Page 117 of Nine Week Nanny
Despite myself, I smirk. “Ever the drama queen.”
“I've earned my crown. Listen up. I live three hours down the damn road now, and you’ve been there for weeks with no visits. We’re coming down to see you and your new palace. And don’t you dare tell me no again. Hart's already picked out a bottle of wine that costs more than my first car just for the occasion.”
“I don’t drink.”
“Not for you, you prick. For me.”
I rub a hand over my jaw, staring out at the ocean’s black horizon. “Now isn’t a good time. The hospital’s on fire, and I’ve got custody stuff with Lennon hanging over me.”
“And a woman,” she says, just like that.
My head drops forward. “Why do you always go there?”
“Because you sound like you swallowed glass, and it’s not just hospital board meetings doing that to you. So, who is she? Does she need a talking to by your mom?”
“Remember when you told me I should probably get a replacement nanny sooner rather than later?”
“Jesus, Pope. You didn't, did you?”
“No. Once I saw how good she was with Lennon, I couldn’t. He needed her. I thought I could shove aside my awkwardness.”
“And?”
I drag a hand down my face. “Turns out, awkwardness wasn’t the problem. It was the chemistry.”
There’s a pause, then Val groans. “Tell me you didn’t sleep with her.”
“Val—”
“Pope. That is so cliché. I thought you were smarter than that.”
“I don’t need a lecture,” I mutter.
“So what's the problem? Does she have a husband or something?”
“Stop. Chris caught wind,” I snap. “Now he’s trying to use it against me. He’s painting me as unfit, claiming I can’t even keep Lennon’s environment safe because I can’t keep it in my pants.” My voice roughens. “The irony would be funny if it weren’t so fucking dangerous.”
“Want me to tell the judge firsthand what kind of ‘safe environment’ Chris Carrigan runs? And how good he knows how to keep it in his pants? Because I can.”
“No.” I rub my temple. “That won’t help. My attorney says the only move is ending it, making it clean, and finding a new nanny. I told the agency to replace her. Should’ve done it when you told me to.”
“Imagine that. Mom was right,” she says dryly. Then, gentler: “So what’s the problem? You did what you had to.”
I stare out the dark window, throat tight. “The problem is, she's the best thing that could have happened to Lennon."
"The best thing to have happened to Lennon, or to you?"
"I care about her. Too much. And if Chris ever realized just how much, he’d make it his mission to ruin her. Just for sport.”
Silence on the line, then Val exhales. “Oh, baby. You love her, don’t you?”
“Mom.”
“I can hear it in your voice.”
“I can’t go there. Not now. Not when Lennon’s at stake. This is what I have to do, for him, and for her.”
There’s a long pause, then her voice sharpens. “Fine. Hart and I are coming this weekend. I won’t take no for an answer. I need to be there for you.”
