Harlow and Melanie arrive shortly after. They grab a table and wait for me to join them, ready to dive into the drama.
“So, what’s going on?” Harlow questions, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
I debate where to begin and decide to start from the beginning.
I start at the beginning, explaining the whole interaction with Gabriel and his mom, how his mom is so sweet and affectionate, how Gabriel has been confusingly nice recently, and how, somehow, I ended up offering to nanny his baby.
“Wow, babes, that’s a lot,” Harlow says, her smirk teasing.
“Oh, don’t even start with that look,” I warn, pointing at her accusingly.
Melanie’s expression is serious. “Millie, I hate to be the voice of reason, but when are you going to sleep? You work all day here,and then you’re going to nanny at night. I don’t want you to get burned out.”
I hadn’t thought about the exhaustion. I’m so used to being on the go 24/7 that I didn’t stop to think about how this new job could affect me, But I guess it’s going to be something I’ll figure out soon.
“Well,” I reply with a half-smile, “What’s a few feedings here and there, right?”
Sometimes the biggest risks we take don’t just change our lives. They change who we think we are. This could be a good thing if I let it.
1. Dolce Bambino- sweet child
2. Amore Mio- my love
3. Mio Figlio- My son
A Date (Not) Set in Stone
MILLIE
When I get homethat night, I pace the living room, mentally rehearsing how I should initiate the message to Gabriel about the nanny position
I feel ridiculous—like I’m about to send a love letter or something, not a simple work-related text. I want to appear professional but also approachable, friendly but not too eager. The problem is, I don’t even know what my vibe is with him. Are we just two people making a deal, or are we… something else?
My fingers twitch, itching to type, delete, type again. I wonder if I should add a little humor, something to break Gabriel’s cold exterior, or keep it strictly business? Maybe add a smiley face to soften it? But no, I’m not fourteen. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of thoughts swirling in my head.
I pull out my phone and open a new message thread. The cursor blinks, mocking me with its unblinking judgement. I can’t decide what to say. So, I decide to write a list of potential messages I could send.
Hey, just messaging you about the nanny position. When would you like me to start?
Hey Gabby, when would you like me to meet you to talk about the details of watching your daughter?
Let me know when you want to meet to discuss the nanny position.
Hey, it’s Bumper, your new nanny. When would you like me to come? I mean, not like that, but come to your house to nanny.
