Page 12 of Wishing for Love

“She said she did,” he said. “She works in a daycare center and likes to have fun with the kids she’s watching.”

“But I’m only one kid,” Elsie said.

“Which means you get Crystal all to yourself,” his mother said. “Even better.”

“I guess,” Elsie said.

He looked at his mother. “Elsie, I think you’ll love her. You wait and see. Can you give it a chance?”

“I can,” Elsie said. “Can I watch cartoons?”

“Do you have any homework to do?” he asked.

“No,” Elsie said.

“Then you can watch TV,” he said.

He went into the living room with her, but she turned and went into her room. She’d been spending more time in there alone and there was part of him that wanted her where he could see her, but his mother reminded him that Elsie needed to find a place to gather her thoughts without interruption. He’d honor that for now.

Phoenix turned and went back to his kitchen. “Did you offer Crystal the job or just decided to have her come for a second interview?”

“I offered her the job and then she was the one that said she’d like to meet Elsie. That it’d be good for both of them first. I should have realized that. What if Elsie doesn’t like her?”

“That is a possibility,” his mother said. “You’ll have to use your judgment. She could dislike a lot of people who could be good candidates because she only wants you or her mother. Being a parent is no different than being a boss at times. You have to make the best decision you can and not always ask for everyone’s opinions.”

“You rarely asked any of us our opinions,” he said.

“Nope,” his mother said, smirking. “Your father and I had it covered. But as you got older you had more of a say.”

“I’m only picking on you,” he said. “You and Dad did a great job raising us. We’ve all turned out well.”

“You have. Every single one of you is on the right path in life.”

“It doesn’t feel as if I am,” he said.

“Don’t think about work,” his mother said. “As you know, there are more important things in life.”

“Yeah,” he said. “But work is what is going to pay the bills. I don’t even feel right using some of Elsie’s money for the nanny.”

“Maryn knew you would do the right thing for her daughter and that is all that matters. Things will work out. What do you want me to make for dinner tonight?”

His mother had gone to the store when he’d called Crystal to stock up on more food to cook this week. With any luck it would last a while.

“Whatever you want. I didn’t ask if Crystal had any food allergies. She asked that of Elsie and she seemed pretty forthcoming so I’d think she would have shared that information too.”

“I think she would have too,” his mother said. “I’ll ask Elsie what she wants to eat. Maybe that can be a conversation starter with them too.”

“Good idea,” he said.

“I’ve got a few of them. You know, having nine kids and all.”

“You just couldn’t stop after the first few pregnancies, could you? What would you have done if the last three were multiplies too?” Of the nine kids, there was a set of twins and triplets.

“I would have had more than nine,” his mother said, laughing.

“I don’t even want to think of it,” he said. “I’m going to make a few calls for work.”

“I want to lecture you that you’re supposed to have the day off.”

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