Page 11 of 7+Us Makes Nine

“Thank you for calling,” I said.

Then I hung up the phone and walked over to my purse.

I pulled out the card Natasha had given me and I turned it over to take in the number on the back. His name kept popping up and reinforcing the possibility of a lucrative job with someone like him. I chewed on my bottom lip. If I was going to make frequent trips to see my sister, then I would need the gas money. And gas alone in San Francisco would drain my savings account. I picked up my phone and flipped it open, then punched in the numbers on the back of the card.

The phone didn’t even ring once before it was answered.

“This is Jace.”

“Mr. Logan? Hello. I’m uh-”

“Who is this?” he asked.

“My name is Catherine Faust. I hear you’re searching for a nanny and I was recommended to you by Natasha. Carter’s wife? She was his nanny and... I mean…”

I wasn’t trying to marry the guy. I just needed a job.

“You know Natasha,” he said.

“I do. She’s a good friend of mine. We have a mutual friend who I used to work with at Lawrence Day. Emma.”

“Ryan Aaron’s wife. Yes. I know them well. And you would be correct. My current nanny is set to retire soon and I’m in need of someone who can keep up with a more robust schedule than she can. Have you nannied before?”

“No, sir. But I did work in a daycare setting for three years after college before working at Lawrence Day for three years. My degree is in Early Childhood Education.”

“Isn’t that a bit redundant?”

“No, sir. Education encompasses the whole of childhood. From infancy all the way through middle school. Early Childhood Education focuses specifically on children from ages two to eight, with certifications in Special Education as well.”

“I see. And you studied this in college.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And you enjoy being around children?”

“More than anything. They keep me on my toes and are always full of light.”

I heard him sigh on the other end of the line. I could feel the weight of his world pouring through my phone. I felt bad for him. For the pressure he must be under and the life he must lead. The longer the phone stayed silent, the more nervous I became. I didn’t understand how much I wanted to help a house like his until I’d actually called.

And now, all I could think about was getting this nannying position with him.

“Can you come in for an interview tomorrow?” he asked.

“What time would you like to see me?” I asked.

“Eleven in the morning. The Fireside Theater. My secretary will show you to my office.”

“The Fireside Theater? Not your home?” I asked.

“I work at the theater, Miss Catherine.”

“Oh. I didn’t know that. I thought you were an actor.”

“I was. Until I bought the theater.”

I felt like an absolute idiot.

“Then I will see you at the theater at eleven,” I said.

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