Page 22 of The Billionaire and the Nanny: Part 2

Bailey

Understanding Zayden has beena bit like experiencing the solar eclipse we had this August. He’s fully bright, radiant, and confident in himself, but then he slowly darkens, grows colder until he’s fully eclipsed by the moon, birds have stopped singing, and I can tell something is wrong. I’m guessing he’ll come out again at some point, but for now, I’ve spent nearly a week watching him hide again in eerie darkness.

What was it about that conversation in Olivia’s room that sent him runningaway?

What was it that Isaid?

I’ve thought about it so many times, and all I can gather is that he’s holding onto some kind of bitterness, maybe from a past relationship gonebad.

He was never married but that doesn’t mean someone didn’t break his heart…

I’ve researched Zayden online, but all the articles talk about is his business savvy. One article mentions he came from loving parents who later became estranged, and that’s all I have to go on. Add in a surprise baby, and I can see why his life might be a little stressed right now, but I wish I knew what it was exactly that made him swing from one end of the spectrum to the other when it comes tome.

We could talk about it. We have some things in common. It kills me that he puts up these walls when it seems to me that we could get along better if we’d actually interact.

Meanwhile, the time alone has allowed me and Olivia to grow even closer. She sits up now when I come into her room in the bright early mornings and grabs onto the crib railing, bouncing happily when I bring her her bottle. Our walks through the park are one of my favorite times of the day. We can take in the late fall surroundings, pick up pretty leaves, or watch the other children play in the playground.

Olivia looks like she wants to join them. She seems to think her lack of walking skills betray her, as she stares at the kids wide-eyed, awaiting the day when she, too, can climb those monkey bars and slide down those colorful slides.

But there’s sadness, too.

Olivia examines faces. Especially those of young women, and I can’t help but wonder if she’s looking for her mother. Do babies remember their moms after a while? I would think they do, and it breaks my heart that I can’t be that person forher.

“Hey, pumpkin,” I interrupt one particular staring session at a pretty, dark-haired woman with two toddlers. “It’s getting late. Let’s get you home for dinner, a nice bath, and bedtime.”

Olivia blows bubbles from her shiny, pouty lips. “Bbb-bbb-bbbbzzz-bbbb.”

I laugh out loud. She’s too freakin’ adorable. So much happier than during her firstdays.

A couple of older women walking through the park compliment me on my gorgeous little girl, and I thank them. It’s easier than explaining I’m not her mother, only the nanny. Besides, I’m starting to think of myself as her surrogate mom anyway. I know I shouldn’t—I’m supposed to stay impartial, detached, according to the nanny training videos they made me watch. And if Olivia’s real mom would come home from work every night to hug her little girl, I would have no issue keeping my distance, but that’s not reality.

Reality is: all she has isme.

And I’ve gotten super close to her because ofit.

I’m in too deep and hope I don’t experience a full breakdown withdrawal when her mother gets out of prison and comes looking for her little girl. I wish Zayden would talk about her. I wish he would tell me what’s going on in his brain.

Stick to the job, Bailey. No more, noless.

Just as I’m walking in, something smells delicious. Helga is at it again, just as Vero pops out of a doorway I’ve never been through. “Oh, hello, Bailey and little Miss Olivia.” Vero nudges her perfect nose against the baby’s, but Olivia gives her evil ice stares. “We were just on the roof. Go look at the sunset. It’s gorgeous.”

The roof? Wow, I’ve been here two weeks and had no idea there was a patio for sunset viewing. She holds the door open for me. I walk through carrying Olivia, reaching back to grab her blanket off the kitchen counter and notice a circular stairwell leadingup.

“Ooo, a secret passageway, pumpkin. Daddy’s house is a mystery, isn’tit?”

In so many ways. Starting with Daddy.

If it wasn’t obvious that Zayden is a billionaire before, it’s clear now. Only the richest residents of Manhattan would have a rooftop patio like this. Though it’s cold and windy the higher we go, the view is spectacular. The sun hasn’t even set yet. I’m amazed that Vero left without waiting for the grand finale. I guess that’s what happens when you’re used to something—you stop appreciatingit.

Oranges and purples streak across a sky painted with thin clouds. The whole city is coming alive with dotted lights, and there’s energy I can’t even explain. New York City is just wonderful, and now, I’m one of the lucky few who get to experience it thisway.

“Look, pumpkin, a live painting just for us.” I hold her close to me so she’ll stay warm. We sit on a lounge chair and watch the colorful collaboration of nature and mankind. Olivia and I keep each other toasty. We both have so much to think about, and I suspect the common thoughts are about her father. If only she could tell me what’s in hermind.

Once the sun disappears under the horizon, I clap and whisper into the wind. “Beautiful show. Thankyou.”

I’m about to get up when I hear soft footsteps behind me. Zayden stands there holding a tumbler full of amber liquid. “So you found my best kept secret?” He hands me the glass.

I shouldn’t imbibe while on nanny duty and decline it politely. “Thanks. It’s beautiful. You’re a lucky man, Zayden.” I hope I can call him Zayden and not Mr. Hawthorn. I mean, we’ve pretty much crossed that line, haven’twe?

---