Page 10 of Skate the Line

Ruby keeps selling me on the idea, hence why I’m in Chicago.

“I also heard that he can’t keep a nanny for more than a couple of weeks because they…. Well…” I can tell she is contemplating her choice of words. “Let’s just say he has to fire them for not respecting his wishes.”

Interesting.

“And…”

The plot thickens. “And what?”

“And I was told that he’s so grumpy with some of the nannies that they just end up not coming back.”

“Grumpy,” I repeat.

Grumpy I can deal with. It’s the charming ones you have to watch out for.

A shaky breath clambers from my mouth as I reach for my laptop. “It all sounds too good to be true.” I exit out ofthe website for The Chicago Art Institute and type The Nanny Roster.

Ruby shrugs. “Maybe he’s gay.”

“What does that mean?” Marybella asks.

Ruby freezes. “That’s out of my paygrade. Ask your parents.”

I stuff down a laugh, and Ruby moves on quickly.

“Anyway, where is my optimistic Sunny at? I’m the pessimistic friend in this friendship. You’re the optimistic one.”

My lips lift into a smile while I continue searching the nanny website. My finger hovers over one of the potential nannies listed.

“Ruby.” My tone lowers. “Did you put me on the website?!”

Her eyes grow so big I can hardly see the sparkles that Marybella applied.

“Ruby!” I shout. “This is just like that stupid dating app you put me on!” I slam the laptop shut and glare at her through the phone. “We both know how well that worked out!”

“Oh, look at the time. I gotta go!”

I cover my face with my hands. “I’m trying to stay on the down-low! Remember?”

“I didn’t put your picture up! Not to mention, why would anyone from Washington be looking on The Nanny Roster’s website? They don’t even know it exists.”

I groan. “I’m hanging up so I can panic in peace.”

Before she hangs up the phone, she says, “If Jillian calls you, answer! Or else you’ll be in Chicago without a job.”

I remove my hands to roll my eyes at her, but she’s already hung up.

As if on cue, my phone rings, and Jillian’s name flashes on the screen.

Fate? Is that you?

If so, fuck off.

Six

RHODES

“I can assureyou the women we hire are highly professional, Mr. Volkova. I personally know each one and can vouch for them. Out of the many years I’ve run a nanny business, I have rarely had any complaints.”

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