Is she jealous? I certainly hope so. This feels a little more fun than it should.
“These are from the agency,” I protest. “It doesn’t matter though, because she’s too pretty. I’m going to set up an interview with the first one.”
“Are there any grandmotherly type options? That seems like your best bet.” Caroline is straining to glance at my phone again.
If not jealous, because she hasn’t known me long enough to be jealous, she is definitely competitive. This is alotmore fun.
“Why is that?”
“They’re reliable. And not looking for a rich husband.”
“You think nannies are just trying to steal husbands?” That is a very cynical point of view. It sounds like something I would say.
“I don’t mean they wouldstealhusbands. But you’re single, right?”
“Very single,” I agree. “And not looking for a marriage of convenience with a twenty-one-year-old nanny.” I give her a grin. “Sorry if that ruins your plans.”
Caroline laughs. “You’re safe with me. I promise I’m not angling for a husband.”
It makes me curious what shedoeswant in life. She seems very confident and easygoing.
“That’s a relief.”
“And I’m not twenty-one,” she adds lightly. “I’m twenty-eight, so I’m basically aging out of trophy wife potential.”
The corner of her mouth is turned up. She is enjoying teasing me.
“Oh, yeah, you might as well resign yourself to marrying for love at this point.”
She laughs. “That’s always been the plan. Just waiting for Mr. Wonderful to pop out of a bush because I’m not actively looking.”
“Is that how people find spouses these days? Good thing I don’t have a yard.” I give her a wink. “So tell me about yourself, Caroline. I’ve been too overwhelmed to ask you much, so I apologize for that. You’re between jobs?”
“Yes, by choice. I teach overseas and I’ve been doing two year assignments. I start another in a few weeks in Colombia.”
“Wow, that sounds interesting. Does it give you time to travel?”
“Yes, I’ve been all over Europe and Asia.”
Caroline, the temp nanny, is even more fascinating than I expected. It’s also nice to be around a woman who has no obvious interest in a long-term relationship. Though I am definitely curious to see if she might be on board with a little naked fun once she’s no longer my employee.
“What was your favorite place?”
“Croatia. The water was gorgeous, and the people were lovely.”
“I’ve never been there. I’d love to go.” Though it occurs to me, my days of spontaneous weekend trips all over the world might be over.
With that in mind, I look at my phone screen again and go through three more nanny profiles. “What about her?” I ask Caroline, turning my phone so she can see.
This woman is around my age and she looks very…wholesome. Like she bakes bread and goes to church twice a week. Like she doesn’t wear tight leggings and little crop tops to work.
“She’s not bad,” Caroline says. “She looks reliable.”
Maybe she’s right. Maybe I need a wholesome nanny. “I’ll set up an interview.” I realize that I’m bumping up against my next meeting. “Gotta go jump on a call. Are you good here?”
“Yes, we’re fine. I’m leaving at five, just to remind you.”
“Got it. Thanks.” I retreat into my bedroom, which has become Evelyn’s bedroom as well, and a makeshift office.
