Page 2 of Nanny's Mate

The men shooed her out the door, and she smoothed down her shoulder-length brown hair before getting in the car. She fixed her makeup, added some mascara and lipstick, and pulled out of the driveway.

It didn’t take long for her to arrive at Indulge, a wine and tapas bar. It was a modern brick building with large arched windows that allowed passersby to see in. The interior decor had red brick walls and black shelves that displayed all the fine wines available.

A long white bar sharply contrasted against the rest of the inside and provided a sleek, modern look. Beatriz walked past flower arrangements of lilies and immediately complimented Ellie on the look and feel of the bar.

“This place came out fantastic!”

Ellie smiled. “Thank you. I designed the whole place as a result of my pregnancy. If I ever give birth, I’m going to indulge in as much wine and soft cheese as I want.”

With a laugh, Beatriz took a seat beside the rest of the women. Ellie, Barbara, Jordan, and Karla were joined by the local vampire coven leader, Aria. Lael, a witch with a vibrant display of colorful hair, was there too. She used to bartend at the Horney Wolfe but was currently managing it for Mason.

“Where’s Emma?” Beatriz asked.

“She’s a few hours away running the Central Wolf Pack with Mason. She’s due soon,” Ellie said with a pat on her own belly. “I think she’s a month or two behind me, but it’s nice having another pregnant mom in the group.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” Karla said with a wave of her hand. She tipped back a shot glass filled with a clear liquid. “Trust me, it’s nice to not be pregnant anymore.”

Beatriz, for the first time, felt like one of the girls. It was a nice feeling to belong somewhere, to have friends. She ordered a drink and sat back to enjoy the gossip around her.

Aria and Lael were engaged in quiet conversation. Beatriz continued to look around the new bar. She was impressed at the amount of work Ellie lavished on her business, especially considering she was pregnant.

The place had a warm, inviting feel. It was nicely decorated. The black bar stools against the white bar were a nice touch. It really brought the whole place together. The flowers added a feminine flair.

Ellie even had the foresight to add a game of darts in the far corner. Beatriz could picture a group of men gathered around, tossing darts and hollering every time there was a bull’s-eye. There was a pool table in the back where you could pay a few bucks for a game.

Beatriz wanted to play. She loved to play pool, and it had been a long time since she played. She tossed the idea around of coming back once the bar officially opened and playing a game or two. She returned her attention to Ellie.

“I just love it, Ellie. I really do. What do you plan on doing when you have the baby?”

Ellie’s eyes moved from Beatriz’s face to something behind her. “Speak of the devil,” she said with a grin. “Beatriz, I want to introduce you to Wallis Long. She’s a member of the Rahound Pack, and she’s been a huge help to me. Wallis is going to be managing the bar when it officially opens.”

Beatriz turned and smiled up at Wallis. She was a nice-looking woman with blue eyes and one of those ear-to-ear smiles.

“Nice to meet you, Beatriz.”

“It’s nice to meet you, too, Wallis. This place will keep you on your toes.”

“God, I hope so. I like being busy.”

Beatriz knew that feeling. Being busy passed the time. She watched Wallis walk away.

“Nice girl,” she said, turning back to Ellie.

Ellie nodded. “Yeah, she is.”

“Drink your drink, Bea!” Karla ordered with a grin. “You need some you-time.”

With a laugh, Beatriz took a long sip of her margarita. It was strong, and she felt the burn in her throat as it made its way to her stomach. Karla ordered fries, some burgers, and a few other appetizers.

“If you want something else, order it. Get whatever you want,” she told Beatriz.

“I’m good with a burger, Karla. Thank you. And thanks for inviting me. This is great.”

Karla dismissed her thanks with a wave of her hand. “You earned it. Herding the Wolfe triplets all the time keeps you busy. I just want you to know we appreciate all you do for us.”

Beatriz smiled. “Thanks.”

She was far more appreciative than Karla knew. Being new in town meant she didn’t have many friends. Barbara, Tristan’s wife, turned to Beatriz. Her short, blonde hair was styled in a bob, and her blue eyes twinkled.

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