Page 90 of The Manny

His gaze flickered. “Should I be?”

“You might catch some flack. It’s kind of a cliché, right? Sleeping with the nanny.”

He frowned. “Are you worried about your rep or mine?”

“Neither. I was just joking.”

“Or maybe you’re embarrassed to be seen with me.”

“What?” I laughed. “Why would I be?”

He didn’t speak for a moment, then he removed his arm from my waist. “Maybe you’re right. Don’t want to get the gossip mongers all excited.”

I stuffed down my disappointment that he was pulling back. “I really was just kidding, Jack. I don’t think anyone cares what we do.”

“Either way, best not to get tongues wagging.”

“Uh… sure. When Mia is done in the jumper, I was going to try and get her to eat something. I brought a little picnic lunch. Would you want to join us?”

He looked like he was about to agree, but then he shook his head. “I’d like to, but I don’t think I can spare the time. I need to circulate and shake hands. I don’t want anyone leaving here today saying I was standoffish.”

“I understand.”

His expression softened. “I’m sorry. It’s just my job to play host.”

“I know. It’s fine.” I forced a smile. “Mia and I will miss you.”

“Okay, well, I’ll see you around.” He turned and strode off, without looking back.

You sure run hot and cold, Jack.

I made my way back to the jumper and waited another five minutes for Mia to be ushered out of the play area. Her cheeks were pink and she was breathless, as she scrambled from the inflatable structure.

“Can I go again?” she cried, hugging me.

I ruffled her blonde hair, smiling. “Of course. But first, let’s eat some lunch. Okay?”

Her face fell. “But… I want to go againnow.”

“We have to let some of the other kids play in there too. Everyone is taking turns.”

She pushed away, her mouth set in a frustrated line. “I don’t want to wait.”

I frowned at her unusually stubborn behavior. “Mia, don’t you think the other children want to go in there just as much as you?”

“I don’t care.”

I laughed. “You don’t? Since when do you not care about other people’s feelings?”

She wrinkled her brow. “They probably have mommies and daddies. I should get to go as much as I want because I don’t.”

“I see.” I crossed my arms, studying her. “So, you think you should be treated differently than the other kids?”

She nodded.

“You know, Mia, just because someone has both a mommy and a daddy, that doesn’t mean their life is happy.”

“What?” She looked confused.

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