Page 86 of Fake Married to the Grumps

I pause, hanging my bag over my left shoulderas I give her my full attention. "Of course. What's up?"

She hesitates, shifting nervously from foot to foot. "Well, I have this work event tonight, and my sitter just canceled on me at thelast minute. I was wondering if you could watch Kayla for a few hours.I know it's last minute, but I'm desperate."

I glance at my watch, mentally calculating my schedule for the evening. I have a work event of my own to attend, but it's not until later tonight. Still, the thought of spending my evening babysitting isn't exactly how I envisioned my night.I hadn't wanted to go, but when Bryce asked me to be his plus one, all rational thought went out the window.

"Um, I actually have plans tonight," I say, trying to find a polite way to decline.

But my neighbor isn't taking no for an answer. "Please, Ireally need your help. I promise it won't be for long, and I'll make it up to you somehow."

I chew on my bottom lip, torn between my desire to helpa neighbor in need and my reluctance to cancel my plans for the evening. I could easily do it, but the thought of spending my evening cooped up with a hyperactive kidinstead of hanging out with Bryceisn't exactly appealing.

"Look, I really appreciate you askingbecause you trust me with your kid, but I'm not sure if I can commit to babysitting tonight."

"Marissa, please. You're my last hope!" Her voice is pleading, and her eyes are wide with desperation.

I don't like it when people have to beg me to do them a favor, so this makes me all shades uncomfortable.

"I really wish I could help ..."

"I know it's last minute, but I was really planning on my sister, and she just bailed on me. Please, I'll owe you big time!"

I hesitate, feeling the pressure mounting as she continues to plead with me. "I ... I don't know, it's just ..."

She cuts me off, her voice rising in desperation. "You know Kayla loves spending time with you, and I promise it won't be for long. I'll make it up to you, I swear!"

"Okay, fine." I finally relent, a sigh of resignation escaping my lips. "I'll watch Kayla for you tonight. But you owe me big time."

Herface lights up with relief, a grateful smile spreading across her face. "Thank you so much. You're a lifesaver. I'll drop her off at your place around seven. Is that okay?"

I nod, resigned to my fate as I plaster on a smile. "Yeah, that works. See you then."

I don't know howI always seem to find myself roped into these kinds of situations. But maybe sometimes, being a good neighbor means putting aside your own plans for the greater good. And who knows, maybe babysitting Kayla won't be as bad as I'm imagining. After all, how much trouble could one little kid possibly be? Famous last words, right?

I'm still reeling from my decision to agree to babysit when suddenly, out of nowhere, Bryce appears beside me.

"Marissa is busy tonight."

I stand there, stunned into silence. My neighbor looks confusedas well, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion as she tries to make sense of the situation.

"Bryce, what are you doing here?" I stammer, surprised by his sudden appearance.

He ignores my question, turning to face my neighbor with a charming smile. "I’m sorry to interrupt, but Marissa has been feeling quite overwhelmed lately. While I'm sure she appreciates you thinking of her, but it might be best if you find someone else for tonight."

My neighbor looksbaffled. "But she just said she would babysit for me..."

Bryce's smile doesn't waver as he addresses her firmly. "I'm sure Marissa would love to help, but we have something important we need to attend to tonight. You'll need to find another babysitter."

I open my mouth to protest, but Bryce shoots me a warning glance, his eyes flashing with determination. I swallow my words, suddenly feeling like a deer caught in headlights.

My neighbor looks torn, clearly disappointed by the turn of events. "But I don't have anyone else to ask..."

Bryce's smile softens, his tone gentle as he reassures her. "I understand, but I'm afraid we really can't help this time. Maybe next time, okay?"

She nods reluctantly, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "Okay, I'll figure something out. Thanks anyway."

As she walks away, Bryce turns to me with a satisfied grin. "Well, that was easy. Now, let's head to work."

I stare at him in disbelief, still trying to process what just happenedas we walk to the car. "Bryce, what was that? I could have handled it."

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