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“Yeah, I sort of figured that was going to be my next step. But how in the hell am I going to find someone on such short notice who would be willing to relocate to not only one, but two states? It’s a tall order, for anyone, really.”
“You really are blind sometimes, aren’t you?” she says with a smirk on her face.
I roll my eyes. “Enlighten me.”
“Quinn.”
“What about her?”
“She’s no longer nannying for the Roberts; they moved to Cali. Vanessa mentioned she still hasn’t found a new position yet.”
An unwarranted feeling of hope flows through me. It’s not like I haven’t thought of asking her. But at the time, I didn’t want to put her in a position where she had to deal with Cami. But now that she’s no longer an issue, I’m wondering if she would even want to watch my girls. Is that asking too much of her? Shit, she could barely stomach being in the same room with us all just six months ago. As of late, I can tell she’s trying to be more present. Even our texting conversations are picking back up. But could I actually ask her to do this?
I miss her so fucking much.
“I don’t know if she’d want to,” I say with a sigh.
“You’ll never know unless you ask.”
“Mom, if you haven’t noticed, she and I are not on the same terms as we once were. Things have changed.”
“Well, get on the same terms,” she says matter-of-factly. Like there isn’t a shit load of baggage we need to get through.
I'm well aware Quinn and I have a lot of work to do in order to get back to how we once were. But maybe, just maybe, this could be the beginning of it all.
“It’s pretty simple, if you ask me. You need a nanny; she needs a nannying job.” Her voice cuts through my thoughts.
Fuck me, why am I so nervous? “I'm going to ask her to join me at that team barbecue tomorrow. Maybe she and I can talk afterward.”
My mom smiles at me, confirming it’s a good idea. “Go… have a little fun, and remind yourselves of what you’ve been neglecting for all these months.”
Damn, she’s right, isn’t she?
“Come on, let's head back. We’re probably late for lunch.”
Standing up, I reach for her and help her stand. Mom wraps her small arms around me and squeezes tightly.
“I love you, Eli. It will all work out. I promise.”
“I love you, too,” I say, then kiss the top of her head.
Heading back to the house, I hope this plan will work. Not only is it the best decision for my girls, but for Quinn and me, too.
Before entering the house, I send off a quick message to my lawyer.
Me: File the paperwork.
Craig: You got it. I’ll let you know when they're ready to sign and be served.
With a deep breath of the salty ocean air, I shake out my nerves. I'm ready to start this new chapter in my life. Let’s just hope this one works out in our favor.
* * *
Quinn
I sit in the sand, taking a deep breath, begging the warm, salty air to center me. Not even a full day into this vacation, and I’m already struggling to keep my emotions in check when it comes to Eli.
I hear a happy little squeal breeze through the wind, bringing a smile to my face. No doubt someone is playing peek-a-boo with one of the girls out on the patio of the beautiful home Eli rented for everyone. We are on the beach right outside of Tampa and very close to his spring training facilities.
