Page 6 of Manny for the Alien
That was when Aster decided he’d had enough of me and wriggled until I set him down, promptly crawling to the other two to stack with them.
Marco didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he seemed to lose track of time and the reason for his visit, which was to talk to me, not the kids, although Ihadwanted to see them together.
He never complained and simply followed her lead, laughing at her silly jokes and offering both her and Aster the pieces they wanted.
I leaned against the door frame, smiling as I observed them, and a feeling of peace and positivity washed over me.
Marco was lovely, inside and out. He was the perfect type of person to be a caretaker to my children. Perhaps even the perfect type of man to be my partner too. After all, that was what I had initially been seeking.
Perhaps we could get to know each other organically if he was here. We could talk, form a friendship and maybe more... I hoped.
The human way of dating was very convenient and very frustrating. I could meet ten people in one day and by the end of the day have had no conversations and lots of disappointment. I wasn’t looking for a one night stand, I was looking for the one. Surely that fact meant it deserved time and attention and care with the people being considered. Very few on this planet seemed to agree with mypapilionoidean sentiments though, so I never pushed it.
But if Marco was on the same page as me, surely we would see that while seeing each other every day. I could only hope so.
Finally, he lifted his head and glanced back, seeming to only just remember that I was there.
When our eyes met, he blushed and gave me a shy smile and a shrug.
“You probably want me out of your hair,” he laughed. “I’m sorry, I got completely distracted.”
He pushed to his feet, bent and patted Iris and Aster on the top of their heads and then came over to me.
“Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?”
I nodded.
“Yes, when can you start?”
Chapter Three
MARCO
Starting my first day at Hyacinth’s house was not completely different to starting my first day at previous jobs.
I was worried, scared they wouldn’t like me and filled with hope for the future. I hoped they would like me and I was relieved that I officially had a place to stay with a roof over my head and all the security that came with that.
Of course, it had been a strange feeling to pack up my apartment. Selling the big items was easy since I listed them for such cheap prices, but it had made this move feel extra daunting.
I was uprooting my life for this. I just hoped that it was worth it. That I liked being there and that I got along with the kids. It didn’t have to be forever, but it was certainly a means to an end for me and I had to remember that. This was literally my only job offer. I had to take it.
And so, I showed up at Hyacinth’s house with three big suitcases filled with all of my belongings, nervous but ready.
When Hyacinth opened the door to greet me, my breath caught in my throat. Over the week preparing things, I had fooled myself into thinking he wasn’t as gorgeous as I’d made him out to be, but no, he was stunning.
Even in plain blue scrubs the man was transcendent.
“Good morning Marco,” he said warmly. “Please, come in.”
He stepped out of the way to allow me the room to enter.
“The kids are in the kitchen. I know I said you would have until this evening, but I was called into work early. I hope that’s okay.”
“Oh—uh, sure. Can I just take my things upstairs?”
“Of course.”
He bent, picking up the two heavier of the bags and leading the way.
