Page 8 of My Demon Manny

Over the past few months, I'd gotten used to living on my own, but it felt nice to be around people again.

My interest in this job had started off with a simple fascination with babies, but it'd grown into something so much bigger now that I knew how important it actually was.

I wanted to make sure Gunner's day always started with a smile or with one of his little giggles, and that he was never hungry or sad. I wanted to make sure Archer didn't lose sleep over his son, or exhaust himself trying to take care of him.

I wanted to support both of these humans so they could live fulfilled lives and be happy. As long as I could do that, I would be the happiest demon in all the realms.

Archer

The first day with Lux went by almost too smoothly. It was strange how easy it'd all been, and I wondered if maybe things weretoogood.

It didn't feel right to be so suspicious, especially when he'd been so good with Gunnerandme all day, but I supposed part of being a new parent was being wary of everyone, and especially the people who were in close proximity to your baby.

The buzzing of my phone distracted me, and I eyed the pasta I was making as I accepted the call.

"Archer Shaw speaking."

"Hey, Archer Shaw. I was actually calling for my best friend. He goes by Archie, if you've heard of him," Jerry, my business partner and a constant pain in my ass, said. "Soooo? How's the new nanny? Or do you call him manny?"

"He's good. And he's a nanny." I hadn't really asked Calux if he had a preference, though.

"Good, huh? That's high praise coming from you."

"No, it isn't. I praise people."

"Oh, really? Name the last time you told one of your juniors they did a good job," Jerry challenged, and I glared at the pasta because we both knew I didn't remember.

"Well, it's not my fault barely any of them can do their work right without being told at least three times."

Jerry laughed, and I could almost see him lounging back on his couch, his long hair loose now that he was home, his greeneyes sparkling as he laughed at me. He laughed at me often, but I always knew it was in good fun, and I gave it right back to him.

"Back to the nanny. Is he taking good care of my little godson?"

"Yes, he is. He's a regular Mary Poppins, actually. I don't know how he does it."

"You sound impressed." Jerry sounded surprised, and I sighed as I flipped the stove off.

"I suppose I am. I keep thinking it's too good to be true, that I'm missing something."

"That might just be your dad instincts going into overdrive, but you should still keep yourself from forming an opinion until a few days, at least. How about I come over for dinner one of these days?"

There was no one's opinion I trusted more than his, and I felt relieved at his offer.

"Yes, please."

"Okay. I have a meeting at 4 on Wednesday, so I'll come over after instead of going back to the office."

"I'll make you your favorite roast chicken."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. I have the time now," I said with a chuckle, and he groaned happily.

"Wednesday can't come fast enough. 'Kay, I'll talk to you later. Keep me updated."

"Will do."

Ending the call, I grabbed two plates and filled them up with the pasta, carrying them into the living room.

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