Page 52 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

“Maybe a bad idea.”

We chuckle, and I give Lola her water to distract her.

“She’s going to get it somewhere when she’s older. It’s good to establish it as a treat, right?”

Brynn eats a few Skittles when Lola isn’t looking.

“Miles might not agree. He’s strict with her diet.”

I think about the battles we had over food when I started working for him.

“Her mom didn’t feed her well. That’s why he’s like that. My brother couldn’t control what happened when she was there,so now that he’s got the power, he takes it a little far sometimes.”

“Did you like her?”

“No. Not even a little. I think it started out to be casual, but she worked her magic with Miles, and he ended up dating her. I’ll never regret this gift we got from it, but he was never happy with Kim. I always pictured him with someone more like you if he were to ever settle down.”

I have a powerful reaction to Brynn’s words but hold it in and respond with a laugh, thinking the same thing about Andrew.

“Like me? I’m so different from Miles. I’ve always felt worlds apart from Andrew, even though we love each other most of the time.”

“That’s what I mean. Opposites attract.”

The screen comes alive, and I know the film is ending this conversation when all I want is for it to continue. I tell Lola we’re going to watch a movie and that she needs to stay in her seat and tell me or Auntie Brynn if she needs anything. We’re at the tail end of potty training and while she’s wearing a pull-up, Lola loves to go to the bathroom anywhere and everywhere to see them.

Does Brynn know something is going on between me and Miles? She’s a smart girl and it might not be hard to tell. I bring myself back to the moment and smile when I see Lola in the recliner, staring at the characters on the screen. She might be old enough for this.

Things went well. Lola wanted to go to the bathroom once and tried to get more candy from Brynn twice, but she was quiet about both things. That seems like a win with a toddler.

We say our goodbyes even though I want to ask her what she meant, but Brynn has plans with a friend and needs to leave. I take Lola to a park, and we wander around the play structure as I observe Lola with my thoughts racing in the back of my mind. This is going to be a long week and I sigh, noticing Lola yawning.

We head home and she’s asleep by the time I park, so we’ll have to have lunch after the nap. At least she had snacks during the movie to tide her over, even if Miles would hate the idea. It makes sense why he’s concerned if what Brynn said is true. He’s alluded to the idea that Kim wasn’t the best mom and is owning the fact he’s a single parent to Lola, giving her everything he can in the world.

I drop to the couch when she’s asleep, closing my eyes. If we have a repeat of last night every night this week, I am going to need naps. I doubt Andrew will always be gone because he is dedicated to sport, but last night was incredible.

What would a video call be like?

CHAPTER 21

UNSETTLED

MILES

Istay busy when we’re traveling between practice and games, mixed with dinners with the team. We even win every game out there, making us all ride a wave of adrenaline.

So why do I feel like I just need to get home?

Traveling isn’t the novelty it once was for me as I get older. Lola has made that more apparent, but I’ve taken the proper steps and hired an incredible nanny to be there when I’m gone. My daughter is safe. My family is there for her, and a few days here and there are comfortable for me to take.

Are they?

I feel irritated with Andrew when he’s in the room every other night, even though he should be. This is work and he needs to be in top shape to do what we do on the ice. The night he went out, it took a long time to get to sleep when I finished my epic phone call and heard him come in. Andrew was in better shape on the ice than I was.

“We killed it this week. Maybe we should travel more often.”

I look at my best friend like he’s crazy as he packs to head home tonight.

“I’m glad you don’t want to be home and have no obligations. Some of us aren’t so lucky.”

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