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"Sure," she replies. "Do you want me to schedule the other interviews as well?"
Watching Ryan and Marcus bicker, I shake my head, even though Jessie can't see me.
"No, that won't be necessary." I glance again at Lacey's photo. "This one will do just fine."
Chapter Three
AIDAN
The next day, I'm twenty minutes early for my meeting with Lacey, who surprises me by showing up nineteen minutes early. Go figure.
As I stand in front of the café where Jessie arranged for us to meet, I spot her walking up the sidewalk. Her curly, auburn hair, streaked with blonde, bounces with each step, and her golden-brown cheeks are flushed from the chill.
She's donned a red beanie with a pompom, an oversized sweater, leggings, and carries a red spiral notebook. She looks ready for a cozy day in, not an interview.
Her gaze flicks over my collared shirt and coat.
"Mr. Sullivan,” she greets me with a soft smile. “Thanks for meeting with me."
"Yeah." Clearing my throat, I manage to look away. "Let's get started, shall we?"
“Sure,” she replies, following me inside after I hold the door open. "Eager to get back to your glamorous life, I bet."
"Miss Alvarez, my life is far from glamorous."
"Owning a team that plays a children's game for a living sounds glamorous enough to me."
I suppress a smile. "You're not entirely wrong."
Inside the café, At the Penguins for Progress event, Lacey Alvarez in a penguin get-up was a sight to behold. But now, without the costume and with her hair down, she looks…cute.
I can't deny my intrigue.
As we settle at a corner table and order drinks, I watch her scan the menu.
"So, Miss Alvarez, any recommendations?"
"The iced vanilla latte is good here.” She doesn't look up. "And they have a great pastry selection." She raises an eyebrow, eyeing my arms folded across my collared shirt. "Though I doubt you indulge."
"Don't assume, Miss Alvarez.” I pick up my menu. “I indulge more than you might think."
Her smirk says she's amused.
"Cutting to the chase,” I say, “why are you here?"
Her expression turns serious.
"I'm here for your daughter, Grace."
"What about her?"
"I think I'd be a great nanny for Grace."
“So, you are a nanny now?" I don’t bother to hide my curiosity. “Weren't you aiming to be a fashion editor?"
"Plans change. The nanny job is just for the summer, right?"
"Exactly. Baseball season means I travel a lot. I usually bring Grace along, but my regular nanny is unavailable. Getting married and taking time off. I need someone reliable."
