Page 76 of Primal God

“Please, have a seat.”

She sits next to Lilith, and I can’t help but compare them. Ms. Odell is slender and wears a professional ensemble. Lilith outshines her, even though she’s only wearing jeans and a nice top. She meets my gaze as if she can sense my stare and gives me a small smile. I clear my throat and force myself to get this interview started.

“Ms. Odell, I see that you’ve been working as a nanny for the Simpson family. What made you decide to find a new job?”

“The Simpsons are moving to Kansas,” she answers with a sad smile. “I’m happy for them, of course, but cannot go with them.”

I already know this information. I know a lot about Ms. Odell. On paper, she’s perfect for what I’m looking for. I glance at Lilith again. But in reality…she’s not who I fucking want.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” I say. “Did Simpson finally land that job he’s been after?”

Her eyes widen, as if she’s surprised that I know her boss. It’s a small world, and men of power are all connected through the Brotherhood.

“Actually, it was Mrs. Smith who landed her dream job.” Ms. Odell gives me an ornery smile. “They bought a ranch and are going to raise cattle.”

I laugh before I can stop myself. “Is that so? Well, good for them.”

I look at Lilith to find a small frown on her lips.

I say to her, “I’ve known Simpson for many years. The idea of him living on a ranch is laughable.”

She smiles but doesn’t say anything.

It bugs the shit out of me.

I turn my attention back to Ms. Odell and go through my normal interview questions.

When I’m finished, I ask, “Do you have questions for me?”

“I have one for Lili, if that’s okay?” When I nod, she turns to Lilith. “Why are you leaving this position, if you don’t mind me asking?”

Lilith says, “I only agreed to help for the summer as a favor to João.”

Ms. Odell’s eyes widen. “Oh my goodness. Are you and João still together?”

“No,” I snap. “They’re not.”

Lilith gives me a look and says to Ms. Odell, “Dr. Santos is João’s father.”

“I guess I should have put that together, since it’s the same last name and all.”

Lilith says, “Dr. Santos needed help for the summer, and it worked out with my schedule. I start my last semester in the fall and won’t be available to be a full-time nanny.”

“I thought you graduated last year?”

Lilith’s cheeks turn a light shade of pink. “Nope.”

“Silly me.” Ms. Odell shakes her head. “What do you have planned after that?”

I swear to god, Lilith’s face pales.

“I’m not sure.”

Something heavy hangs behind her words. It’s a sadness that I want to solve for her.

Ms. Odell says, “Well, that’s understandable. I’m sure you’ll find the perfect place.”

But that’s not going to happen, because the perfect place for Lilith is here, with me and my kids.

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