Page 26 of Lucky Strike

“Yes.” I hold his gaze. “You can.”

“Then let me show you around.”

As we walk through the massive townhouse, Shelby and Bacon trotting along, I can't help but marvel at the subtle opulence. Portraits and original paintings hang from the walls, two by an artist I’ve seen at the MOMA. There are sculptures from around the world and a series of photos of far-flung locations Conlan seems to have taken himself. The furniture in every room is elegant and simple. “Your room is next to my office, on the third floor,” Conlan explains as we walk up a final set of stairs.

I’d expected my room to be small and simple, as in homes past, so I’m not prepared for the well-appointed studio I find instead. There’s a lovely, four-poster bed with a simple, wood canopy in the middle of the room. A loveseat and TV are tucked into one corner, a desk and matching chair in the other. A cushioned window seat overlooks the street and Boston Common below.

“Oh,” I breathe, unable to play it cool. “This is beautiful.”

“It used to be the guest room, but I thought it would be better suited for you.” Our eyes meet. “For the au pair.”

I lift my eyes to the large skylights brightening the room, admiring the blue, cloud-dotted expanse of sky on the other side. “I love that. Reminds me of your parents’ pool room.”The pool room, Bria? Really?

But he nods. “Me, too. That’s why I had them installed.” He points to a trio of remotes on the bedside table. “These ones have shades, though, in case it gets too bright.”

Brushing aside the ache in my chest those memories bring, I cross the room and open the door leading into the en suite bathroom. There’s a giant tub, separate from the shower, and another skylight in lieu of a window. “This is incredible.”

“If you decide to take the job, it’s yours to do what you want. Rearrange the furniture, paint the walls, whatever.”

We walk back downstairs, passing Liam’s room. He roars when he catches sight of us, a dinosaur in each hand. “Bria! Do you want to be the stegosaurus?”

“I can’t right now,” I say, hating the disappointment that washes over his little face. “But soon!”

“When?” Lower lip pushed out, he comes into the hallway and presses a small green dinosaur into my hand.

“Probably this week.” I hope I’m not being presumptuous.

But Conlan hums in agreement, ruffling Liam’s hair. “She can play with you tomorrow.”

After signing a contract, as well as an unexpected NDA, I’m given my own set of house keys and a folder full of printouts from Nola. “Liam is your responsibility. Everything else in this house is mine.” She sets a mug of tea on the island. “Sugar?”

“Please. And milk.”

“Now I know your gran was Irish.” She pushes a tray containing spoons, a tureen of milk, and a porcelain pot of sugar my way. “As I was saying, the house is my domain. I do the lion’s share of the cooking and grocery shopping, so if you need something specific, just ask. If anyone needs anything—be it the housekeepers, Con’s drivers, gardeners, even repair men—they come to me. If you need anything, anything at all?—"

“I come to you.”

“Yes.” She stirs her tea. “But you’ll need to understand how things work, so I put this together for you. The alarm codes, the schedules of anyone who comes by, emergency phone numbers, how certain things in this house operate … it’s all there.”

Taking a small sip of tea, I flip through the paperwork. It’s comprehensive, for sure—there’s even a handwritten note from Conlan, detailing Liam’s schedule and commitments.Jiu jitsu?

“Christoph’s number is in there, too. He’s usually on standby for Con, but I’m sure he can drive you in a pinch.” She pauses, biting her bottom lip. “Though knowing that man, he’ll just hire someone else for ya, especially since Liam’s starting school this year.”

“Is his school not close enough to walk?”

She gives a slow nod. “It is, but with the weather … and, well. Sometimes you’ll need a driver. Anyway, make sure you go through that folder, all right?”

“I will. Thank you, Nola. This really helps.”

“I’m here from seven in the morning to five in the evening, save the weekends, so I should be here if you need me. But you can always call, too.”

“Hopefully I won’t have to,” I say, determined not to bother her if I can help it. “Your time off is precious.”

“It is.” She smiles. “But I love these boys like my own. Being here for them has never been a chore.”

The next morning,Christoph and I pack everything I own into the back of his SUV. I hand in my keys and sign some paperwork at the leasing office, where the guy behind the desk assures me my deposit will be returned within a month.

Conlan calls as Christoph pulls into traffic. “Are you on your way?”

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