Toni’s eyes were so comically wide I would have laughed if this wasn’t my literal nightmare come to life. “Wow. That’s all so exciting, heartbreaking, and unexpected.”
“Yeah,” I nodded in agreement. “And now he’s here and he wants the one thing I swore I’d never give him after I spent too many months crying over him. My time.”
Her smile dimmed. “Besides the obvious, why you?”
I inhaled a deep breath and told her the hard part about his life and the danger. “I’m only sharing this because I know I can trust you to keep this between us.”
Toni’s expression turned serious. “And I will, unless it becomes too dangerous.”
“Right,” I nodded, a short, humorless laugh escaping. “If it becomes dangerous.”
When she spoke again, her voice was softer, almost gentle. “And is it dangerous?”
“Potentially, but not yet. Right now it’s just a precaution, but he needs someone and he’s insisting that Ibethat someone.” I hated that I was even considering it.
“You’re actually considering being his nanny?” she asked, her tone completely incredulous.
“I am,” I said simply.
“But why?”
Notwhy him.Notwhy now.Justwhy, and it was a valid question with too many answers, but I only gave the one that mattered.
“Because I can’t ask anyone on staff to put themselves in the line of fire. Potential line of fire,” I corrected. “It’s either I do it or I turn him away to find someone else. Those are my options.” And I wasn’t sure I could live with wondering if his son was alive and well for the rest of my life.
Toni exhaled a slow breath. “That’s a lot, and this isn’t going to help but…Mattie’s adorable,” she said softly. “He likes Mattie instead of Matteo, and he’s sweet. Inquisitive. Easy to love.”
Something tugged in my chest. I hadn’t worked as a nanny since the early days of ENS, but I loved kids. “At least that part of the job would be easy.” I hated asking for too much, but I’d spent too many years building ENS to go back now. “I know you have kids of your own and this is a big ask, but I’m going to need someone in the office while I’m away.” My mind immediately went to all the things that needed to be done. “I’ll have to do payroll and scheduling at night when he’s sleeping,” I said, thinking aloud.
Toni nodded. “Whatever you decide, I’m here. If you decide to do this, I promise to keep the office running.”
“Are you sure? Because I do intake virtually and emergency training, so really all I need is someone to be the contact person for ENS.”
“Serenity,” she said slowly and firmly. “I’m here. Whatever you need.”
I appreciated that more than I could possibly voice, so I just went with, “Thank you, Toni.”
“Anytime, Serenity. We’re friends. Remember that.”
“I know. Am I really considering this?”
“Yes,” she said without hesitation. “Not because that handsome asshole needs you, though he clearly does, but because Mattie needs you. He’s your client, not his father. Remember that.”
“You’re right,” I sighed. “Thanks.” I left the break room on shaky legs, taking my time. I stood outside my own damn office and took a few deep breaths, steeling myself for more Enzo.
“Are you okay?”
The small voice startled me. I turned. A cute little boy stood a few feet away with tousled dark hair and bright green eyes Iknew by heart. “I’m fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “Just nervous. Are you okay?”
He shrugged. “Toni went to get me something to drink, and I wandered off.” He glanced upward, conspiratorial. “Don’t tell my Papa. I’m not supposed to do that.”
A small, unexpected laugh escaped me. “Your secret is safe with me, but only if you promise not to do it again.”
Those perceptive green eyes studied me for a long minute, and then he nodded. “I promise.”
“Good. Do you know your left from your right?”
He nodded again.
