Page 8 of The Double Play

I nod in approval. “That makes sense. Thank you for clarifying.”

“I’m happy to go over any concerns you have. I’d really like this job, but I want this to be the right fit for both of us.”

“And what would make it a right fit in your eyes?” I ask.

She tilts her head to the side. “Hm, well, I suppose I’d like to have a good working relationship with you. I was close with Mikayla, but I don’t expect to be that close with you.” Her cheeks tint pink. My brows furrow. “I want to be seen as a part of your team, so to speak. You can count on me to take care of June, and I can count on you to support me in that by communicating openly.”

“That’s more than reasonable,” my mother speaks for me, reaching across the table to pat Hazel’s hand.

Hazel meets my gaze. “What would make me right for you?” She cringes. “I-I mean right for the job.” The flush of her skin deepens a shade. Am I making her nervous? I didn’t think I was being too harsh, just straightforward.

“I want someone who is going to give June the best care possible. Someone who will put her first the way I do.” I run a hand over my beard. “I realize that’s not entirely realistic, but–”

“You love June,” Hazel finishes my sentence. “I understand. I promise that when I’m on the clock, June will be my top priority. While I can’t give her everything a parent would, I’ll do my best to come close.”

My mom is beaming, practically vibrating with joy beside me. I know she’s looking forward to her trip, but this much excitement over finding a nanny is hardly warranted.

Though no one will be perfect enough for this job, even I have to admit that Hazel comes pretty close. Her credentials and demeanor are exactly what I was looking for. And even though I gave my mom a hard time, I do trust her judgment.

“If June likes you, you’re hired,” I say after a moment of silence.

Hazel smiles and her eyes crinkle at the edges. “Thank you, Emmett. I can’t wait to meet her.”

“I’ll go get her. You two stay right here and enjoy your pie,” my mom says with a smile that looks far too mischievous for my liking.

I don’t know what she’s up to, but I don’t like it.

Chapter five

Hazel James

AssoonasBonnieleaves, the room goes silent. I’m not great at small talk. The last time I tried to talk to new people at one of Mikayla’s events, I asked them how many owls they would have to see in a day before they thought something was weird. I stopped listening to internet conversation tips after that.

I much prefer deep conversations or talking about a specific subject either myself or the other person is passionate about. I could listen to my sister talk about archaeology all day long, but having to discuss theweathermakes me break out in hives.

My lip starts to hurt and I realize I’ve been chewing on it out of a nervous habit. Emmett, on the other hand, looks perfectly at ease across the table from me. He’s relaxed in his chair, and while he’s not making eye contact with me, I don’t think it’s because he’s uncomfortable. He simply doesn’t care to.

“So–” I go to break the silence because I can’t stand it any longer. Emmett’s dark gaze cuts off my words. I find that the weight of his attention is heavier than most people I speak to. As if he doesn’t give it out often, but when he does, it’s unwavering. Anddisconcerting.

“Daddy!” a sweet little voice shouts with glee, saving me from further embarrassment.

A mop of dark curls pops up beside the table. June climbs into Emmett’s lap, a mess of long limbs and happy giggles. His whole demeanor softens with her presence. He doesn’t quite smile, but he’s not scowling either. June sits with her feet dangling off the right side of Emmett’s lap. She looks over at me, her smile wide and welcoming.

“Who are you?” she asks.

I laugh at her straightforward question. “I’m Hazel. I’m hoping to be your friend while your grandma is traveling.”

“Do you like unicorns?”

I smile. “Of course I do. Who doesn’t like unicorns?”

“Daddy doesn’t like unicorns,” June says matter-of-factly. “He told me unicorns aren’t for boys, but my uncle Shaw said helovesunicorns.”

“Interesting,” I say, shooting a glance at Emmett. He looks like they’ve had this conversation one too many times. Meanwhile, Bonnie takes her seat with a grin.

“What’s your favorite color?” June asks as if she’s conducting her own interview.

“Yellow. What’s yours?”

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