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"Hey, you!" Jacob shouts from across the street, his bright smile lighting up my day. He runs over, wrapping me in a tight hug.
"Jacob!" I laugh, hugging him back. "What are you doing here?"
"Meeting you, of course," he says, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You told me you're back in town and when you’d be free and we need to catch up. Honestly, I was just around the corner, so I thought I’d surprise you."
"There's so much to talk about." And it will be a relief to talk to Jacob about Roland and what’s happened. He will understand and encourage me to do what’s best for me, which is no doubt leaving Roland far behind even if it hurts to imagine not seeing him and Carmen every day. I can’t believe I’ve gotten so attached to them in less than two months. But the fact is that I have, and I don’t need to get any more attached than I already am.
"Girl, spill the beans!" Jacob exclaims, eager to hear all the details.
As I pour my heart out to him, sharing the roller coaster of emotions I've experienced lately, I know that I'm making the right decision for myself. It's time to let go of Roland, focus on my dreams, and find the happiness I truly deserve.
After a good night’s sleep that night, I dial the nanny agency's number the following morning, ready to take the next step. The phone rings twice before a cheerful voice answers.
"Hello, Elite Nannies! This is Susan speaking; how may I help you?"
"Hi, Susan. It's Maddie. I need to talk to you about finding a new position."
"Really? Roland Carmichael is not working out?”
“Roland and Carmen are fine, but I was just offered more yoga classes in the late afternoons. With Roland’s schedule, that won’t work out. I appreciate he has been through a few nannies but he’s actually lovely. I just need time in the evenings.” I’m not lying–Roland has been lovely to me and the rest of the staff.
“I see. You will have to work for Roland for another week or two till we find the right replacement, as per your contract. Maybe it would be good if you can show the new person the ropes and are there to introduce them as the introduction part seemed to go wrong with a few of the other nannies we sent over. He had one nanny for many years and seems rather stuck in his ways."
I have to suppress a giggle. Roland can be very stuck in his ways! “Of course. I’d be happy to help.”
“We will also do our best to find you a position that suits your hours. You’ve been with us for a long time. You are, of course, aware that Roland Carmichael pays more than most.”
“Yes, I am. He is a good employer, but I cannot miss out on this opportunity.”
“I understand. Let me call you back in a few days.”
“Thank you, Susan!”
As I hang up the phone, a knot forms in my stomach. Giving notice to Roland won't be easy, but it's necessary. I can't keep living like this.
I spend the day with Carmen as usual but feel antsy about speaking with Roland. Since our return, he’s stopped texting me to check in on what’s happening with Carmen throughout the day. He’s also stopped asking me about my life. When he comes home, all he does is enquire about Carmen.
By the time Roland finally comes home, I take a deep breath and approach him, my heart pounding in my chest.
"Roland, we need to talk."
His dark eyes meet mine, a storm brewing behind them. "What is it, Maddie?"
"I've decided to look for a new position, one with fewer hours."
His jaw clenches, and he crosses his arms over his broad chest. "You're leaving us? Just like that?"
"Roland, it's not about Carmen. I care for her deeply, but I need to focus on my own passions too. And you and I… I just don’t think this is healthy. You said you wanted to wait with a relationship, or dating, or whatever until after the custody case has been concluded. But the way you’ve shut me out completely… we aren’t even friends anymore. I need a partner who trusts me and is willing to open up to me. I can understand waiting with dating, but not being pushed out of your life entirely, and I have been."
"Right," he scoffs, his eyes narrowing. "So, you don't care about Carmen, either?"
"Of course, I care about her!" I fire back, frustrated with his assumptions. "But what about me? What about my needs and dreams? Don't I deserve to be happy too?"
"Fine," he grumbles, clearly unhappy with my decision. "Do what you want."
"Thank you. And for the record, I'd be more than happy to continue babysitting Carmen from time to time so she won't feel abandoned."
"Fine," Roland repeats, his voice cold and distant. “That would be good for her.”
