Page 105 of Nanny for the Firefighter

“Hey.”

“Hi. How’s it going over there? I plan on coming home soon. I just want to finish up some paperwork.”

There’s a slight pause, and then Bridget clears her throat. “Umm, it’s good. Mia’s up, and we’ve been playing. She’ll be glad to see you.”

As far as responses go, Bridget’s is fine. It’s the tone that’s off. She sounds distracted and even a bit…worried.

Not sure what’s bothering her, I do what every good boyfriend should do, I ask.

“Hey, are you okay? You sound upset.”

“I’m fine,” she answers quickly, but then Bridget hesitates. “Umm, I’m fine. Mia is good. I just…we’ll talk when you get home.”

“You sure?” It’s clear something is bothering her, and Bridget has basically said as much herself.

“Yeah. Better to talk about it here, but really, I’m fine.”

“Okay. Well,” I sit up in my chair, turning away from the computer and looking down at the floor, “I plan on getting Chinese food on my way home. Sound good?”

“Sounds great.” That I believe. “We’ll be ready for kung pao chicken and egg rolls.”

I laugh. “You and your kung pao. Okay, well, let me wrap up a few things here, and then I’ll head home.”

“Great. I can’t wait to see you.”

My heart warms because I believe that one, too, and damn, even after just a regular day at work, I can’t wait to see Bridget, either.

“Me too, hun. I’ll see you soon.”

“Bye.”

I hang up, smiling, thanks to the awesome girl I have waiting at home for me, and turn back to the computer to make sure that my showings and appointments are all sorted out for the morning.

I’m at it for a few minutes when Cassie walks in, her purse slung over her shoulder.

“Hey, boss, I’m going to head out for the night, okay?”

I look up from my desk. “Oh, sure thing, Cassie. Oh, but hey, who tried to call earlier? The line…didn’t connect properly.”

She cocks her head, frowning slightly. “Earlier like this morning?”

“No,” I shake my head, “like when I got back from that sale. Did you not mean to forward me that call?”

Cassie takes a step back, pulling into herself. “I didn’t forward you a call. You said not to. No one has tried calling the office since you got back. Did I do something?—"

“No, no. I’m sure it was just a prank call. I’m sorry. You’re fine. Have a great night, Cassie.”

She smiles weakly, still clearly confused and a bit upset by the call. I can’t say I blame her since I’m definitely feeling the same way.

“I promise. You’re fine, Cassie. It was some lucky little punk that dialed my office number. Have a great evening, okay?”

Perking up a bit, Cassie nods, hiking her purse strap up her shoulder. “I will. Thank you. You have a good evening, too.”

“Thanks, Cassie. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“See you then.”

Cassie leaves, and I sit at my desk doing exactly nothing for a moment. Howdidthat prank call get my number, and why didn’t the redirect work?

---