“The Hartwells.”
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, and her earrings sparkle in the firelight. “Their name is deceiving. They might be as heartless as the Greek gods. Just as beautiful, too.”
“Why didn’t they come back for her?” My tone has dropped, and I realize I care. As shocking as Arabella may be, she doesn’t deserve to be alone for Christmas. No one does.
Maya sighs, closing the book and putting it on the sofa beside her. “I’ve asked myself that a dozen times. Her parents didn’t even know she was here tonight.Icalled them. They told me they’d pay me overtime to stay but didn’t seem upset. There are family photos around the house, so I know they used to be around more.” She scrunches her nose. “I don’t think they are bad people; they are just lost in the success of their careers.”
Mrs. Hartwell had come from money, funding her husband’s ventures in the gaming world. But three years ago, her event-planning company took off, making her one of the most sought after planners for the rich and famous. Being wealthy isn’t the problem. Being vacant is. All a kid really wants is someone to show up for them.
“They will probably both be working on vacation anyway,” Maya says. “So I guess it’s good we’re here.”
We?I raise a brow. “Me too? The competition must be truly pitiful.”
Maya chuckles, rubbing the side of her head, and I can’t help the worry that rises. Is her headache gone? Does she need more medicine? I should stay longer, to keep an eye on her.
“Maybe they will each have a terrible Christmas and come back more dedicated to their kid,” she says.
One can only hope. “How long have you been her nanny?” I like sitting here, talking to her, like we used to. Easy conversation, her not trying to kill me… The good old days.
“About nine long months.”
“It can’t be all bad. I mean, you’re still standing.”
She bites back a smile. “It’s not. We have fun sometimes. But every time I get too close, she does something like this.” She points to the edges of her forehead where the color is still visible.
“She’s afraid you’re going to forget her,” I say, knowing exactly what that little girl feels. “Someday you’ll have to move on; she’s smart enough to know that. She’s trying to guarantee it doesn’t hurt when you do.”
I feel like my therapist.
Boy, will I have some things to work out with her come the new year.
Maya nods thoughtfully but still looks dejected.
This is a terrible idea. Quite possibly the worst I’ve ever had.
“Let’s give her a Christmas to remember.”
Chapter 14
Maya
EverywordoutofSoren’s mouth takes me by surprise, but none more than the inclusive termlet’s. As inus. As intogether. He’s staying. When he shouldn’t.
“What do you mean?”
“Let’sElfthis place.”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Did you just use a movie as a verb?”
He scratches his beard, hiding a smile. “Affirmative.”
“I always knew you were a big softie.”
He tilts his head to the side and frowns. “Don’t you ever say that again.”
“Now that I know how much you love it, how can I resist?” I chuckle. “But I’m in. Where do we start?” I should shove him out the door, but here I am, laughing with him again. Heaven help me, maybe I want him to stay for Christmas.
“Hmm…” Soren drums his fingers on his leg. “Lego scenes? Wood carvings?”
