“Really? On that hard floor?”
She shrugged. “I think I was too exhausted to care.”
“Well, I got a super good idea after we all went to bed.”
“Really? You mean for me? My situation?”
“When we discussed other means of you getting money, you said it would be difficult to reach your father, so I thought instead you could probably find part-time work.”
“I’m willing to do anything.”
“You mentioned you were a schoolteacher, which means you like kids. And you have experience.”
“Yes, but a teaching job in the summer?”
“Tutoring maybe?”
Meredith shrugged. “Or perhaps remedial—”
“Wait a minute!” Carrie eagerly waved a finger in the air. “I have this friend who works for the British Consulate. Kristen McAdams. She actually sent me something to post on our US employment opportunity list just yesterday. It was a little odd that she’d send it to us. But it may interest you. Have you ever been a nanny?”
“No, but besides teaching first grade for a few years, I did a lot of babysitting in Papua New Guinea. It’s how I earned the money that got stolen yesterday.” Meredith frowned, remembering howlong it had taken to save that much…and the European trip that was now ruined.
“I think Kristen may be personally acquainted with the party that needed a nanny. And if I remember that posting correctly, it was only a temporary position. I think the family is on summer holiday or something, maybe for six weeks or so. But it may be perfect for you. I mean, think about it, you’d have food and lodging and could earn enough to pay for your new passport and plane fare home. Would you be interested?”
“Yes, of course. I’d be more than willing to be a nanny for a while. It sounds perfect, but I’m curious why you thought it was odd.”
“The British Consulate coming to us for a nanny? Wouldn’t you think they’d have plenty of Brits to do that?”
“I suppose that makes sense. Maybe it’s an American family.”
“Maybe. But why did they go to the Brits?” She shrugged. “Anyway, I’ll call Kristen as soon as I’ve had my shower. And my coffee.” Carrie turned to go back into the bathroom.
“I’ve got coffee all ready to make. I’ll start it before you get out,” Meredith offered.
“Wonderful. I’m going to grab that shower.”
“And I could fix you a little breakfast, if you want.”
“That’d be lovely. And don’t worry, I’m not picky. Especially when someone else is doing the cooking. Thanks.”
Meredith felt cheered as she began to put breakfast together. She hadn’t eaten yet, partly because she’d had no appetite and partly because she felt guilty about eating food she couldn’t pay for. Everything was so awkward. Nothing about this was anything like she’d hoped and planned for…like life.
At least she had something to look forward to. Being a nanny wouldn’t be so bad. She loved children, and it would be a temporary position. Perhaps she could earn enough to spend some time exploring Europe this summer. Even a week or twowould be better than nothing. She had to return to the United States by mid-August if she wanted to secure the grade-school job her dad had scouted for her. It was by no means a done deal, but the prospects seemed solid.
She hummed to herself as she prepped some veggies, grated some cheese, and whipped several eggs for omelets she would begin to cook after Carrie finished her shower. She set out some pastries she suspected were gleaned from the coffee shop she’d visited yesterday. Then she shook her head, wishing she could forget yesterday altogether.
Hearing footsteps, Meredith started heating the pan she’d already buttered. She’d learned to cook early on, thanks to a kind grandmotherly neighbor who gave her lessons after Mom got sick. She’d been only ten when her mom got cancer and twelve when her mom passed. It hadn’t taken long before Meredith was handling all the household chores. She hadn’t minded the work. It had felt good to be needed, and Dad was always appreciative. She didn’t mind it now either, although she wished the circumstances were different.
“This looks fantastic, Meredith,” Carrie gushed when she saw the neatly set breakfast bar. “I feel like queen for a day.”
“It’s my way of saying thanks for taking me in.” She set a mug of coffee in front of Carrie. “And you can call me Meri. My friends do.”
“Here’s looking at you, Meri.” Carrie lifted her coffee mug.
“Veggie omelet coming right up.”
“Are you kidding? I really do feel like royalty now. And I couldn’t help but notice how clean everything looks. I know it’s not Faith’s doing since she always goes in early on Saturdays.”
