“So what exactly does this job involve?”
“Teaching him how to take care of a six-month-old. Feeding, changing diapers, understanding why babies cry, that kind of thing.” I watch Jordan’s shadow move through his kitchen. “You should have seen him at the grocery store, Esme. He was completely lost. But he’s trying so hard.”
“And he’s paying you for this?”
“Fifty an hour.”
Esme whistles. “That’s really good money.”
“Too good. I tried to tell him it was too much, but he insisted.”
“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. You need this job.”
“I know. It’s just…” I trail off, not sure how to articulate the feeling that’s been growing all day.
“Just what?”
“It feels weird.”
“Weird how?”
I stare at Jordan’s house, where the kitchen light just went out. “Working for him. Living next door to him. The whole situation.”
“Hmm… What aren’t you telling me?”
I sigh. Esme has known me since high school. She can read me like a book.
“He’s… kind of awesome.”
“I knew it! Of course you would have a crush on him. He’s too hot not to. What’s he like?”
“Kind. Patient with Ash. He even likes comic books. Also, he’s completely clueless about babies but willing to learn.” I pause, remembering the way Jordan’s face lit up when Henry smiled at him. “He’s got this serious, professional thing going on, but then Henry will do something cute, and he gets this smile…”
“Maybe you should go for it.”
“I can’t.” I sigh. “The last thing I want to do is make things awkward and lose the best employment opportunity I’ve had in months.”
“True,” she muses. “This sounds good, though. How long since you’ve had a positive male influence around?”
“Esme.”
“I’m serious. When’s the last time you went on a date?”
I try to remember. “Six months? Eight months?”
“That’s too long.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“You’re always busy. That’s not the same thing as not having time for yourself.”
She’s right, and I know she’s right. But dating feels like a luxury I can’t afford right now.
“Besides, even if I did have feelings for Jordan, which I’m not saying I do, he’s clearly not in a place for anything complicated. He has his hands full with Henry.”
“Maybe. Or maybe you’reexactlywhat he needs right now.”
“To take care of his nephew, yes. Anything else is just my imagination.”
