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Deanna gave me a quick look before going back to her other customers. I was pretty certain things were going well.
“Do you need help?” I asked Lily.
“I can do it,” she said and opened the bottle of ketchup.
“I think you just want to put a little ketchup in at first,” I warned her.
She picked up the spoon and mixed the ketchup with the tartar. I personally thought it looked gross, but I was happy Lily was giving it a try. That was a big step for her. I watched as Lily took a tentative bite of her fish with the tartar mixture, her eyes widening in surprise. “This is actually good,” she said, looking up at me. “You were right, Deanna knows what she’s doing.”
I smiled in response, happy to see Lily enjoying her meal. As she took another bite, I couldn’t help but admire her. Despite the challenges she faced, she was still willing to try new things and push herself out of her comfort zone. It was one of the things I loved most about her.
ChapterEight
Deanna
Colleen was grinning like a fool when we bumped into each other in the kitchen. “I can see why you’re so anxious to get the job,” she teased. “Seems like you’re looking for the benefits.”
“Stop,” I said.
“Seriously, that guy is hot,” she hissed. “I’m a little jealous. Do you think he needs a backup nanny? I’m up for the job. I’ll be your helper.”
“Stop.” I chuckled. “It’s just a job. Better than this.”
“Yeah, because you get to stare at your hot daddy.”
“Ew,” I said with my nose scrunched up.
“Not your daddy.” She laughed. “I thought he was going to be a lot older than that.”
“He’s not old,” I said. “He’s mature, something we’re never going to find dating guys our own age. Not that I’m dating him. Besides, I watch her while he’s gone. It’s not like I’ll be spending any time with him. I’m just there for the kid.”
“I don’t know. I can conjure up at least five fantasies.”
“Stop,” I scolded. “That is very likely my future employer. You can’t put those things in my head. I have to be able to look at the man without wanting to jump his bones or imagine the things you’re trying to make me think about.”
“Don’t even act like you’re the Virgin Mary,” she teased. “You and I both know you have been thinking it.”
“No, I have not,” I argued. “I’m off. You have fun.”
“You can’t leave right now,” she said.
“Yes, I can.” I grinned. “I was off ten minutes ago.”
“I hate you,” she complained.
I grinned and headed for the breakroom. I clocked out and grabbed my purse. I was anxious to talk with Lily. I didn’t want to come on too strong. If it looked like I was being fake, she was going to pick up on it. In my little experience with children, they weren’t impressed by lots of ass-kissing. They preferred genuine actions. Lily did seem to be a very smart little lady. I hoped she liked me. I wanted the job. I was desperate for it.
I reached for my purse and pulled out my deodorant. I didn’t want her first impression of me to be I stunk. Then, I brushed out my short hair and refreshed my makeup. The last bit might have been more for me and my need to look decent when I sat down at the table with the hottest guy in the room. I wasn’t going to hit on him or try to impress him. Nothing like that. I could admire him from afar. He was my boss. Almost my boss. I had to keep reminding myself of that or I just might do something silly.
“Have fun,” Colleen said when I walked out of the breakroom. “Do all the things I would do,” she added with a grin.
“Where are you going?” My boss came in through the back door smelling like a stale smoke.
“I’m off,” I said. “I was off fifteen minutes ago.”
“It’s still the lunch rush!”
“How would you know?” I shot back. “You haven’t even been up there.”
