Page 3 of Curvy Nanny for the Grumpy Single Dad

“You know who I am, that’s good. It means you know I’m serious about this, and that I need a nanny immediately.”

“Yes, I’m aware of who you are, so we can skip the part where I tell you that my nannies are all professionals with degrees and years of experience, and as such, expect to be compensated appropriately for their services.”

“I assure you I plan to pay above minimum wage. When will she be available to start?” I sounded like a grumpy asshole and I knew it, but I was already over this day even though it was just after noon.

Serenity laughed, the sound soft and musical, easy on the ears, even if I didn’t know what the hell was so damn funny. “It doesn’t work that way, Mr. Rush.”

“Well how does it work Ms. Majors?”

She sighed, like I was some child she had to explain things to slowly. “How did you last agency match you?”

I frowned. “I’ve never used a nanny, ah, agency before.”

She gasped. “A man with your wealth and looks? Please tell me you didn’t put an ad in the paper or online.”

I frowned inside my car. “Okay, I won’t tell you that.”

This time Serenity laughed loudly, and for far too long for a professional phone call. “All right Mr. Rush. There’s a certain science to matching a family with the right nanny, and that starts with a questionnaire. Normally parents come to the office and fill it out, but I’m assuming by your tone that you’re too busy for such a detour?”

“That would be a correct assumption.”

“All right. Do you have the time now?”

Now? “If it means you’ll send a nanny immediately, then sure.”

Ms. Majors started with basic questions about my work hours, marital status and yearly earnings before she moved on to questions about Lena, her likes and dislikes.

“Is she an active little girl?”

“Why does that matter?”

“The same reason it matters that you make high end, designer clothing for women of all ages and sizes.” At my silence she sighed. “Because I have quite a few older nannies who do well with indoor kids, those who like to spend their time drawing, playing video games and things like that.”

“Oh.” There it was again, that feeling that I was an asshole. “Lena is both. She loves to play with her dolls and stuffed animals, but she also loves to be outside.”

“Will Lena require any educational time during her days?”

“I would really appreciate that,” I said in an effort to sound more accommodating.

She asked what felt like about one thousand questions before we were finished. “Thank you for your time and patience, Mr. Rush. I will get back with you soon with a match or two. Will you make yourself available to interview the prospective nannies?”

“Yes,” I grunted. “Just be sure she’s competent and won’t try to worm her way into my bed.”

“Noted,” she said with a hint of amusement. “And you make sure you don’t prey on a pretty young nanny who’s reliant on you for a pay check.” Before I could defend myself, Serenity ended the call.

“Damn!” I smacked the steering wheel and stepped from the SUV. I waved at Billie who was packing up her van parked on the driveway.

“Hey Billie, thanks so much for staying until I could get home.”

“No worries Dante, I know how hard it is to find good childcare when you’re a working single parent.” Billie was a single mom to a seven year old son herself. Little Jeremy often accompanied his mom on her jobs on the weekends, and sometimes after school. “Lena’s fine, just looked in on her, she’s playing and doesn’t seem to be upset.”

After Billie drove off, I took a rare moment to let the Texas sun beat down on my face before I stepped inside the sprawling ranch style mansion that I had moved into after my divorce.

“Lena?” There was nothing but silence, but a beat later I smiled at the sound of Lena’s tiny feet smacking against the tiled floor just outside her playroom.

“Daddy!” She rushed towards me and I bent to scoop her in my arms. “You’re home!”

“I am. How are you?”

---