AllFreeNovel
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I take my seat at the head of the table. “Let’s get started.” Each department gives me a short summary of the task progress and what they need to complete it on time. I take down some notes and then I give my progress report and add in the information I learned from my earlier meeting with the representative.
“We are halfway through the quarter and the projections are right on schedule. I don’t see any tweaks that need to be made yet. What do you think of the price of the platform? Should we keep shopping around or consider it?”
I look around the room and meet everyone’s eyes. A mixed murmur of yes, no’s and maybe’s comes back.
“Alright, we will keep looking, but keep this on the back burner just in case. Anything else?” Heads move side to side.
‘Ok then. Thanks for attending.”I leave the room amongst chatters and murmurs and get back to the office. The rest of the day flies by in a blur. It is not til the end of the day that I’m able to read my new nanny’s credentials.
In the car ride home, I briefly look over her credentials, liking what I see so far. Now if she can just stay out of my bed, this might actually work out.
I arrive home and I’m greeted by a very excited Maisey who can’t wait to tell me all about Miss Schriefer. I listen intently as I follow her inside the living room. I drop my briefcase on the chair, take off my suit jacket, and sit down on the couch next to her.
“Look, Daddy, I made this drawing for you.” She hands me yellow construction paper with stick figures representing her and Miss Schiefer. They are holding hands and smiling. I smile down at Maisey. I think she made it for the new nanny but I accept the drawing. I’ll put it with the others she has made for me.
“You like your new nanny?” Maisey nods her head vigorously, which both warms my heart and creates anxiety. If this newnanny turns out to be like all the others, I’ll have to let her go or she will quit when I rebuke her, and it will crush Maisley, again. She gets attached so easily since her mother passed last year and it breaks my heart each and every time I have to let a nanny go.
“I’m glad you like your new nanny, Maisley. Do you know where Ms. Schriefer is?”
Maisey grabs my hand and leads me to the kitchen. A woman with auburn hair, with her back to me stands at the sink rinsing up some dishes. I clear my throat to get her attention.
Ms. Schrieffer turns around and familiarity hits me in the chest. I swear I know her from somewhere. That smile fits someone I used to know, but who? I shake my head as I try not to stare at her not wanting to make her uncomfortable.
“Hello Ms. Schriefer, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve been looking forward to your arrival and your help.” She smiles warmly at me. My heart flutters a bit.
What is going on inside me?
“Please, call me Cam,” She says. She walks over and reaches her hand out, which I take. It’s warm and soft and her handshake is firm. Another little flip in the chest. I was just saying how I need the nanny to stay out of my bed, so I can’t very well entertain thoughts of going to hers. It’s just that her beauty and familiarity are unexpected.
“Of course. How was your first day, Cam?”
“Your daughter is an absolute Joy, Mr. Madison. I can tell she has been brought up well.”
“Please, call me Parker. Mr. Madison was my dad.” I smile at her. Her eyes bring up an image that I can’t quite place. “Maisey showed me a picture of the two of you that she drew. She is very taken with you Cam.”
“Thank you. I’m taken with her too.” She looks lovingly down at my daughter which does something to my insides.
An awkward silence hangs between them for a moment til Cam breaks it.
“You have a very lovely home. Thank you for allowing me to stay here.”
“You’re most welcome. It just makes sense all the way around.” She nods in agreement. “Would you mind giving Maisey her bath tonight while I catch up on some work? I promise not to keep you past six, as per the agreement, on a regular basis. It’s just been that kind of day.”
“Of course and in the future it’s not a problem if you need me later than six. I’m happy to spend as much time with Maisey as possible.” She looks to my daughter who has left my side and joined Cam’s.
“Thank you so much. I’ll just be in my office if you need me.” I watch Cam hold Maisey’s hand and walk down the hallway and I think about where I know her from. Not many people have that kind of an impact on me.
I grab my briefcase and head down the opposite hallway to my office. I turn on the light and shut the door. I open the laptop and click on Cam’s credentials again. I don’t see the residences that she worked out prior to mine. I guess that makes sense for privacy reasons.
I open Google and type in her name.
Camydn Schriefer.
What the hell? No wonder I thought she looked familiar. We are both from Piedmont North Dakota.
But where do I know her from?
As I scroll, I see a picture pop up from Facebook.
