“I bet. Let me know what day. We’ll figure it out.”
“Okay.”
“Love you, Poop-Butt.”
“I love you, too, Stinky V.”
I placed my phone on the counter after the call ended, then got back to my eggs. After scrambling them and making a quick breakfast wrap, I searched for my shoes.
It was when I had both shoes on that I heard my phone vibrate on the counter. I headed back to the kitchen and collected it from the counter, seeing an email with the subject lineO, we should try again.
I figured it was spam, but I gave it a tap anyway.
Then my heart dropped as I read it.
What’s up O,
It’s been a while since we last spoke. Just wanted to tell you that I got a new job in Atlanta. I work for a tech company.
I saw you on TV sitting front and center during one of the Ravens’ basketball games. You were holding one of the player’s kids and the camera panned to you.
You nanny for him now? The Javier Valdez dude? Your sister’s engagement was all over the place, so I assume that’s how you got that job, connected with the team somehow? That’s cool. I know you wanted to be a nanny so I’m happy for you.
Let me know when you’re free. I’ve been trying to make myself a better man. I miss you and would love the chance to see you.
With love,
Luther
My mouth became sour, while my throat thickened. How the hell did he even find my email address? I didn’t care that he saw me on TV, but contacting me personally? I’d blockedallcontact from him years ago ... yet he’d found me.
Hands shaking, I collected my breakfast wrap and hustled out the door of the guesthouse. My legs could hardly carry me with how shaky they were, but I eventually made it to Javier’s mansion.
Before I could unlock the back door, I heard someone wailing. My heart dropped and all thoughts of Luther vanished when I recognized the cry. I burst into the house, and the cries became twice as loud.
From the kitchen, I spotted Javier standing in the living room with Aleesa in his arms. He walked back and forth with her, shushing her, trying to calm her. His hair was tousled, his face tired, and when his eyes found mine, I saw the stress wearing around them.
“What happened?” I asked, rushing through the kitchen to meet him.
“She woke up crying. When I went to her room, she was holding her stomach. She says it hurts.”
“Like a stomachache?” I asked, rubbing circles on Aleesa’s back.
“Possibly.”
“Aww. It’s okay,” I murmured to Aleesa. She reached for me, and Javier willingly handed her over, relief immediately sinking into his body.
“Why didn’t you call me? I could’ve come over when she woke up.”
“I did not want to interrupt your morning. She woke up around five, and we have agreed you officially start at seven on the days I am here. That would have been a breach of your contract, no?”
“Thoughtful,” I said as I rocked Aleesa, “but I’m happy to get up for emergencies. I don’t consider those breaches.”
“Okay. I just did not want to cross boundaries.”
“I understand.” I offered him a smile, hoping it would calm some of his nerves. “I’m here to help take some of the burden off of you, Javier. I’m here for Aleesa, yes, but I’m here to help you too. Always remember that. Okay?”
He nodded, then sat on the edge of one of the sofas, elbows landing on his thighs and his face dropping into his palms. Pushing his hands upward, he raked his fingers through his full head of dark hair.
