Page 29 of Primal God

“You can park your vehicle in the garage attached to the guest house, since you won’t have need for it while you’re here. But come inside first so we can go over the contract before I have to leave.”

Right. Important orthopedic surgeon.

Dropping my keys into my purse, I hurry up the walkway to the porch, where I follow him into the house. We go to his office, where he sits behind a large desk, making him look ultra important. I sit across from him, wishing I had dressed up a bit. I wore nice jeans and a nice blouse, so that the kids wouldn’t fear me.

“Here is the contract. It’s for the duration of the summer.” He passes me a folder that’s surprisingly thick. “I’ll go over everything with you and if you have anything that needs to be changed, we’ll send it to my attorney.”

I nod my understanding when he glances at me.

“You will be expected to take care of my three children twenty-four hours a day, six days a week. You will be allowed one day off per week to do as you wish, preferably Sundays, but we can work around it if you need another day off. As I mentioned before, your room and board will be taken care of.” He points to the folder. “There is a list of house rules that I expect to be followed. There is also a copy of the children’s schedules for you. Please put them in your phone so you don’t forget.”

I say, “Of course.”

“Clara and Diego are both five and will start school in the fall. I expect them to practice in their workbooks daily.” He pauses. “Diego doesn’t talk, which his therapist says is normal, so please don’t push him to speak. Understand?”

“Yes, of course.”

My mind is racing. Why doesn’t little Diego speak? Was there some kind of emotional trauma or is it simply a delay?

Dr. Santos says, “You will be referred to as Nanny Wolfe and?—”

I cringe and he notices.

“Something to say?”

“Nanny Wolfe might scare the children, and I’m saying this from experience.”

“What would you like to be called, then?”

“Lili?”

“Absolutely not. The children need to see you as their caregiver, not a friend.”

“Nanny Lili, then?”

His eyebrow lifts. Guess not.

“Nanny W? Or maybe just Nanny?”

“I will accept Nanny W.”

It takes everything in my power not to roll my eyes.

I ask, “How am I to address you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Would you like me to call you Dr. Santos or Mr. Santos in front of the children?”

I can feel heat rising in my cheeks, because I know another name he likes to be called…

“Dr. Santos will be fine.”

Yes, Daddy…

“Ms. Wolfe?”

I cough to cover my discomfort. “I believe you were about to tell me about the pay for this position.”

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