Page 2 of Marshall: The Manny

Her eyes rolled and head shook. “Don’t start overthinking. We vetted this man like crazy, and you have cameras in every corner of every room and hallway in this house. Plus, his recommendations were stellar.”

“It’s not that. It’s just… I don’t want to be away from him.” My eyes watered just at the thought.

“I know you’re used to being here with him, but remember, you’re doing thisforhim. For the both of you. After the launch of the second app, there’s no doubt in my mind that you will have enough money to last you both for the rest of your lives. You canhire a full staff and be able to spend as much time with my little Denny as you want.”

I nodded and allowed her words to soothe me. “You’re right. Plus, I want Denny to have more male influences in his life. That was the whole point of me getting a manny instead of a nanny.”

“Exactly. So get up and make yourself presentable for this interview. I approve of him and loved talking to him during our initial meeting. I think you’re going to love him too.”

“Okay, okay. Thanks, Jessie. Can you keep an eye on him while I throw something on real quick?”

“Of course.”

I made my way out of the living room as my nervous jitters subsided a little. I had to constantly remind myself that hiring help for Denver was for both of our good. It would help me buckle down and iron out the kinks for the app and give Denny more structure and routine daily without having to take him to the office with me.

All in all, I had to repeat that I didn’t have to do everything alone, and that it was okay for me to finally get some consistent help.

2

Marshall

When I pulled into the neighborhood for the interview, I could tell immediately that everyone there was affluent. I also noticed that the address of the interview was at the most modest home in the cove. It was just as big but had the design of a standard two story, brick home unlike the others. This home had a gate, which I respected and assumed was because there was a young child on the premises. I pulled into the circular driveway behind a BMW, said a quick prayer, then got out.

I was hoping this interview went well. I didn’t need to work with a new family, but I wanted to. I loved kids and felt like I was operating in my purpose as a manny. It was crazy how life changed when your perspective changed. There was a time I’d never even consider doing something that felt so domesticated, but I was great with kids and helping families and single parents have the help and structure they needed to thrive. It took a certain kind of character and heart to do what I did, and I took great pride in being able to do it well.

After ringing the doorbell, I waited patiently for someone to answer.

“Coming,” a slightly familiar voice almost sang.

When the door opened, my eyes landed on the woman I’d talked to initially about this job before the interviews and whom I assumed to be Denver on her hip.

“Hi,” she spoke, motioning for me to come in with her hand.

“Hey, how are you?”

“I’m good. How are you?”

“I’m well. This little guy is Denver?”

“He is.” She pinched his cheek and Denver giggled.

“Hey, Denver. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Marshall.”

I extended my hand in his direction, and he looked down at it before wrapping his hand around two of my fingers. “Hi.”

“Can you say Marshall?” the woman asked. I couldn’t remember her name, but it was something with a J.

“Mar-cho!” Denver yelled, bucking against her.

We both laughed as I said, “Close enough.”

“I’m Jessica, Demi’s best friend and executive assistant. You passed the first round of questioning with her parents and the second with me, so she wanted to get a feel for you herself today if that’s okay.”

“Of course.”

She led me to a sitting area and told me Demi would be down soon. I asked if she minded if I got to know Denver a little and she said it was no problem at all. Jessica left briefly and returned with a dog toy that was loud as hell, lit up, and rolled. Denver told me all about hiswoofas he called it. Shit was cute. He let me play with it briefly but decided immediately it was his and snatched it.

“Sorry about that.” At the sound of a woman’s voice, I lifted my head. “He’s in that, he doesn’t like to share, phase.”

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