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“Am I boring you, Miss Silver?” I can’t hide the annoyance in my voice. Maybe it’s a generational thing, but these damn phones are always in people’s faces to the point it’s exhausting.
“Oh, no. Sorry. I’m just taking notes on everything.”
I nod and continue.
“As I was saying, all childcare-related responsibilities fall to you, including food preparation, meal times, laundry, classes, and schooling, etc. This position is six days a week. Sundays are yours and sometimes even Saturdays. There is an extensive outlined book detailing any and all preferences, allergies, likes and dislikes, contact information for doctors and teachers. Do you have any questions?”
She looks through her phone notes for a moment before her eyes dart upward to find mine.
“So, did you just want me for the night, or do I have the job?”
The words did you want me for the night shoot straight to my dick.
“The job is yours if you want it, Miss Silver.” I toss her resume on the table next to me.
“Oh my God. Absolutely! Thank you so much, Mr. Hayes. I promise I won’t let you down.”
“Great. I’ll sort out everything with Miss Perry when she’s back. I assume she shared the compensation details. She’ll have you fill out the proper tax documents and insurance information. As for tonight”—I glance at my watch and see that I need to leave in the next twenty minutes—“I have a work event that I cannot miss so I’ll need you to watch Eleanor. I don’t need you to spend the night. You can start work on Monday. That way you can move into your room this weekend. I’ll have Miss Perry show you that on Saturday or Sunday. She’ll call you.”
I stand and she does as well, her big green eyes staring at me as she nods her head at what I’m saying.
“I’ll introduce you to Eleanor.”
I walk up the main staircase and down the hallway to Eleanor’s room, Miss Silver on my heels. I raise my hand to knock when she shoots her hand out to grab my wrist. I stop and slowly turn my head to face her.
“Sorry, but, um, really quick question. Is she okay with a new nanny? I mean, is she onboard with this or is it going to be one of those situations where she’s angry at me?” The nervousness is back as she grips my wrist.
I slowly maneuver myself out of her grip just as the bedroom door opens and Eleanor stands there, hip cocked.
“What’s going on?” she says with her best suspicious look on her face. I squat down till I’m eye level with her.
“Eleanor, this is Miss Silver, your new nanny. She is a music teacher that loves kids and she’s very excited to meet you and get to know you.”
I turn to look back at Miss Silver. Her hands are knotted together as she smiles and then robotically waves at Eleanor.
“Hi, so lovely to meet you, Miss Eleanor. I’m Margot and I have to say your princess dress is by far the prettiest and most pink dress I’ve ever seen!”
I watch as Eleanor’s eyes light up at the compliment and the way Miss Silver naturally charms her way into my little girl’s heart instantly.
“It is?” Eleanor’s big blue eyes almost bug out of her face as she twirls around. “I think so too!” she squeals.
Eleanor reaches for Miss Silver’s hand, grabbing it and pulling her through the doorway and past me.
“Wanna see my matching shoes? They have a high heel!” She drags her toward her closet.
“Oh my goodness, those are prettier than anything I could have ever imagined. You look like you should be in a Disney movie with little birdies singing all around you and chipmunks and bunnies sitting at your feet.”
“An, an, and cats? I love cats.” Eleanor is instantly entranced.
I give Miss Silver a slight nod. “Eleanor, Daddy has to go to a work event. Please be on your best behavior.”
“Bye, Daddy.” She waves dismissively, her attention fully on showing Miss Silver her animal collection.
I close the door behind me and start back downstairs. It warms my heart that Eleanor is such a receptive little girl and that someone like Miss Silver can bring her the warmth and connection she needs.
Ever since her mom died when she was only six months old, I’ve struggled. I want to be engaged with her, to give her the kind of love and life she deserves and needs, but every time I look in her big, blue eyes, all I see is her mother, Meredith, and all the pain of that loss comes rushing back.
Some days it feels like just yesterday I was happy and fun-loving. I was ecstatic to be a father. I loved every second of Meredith’s pregnancy cravings and mood swings. I know that sounds crazy, but nothing made me happier than running to three stores at eleven at night to find the very specific brand of cracker she was craving.
