Page 2 of The Summer Arrangement
“Oh, it won’t be a problem,” I rush out. How do I ensure her this job won’t get in the way? Hell. Even if I did work around theclock, I’d still have more time with them than I did last summer when I practically worked two full-time jobs.
When she still isn’t convinced, I add, “I assure you, my sisters all have busy lives of their own. Some of them travel for work and honestly, I’m just grateful we’re spending the summer in the same vicinity.”
Her demeanor relaxes, and I’m relieved when she changes the subject. “Tell me more about what you enjoyed here as a child while visiting your grandmother.”
With that simple request, a huge weight lifts, and I’m put at ease. I launch into my countless memories about summer adventures with Nana. I tell her about trips to the aquarium, walking along The Promenade, making sandcastles by the shore, going to the local library and bookstores, and baking endless amounts of treats in Nana’s kitchen.
Seamlessly, our conversation flows from one topic to the next. She tells me about her granddaughter Emilia’s favorite foods, stories, and love for all things about the ocean. I quickly learn that if I get the job, they’ve recently signed Emilia up for swim lessons.
I’ll be responsible for taking her to the aquatic center in Astoria and encouraged to practice those new skills at home with her, should I feel comfortable. Apparently, her son has rented a house with a pool this summer, so it’s a new feature for them. With easy access to both the pool and the ocean, it’s crucial her granddaughter learns to swim.
Though even if she becomes the best swimmer, I assure Mrs. Kruse I have no intentions of letting her get anywhere close to the ocean without being right beside her. She’s still young, and the waves are far too unpredictable.
When she asks about my previous experience, our conversation quickly morphs from water safety to our love of children and books. My experience as a previous nanny andworking at Booked at the Beach, our local bookstore, gives us many things to talk about.
Before I know it, the interview comes to an end. Mrs. Kruse thanks me for coming and lets me know she’ll be in touch after she finishes the rest of the interviews and consults with her son.
Just as I’m about to leave, she adds, “Thank you so much for coming today, Elizabeth. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Please know,ifyou make it to the next round, it will be with my son and granddaughter. We need to ensure you get along well with Emilia and her father as ultimately, he’ll make the final decision.”
“Of course. Thanks again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Later that night at dinner, as my oldest sister Lanie passes me the salad dressing from across the table, she asks, “Any idea when Raven and Finn will arrive? Surely, they’re done with the open house.”
“I assumed they’d be here by now, though I haven’t heard from her all afternoon,” I admit, pouring dressing on my tossed salad.
Raven and her boyfriend Finn are looking at a place to rent for the summer. Sure, they could stay with us in Nana’s house, as there is plenty of room. But Finn insists they get a place of their own. He’s joked several times about family being like fish, and we’re not meant to spend more than three days together.
Obviously, that’s not true since he and Jax just came off a long music tour with Ruby Frax. They had spent months together traipsing across the country, and my sisters hardly evermissed a show. Touring with Riser put Ruby Frax on the map, and their momentum continues to grow as a band. After hearing some of the album they’re releasing later this summer, I’m certain they’ll soon be the ones headlining.
“Hopefully, this means they’ve found something they like,” Sloane adds, passing the plate of bread to her fiancé Jax. Letting out a loud breath, she adds, “Some amazing places just went on the market.”
Raising a brow, Jax pauses mid-scoop with the cheesy lasagna still strung to the dish. “See any you like in particular?”
Sloane plucks her garlic bread from her plate and rips off a piece of it. “The house next door just went up for sale. It’s super cute, and I’ve always loved it, but I’m not sure they’re looking to purchase anything.”
“Really?” Lanie perks up. “Which one?”
“Harriet’s place.” Sloane sighs and shakes her head. “I can’t imagine it’ll be on the market long. She just remodeled her kitchen and has done several upgrades.”
Harriet was one of Nana’s good friends. Even though she was at least twenty years younger than Nana, the two of them loved spending evenings together drinking wine and catching up.
Recalling our conversation from a few days ago, I add, “Her daughter Elise lives in Maine and will have her second baby later this summer. She was on the fence about leaving Seaside. I guess she finally decided to make the move.”
“That makes sense. Family is important.” Lanie nods, then raises a brow in my direction. “Speaking of family… I think we’veallwaited long enough. How did the interview go? I’ve been dying to ask since you got home.”
Sighing heavily, I admit, “I think it went as well as it could. Once my nerves settled, I felt like we were on the same page… but who knows?” I shrug. “They’ll call me in the next few days if I get the second interview.”
Lanie quickly asks, “How soon will they hire someone?”
“One way or the other, I’ll know by the end of the week.”
“I’m sure you’ll make it to a second interview.” Sloane smiles encouragingly.
Leave it to my older sisters to be my biggest cheerleaders.
Lanie nods at Sloane. “I agree. So, what’s the next step when they call you back?”
“Oh…” I exhale heavily and attempt nonchalance. I know better than to get overconfident and jinx myself. “Only win over both the three-year-old and her dad, of course.”
