Page 147 of Worst Nanny Ever
Hannah gives us an urgent nod, her eyes wide, and Liam and I break into our rendition of “Blue River.”
There’s a gasp, followed by the sound of a chair beingpushed back, and just before Hannah starts singing, I hear Eugene say, “Would you do me the honor of dancing with me, Moira?”
“Oh, Eugene,” she says, and it sounds like a goodoh, Eugene. Then Hannah starts singing, still crouched behind the lighthouse with us, and her voice is so pure and deep and soulful, it makes it impossible to think about anything else. All I can do is play alongside her, completely in her thrall, and think about the things I’d like to do with her later. Which is uncomfortable with her brother wedged right next to me, but I can’t control my thoughts.
Finally, the song ends, and Hannah peeks out from behind the lighthouse. Her eyes widen with shocked delight, and she gestures for us to come closer.
We do, and wow, I didn’t know he had it in him. Eugene and Mrs. Applebaum are making out like teenagers.
Hannah looks like she’s going to explode into one of her happy dances, Liam looks uncomfortable as hell, and I mouth to them,Can we go?
“What about their drinks?” Liam whispers.
“They’re busy,” I respond.
Hannah nods adamantly and adds, “Having secret sex in Big Catch is like a rite of passage for new employees.”
Liam makes a sound of disgust, and then the three of us tiptoe out from our hiding spot, moving along the side of the dining room. I could swear Eugene gives us a thumbs-up as we sneak past him and out into the crisp, cool air.
I hadn’t plannedon bringing Hannah to the tea shop, let alone Hannah and Liam, but I’m glad they’re with me. Mynerves are humming now that the conversation is getting closer. Because I know Lilah’s not just going to give in. If she offers me what I want, it’ll be because she thinks I have something she wants.
Something tells me it won’t be a small ask.
When we get to Tea of Fortune, we’re a few minutes early, so I’m surprised to see Lilah’s already here, seated a few tables from the entrance, with Dottie and Ollie.
Liam glances at me. “How about I take Ollie for a walk?”
I nod. “That’d be great. Thank you.”
Ollie jumps up when he sees us, then runs toward us and wraps his arms around me.
“Mom said I can keep living here,” he tells me.
I glance at Lilah as Ollie moves on to Hannah, giving her a bear hug. Lilah smiles sweetly, and I’m struck with the certainty that shedoeswant something—something specific. If it’s money, fine. I’ll pay. It’s my father’s money anyway, mostly, and I never asked for it in the first place.
“I’ll go with Liam and Ollie,” Hannah says, grabbing my hand and squeezing it.
I meet her gaze, shaking my head. “Stay.”
“You’ve got this.”
“I know I do. But I want you to stay. This concerns you too, or at least I’d like for it to.”
She nods several times, then waves at Ollie and Liam as they head for the door.
Hannah and I approach the table together, hand in hand. Lilah looks annoyed by that, but fuck Lilah.
“I’ll just go get you two some refreshments,” Dottie says, getting to her feet.
I smile at her in gratitude and take the seat she’s vacated while Hannah sits down beside me. Dottie leans in to squeeze my shoulder and then leaves for the kitchen.
“You told Ollie he was staying?” I ask Lilah, cocking my head as I size her up. Hannah puts her hand on my leg, silently telling me she’s on my side.
Lilah bites her bottom lip. “He said he wanted to, and you practically begged me, so yeah…but there was something I was hoping you could do for me, too. Your friend Dottie is the one who helped me think of it, and it’s going to solve everything. We’ll all get what we want.”
“That sounds pretty unlikely,” I say.
“It’s not,” she insists.
