Page 19 of Finding Home

Fuck, fuck, fuck. I didn’t see that coming. “But Raine is happy and settled here with my parents and me. So, I propose we?—”

“It’s non-negotiable. You’re both coming to stay with me.”

My brain feels like it’s melting. Grasping for words. “But why? It makes much more sense for me to take care of Raine here, like always, while you?—”

“The truth is I need to hire you as my sobriety coach for the next three weeks and two days, Aubrey. In addition to hiring you as Raine’s nanny during that same period of time.”

My brain freezes. “I-I . . .What?”

With a long exhale, Caleb leans back again and explains the entire situation to me. When he’s done speaking, I remain silent for a long moment, trying to process.

Finally, I say, “I’m not qualified to be a sobriety coach. I have no idea how to do that.”

“You’re over eighteen, right?”

“Twenty-four.”

“Are you capable of abstaining from alcohol and drugs for the next three weeks and two days?”

I scoff. “I haven’t had a drink in over two years, and I’venever done any kind of drugs. I quit drinking for Claudia and never looked back.”

“Congratulations. You’re qualified.”

“But I don’t want to live with you,” I insist. “I want to stay here with Raine and my parents and?—”

“It’s non-negotiable, Aubrey.” When I say nothing, he throws up his hands in frustration. “It’s not like I’ll be holding you prisoner at my place. You can see your parents every day, if you want. But you and Raine absolutely have to come live with me for the next three weeks and two days.Non-negotiable.”

I rub my neck, feeling a bit hot and dizzy. “How much will you pay me to do both jobs—sobriety coach and nanny—for the next three weeks and two days?”

Caleb pauses. “Five grand.”

My heart stops. Holy shit. Five grand for only three weeks of work is more than I’ve ever made in my life! But even so, he’s clearly desperate, so I think I can get even more, if I push back. Six grand, maybe? Two grand per week, to make it a round number.

I open my mouth to suggest the new, higher number, but Caleb speaks first.

“I think that’s fair for now, considering you’re doing both jobs,” he says. “But once the sobriety coach portion of your job is over, and once we know the result of the custody hearing, we’ll re-negotiate your full-time nanny salary, For now, though, while I’m staying here in Prairie Springs, I think it’s fair for me to pay you five grand per week to do both jobs.”

Perweek?

Wait.

Did Caleb just say he’s willing to pay me five grand . . .perweek. . . and not five grand . . .total? I feel like I’m going to faint.

“Come on, Aubrey,” Caleb huffs out, when I’m too shocked to speak. “Don’t play hardball with me. You’d be taking care of Raine for the next three weeks, anyway, for free. Granted, I realize I’m also asking you to babysit me, on top of that, but that’s why?—”

“No, no, I . . .” I take a deep breath to steady myself. “Five grand per week is fine. For now.” Holy crap, this is a godsend. With an easy fifteen grand in my pocket, I’ll be able to help my parents put a major dent in their medical bills! Do I want to spend the next three weeks and two days living under the same roof with a pathetic man-child who’s got the fate of my happiness in the palm of his hand? No. I’d rather eat rusty nails. But what choice do I have? At least, this living arrangement will afford me the chance to help my parents whilealsotrying to influence Caleb before the hearing. If I play my cards right, maybe I can make him see it’smewho should get custody of Raine, whileCalebgets unlimited visitation rights.

“So, we’ve got a deal?” Caleb asks, a hint of annoyance in his tone.

I clear my throat. “Yes. For now.”

I take Caleb’s offered hand, but when electricity courses between us at the point of contact, I release his palm like I’ve touched a hot stove.

“What, uh. . .” Damn. Come on, Aubrey.Focus. “What time do you want me to bring Raine over to your cabin in the morning?”

“Raine can sleep here tonight, but you’re coming with me to my place.”

“No, Caleb. Let’s start this arrangement tomorrow. Give me a day to?—”

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