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And yet, all those thoughts didn’t stop me from coming out with another unexpected response. “How soon is your mom’s surgery? And is this a temporary position?”
“The surgery is scheduled a week from Monday, so I don’t have much time left,” Banks revealed. “And I don’t want you to think that means I’m just willing to accept anyone at this point. I think there’s a reason you wound up at Harper Security Ops today.”
I nodded my understanding.
Banks continued, “Her recovery will be a couple of months, but the truth was that my mom watching her grandson was never meant to be her new job. She stepped up to help out when we needed her, but we want her to be able to go back to just being Grandma. This would be a permanent position.”
We.
Hearing him say that word, my eyes instantly dropped to his left hand. Sure enough, there was a ring on his finger.
I didn’t know why it hadn’t dawned on me before that moment, but Banks was already married. If I had been in a different headspace, I might have reacted differently to that realization.
But now?
This was the best revelation I could have made. There would be nothing for me to need to be concerned about with regard to the emotions I’d been feeling since I started having a conversation with Banks. The truth was that I was probably reacting to having a genuine conversation with someone new for the first time in months.
“Okay, Banks. I think I’d like to be considered for the nanny position,” I told him.
His brows shot up. “Really?”
“You are in a bit of a tight spot, being just over a week away, aren’t you?” I countered, feeling shocked by my ability to tease.
Apparently, Banks was capable of smiling not just over thoughts of his son, because the corners of his mouth tipped up. “That is true.”
“So, how will this work?” I asked, ignoring the way his smile transformed him. “Do I need to be fingerprinted or something?”
He let out a laugh, but abruptly stopped himself. A strange look washed over his expression, and he shook away whatever thoughts passed through his mind to respond to me. “No. You don’t need to be fingerprinted. I’ll work on having the background check done today, and if you’re available any time this weekend, perhaps we can have you come over to meet Rhys before we make any official decisions.”
I hadn’t had plans to do anything on the weekend for months. Hell, I hadn’t had plans to do anything during the week, either. “I’m free this weekend.”
“Perfect. Would tomorrow morning around ten o’clock work for you? Rhys is generally up from his morning nap by then.”
“I can do that. Ten o’clock would be great.”
“Nice. Can I find your number on the application you filled out for Avalon?” Banks asked.
“Yes, I put my cell number on the application.”
His chin jerked down slightly in response. “Okay. So, I’ll shoot over a text message to you with our address when I head back inside, and we’ll see you tomorrow at ten o’clock.”
“That sounds great. I’m looking forward to it, Banks.”
For a brief moment, I could have sworn I saw something uneasy wash over him, but before I could be certain, it was gone. “Yeah. And thank you for considering doing this. You’re really helping us out here. If all goes well tomorrow, we can discuss the specifics of salary and hours.”
“That sounds like a plan. Thank you for the opportunity.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I should probably let you get out of this cold. I’ll see you tomorrow, Lamise.”
Feeling much better than I had when I’d walked out ofthe Harper Security Ops building, I sent a smile his way. “See you tomorrow.”
At that, I turned around, opened my car door, and folded in behind the wheel. Only after I was inside and had turned it on did Banks shake his head as though ridding it of some awful thoughts, turn around, and walk away.
It hadn’t been the job I’d been expecting, but there was no question it was something I believed I’d enjoy a whole lot more.
FIVE
Lamise
