AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Okay. Bye.”
She leaves and I head to the kitchen to make dinner. I check in on Connor when I’m done.
“I just wanted to see if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Ellie. I could use a protein shake,” he states. He already gave me the different recipes he uses. He told me to do whatever I like.
“Sure thing,” I reply.
“Ellie, Patty asked about your nana. Is that your grandma?” he asks, which means he overheard us talking.
“Yes, she came here from Italy when she was young. We’ve always called her Nana,” I explain, feeling nervous about what he may or may not have heard.
“Does she live here in the city?” Connor inquires as he lies on the bed, sitting up against the headboard.
I nod.“She lives on Fifth. Not too far from here.”
“I feel terrible that Syd and I have monopolized all your time. Obviously, you have family you want to see,” he says, almost like he’s chiding himself.
“You aren’t going to be off your feet forever. I understand it’s hard for you to manage on your own right now, and you’re very generous with the salary you’ve been paying me,” I remind.
“Still, if you need to go see your nana, you should go,” he says.
My lower lip trembles. “She’s uh. . .she’s not well. She has pancreatic cancer and she isn’t undergoing treatment. We don’t know exactly how long she has,” I share, trying to hold back tears because saying those words causes a tsunami of emotions to bubble up inside me.
“Ellie, you should’ve said something. I don’t want to be responsible for keeping you away from her,” he says softly.
“I appreciate that, but she understands. I’m grateful for the job. Nana was very worried about how my life has been. Not having a stable place to live. She’s happy I found… you and Syd.”
Connor’s shoulders deflate. “Syd and I are the lucky ones. I should’ve told you how much I appreciate all your help.”
“It’s really no problem,” I assure him.
“You should go spend time with your nana. There are easily a few hours a day when Syd is in school and Patty comes to train me. You should go then.”
“Thanks, Connor. I do appreciate it. I’m not in touch with the rest of my family. Nana is the only one I have,” I admit, and the tears finally escape. I swipe at them with my finger. “I’m sorry. Talking about her gets me emotional.”
“Understandably so,” he says with a sad smile. “There isn’t much time before Syd gets home today, but promise you’ll go tomorrow.”
“I promise. Thanks, Connor.”
I head to the kitchen to make him his protein shake. He really is a kind man.
I return with the shake. His gaze sometimes roams over my body. I catch him checking out my chest as I smile and place the smoothie cup on his bedside table. His eyes turn heated, I think, but then he closes the feeling down or maybe I’m seeing things because I’m so attracted to him.
“Do you and Syd have family in the city?” I ask. I know Syd’s mother isn’t in the picture and they are from Canada, but maybe he has an uncle or something.
“No family here. Syd’s mom is back in Vancouver. She wants to come to New York for a visit, but I don’t know when that will happen. It’s me and Syd against the world. That’s why me getting injured has been a mess.”
“Right,” I say. “Well, I’m here for you and Syd. I know what it’s like not to have people to count on.”
“Thanks, Ellie.” He reaches out and gives my arm a squeeze and his touch lights my skin on fire. I take a shaky breath and when I look into Connor’s eyes, our gazes lock. He swallows and then he blinks and pulls his hand off my arm like I’m fire and he’s been burned.
“Sorry,” he says and his apology stings.
“I’m going to go get Syd from the bus.” My voice is shaky. I’ve only been here for just over a week and this father-daughter duo has slithered under my skin.
I take a deep breath and remind myself I need this job. I can’t do something crazy like fall for Connor. This is the first time in a long time I have some stability. Bottom line is I can’t rock the boat.
