Tammy waved him off. “No, we’re done for the day. I think tomorrow is going to be so much fun for the kids.”
All of a sudden, I felt like an outsider. The need to run overwhelmed me. “Well, if we’re done, I’ll just be heading home.”
With a quick hug, Tammy said, “Go out, Emma. Have some fun.”
I nodded when we drew away from one another. She pointed to me and said, “I mean it. Get you some strange. You’re too uptight.”
My mouth dropped open, and Aiden started to laugh. Tammy covered her mouth, “Did I say that too loudly?”
“Yes. You did,” I muttered as I reached for my purse and headed toward Hadley’s classroom. Aiden caught up and walked next to me.
“I’ll just say hi to Hadley and wish her a fun time this weekend,” I said.
“She really has grown to love you, Emma. You’ve been good for her. I see a difference in just the couple weeks you’ve been with us.”
I shrugged off his comment. “I think I won her over with my mad braiding skills.”
He laughed, and before we knew it, kids were spilling out everywhere. Hadley saw me and Aiden at the same time and came running over. Naturally, she went to her father first and jumped into his arms.
“Daddy, I had the bestest day ever!”
Aiden laughed. “Oh yeah? What made it so special?”
“Next week I get to be the student of the week!”
I clapped, and Aiden bounced Hadley around in his arms to celebrate.
“That’s wonderful, pumpkin.”
Hadley beamed with pride. “I love you, Daddy!”
My heart tripped over itself as I watched Hadley wrap her arms around Aiden’s neck. Overcome with emotion, I turned and quickly made my way to my car. They didn’t even notice my departure. It was for the best; I needed the constant reminder that I was only the nanny.
Nothing more.
Just the nanny.
When I walked into the house, I drew in a deep breath. With Hadley staying the night at Tammy’s and Aiden helping his parents, I wouldn’t need to reheat the lasagna I’d baked earlier. Instead, I threw together a plate of fruit and veggies in case he wanted something to snack on later that evening. I knew how much he loved the showSuits, and he enjoyed nibbling on something while he watched.
“Don’t be stupid, Emma,” I mumbled to myself. It was Friday night. A single man with his daughter away for the evening? He would certainly be heading out.
With a heavy sigh, I grabbed my keys and purse. I could either get to my apartment from upstairs off the balcony, or via a set of stairs off the garage. I opted for the balcony, and as I walked through the house, my eyes landed on the piano. I paused to stare at it, tried to ignore the itch in my fingers to play, and failed.
Slowly making my way over, I sat on the bench. My hands came up and I played just two keys before snatching them back at the memory that surfaced.
* * *
The sound of Chopin’s “Marche Funèbre” filled the air as I played the piano. It was my only source of escape from the world I felt trapped in. The notes swirled around the room, allowing me to flee into the beautiful world of music, but thoughts of my marriage soon intruded, like always.
When I’d first married Ben, he was so loving toward me. I truly felt as if I’d found the love of my life. How quickly that changed. Before long, he’d started to belittle me with his words. I was never good enough. Pretty enough. Smart enough. He got so angry when his friends flirted with me, then made sure to tell me they only wanted to get between my legs because I dressed like a floozy.
The music got louder as I played the keys harder.
Tonight, he was gone. It was a rare reprieve.
On the outside, everyone thought I was so happy. Only two people knew how untrue that was. Ben and my mother.
“Don’t give up on him, Emma. Be grateful you have a husband who hasn’t left you and stop complaining about every little thing. A few bruises are nothing when it comes to having a beautiful home and security.
