Page 34 of Tangled Trust

"Okaaay, hold on. When did you talk to Carly about Ella?"

"You know, we ladies like to keep abreast of things."

"So, if you already know about her, why are you busting my chops? What’s with the inquisition?"

"I wanted to see your eyes when you spoke about her," Sophie says nonchalantly.

"You sneak. Honestly, I can’t trust you and Carly with anything, can I? Don’t get any ideas. Ella works for me, and that’s that."

"So Carly said," Sophie winks.

Trust my sister and sister-in-law to stoke the fire. They are obviously in cahoots, trying to fix me up with someone. Not that Ella is a terrible choice, mind you. In fact, I catch myself thinking about her far too often, and I’d like to say that the thoughts are as pure as the driven snow. But, they aren’t.

"Have you met anyone yet that you like?" my sister pries some more.

"I’m not looking. I haven’t even been divorced for a year."

"Honestly, the monk lifestyle doesn’t suit you, Carter. You need a woman. Men are useless on their own. Especially men with small children. No offense to your capabilities, of course."

"Oh, I see. Is that how it is? Thank you. Dr. Phil."

"I’m not saying you need another wife. All I’m suggesting is that you get back on the horse."

"Jeez. Cool it, Sis. I’ll date when I’m ready."

"Alright, chill. I’m just saying."

"Chill? Really?"

"That’s right. I’m the mother of teenagers. I hear things," she laughs. "Gotta keep up with the times, bro."

"You’re crazy."

I hate to admit it, but my sister is right. I agree that it’s time to move on, but it isn’t so easy to meet someone new. The moment they know you’re loaded, you’re a target. Amanda was already wealthy in her own right, so I didn’t have to worry about her motives.

But LA is a minefield of gold diggers and wannabes. Women who sleep their way to the top are a dime a dozen in California. I have to be careful with Jagger. I don’t want to expose him to a woman who isn’t genuinely interested in being part of our family for the right reasons.

Ella is genuinely different. But, who knows? Perhaps I’m fooling myself. She works for me. Would she be different if we were dating?

"This is a moot discussion, Sis. Ella is Jagger’s Au Pair. Nothing more."

Jagger rushes at us when he hears Ella’s name.

"Is Ella coming, Daddy?"

"No, my boy. Aunt Sophie and I were just talking about how much fun you two have back home."

"She’s way cool, Aunt Sophie. I miss her. Can we call her, Daddy?"

"Uhm. Sure. I guess so."

"Just an Au pair, hey?" I hear Sophie mumble under her breath. She winks when I give her the stink eye. "Why don’t I give you boys some privacy?" She smiles and gets up.

"Yeah, why don’t you?" I smirk.

"Cheeky monkey," she laughs and leaves the sundeck.

"Come on, Daddy. Call her," Jagger nags.

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