Page 62 of Worst Nanny Ever
“I’m guessing there are plenty of people who’d be willing to call you daddy,” she says with a sidelong glance that lights me on fire. Just like it’s supposed to, no doubt.
I tighten my hands on the wheel. “You’re right. But there’s only one person I’d like to hear it from, and it’s not themoryou.”
I resent her flirting, especially since I get the sense she talks to everyone this way.
Lilah used to speak in innuendos and compliments because she loved having every man she met wrapped around her finger.
It’s not calculated like that with Hannah. I get the sense that she’s barely aware she’s doing it. She flirts because she likes to flirt, not because she wants me. While she may have kissed me back the other day, I was the one who started it. I’d do well to remember that (on top of all the other reasons I need to stay away from her).
To quote my least favorite film franchise ever:Don’t let yourself get carried away by the tide.
It’s the only useful advice my father ever gave me, and he didn’t even come up with the words. Or say them to me.
“I’m sorry, Travis,” Hannah says softly, and I steal a quick glance at her before returning my gaze to the windshield. “That was a shitty thing for me to say. I know Ollie cares about you.”
“Thank you,” I say with a stiff nod, feelingflustered. “Now, go ahead and tell me your theory about Eugene. I know you’re probably dying to.”
She grins at me. “Eugene is the ex-principal of Lakeshore Elementary, and he already told me that he thought very highly of Mrs. Applebaum.Andhe told me that the hedgehog is his spirit animal. So I’m thinking he’s the one who gave her the pencil cup. She treasured it, which means there’s a chance that she might have a thing for Eugene. Do you think it’s possible?”
I consider Eugene, with his thick glasses, mustache, and complete lack of interpersonal skills, then Mrs. Applebaum with her contemptuous looks and stern voice.
“No,” I say.
But Hannah’s face falls, and I don’t want to be the one to cast doubt on her pet theory. If she wants to think two disagreeable old people can secretly be in love, then who am I to take that fantasy away from her?
“Maybe,” I amend. “But if they’re into each other, what does that have to do with us?”
“I’m glad you asked,” she says as I turn onto the winding side street leading up a hill to the toy store. “We’re going to set them up.”
I laugh with genuine amusement as I turn into the parking lot and maneuver through it, searching for a spot close to the store.
“You’ll be flying solo for that one, Maverick,” I say as I park the car.
She’s out before I can even think about going around to open the door for her.
“No way,” she says. “This needs to be a joint effort, and I’m going to tell you why.”
“I’m listening.” I reach down to touch her arm without thinking, guiding her toward the store. Her pretty lips curve into a smile. I force myself to look away, only for my gaze to fall onher freckles, dotted across the bridge of her nose with such precision it’s as if someone took a makeup pencil to her face.
“Do you draw them on?” I ask before I can regain sense and stop myself.
“Excuse me?”
“Your freckles,” I say. “It’s just…they’re perfectly spaced.”
She laughs. “No. But thank you, I think.”
“Oh, it was definitely a compliment. But go on. Tell me why I should want to help two disagreeable people fall in love.”
She beams at me, barely seeming to notice as we step through the automatic doors. I claim a shopping cart at the front, and she trails after me, saying, “If they fall madly in love, it’ll benefit both of us.”
“I look forward to hearing how,” I tell her, pushing the cart slowly past the first shelves, which are geared toward babies and toddlers. Many of the displays are interactive, allowing kids and adults to test the wares, and there are a couple of toddlers playing with a toy xylophone. The sound is overwhelming, but the sight of them connecting with music makes me smile.
“If Mrs. Applebottom—sorry, Applebaum—is getting some,” she says loudly, prompting the toddlers to glance up and their mothers to give us disapproving looks before nuzzling their kids close, “she’ll be way more chill in the classroom. That’ll benefit Ollie.”
I nod to the mothers and mouthsorry, before asking Hannah, “And what do you stand to gain?”
“The joy of being helpful. I’m going to help OllieandEugene.”
