“Did you tell him to get fucked?”
That makes me smile. “No.”
“Lili, please tell me you didn’t call that prick?” When I say nothing, she sighs. “Okay, so you called. What did Dimitri-the-dick have to say?”
Cecely is one of the few people who knowseverything.
“Not much. Just that he needs a nanny and that he wants to meet at seven tonight to discuss the position.”
Cecely is silent for a moment. I’m sure she’s wondering if I’ve lost my mind. Heck, I’m wondering, too.
Finally, she says, “I can watch Raquel while you go.”
“What?”
“Well, I’m sure you don’t want to take her. Right?”
“So you think I should go?”
Her gaze searches mine. “You know how I feel. I think you ought to let him know about her and then sue his ass for child support.” She holds up her hands when I open my mouth to reply. “But I also know how you feel about him. So, yeah, I think you should go to the interview. Let him pay you to take care of his kids and I can keep an eye on this one.”
My eyes water. “That’s asking too much. I can’t.”
“You can. I have some money saved up from dancing. We’ll make this work.” She points toward the wall. “Besides, you know Harvey will help.”
Our other roommate, Harvey, loves watching Raquel. He says it’s because he was raised with ten siblings, but I know it’s because he’s a good guy. Plus, he says he likes the practice for when he and his boyfriend have their own kids one day.
I lean over, hugging her. “You’re the best.”
“No, you are.” She gives me a long look. “Just promise me you won’t sleep with him.”
I laugh. “I won’t.”
She hums under her breath, but says nothing else about Dimitri Santos. Instead, she asks, “Are you ready for the test on Monday?”
“I think so.”
“Girl don’t lie. I know you’re stressed.”
Raquel was sick the other day, and I missed class. Unfortunately for me, it’s one of the more tough classes and I’ve had a hard time catching up. I’m worried that I’m going to fail the test which will make me fail the class.
“Fine. I’m stressed.”
“That’s what I thought. Which is why I’m going to watch my favorite baby while you study before the interview.”
“Cec—”
Cecely holds up her hand. “Oh, this isn’t for free, because I’m totally going to raid your closet while you’re gone.”
“Deal.”
Cecely grabs the baby monitor while I gather my things. I also change into an appropriate outfit for an interview. Once I’m ready, I check on Raquel one last time before heading out.
I’m usually at the library on Thursdays when I don’t have to work. Cecely is off and can keep the baby for me. I repay her by doing her laundry, which she hates. I’m definitely getting the better end of the deal because I love doing laundry and I also love getting time away from Raquel to study.
In the library, I find a table in a corner and sit.
“Okay, Lili. Let’s do this,” I say, hyping up myself.