"Well, first of all, I'm plenty qualified since I have a degree in early education and a master's in English Literature." I continue, gaining confidence as I speak. This part is easy, selling myself. What's not so easy is keeping my gaze from traveling to her still-pursed lips.
"I've already sent you my references, my background check, and my resume." She's visibly surprised at this, and it encourages me. "It should be in your inbox."
Without a word, Rika leans over and grabs her laptop from the edge of the table, then flicks it open. I see her expression change as she opens her email and her eyes skim over what I sent her.
"Okay, I see it's all there. Thank you." This time, it's her turn to inhale deeply. "Mind if I read it now?"
"Be my guest."
As she reads, I see some of the tension wash away from her shoulders. Her amazing blue wings, which were kept rigidly at her back before, start moving slowly in that way pixies have when they're relaxed.
I must admit, I've always had the hots for pixies. Maybe it's the wings, but they're sexy as hell to me.
When she looks back up at me, she doesn't seem so hostile anymore. Just tired and maybe curious? Or maybe I'm just a hopeful fool.
I inhale hard, smack my hands together, and force a cheerful smile on my face.
"So, am I hired?"
"Well, I still have a few questions." Rika's eyes wander to her laptop again, and a frown of concentration scrunches her adorable face. "It says here that your last family moved overseas?"
"They did. I was supposed to go with them, but Sharnia decided to stay home with the kids full-time and they didn't need me."
It still stings to talk about it, but I understand. I miss them, though. But I don't say this to Rika.
"And you would have moved to Singapore with them?" This time, Rika looks genuinely puzzled.
"I would have. I love those kids, and I wanted to be there for them."
Rika chuckles and there's a little dip in her chin I find way too cute. "That's very loyal of you."
I shrug. "Guess I'm a loyal guy."
"You worked full-time for them?"
I nod.
"Did my mother tell you it wouldn't be full-time here?" She continues. "I mean, the kids go to school during the day."
The way she says it, and the look in her eyes, makes it feel like she's hoping I'll turn her down.
"That's okay," I hear myself say. "I can keep working for your mom during the daytime. This should round things up nicely."
Rika nods as I speak, and I find myself relaxing. Well, as much as I can relax when she's watching me like a jewel-colored hawk.
"There's a small apartment in the basement," Rika says. "I was thinking you could use it during the week. Stay there on weekday nights so you're here for early mornings and late evenings. That way you wouldn't have to drive back and forth every day." She pauses, studying my face. "But it wouldn't have to be a full live-in situation if you have your own place. Just available when I need you for the kids."
The arrangement actually sounds perfect. I can keep my independence at Gramps' house on weekends and whenever Rika doesn't need me, yet be on-site during the hectic weekday schedule.
"That would work great, actually," I say. "I inherited my grandfather's house when he passed a few years back, so I havemy own place. But having somewhere to stay during the week would make the early mornings and late nights a lot easier."
Rika's expression flickers either surprise or relief that I'm not some drifter without roots.
"You own a house here in town?"
"I do. Over on Maple Street." I smile. "So I'm not going anywhere. Saltford Bay is home."
She seems to relax a fraction more at this. "Good. That's… good."
