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The alarm was so fancy, it had several different chimes based on the situation. When someone was admitted at the guard shack, there was a sequence of three beeps. But if a door was opened or closed, a double chime would sound.
“No joke,” Emerson said. “You hit the jackpot.”
“Apparently, house-sitting placements are fairly rare. But you could join a yacht crew if you’re sick of nannying.”
Her expression softened. “I can’t imagine doing anything else, even when it’s hard. I love working with the families, but not when there’s so much tension. It’s been awful. Dan and Judy waited until the holidays were over, but then they finally told the kids they’re getting divorced.”
I winced. “That’s hard. How are the kids taking it?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Not well, but I try to be there for them.”
“I’m sure you are. I’m sure you’re helping them a lot just by being a constant presence.”
She frowned, and I could tell the situation was wearing on her. “I love those kids, but everything’s about to change. Pretty sure I’ll be looking for a new placement soon.”
I gave her hand a squeeze. I knew how invested Emmy got in the families, especially the kids. It made it even harder to say goodbye when the placements inevitably ended.
“Enough about that,” she said, shifting. “Let’s talk about something more fun. Go on any hot dates lately?”
I barked out a laugh. “You’re joking, right?” When she shook her head, I asked, “When would I even meet someone?”
“Surely you’ve come across some hot doctors lately.” She bumped my hip with hers.
“Hot and douchey.”
She pursed her lips. “That’s disappointing.”
“Meh.” I lifted a shoulder. I wasn’t sure I had the time or energy to date at the moment. This job was certainly going to help with some of the stress from the bills, but it was a Band-Aid, not a long-term solution. Mom and I had barely celebrated Christmas this year—mostly sticking to smaller gifts that were handmade. Too bad I couldn’t give her the one thing we both really wanted—a clean bill of health.
“Speaking of dating…” Emmy leaned into me. “Supposedly, Jude’s got a new girlfriend.”
“Good for him.”
“Doesn’t bother you?” she asked, studying me.
“What? That he moved on?” I frowned. “No. Why would it?”
“Well, because…” She huffed. “I don’t know. I always like to be the first to move on.”
I would’ve laughed, but I knew she wasn’t joking.
“I did move on. He thinks I’m in New York, remember?”
“You know what I mean.” She rolled her eyes. “You aren’t upset?”
“It’s not like you’re trying to tell me that you’re dating him, right?” I asked, knowing she’d never be interested in Jude. Still…she was acting weird. Cagey or something.
“No.” She shook her head quickly. “Definitely not. He’s too short. And too young for me.”
“Em—” I rolled my eyes. “He’s practically your age.”
I didn’t even bother arguing with her on the height thing. Jude was six feet tall, which made him four inches taller than her. But that wasn’t enough of a height difference in Emmy’s opinion.
“Exactly,” she deadpanned. “No, I prefer someone older. Someone like—”
“His uncle?” I teased.
“Mm-hmm.” She got this dreamy look in her eyes. “That man is fine. Though, your dating Jude certainly had its perks. Free tickets to the Leatherbacks games.” She ticked off a finger. “Staying at luxury hotels on vacation.” She ticked off another. “Hanging out on the yacht…”
