Page 44 of Nanny For My Brother's Best Friend

I wake up in the morning and look around at the sunlight coming through my window. I fell asleep.

I rise and look at the monitor to see Lola sleeping and run into the kitchen to check the sink. There’s no empty plate and the covered one is still in the fridge.

Where was he last night?

Lola wakes up and I force a smile on my face as we get ready for breakfast. There’s an afternoon game, and I promised Lola I’d take her there, even agreeing to go with his family. Avoiding them is impossible and I need to suck it up and be the best nanny I can be to Lola.

We’re not doing dinner before the game, but if she’s alert enough, Linda suggested dinner afterward. Maybe Miles can join us.

I’d rather he not come, but it is his daughter. Who am I to keep them apart?

I feel my phone vibrate and look down to see my brother’s name. Lola is playing in the living room before an early nap and I sigh, answering the call.

“What?”

“Who was the guy at the game, Del? I’ve never seen him before.”

“An old high school friend, Dad. He had tickets and wanted to go. There’s nothing more to it.”

My voice is defensive, but I get tired of Drew’s extreme habit of being overprotective of me.

“Are you trying to tell me you went right home after that awful game? Nothing else happened?”

“No. It didn’t. I came home and enjoyed the quiet house.”

Lies.

“Are you coming to the game today? Alone?”

“I have the sweetest three-year-old as my date today. You can rest easy knowing that I’ll be in the family seats with everyone else, Drew.”

“I just worry, Del. You’re my sister.”

“A grown one that can take care of herself. Are you home?”

“We’re staying until the game since it’s just a few hours away. Some guys ordered food and others are working out. Idiots. We’ll have enough exercise during the game.”

Andrew sounds bitter and I know he gets frustrated with the level of physical strain in the sport. He and Miles are in amazing shape, but it takes a lot of work to get there.

“They clear their heads that way. It’s a thing.”

“You’ll be here tonight?”

“Yep. They’re talking about dinner after, if Lola is up to it. She’s going down for an early nap soon. It won’t be a long one, but it’s something. Are you ready for the game today?”

“We practiced our asses off and went over drills to make sure that doesn’t happen again. That team messed with us.”

“I won’t argue with that. Get some food and relax. Be careful tonight, Drew.”

Lola naps and I shower, dressing for the game once my hair is air drying into a mass of curls. I chose skinny jeans and the usual jersey with some cute black boots. Lola’s clothes are laid out in her room.

I am still feeling confused about everything, but I need to move past it. It makes no difference where he’s been or who I’ve been out with as long as Lola is safe.

When she wakes up, I dress her, and we drive to the house to ride with the family in the car. Lola is thrilled to be with them, but I hold back, staying quiet and observing everyone.

“Are you okay, Delilah?”

I look at Brynn as she stares at me, nodding.

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