Page 15 of Griffin

Ivy lets out a little laugh. “I’m old enough to decide what I want to do, Griffin.”

I shrug, hoping she doesn’t touch me again.

“I know, but it’s a big ask, that’s all.”

“Okay,” Ivy says quietly, turning her attention to Melody. “But more importantly, would you like that? I could be here when you wake up, help you get ready for school?”

Melody nods, chewing on her food thoughtfully.

“And take me to school?”

Ivy glances at me and then nods. “Yes.”

“Okay.” Melody returns her attention to her food and Ivy beams.

“Why?” I ask, the words escaping my lips before I can stop them.

Ivy frowns.

“Why what?”

“You’re twenty-one,” I say slowly, focusing on my pasta that’s almost gone. “You like kids that much?”

Ivy laughs, and as she does, my body relaxes, resting against the chair as Ivy leans her head on her hands.

“I always wanted to be a nanny,” she confesses. “I had all these ideas, you know? I was going to move to a big city and become a nanny … ”

I watch her, her eyes alive with excitement.

“But?”

She blinks, glancing back at me with a faint smile.

“Then I ended up staying here. Not that I mind,” she adds quickly, anxiety appearing in her eyes. She probably thinks I’m going to tell her dad she’s unhappy here.

“I love this little town, and I’d hate to leave Daddy.”

I nod, but the thought of her giving up her dreams to stack shelves makes me angry.

“So, yeah, if I can look after this gorgeous girl, and help a friend out, then I’d love to.”

Ivy smiles at Melody, and I sigh. It may count as experience if she does decide to pursue her dream. I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t help me out massively, so I give her the nod.

“Okay, Ivy, just make sure your dad doesn’t have a problem.”

“And you don’t need to pay me,” Ivy adds, dropping her fork to the bowl with a contented sigh.

“I’m paying you,” I mutter, raising my eyebrows when she goes to argue.

“But —”

“He’s paying you,” Melody states, peering at the garlic bread. “What’s the green stuff in the bread?”

Ivy giggles and starts explaining how garlic bread is made. I clear the table, but I can’t help but watch Ivy and Melody as they laugh and chat together.

Ivy helping out in the mornings will be a huge relief — and I’ll feel less guilty knowing Melody gets to sleep longer.

It doesn’t help with the afternoon dilemma, but we’ll just continue with the childcare until I manage to find something more permanent.

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