“I mean, the position is very much open,” he continues.
“No, it’s not.” I receive a glower in response.
Not for someone who works at Starbound. There’s no way I’d let anyone involved in that industry into my life because I know what they’re like.
I’ve met Alexander.
I’ve met the press.
They all want one thing—a good story and money.
Although I’m having a hard time convincing myself that Flo fits that narrative entirely because she looks at me like she can’t stand the sight of my face. Most people try to keep me sweet when they want something.
Where will she even find the time to look after a kid when she’s already working anyway?
“Ignore him, he hasn’t had his afternoon coffee, and he’s going delirious. Maybe you should go and lie down, West.”
“Youarelooking for a job, Flo,” Mae chimes in.
Darrell hums. “Oh really?” His eyes meet Flo’s wide ones. “Flo, out of curiosity, is that something you’d be interested in?”
I’m waiting for an immediate no, but it doesn’t come. Instead, Flo hesitates, her teeth toying with her bottom lip, eyes flickering down to my son. They shine brightly, and Isee that twinkle in them that I really don’t want to. Like she’s actually considering it.
“I don’t want to pressure you into anything, but we really are in desperate need of a live-in nanny. Someone who’s reliable and who can putMr I’m going to fire everyone in sight before giving them a chance,here, at ease.”
“You sayweas if you share custody,” I add grumpily.
“A live-in nanny? Like I’d live with…” Flo’s gaze tangles with mine. “You.”
“Notinthe house,” I pipe up, shaking my head. I seriously can’t think of anything worse than having this woman live with me. “There’s a cabin on my property I need to finish fixing up forwhenwe find someone.”
When.
Meaning not her.
“You’ve seen the kid, West.” Coach gestures to Leo as he babbles to Donkey on the bench. “He looks like he adores the girl, and I’ll help you find a permanent nanny in the meantime. But do me a favour and give someone a chance for once. You’ve met her, you know her friends, she’s great with Leo. What is there to lose?”
“My sanity.”
“You did say you wanted to move closer to the city. And you have a month-to-month lease on your apartment. Technically, you’re ready to move out whenever.” Mae shrugs at Flo, who sighs, her fingers twirling around her long hair.
“I mean, I am looking for something to do while I research the trip. It would definitely be a change from what I’m used to, but I’m not afraid to try something new, being jobless and all.”
Just the other day, she was working for Alexander, so what happened?
“This isn’t just something you can try out because it seems fun. It’s a lot of responsibility.”
“I’m aware.”
I meet her stare, and she raises it a notch, tilting her chin up, letting me know that if I want to object to this, I need to do it now because she’s about to accept.
I release a frustrated sigh. I’m really outnumbered here; backed into a corner like a measly mouse.
“Don’t be so moody. It’ll be for a couple of months at most.” Mae’s tone holds excitement. “Leo will have the best summer of his life.”
“I can sign a contract in my blood promising so if it’ll make you feel better,” Flo suggests, but I can’t tell if she’s trying to be funny or not. Her face is hard to read.
They’re not going to take no for an answer, are they?
