Page 5 of The Summer Arrangement
“Again… again,” Milli gasps between giggles.
In a deep growl of a voice, I hear, “Somebody’s been sleeping in my bed.”
Milli guffaws, and the obvious story the stranger is reading continues. I’m quite familiar with Goldilocks and theThree Bears. It’s one Milli enjoys reading quite often. I’m certain I could recite it in my sleep; I’ve read it so many times.
As the stranger’s voice changes with each character, my daughter giggles in anticipation of what’s to come, much like she does when I read it.
My heart races at the possibility of this candidate being a good fit. Milli is clearly relaxed and happily enjoying this experience. I’m impressed this person can put my daughter at ease in such a short time. Not wanting to disturb them or change the energy in the room, I hang back and listen as the story is finished before making my presence known.
When I walk in to join them, my chest squeezes at what I witness.
The two of them are on the couch, with their backs to me. Mom’s standing in the kitchen sipping her water with a wide smile on her face as she watches her granddaughter with our potential nanny. Milli’s shyness has clearly disappeared as she has wormed her way onto the practical stranger’s lap. I haven’t seen her do this with anyone but family before. With her trusted blanket squeezed in her chubby hand, she points at the pictures in the book with her other.
“This book now…” my daughter insists, picking up another book beside her. Without skipping a beat, I watch the woman pick up our well-worn copy ofthe Barnyard Danceand enthusiastically start the words I know so well. “Stomp your feet…”
The rhythm and cadence she adds brings so much more to the story than my version. Milli sighs heavily and leans in to rest her head against the woman’s side. I can’t see her face, but her body language alone has my nerves relaxing as well.
Glancing at my mom to see if she’s witnessing this too, she reassures me with a nod and mouths, “She’s great with her.”
I couldn’t agree more. I haven’t even spoken to the woman on the couch, but clearly, she’s got a gift with children. This definitely puts bonus points in her favor. Hopefully, she’ll pass the rest of the interview with flying colors as well.
When the story comes to an end, Milli asks for “More.”
But before anyone can respond, I make my presence known. “Milli, I think that’s enough for now, don’t you?”
My daughter practically bolts off the couch and yells, “Daddy!” as she runs toward me.
Scooping her up, I squeeze her tight. “How was your day, baby girl? Were you good for Gammy?”
Nodding heavily, she says, “Uh-huh. And for Iz.”
“Is?” I question and look toward my mom at the same time Milli shouts, “Her!”
Mom quickly rushes out, “She couldn’t say Lizzy.”
My eye catches motion as the stranger on my couch quickly stands, smooths her hands down the front of her clothes, and quickly walks around the couch to greet me.
The moment our eyes meet, she halts abruptly.
Her eyes widen as round as saucers, and her jaw drops for the slightest of moments, before she quickly pulls her lips together tightly.
My breath freezes in my lungs as I stare in disbelief.
This cannot be happening.
The universe must hate me.
I rapidly blink, hoping my mind is playing tricks on me.
How. The. Fuck. Is the only woman I’ve connected with since Milli was born standing in my living room?
But I read the resumé. This woman—well, girl if we’re being technical—is only twenty years old.
“Cameron?” my mother asks, concern laced in her voice.
Milli chooses this moment to squirm, so I quickly put her on the floor.
I kid you not, my shy daughter runs up to Lizzy, takes her hand, and pulls her toward me.
