Page 7 of Misery In Me

After a few more questions, we finish the interview, and I’m left with the feeling that she’s solid. Let’s just hope that I’m making the right decision. I walk her out to her car, Zoe in my arms. Alejandra waves as she drives off and I’m left standing there, my daughter cooing softly.

“What do you think, kid? Is she the winner?” Zoe lets out a long groan and her diaper rumbles under my palm. “Seriously?” I stared down at her and let out a drawn-out laugh.

I swear I caught her smiling.

THREE

ALEJANDRA

A shrill ring pierces the silence, making my heart leap into my throat. I try to dismiss it, but the heavy pressure in my chest refuses to lift. I’ve been waiting for this call all morning. After yesterday’s interview, I tossed and turned all night, each answer echoing in my mind, a relentless cycle of self-doubt making me feel like I missed the opportunity.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself, and pick up the phone.

“Alejandra Orozco,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm even though I’m already feeling nervous.

“Miss Orozco,” the voice on the other end is deep, with a slight gravel to it. It’s him—Gage Donovan—I can tell immediately. “This is Gage Donovan. I’d like to offer you the position of live-in nanny for my daughter, Zoe. How soon would you be able to start?”

I freeze.

It’s real. He’s offering me the job. This is it.

I swallow hard, trying not to sound too eager. “Thank you, sir. I’m... I’m grateful for the opportunity.” I clear my throat, trying to keep my composure. “As for moving in, I can do it assoon as possible. I don’t have much to pack, and I’m ready to start right away.”

He gives a short, clipped response. “Good. I’m due to head out on a deployment soon, and I need someone here with Zoe. I have two weeks left of my family leave to help get things situated before I have to get ready to deploy.”

His words are professional and direct—like everything in his world. There’s no warmth, no small talk. It’s all business. His military mindset is on full display, and I’m reminded of how much some of these parents have to give up when it comes to their kids.

I’m about to speak when he continues, as though he’s not even aware of the impact of what he’s saying.

“I have a room next to the nursery all set up for you. There’s a private bathroom connected. We’ll need to go over my schedule, Zoe’s care routine, and any other specifics. I expect things to run smoothly while I’m away. Do you have any questions?”

I shake my head, though I know he can’t see it. “No, sir. I understand. I’ll be there as soon as possible.”

There’s a brief silence before he responds. “Alright then. I'll... uh... see you soon.”

The line goes dead, and I sit there for a moment, staring at my phone.

I got the job. I’m moving in.

But as much as I’m relieved, I’m also nervous. I’ve never lived with someone I didn’t know, especially not someone like Gage. He’s a Marine. He’s used to being in control. I don’t know if I’m ready for the kind of environment I’m walking into. I mean, I don’t even know what he does in the service.

But then there’s Zoe. My heart softens just thinking about her, and that’s the only thing that matters right now. I’m here to care for her. To make sure she’s safe. And if I can do that, then everything else will fall into place.

Moving in is harderthan I expected. The packing itself is difficult, but it’s the profound emotional toll of severing ties that weighs the most.

I find myself looking back at my small apartment one last time before I load up my car with the few things I own. It’s a strange feeling, leaving behind the life I’ve built here in San Diego. But it’s not just for me—it’s for my family back in Mexico.

I glance at my phone, scrolling through pictures of my younger siblings, their bright smiles sending a pang of longing through me.

They don’t know everything I’ve sacrificed to help them. They don’t know that this job means I’ll be even further from them, that I’ll be missing their birthdays, and the day-to-day life that I’ll never get back. But they need me. I’m the oldest, and I’ve always been the one to hold things together after our father passed. I’ve always been the one to carry the weight, no matter how heavy.

So, I carry on. I pack up my things, drive to the house, and take the first step toward a new life.

When I pull up to the curb, the house looks so quaint. Until you get inside, I’ve never been inside a home like this—especially not one belonging to a single military man. There’s an air of discipline about it. Everything is sharp and clean, and I’m instantly reminded of the kind of life Gage must lead.

He opens the door before I even ring the bell, as though he’s been waiting for me. He’s freshly shaven, his hair a little overgrown on the sides, but man, is he gorgeous. Gage towers over my five-foot-five frame, with dark brown hair and piercinggreen eyes. I have to avert my gaze so it doesn’t seem like I’m checking him out.

I totally am, but he doesn’t need to know that.

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