Page 98 of Promises We Meant to Keep

That was an understatement, and Greer’s hesitant look told Elia that she was as aware of the silence between her and Kamryn as Abagail was. And probably just how tense and awkward it was.

“It was good,” Greer said. “Though the brunch thing the next morning was awkward.”

Elia nodded. “It seems to be a new trend, however.”

“It does.” Greer sighed and folded her hands together in front of her. “I don’t think I’ll do that when I get married though.”

“Is there someone in your life?” Abagail asked, wrapping her arm around the back of Greer’s chair.

Elia eyed her. This was a clear sign that Abagail thought Greer was cute and queer, but that didn’t necessarily mean the immediate attraction was reciprocated. Elia would make sure to watch that one. She really didn’t want Greer to get caught up in any drama related to Elia. That was the very last thing she needed. Kamryn would no doubt hate her then.

“No.” Greer grinned again. “But if there ever happens to be, I like to be prepared.”

Abagail nodded slowly and leaned in a little more. Kamryn must have noticed because she tensed next to Elia. The waitress showed up just in time.

“What can I get for you?”

Greer flashed another brilliant smile and ordered swiftly. Kamryn was a bit slower to respond, and she kept flicking her gaze to Abagail like she was the enemy now. Which honestly, Elia should probably be happy with, right?

When the waitress left, Kamryn stayed poised at the ready, as if she was going to jump in and defend Greer with everything shehad in her. Elia hoped it didn’t come down to that. “Kam told me that you were laid off from your last job.”

“Yeah.” Greer’s lips twitched upward. “It was time. The boys are in school now, and there’s just not a whole lot for a nanny to do when the kids are gone most of the day.” Her cheeks were a beautiful rosy red, but it didn’t seem like embarrassment. “I stayed with Kam this week because of the wedding, but I’m going to be crashing with Lauren next week.”

Kamryn tensed again, jerking sharply in her chair. “You are?”

“Yeah, sorry I didn’t tell you before. I didn’t think you’d mind.”

“You can stay with me longer.” Kamryn was rushing into things.

Greer couldn’t stay at the school longer. The houseparent quarters weren’t built for that. Elia would offer her spare room if she wasn’t moving out. But perhaps Kamryn could move into her house and then there’d be room for Greer to move in with her until she found another job.

But this wasn’t Elia’s problem to try and solve either. And she really needed to stay out of everyone else’s business. That’s what had gotten her into trouble in the first place, hadn’t it? Getting too close to Kamryn?

“It’ll be fine,” Greer responded. “I won’t be there long.”

“Did you say you’re a nanny?”

“Uh…yeah.” Greer nodded. “I’ve been a nanny for fifteen years now. I was thinking about going back to school for my MBA, but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do.”

“You have to have a plan to use your degree before you get one.”

“Which is why I dropped out halfway through the program before.” Greer winked. “I was more interested in nannying anyway. I adore kids.”

Elia could understand the sentiment, though small children weren’t exactly the age range she preferred to teach. She much preferred teaching high-school–aged kids. “Seems you’re the odd one out, Abagail.”

“Seems I am.” Abagail leaned back in her chair, seemingly having given up on her interest in Greer. That was a good thing. Elia really didn’t need one more complication to add to what was already going on.

“If you’ll excuse me.” Elia left her drink on the table and stood up. She needed a breather. And it didn’t seem like Abagail was going to be ready to leave any time soon. But she really had to get her head on straight. Walking straight to the back of the small cafe, Elia stepped into the bathroom.

The air was much cooler in here. The scent of coffee wasn’t overwhelming. She closed her eyes as she let the differences sink in. She wanted a break from the intensity, and she’d certainly got it. Now if only this break could last. Or better yet, the conversation she knew she had to have with Kamryn didn’t go horribly in a direction neither of them wanted it to.

“Are you hiding from me?” Kamryn’s voice reverberated through the small bathroom.

thirty-five

“I think it’s probably the other way around.” Elia’s comeback was quick.

In truth, Kamryn had been avoiding her. She still wasn’t sure how to take Elia’s resignation, and the longer she could hold off on dealing with it, the longer Elia would remain at the school. She’d given until the end of the semester, but Kamryn was determined to at least push that to the end of the year. She just hadn’t mentioned how much of a hard-ass she was going to be about it yet.

---