Page 121 of Promises We Meant to Keep

Elia couldn’t tell if she meant for it to come out so sad or not.

“It’s just temporary, for a few months—we hope. We don’t want to impose.”

“It’s not an imposition,” Simone chimed in. “You’re welcome as long as you need.”

Except that also seemed strained. Elia had known Simone for many years now, and she’d never seen that tight pull on her face, or the squinting look that she just gave. There was definitely more to the story there that she’d have to find out later. But she wasn’t sure that a room full of other people was the place to really dive into it.

“I’m living with Kam for a while,” Greer chimed in. “Life changes rapidly, and sometimes, we just need friends and family who can support us.” Greer threw her arm around Andra’s shoulders and nodded. “Isn’t that right, Kam?”

“Yes, it is.” Kamryn slid onto the arm of the chair that Elia was sitting in. She pressed her hand against Elia’s shoulder and smiled down at her.

“If I could get another job, then I could move out any time.” Greer scrunched her nose up. “I didn’t think it would be this hard to find a long-term nannying position.”

Abagail’s eyes lit up. “I forgot you were a nanny.”

Greer grinned. “Yes, I love it. I’m not sure I could do anything else with my life.”

“I might have just the solution for you.” Abagail raised an eyebrow at Greer.

That could work to the advantage of both of them. Kamryn leaned in and whispered to Elia, “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Do you trust Greer to make her own decisions?”

“Most days. Except when there’s gin involved.”

Elia would have to ask about that later. “Let her figure it out then. She needs a job, and Abagail was just bemoaning her newest hire, Ivy, and her problem situation with the lack of a consistent and good nanny.”

“Oh, well then, Greer might be the perfect solution. And it would get her off my couch. Though I do enjoy coming home to a clean apartment and fresh cooked meals every day.” Kamryn chuckled lightly. “I’m not exactly a good housekeeper.”

“Hmm, never would have guessed that one.” Elia’s lips twitched upward in a slight smile. The tease was there, although light, and Kamryn grinned in response, accepting it for what it was. “Let them talk. Will you help me with refilling drinks?”

“Absolutely.” Kamryn stood up first, and then held out her hand for Elia. They walked hand-in-hand to the kitchen.

Elia wasn’t quite ready to let go, so she pulled Kamryn in a bit. “I never thought I’d be the one with the full house for an early Christmas celebration.”

“You just didn’t realize how popular you actually are.” Kamryn winked before leaning in for a kiss. “Or how popular you could be.”

Elia smiled. “I think you have me mistaken for someone else. Five guests is hardly popular.”

“But it’s a start.” Kamryn kissed her again. “I forgot to mention to you that I turned in my application on Friday.”

“For Head of School?”

Kamryn nodded. “I needed to make a decision, finally, and what better time than right before the Christmas break?”

“Are you nervous?”

“Hell yes.” Kamryn curled her hair behind her ear. “I don’t know who else is applying, and I want to know, but at the same time, I don’t want to know at all.”

“Well, I’ll spoil one thing for you.” Elia squeezed Kamryn’s hands. “I didn’t apply this time.”

Laughing, Kamryn shook her head. “Oh no! You were my greatest competition. Now I’ll wipe the floor with the rest of them.”

Elia grinned as she snagged the bottle of wine to start to head back to the living area with the rest of her guests. She didn’t want to neglect them by focusing too much on Kamryn. But Kamryn pulled her back, putting her hand on the wine bottle and setting it onto the counter.

“Not so fast, Dr. Sharpe. I need to know why you didn’t apply for the Head of School position.” Kamryn slid her fingers from Elia’s cheek to her neck to the top of her chest. “Is it perhaps because you want to avoid any more conflicts between you and a certain someone?”

“Maybe.” Elia’s breathing increased. She looked up into Kamryn’s eyes. “Maybe it’s because I know that I won’t get hired.”

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