“The burgers and hot dogs are ready,” Sebastian said as Lily opened the sliding door.
“We’ll be right back, Uncle Sebastian. “Alex is going to show me something.” She smiled.
“I haven’t seen that kid smile in weeks.” I shook my head.
“Seems to me that maybe she’s taking a liking to Alex,” Simon spoke.
Alex
I pulled out the picture and handed it to Lily.
“She’s so pretty.”
“She was the most beautiful woman I knew.”
“Does it hurt to talk about her?”
“Not at all. I have a lot of wonderful memories with my mom and it’s those memories that keep her spirit alive.”
“I have a lot of memories with Nanny Kate.”
“I’m sure you do. All you have to do is keep remembering them and everything will be okay. You’ll be okay.” I tapped her on the nose. “You do understand why Nanny Kate had to leave, right?”
“Yeah. I know. She got sick.”
“And you know it’s not her fault?”
She nodded her head.
“Then maybe it’s time to say goodbye to your anger. You have an amazing dad, Lily. He loves you so much, and he’s sad that you’re hurting. He needs you just as much as you need him right now.”
“I know.” She lowered her head. “I’m going to say goodbye to the anger now.”
“Do you need some help?” I smiled.
“No. I got this.”
She closed her eyes real tight, took in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds. When she opened her eyes, she threw her arms around my neck.
“It’s gone now,” she whispered.
I could feel the tears spring to my eyes as I hugged her tight.
“Good girl. Come on. We better go join everybody for dinner. I’m starving.” I tickled her.
“Me too.” She laughed.
She walked over and grabbed the handle to one of my suitcases.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“You can stay at my house tonight.”
“I think we better ask your dad first.”
“We don’t have to. I know he’ll say yes.”
Chapter 10
Stefan
“Um, bro.” Sebastian pointed.
Turning around, I saw Lily wheeling Alex’s suitcase out the door and Alex behind her.
“What are you doing?” I asked my daughter.
“Taking Alex’s suitcases back to our house. She’s staying with us tonight.”
“She is?” I arched my brow at Alex.
She smiled as she shrugged.
“Yes, Dad. She can stay as long as she wants.”
Julia leaned over and placed her hand on my shoulder.
“I think you just found your new nanny.”
I stared at her as a wide grin crossed her face.
“I don’t think I can do that.”
“Why not?” Sam asked.
“What if she doesn’t have experience with children?”
“I think she just proved herself,” Simon said.
“I think our brother is worried about something else.” Sebastian smirked.
“Shut up, douchebag.” I picked up a hot dog bun and threw it at him while he sat there and laughed.
The three of us arrived back at my house around eight p.m.
“Lily, go change into your pajamas. It’s almost time for bed.”
“Okay. Can Alex tuck me in too?”
“Of course, I will.” The corners of Alex’s mouth curved upward.
“Okay. I’ll let you know when I’m ready.”
“What did you say to her?” I asked as we stood in the kitchen.
“I just told her that I knew what she was going through. As you know, my mom passed away when I was seven, and I pretty much acted the same way at first. Do you have any pictures of Lily and Nanny Kate?”
“Yeah. I have some on my phone, why?”
“You need to have them printed for her. Also, she needs to be able to either text or call Nanny Kate.”
“We can do that. But it also depends on how Nanny Kate is feeling.”
“I know, and I explained that to Lily.”
Lily yelled for us that she was ready for bed.
“Did you brush your teeth?” I asked as I walked into her bedroom.
“Yes, Dad. I brush them every night. You know that.”
“Just making sure. I wouldn’t be a good dad if I didn’t ask. Good night, baby girl.” I kissed her forehead. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad.”
Alex walked over and took hold of Lily’s hand.
“You’re a brave girl, Lily Kind. Sweet dreams.”
“You too, Alex. Dad?”
“Yeah, baby girl?”
“Can Alex come with us when you drop me off at school tomorrow?”
