"I just need five minutes," I insist.
"He doesn't have them." Her stern gaze meets mine. To top it off, she even reaches for my upper arm to lead me away.
"Oh really? He doesn't have a single minute?" My voice almost breaks. Frustrated, I pull myself free from her grasp. "So he can't even go to the bathroom right now?"
An exasperated snort escapes her. "Don't be so childish, Maya."
I'm not being childish. Angry, I clench my fists. "So what now? Can I see him?"
She looks at me as if I'm crazy. "He doesn't want to be disturbed. What's so hard to understand about that?"
What's the meaning of this? First, he lets his daughter down, and now he's hiding from the consequences? What a coward he is. "Then I'll wait here until he has time."
Suddenly, Tamika towers over me. "Listen up," she says grimly. "You're just the nanny here. Nothing more. Don't think you can make any demands."
I stare at her in disbelief. I don't know what to say in response.
"Do you think I don't know what you're up to?" she continues, pointing an accusing finger at me. "It's so pathetic."
What? I have no idea how to react.
"Josh's heart belongs to music. And only to music. It's time for you to understand that." Her condescending and pitying gaze meets mine. "Now go already. You don't belong here."
Everything spins in my mind. I can't believe what she just said. Suddenly, my anger turns into disappointment. My shoulders slump, as do the corners of my mouth. I feel small and weak.
"Get out of here," she demands once again, this time with a cutting edge in her voice. "This is way too big for you."
That's true, and I already knew it in Stockholm. I know nothing about the music business, have no understanding of careers and success. He and I live in different worlds, and it will always be that way. Butthat's not the worst part. This man has lied to his daughter, potentially destroying everything they have built together. He betrays the trust of others. It's probably only a matter of time until he disappoints me as well.
With a disillusioned wink, I blink away the tears welling up in the corners of my eyes. Then I turn around and walk away.
