“As long as it’s not derogatory that is fine with me.”
He paused in his walking, as did Billy and they both looked ready to cuss somebody out on my behalf. “Yo, who in the world would call you something derogatory as a nickname?”
I paused and gave him a tight smile before I answered. “You would be surprised.” It would probably be even more shocking to learn it was family doing the name-calling.
He shook his head as though he didn’t believe me. “Not surprised, I’d be disgusted. But anyway, Billy, have a good rest of the day. I will get her settled in and we can go on from there.” He leaned over and gave her a hug that she happily reciprocated before she looked at me. She stuck her hand out but I was sure she didn’t really want just a handshake. Billy, for all her no-nonsense attitude looked like a hugger. It was too bad that I wasn’t in a space to be that open with people, but maybe one day I would be.
“It was a pleasure to meet you, Sterling. You were even more than what the agency said you would and I know that you and the baby will enrich Money’s life in ways he can’t even understand yet.”
Aldrich tapped her on the shoulder before I could even respond like they had some secret language between the two of them I wasn’t aware of. “Bye, Billy.”
“I know you're not trying to kick me out. I will have Coby tackle your ass the next time y’all are at the facility together, stop playing with me.”
“I’m more afraid of you than his ass.” That smirk on his face was joking but I could tell he meant every word he said.
“And that’s why you’re a smart man.” She punched his shoulder playfully and he grabbed it like it was about to fall off. I was watching them with probably far too much interest because I had never seen people be so openly nice to each other. My cousin Dalton and I were probably the closest cousins there were but even we still didn’t roughhouse like this.
Damn, maybe there is something wrong with me.
“I’ve included all of my information in the email I’m sending to you right now. You’ll have me on speed dial and if you have questions about the area, let me know. Rachelle Stewart is an exceptional woman and she is used to getting players and their families acclimated when they get to the city. So her information will be there for you too because I know that Money’s ass hasn’t even started on getting stuff for the baby.”
“I’m getting the big things first. I think somebody caring for her besides me is a good first step.”
Billy looked at him like he had lost his mind and he looked right back like he was being completely serious. She broke the silent standoff by turning to me with a grim look on her face.
“You see what you’re getting into? You haven’t signed yet so there’s still time to back out, Sterling.”
I smiled at her because she was really putting me at ease with this situation. “I’m not a quitter and at least he hasn’t wasted his money on stupid stuff. I can always help with whatever needs to be collected before discharge.”
Billy smiled broadly as she pointed at me. “True. I knew I liked you. Welp, I’ll be in touch and your sign-on bonus will be in your account within twenty-four hours.”
“Bonus?” This was the first time I heard anything about this. I wasn’t sure if Dalton didn’t know or if he didn’t want me to ask too many questions for why a bonus was needed. Normally that meant people were desperate because their demands were too high or their kids were too damn bad.
“Yes, for the short notice. Were you not aware?” Billy looked like she thought that might have been what had tempted me to take the assignment and I hadn’t even known about it. I didn’t want to lie but Dalton hadn’t said a word.
“No, I wasn’t.”
Billy’s gaze slid to Aldrich and he had that sheepish look on his face again. “Money, did you forget to mention that?”
“Of course I did.” He looked back at her like she should’ve known he wasn’t going to remember everything and I wondered if he was a spoiled man. I knew football players were pampered but I couldn’t be babysitting him too.
“Girl, do your best to keep him on track cause as you can see he needs it.” She looked truly sympathetic and it made me wonder if she faced similar challenges since it seemed like her husband worked with Mr. Dinero.
“I’ll do my best.”
“Alright, I’m gone. I’ll get this completed at the office. Have a good rest of y’all’s day.” She waved and we watched her until she got into her car and cranked it up. I thought it was sweet that he made sure she was safe before he closed the door. But as soon as he did the temperature in the room grew hotter. I felt mildly uncomfortable because I was so aware of him. I wasn’t sure how this would work because normally my nanny assignments were during breaks when I was in college in order to avoid being stuck in the family compound all summer. But now it was an indefiniteassignment because my charge was a newborn. And she wasn’t even here yet.
Which made me feel crazy for being here without my charge.
“So, do you want the tour now or later?”
I glanced around unsure of what he would show me but a bunch of empty spaces. “I can do it now before I leave.”
He moved forward and I watched him, wondering why he looked so panicked. “Leave? I thought you were good to start immediately. I’m supposed to pick her up in a few days.”
I held up a hand remembering that he was brand new to this and didn’t understand anything that needed to happen from here out.
“I understand but I wasn’t going to assume that I was going to get the job so I left my things at a locker in the airport.” I hadn’t booked a return ticket just in case he decided that he wanted me to stay on. Since I was clearly hired, I was glad I’d brought the three large bags that I had waiting on me. Dalton had told me it was a done deal unless I didn’t want the job so I prepared as if I was going to stay. Anything else I needed would have to be purchased along the way.
