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Will I be seeing you in Florida?
Much to my disappointment, my text goes to read without a reply.
It is late, so maybe she fell asleep. Or maybe she’s avoiding answering.
* * *
Quinn
I blow them all one last kiss before they walk through the doors to the airport. An unsettling feeling of loneliness creeps in as I put my car in drive and pull away.
A couple of months ago, the family I’ve been working for the past two years told me they would likely be relocating across the country. Mr. Roberts was offered a business opportunity on the West Coast. One he couldn’t refuse.
Their three children—Aubrey, Lucy, and Connor have been such a big part of my life for several years now. Saying goodbye to them is extremely difficult. They have been my source of solace, keeping my mind busy, especially during these last thirteen months.
Thankfully, due to the very gracious bonus they gave me, I am not stressed about finding a job right away. No one really knows this, but I have been thinking of applying to a nursing program. Because I have a bachelor's already, I can do an accelerated program and graduate with a bachelor’s in nursing within eighteen months if I can get accepted.
During a margarita Tuesday night with my new friend Gemma, this goal was created over guac and casa amigos. She asked me what I loved most about being a nanny, and I told her the rewarding feeling of witnessing them learn and grow as little humans. She went on to tell me how gratifying nursing is. Yes, at times, there are really difficult and sad things you have to deal with, but even then, there are still small rewards in caring for others and showing kindness during such a hard time.
Right then and there, the dream of becoming a pediatric nurse was planted. Currently, I am looking into schools within driving distance. Unfortunately, most programs start in August, so I just missed the January deadlines. But I have gathered info on several schools and plan to tell my parents about my new aspiration soon.
A call rings through my car Bluetooth, breaking my chain of thought. Speak of the angel… my mom’s name flashes across the screen. She knew today was going to be hard on me.
“Hi, Mom.”
“Hey, babe, how did drop-off go?”
“Kinda sad, but it was sweet. They already mentioned flying me out to visit in a few months or possibly planning a summer vacation again to Europe and seeing if I could tag along to that.”
“That’s cool. Don’t you worry, no matter what, those kids will always remember you. Just like you remember Elaine Simpson from down the block who used to babysit you kids.”
Yeah, how could I forget… Eli had the biggest crush on her. I remember wanting my boobs to grow and look like hers because he was always staring at them.
“Also speaking of trips, you have yet to confirm if you plan to go to Florida with everyone next month? It’s perfect timing while you are in between jobs.”
Shit, the same Florida trip I left Eli on read over because I am still undecided. And the same one I know Sloan will be hounding me about at our girls' night next Friday with Ava.
“I don’t thinkshe’scoming, if that’s what you are worried about. From what I was told, she is just supposed to come get the girls and stay in his guest house at the Florida rental once we all leave and spring training starts.” The way my mom emphasizesshelets me know exactly who she’s speaking of.
To this day, my mom and I have never discussed Eli and me, but I know she isn’t blind… still, that doesn’t stop the lie from spilling out of my mouth.
“No, it’s not that. I’m just still trying to decide if I was going to jump right back into nannying again or what I want to do.”
I can’t say I’m not thrilled to hear she won’t be there. Ninety percent of my indecisiveness involves Cami Rose. The woman currently living in one side of the family home Eli had built before the babies were born. Even though he made it a point to mention she has her own entrance and isn’t allowed in his unless it involves the girls, I still can’t stomach the thought of them under the same roof. I’m sure it is good for the twins and that is the exact reason I made the decision I did to walk away. There is no way if we were still together, she would live with us. Yes, I was protecting myself, but I was protecting them too. They deserve to have both their parents.
“It’s three weeks away and we’ll only be gone for two weeks. Why don’t you set up some interviews before we leave but tell them you can’t start until after? Dad and I can help some if you need it… we really want you to be there.”
I’m hesitant, but I want to go. Truth is… I miss our family group. I miss Eli. I want to get to know his girls more than just our weekly FaceTime calls and the couple of times I have been around them at family events. But I know I have to open myself up to working on repairing my friendship with Eli and healing my own heart in the process. The fact Cami won’t be anywhere in sight is a huge plus.
“Okay, Mom.”
The pitch in her voice increases. “Eeee! Is that a yes from my Quinnie Girl?”
Hearing the excitement she exudes makes me feel guilty for the obvious distance I have put between myself and our “framily” this past year.
“Yes, Ma… I’ll be there. I actually just pulled up to my place, so I’ll book my flight once I get settled for the night.”
We hang up as I walk through the front door to my one-bedroom apartment. Her excited ramblings about some of the plans she and Cindy are making for Florida are contagious—I immediately get on Google flights and book a round trip out of JFK to Tampa.
