Page 34 of Mafia Kings & Wedding Rings
“We did what we had to do with what we had. This family is stronger with you, though. I do know that.” She gave my hand a squeeze.
The sudden chimes of the doorbell throughout the house alerted us to a visitor.
“You expecting someone?” Ma asked, brows dipping curiously.
Glancing at my watch, I saw that it was almost six-thirty, so that must mean Cambrie had returned. Part of me wondered if she would, given the chaos she’d witnessed earlier.
“The nanny.”
“You found someone?” Ma queried as I slowly stood.
“She found us. I told her I needed her to start ASAP.” I moved toward the doorway and stepped into the hall.
“So you plan on stayin?” Rossi posed, the familiar buzz of her chair coming up behind me.
She was about to insert herself into this matter one way or another. When I flung the door open, Cambrie waited on the other side with two big suitcases, a duffel bag, and her purse hanging off her shoulder. She’d changed into jeans, an old Howard University hoodie, and gray and white Nike Air Max. In all honesty, she looked good in any fucking thing. From that first night in the grocery store, she’d been hovering in this isolated corner in my mind. I couldn’t describe what it was about her. She had this energy that sucked you right in. Now that I’d hired her to look after my seeds, I was going to have to tune that shit out. I needed her for them.
“You actually came back.”
“Believe me, I had my doubts,” she muttered sarcastically.
“I appreciate it.” I reached down to grab her bags, and she studied me closely.
“Thank you.”
Once we were inside, she shut the door behind her, and my mother sat waiting for an introduction when she turned around.
“Hello.” Cambrie waved, and Ma canvassed her slowly.
“This is my mother, Rossi Marek. Ma, this is Cambrie Rhodes. She’s going to be taking care of the kids.”
“Nice to meet you.” Cambrie offered a warm smile.
“What are her references?” Ma didn’t respond how I expected.
She was usually warm and welcoming to everyone.
“Um, she graduated with a degree in child development and psychology. She taught for several years and had a position as a child psychiatrist and physical therapist.” I ran down what I could remember of her résumé.
“What made you become a nanny?” Rossi questioned. “Sounds like you were all over the place as far as career choices.”
“It kind of fell into my lap. My roommate knew I was looking for work, and she applied for me. I have plenty of experience with kids though. I guess my interests in helping them changed over the years.”
“Staten, have you gone over the paperwork?” My mother’s attention diverted to me.
“Not yet. We can do that tonight once everybody is settled in.”
“Good. Make sure she signs the NDA and is very clear on what is expected of her, not only as the children’s nanny, but as an employee within Marek Industries overall.”
“It’s getting late, Ma, you should head back to the house.”
“Sol!” she shouted. “Let’s go. Sunday dinner is at six p.m. I expect you all to be there. Call me if you need me.”
“I will.” Bending over, I kissed her cheek, something I hadn’t done in a long time.
It made her soften before her attention was pulled to Cambrie. Laughing and shaking her head, Sol came padding down the steps.
“Your kids are a trip. I ran a bath for Rogue and Piaget. The other two are prepared to go after them. Those rooms are a hot ass mess, Staten. Shit everywhere. You need to have them scrubbing walls and baseboards ASAP.”
