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I lie there, trying to calm my racing heart and clear my mind of the images I just had. I can't have sex dreams about my infuriating boss; I just can't!
I need to find someone else to date. Pronto!
Chapter six
Roland
Roland
I wake up with a start after dreaming about Sofia–my heart pounding and my mind racing with thoughts of Sofia wanting custody of Carmen. I can't shake the feeling that it's just a ploy for more alimony rather than a genuine interest in our daughter. The sunlight filters through the curtains, casting soft shadows on the bedroom walls, but my heart isn't at ease.
"Damn," I mutter under my breath as I throw back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. I rub my hand against my beard and sigh deeply, knowing I need to face the day despite the anxiety eating away at me.
"Focus," I tell myself. No one can see me falter, not even for a moment. And the truth is, I'm the better parent, and Sofia can, frankly, go fuck herself.
I walk down the hallway, the sound of my footsteps echoing through the otherwise quiet house. As I near the kitchen, the scent of oatmeal wafts toward me. Gina must already be preparing breakfast for Carmen–oatmeal sweetened with honey and topped with berries. We try to vary her breakfasts throughout the week but keep them healthy, and Gina and I plan the menus together.
"Morning, Gina," I say, thanking the heavens above when I see her about to start the coffee machine. "I see I'm about to get my favorite cup of java." I smile at her. "Can you make me some oatmeal too? I think I'll have breakfast with Carmen and Maddie today."
"Morning, and, of course, I'll make some right away," she replies, clearly surprised by my request. The truth is that I have to ensure Maddie is the right nanny if I'm about to fight for custody of Carmen. The staffing agency has run background checks on all their staff, but I need to know that Maddie does the right thing with Carmen every single day.
As I sit down at the table, Carmen comes running into the kitchen, her eyes bright and her smile infectious. She runs up to hug Gina first as she passes her on the way to the table where I’m sitting.
"Morning, Gina," she says happily.
"Morning, sunshine. Did you sleep well?" Gina asks as she picks Carmen up for a quick hug.
"Yeah, I dreamed of candy," she says, her face breaking into a big smile. Both Gina and I laugh.
"That's a nice dream, sweetie," Gina remarks, smiling, as Carmen heads full speed toward where I'm sitting.
"Good morning, Daddy!" she exclaims, her tiny voice full of joy.
"Morning, sweetheart," I reply, lifting her onto my lap and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "We need to get you ready for the day," I add and stand up, putting her on the floor. "Let's go,” I say, taking her to the bathroom to help her with her morning routine. She's just stopped wearing diapers at night, and I'm proud of her progress. It's a small victory among so many other small victories when you raise a child and see her develop and grow.
When we return to the kitchen, Maddie has arrived, looking as fit as always, more like fit for a fight perhaps... today she's wearing a pair of jeans and a bright pink knitted cardigan. She's not exactly as well dressed as the previous nannies but decidedly hotter, and Carmen runs to her, hugging her tightly. The warmth between them is undeniable, and I feel a sense of relief wash over me.
"Morning, Maddie," I greet her. "I will join you guys for breakfast today, so I get to spend some time with Carmen before work." And, I add mentally, to interrogate you about your life and ensure you'll look good if Sofia's lawyers come after me.
"Great, Mr. Carmichael, I'm sure Carmen will love that," Maddie replies with a smile, which seems genuine. It appears Maddie's temper only gets roused when I'm late or check out her ass in a coffee shop.
"Please, call me Roland," I reply.
"All right, Roland, it is," Maddie says, still smiling.
We sit down together, the three of us sharing a meal and enjoying one another's company.
"So, Maddie, tell me about yourself," I say, trying to sound casual. "What made you choose this line of work?"
"Well," she begins, taking a sip of tea. "When I was 21, my parents died in a car accident, leaving me to care for my younger brother. I've always loved kids, so becoming a nanny seemed like a natural fit. Well, that and the fact that having a degree in literature led to precious few jobs." She rolls her eyes, and I laugh.
“So, you took it to make money.”
She shrugs her shoulders. “I needed it. I wasn’t qualified for much else. I’d worked at summer camp before, and it was easy enough to take a few courses here and there that’d look good on my CV when applying for nanny jobs.”
I eye her carefully. At least she seems honest. Far too many people tell you just what they will think will please you, especially when you are rich.
“So, do you find being a nanny a total bore?" I ask just as Carmen starts waving around a book she's been looking at while eating.
