Page 19 of The Nanny and the Don
“Don’t mind him. Mr. Gray is a big meanie to everybody, but he pays well. Maybe now that we have a pretty girl around here, he will soften up.”
“I doubt that,” I mumbled.
I wanted to tell him that my position wasn’t a paying one, but I didn’t know how much information I should trust him with. I had already been briefed on keeping my mouth shut and pretending that I was happy to be here. Still if someone could help me get out of here, I would be a fool to pass them up. I just needed to figure out where he stood.
“I’m Devlan. What’s your name again?” I asked, not sure if I’d forgotten it or if no one ever told me.
“I’m Miguel. I work here four days a week preparing meals for Mr. Gray and his housekeeper Sicily. The kids have only been here a few weeks. They’re such picky eaters that we are having a hard time identifying things they like to eat aside from chicken nuggets and French fries. Mr. Gray told me to just give them whatever they want, but that’s not healthy, mama. I know better than to argue with him, but I have been trying to figure out what I can give them that they won’t throw across the room. Maybe you can help us with that part.”
“I’ll work on it.” I nodded.
“This morning, we have cinnamon pancakes, poached peaches, bacon, and eggs. Mr. Gray is going to be in his office most of the day. I think he’s scared to run you away. He wants the new nanny to think he’s nice so she will hang around. These children have been giving us a run for our money.”
“What time do you usually make lunch? I want to make sure the kids are ready.”
“Breakfast is between seven and nine depending on if Mr. Gray has meetings or a flight. Lunch is promptly at one, and dinner is on the table by six.”
“OK, perfect. I’m going to work on getting the little ones on a schedule.”
“Lord knows they need one, mama. I don’t think either of them have slept since they got here. Mr. Gray doesn’t look like he’s been getting much either. They are struggling with missing their mother. I can’t blame them.”
I recalled Mr. Gray saying that the children were his niece and nephew. I assumed that the children were his sister’s. Since he had already warned me about asking questions, I didn’t push for more. Besides, it seemed like Miguel was an open book. I wouldn’t have to push him much.
“I’m going to get them washed up and bring them back to the table. Mr. Gray should be ready by the time we get back.”
“He’s not going to eat breakfast with us,” Miguel revealed.
“Oh, OK.”
“He usually takes breakfast in his office and works through lunch. He’s been working through all three meals since the kids got here. I don’t think he likes children very much,” he expounded.
“I don’t think he likes anyone.”
Miguel laughed. “Speak for yourself. My mean ass boss is the best boss in the world.”
“I guess it’s nice to hear that he can be civil with somebody,” I said, shaking my head as I walked back to the living room.
Both of the kids were jumping on the couch and singing along with whatever song was on the TV. I walked over and stood in front of them and put my hands on my hips and one finger over my lips. King stopped first, and it was refreshing to see that his little sister followed suit.
“Hi, King. My name is Ms. Devlan. Can you say Ms. Devlan?” I asked.
“Ms. Devlan,” he eagerly repeated me.
“Very good. What about you, Evie? Can you say Ms. Devlan?”
“Say Ms. Devlan, Evie!” King encouraged her.
“Miss Debbie!” Evie shouted, making both King and I laugh.
“Good job, Evie. Are you guys ready for breakfast?”
“Yes!” they yelled in unison.
“Good. Let’s wash our hands and get ready. We have to have clean hands before we eat anything. We don’t want germs in our mouths now do we?”
“No!” King sang as he hopped down from the couch.
Evie crawled off the side, and I bent down to scoop her up.
