Two things are abundantly clear.
Monday is going to be a disaster.
And somehow… she’s going to get the job.
4
Alice
“This place is goingto work perfectly.”
Whitney chuckles over our video call. “I thought you might like it. The neighbors are great, and it’s in a quiet neighborhood.”
I didn’t have much opportunity to check out the new rental when I arrived last night. Whitney and Jack had picked up my car and drove it to the rental for me to prevent me from further breaking the law. By the time I left Sutton’s house and walked the few blocks here, it was already dark, and I was beat from the long drive and eventful afternoon. I took in a few boxes and promptly passed out. My lips curve as I think about the excitement yesterday brought. It’s a nice change of pace from a creepy stalkerish podcaster.
“What’s that smile for?”
“No clue what you’re talking about.” I frown into the camera before flipping to the back cam and panning across the bare living room. The place is sparsely furnished, with a couch and a recliner. “What do you think about hanging some art on thewalls? The white is a bit sterile for my tastes. A punch of color would perk this place right up.”
“Spencer said you’re free to paint and decorate as you please, but if you have any questions, he’ll be by later with the sublease for you to sign.”
“Good. I was hoping for the chance to thank him, and last night was way too brief.” I flip the camera back around now that I’ve fixed my face.
“How did the rest of the night go?”
I roll my eyes. “Oh, you know.‘This isn’t going to work,’” I deepen my voice to mimic Sutton’s. “I think he’ll come around.”
“He will. I know he’s a bit gruff, but Sutton is a good man.”
I’m not so sure about that, but he didsmellgood. The memory of his body near mine in his kitchen and his masculine scent resurfaces with an accompanying tingle between my thighs. It’s dreadful he’s a jerk. A hot, bossy jerk. I could use a good lay, and the broody sex appeal oozing off that man promises a fantastic time.
“Perfect. I’ve had enough bad men to last me a lifetime.” I toss myself bodily into the recliner.
“Do you want to talk about that? Your reason for coming? You really didn’t say much. I’m happy to let you have your privacy, but you know you can tell me anything.”
“There isn’t much to tell. A nonexistent dating streak and needing a change of pace.” I skip the part about my brother’s fuckup rising from the metaphorical grave. “The only good man in my life is an eighty-year-old veteran who likes bird-watching and line dancing and makes a mean enchilada bake. I needed a change.”
“Maybe you need to date a little older.”
“They sure don’t make ’em like they used to, but Archie’s a little wrinkled for my tastes.”
“Ew. That’s not what I meant!”
I cackle as I roll off the chair and regain my feet. “It’s fine.I’mfine.”
“I just don’t want you to be lonely.”
“My vibrator keeps me company, and it doesn’t talk back. It also doesn’t take out the trash, but my old boyfriends didn’t either, so I’m not really missing anything.”
“At least your positivity is intact,” Whitney says sarcastically.
“I wouldn’t be me without it.”
I skirt past a few boxes of my belongings that I managed to drag in last night before I crashed on the couch and enter the galley kitchen. The rich golden light of the morning sun illuminates the small space. The lone piece of furniture, a modest square kitchen table, is tucked neatly in the corner. It needs flowers and a light, airy tablecloth.
“Thank you, though. You and Spencer and whoever else had their hand in getting me this place and coercing Sutton into giving me a job. Although you did forget to mention he wasn’t aware he was getting a new nanny.”
Whitney laughs. “That was his brother’s idea. He thought Sutton might be a little too resistant if he asked for permission first.”