“If she wants to.”
“I’d love to go with you.” She smiled at Lily.
After shutting the door, I told Alex I needed to speak with her.
“Can I get you a glass of wine?”
“Do you have Pinot?”
“I do.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“Then I’d love some.”
I grabbed the bottle of Pinot from the wine rack along with two glasses.
“What did you want to talk to me about?”
“I may have a job offer for you?” I handed her the glass.
“Thank you. What kind of job offer?”
“I would like to hire you to work for me.”
“At your company?” She cocked her head.
“No. As Lily’s nanny.”
“What?” She laughed.
“I’ve been searching for another person since Nanny Kate left. I did end up hiring one, but she quit within a few days. Lily ran her right out of here. She likes you, Alex, and since you don’t have a job or a place to live, I think it would be perfect for you. I need someone who will take Lily to and from school, activities, clean the house, do the shopping and help her with her homework when I’m not here.”
“You’re serious, aren’t you?”
“Yeah. I am. The pay is good, and I provide health insurance. I’ll be honest with you. I’ve never had a live-in nanny. Nanny Kate had her own apartment. But since you don’t have anywhere else to go, the guestroom will be your room. You’ll have access to everything in the house and our home will be your home.”
“I don’t know anything about kids, Stefan. I’ve never taken care of a kid in my life, except myself.”
“I hadn’t either when Lily was born. You learn along the way. Plus, she’s nine and she’s self-sufficient.”
“I can’t believe you’re offering this to me.”
“I’m desperate, Alex, and from what I can see, you are too. Let’s face it. You have $100 to your name, no place to live, no car, and I’m in need of a nanny.”
“Gee. You make my life sound so pathetic.” She laughed.
I couldn’t help but smile.
“It’s your reality right now. But that can all change very quickly.”
“And if I were to accept the position, how would I transport your daughter to and from school?”
“I was thinking about that. Tomorrow, I’ll ask one of my brothers to give us a ride to Lily’s school and then after we drop her off, I’ll have them drop us off at the car rental shop. I’ll rent tw
o vehicles. One for me and one for you. Just until our cars are back from the body shop.”
“Okay. I accept your job offer.”
“Really?” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“Yes. Besides, I would be stupid for giving up the chance to live in this gorgeous house on the beach.”
“Excellent. We’ll tell Lily in the morning since you’ll be picking her up from school.”
“Okay. What time does she start in the morning?”
“Eight o’clock. So, we have to leave by seven-thirty at the latest. Drop off and pick up is a nightmare. You’ll see. I’m going to run over to Sam’s house and see if he can drive us in the morning.”
“Okay. I’m going to take a bath and then unpack my suitcases.”
“I’ll see you later.” I gave her a smile before heading over to Sam’s house.
Chapter 11
Stefan
Was I doing the right thing? I wasn’t sure. Having a beautiful woman under my roof and taking care of my daughter might be too much. Rules and boundaries would have to be put in place. She was my daughter’s nanny, and she was off-limits. No exceptions.
Before I approached the sliding door to Sam’s house, I covered my eyes.
“You two aren’t doing anything I shouldn’t see, are you?”
“No. You’re lucky. We just finished.”
“Don’t listen to him, Stefan. Come on in,” Julia spoke.
“Well, did you talk to Alex about the position?” Sam asked.
“I did, and she accepted.”
“It’s not like she had much of a choice,” Julia said. “If it was me, I would have accepted too. I feel bad for what she’s been through the past couple of days. Did you find out any more about her?”
“No. But I will.”
“I’ll leave you two to talk. I’m going upstairs to take a bath.”
“See ya, Julia.”
“How about a scotch?” Sam asked.
“Yes. Definitely.” I followed him into the living room.
“I know I don’t have to tell you what an attractive woman Alex is.” He glanced up at me as he poured the scotch into a glass.
“No. You don’t.” I sighed.
“Is that going to be an issue for you having her living in your house?”