Page 19 of Primal God

João says, “I’m serious.”

“So am I, because that’s the only reason I can think of that explains why you would even ask me to call your dad.”

“Lili, I think you’re being a bit dramatic. Besides, we broke up years ago. I’m sure my dad doesn’t even remember seeing us hooking up.”

No, he might not remember that, but Dr. Santos might remember whenwehooked up…

Eve’s lips make an ‘o’. “Did Mr. S. really catch the two of you having sex?”

I nod, my cheeks heating.

“I would die. He’s so…intense.”

Intense is definitely the word I’d use to describe him. Intense and sexy. I blink, feeling like I’ve just been zapped by electricity.

Spurred by my most recent thought, I say, “Calling him sounds like a terrible idea.”

“Come on, Lili. You’re like the only person qualified to help. Plus, I’m worried about him. Ever since Mom passed, he’s buried himself with work.”

Guilt licks at my skin. It sounds like Dr. Santos still isn’t dealing with the death of his wife, which is why Iwon’tbe calling him.

His tone takes on a serious tone. “It’s affecting the kids.”

That makes me feel bad. Clara and Diego were only babies the last time I saw them, which would make them five now. I’ve never even met Isadora, but know she’s around sixteen months old. My breath hitches in my throat.Ten months older than…

“Surely your father has the means to hire a qualified nanny.”

João says, “Oh, he’s hired one, alright, and she’s horrible.”

Eve adds, “She really is scary. Even Isadora hates her, and Isadora loves everyone.”

I ask João, “Why can’t you help? Why me?”

“I can’t help because I’m going out of the country for the summer.”

“How nice,” I say, sarcasm dripping in my tone.

“It’s not like that, Lili.” He gestures to his girlfriend. “We’re going to help build houses in a third world country.”

Eve adds, “He’s not mentioning that we’re staying with his family, so it’s not like we’re going to be roughing it.”

Okay,thatchecks out.

“Come on. I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t think you could help. Besides, the pay is killer.”

I absolutely hate that the money is the only reason I’m even semi-considering this. God knows I could use as much money as I can get…

“And what happens when summer is over? Your father will still be nanny-less.”

“But you’re giving him time to find the perfect person. Heck, you might even know the perfect person with all of your connections. Please, just say you’ll call him.”

I bite back a groan. Finally, I say, “I’ll call.”

“You are the best! Here’s his number.” He slides a business card toward me. “Now, we’ve got to run. We’re meeting some friends at the country club.”

I’m frowning when they leave. I guess some things haven’t changed that much. João still has a golden spoon in his mouth, and I don’t. If anything, my situation is worse.

Maybe I won’t call his dad after all.

---