Page 4 of Military Daddies' Nanny

Jamie always understands.

Jamie’s been a huge influence on me. She’s the one who encouraged me to start my babysitting service. She believed in me even when I had doubts. Her confidence in me has always been a stabilizing influence.

"Aww," Jamie coos. "That means you're pretty free now, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, I guess so," I reply, a hint of melancholy in my voice. "I’ve been babysitting Kelly and Josh every single day. I couldn’t take on any other clients. Their parents paid very well, but for the past four weeks, I’ve been tied down to only them."

"So, do you have any clients lined up?" Jamie asks, ever the practical one.

"Oh, no," I admit. "Not yet."

Jamie’s voice brightens even more. "Should I check with parents who might need your services? I can ask them when they're picking up their kids."

Jamie works at a kindergarten, which means she has access to a lot of parents. It’s a great offer, but I reassure her, "No, it's okay. I’m not too strapped for cash. I just got paid." I look at the wad of cash Eleanor handed me earlier. "I’m sure something will pop up soon."

"Okay," Jamie concedes. "Well, since you're free and you just got paid, what’re you up to? Are you going out? Doing anything fun?"

I laugh, knowing exactly where this conversation is heading. "Ugh, don’t remind me, girl. I haven’t done anything exciting in a long time. Not since you stopped dragging me everywhere."

"You're so lucky you work privately," Jamie says. "I’m tied down with this kindergarten job. They even test us for drugs and alcohol. I can’t just go out and drink myself into a stupor knowing I have to be in school the next day."

Jamie used to be constantly drunk in college. Her coffee cups were always filled with alcohol, never coffee. I chuckle at the memory.

It’s a miracle her liver is still intact.

"Hey, this is good for you," I tease. "Not being that crazy party animal anymore."

"Eh, whatever," Jamie says dismissively. "I’m still young. I don’t want my best years to pass me by."

"So, how are you getting your 'oil changed' when you’re so busy at the kindergarten?" I ask, curious.

Jamie’s voice turns playful. "Oh, I’ll have you know that even within the teacher community, there are still some sexy men around."

"Are you messing with a coworker?" I tease, knowing Jamie’s antics.

"I have no comment on that," Jamie says with a laugh. "We’re not talking about me. We’re talking about you. How about you find a couple of strapping young men and enjoy yourself?"

"Would anybody even be interested in me?" I mumble, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"What? Don’t tell me you’ve started that bullshit again," Jamie says sternly.

I blush, my insecurities bubbling to the surface. Growing up, I was always teased about my body. I’ve never felt comfortable in my own skin. I’m a big girl with big breasts and hips, and that made me a target for bullies.

In high school, I was either called fat or a slut because of my body. It was easier to wear big clothes and try to disappear. Jamie swears I’ve grown into my body and I look hot now, but I still struggle to see it.

Jamie is relentless. "You’re wasting your youth by not going out and having sex. Do you want me to come over here and drag you somewhere?" she jokes.

"You live two hours away," I point out. "How do you expect to drag me anywhere when you’re tied down with your job? You’rebusy holding down an adult job for the first time in your life. You really don’t have time to worry about my sex life."

"I’ll take matters into my own hands," Jamie declares. "How dare you tell me I can’t balance my job and poke my nose into your sex life?"

I laugh, just as my laptop dings with a new email. "Speaking of work, it seems like fate doesn’t want me to go on any benders. That might be a new client."

"Ugh, fine," Jamie grumbles. "You go check that out. I’ll talk to you later."

"Bye, Jamie," I say, ending the call with a smile.

I walk over to my laptop and open the email, hoping it's a new client. But my mind lingers on Jamie’s words. Maybe she’s right, maybe it’s time to step out of my comfort zone.

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