Page 29 of Because You Said Yes

Charlotte, while taken a little aback, was aware of how much despair people could feel, and of all the demands Rachel had been subjected to. Rachel’s ability to articulate that so clearly in the moment, and that any self-awareness lurked beneath her generally disinterested demeanor, surprised her though. Rachel was right. Even temporarily, it was too much for her alone.

“We'll call Bastien together,” she suggested softly.

Rachel seemed to fold in on herself as she nodded.

Charlotte walked inside and went right to the kitchen, where she turned on the kettle and pulled out some tea bags and honey. Tea and sympathy, she thought. It couldn’t hurt. No one had been listening to Rachel much. Maybe an attentive ear could bring her back, at least until Bastien could get back to Willow Bay.

Once she got their tea ready, she sat across from Rachel at the small table and dialed Bastien. He picked up after a couple of rings.

“Good morning, Charlotte, is everything okay?” he asked.

Charlotte took a deep breath before explaining what was going on.

“Umm, there's a hiccup in the plan. Rachel has decided she cannot continue her duties.”

In the background, there were soft murmuring voices, and then there was silence. “Sorry, I was in a meeting. Can you repeat that?”

“Rachel has quit. She is no longer up to the task, understandably so. She’s been through a lot for her nineteen years, and she wants to dash back to college.”

“I had a feeling she might. How much notice is she giving me?” Charlotte covered the phone. “Rachel, when is your flight?”

Rachel extended her arm, showing her outstretched palm with five fingers splayed wide.

“Five hours.”

He released a sharp breath. “What? How am I supposed to find someone to replace her in five hours?” His voice cracked and splintered as it climbed in volume.

Charlotte took a breath. “I can take care of Ivy until you return.” She had a lot on her plate already, but she had taken to Ivy and Ivy to her. She looked forward to more time together.

“I can't ask you to do that.”

“You didn't, I offered. We'll be fine.” She may never be a mother, but that didn't stop her from wanting to nurture someone. “It'll be fun for both of us.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Don't worry about a thing.”

“I'll see if I can speed up my transition.”

“Take your time. We'll be right here.”

After they hung up, Rachel sighed and looked down at her teacup. “I'm sorry.”

“It's okay,” Charlotte replied, taking a sip of her tea. “Do what's right for you. I understand. And I’m sorry your needs got pushed so far to the back and no one acknowledged all that was on your plate. It will be fine, Rachel. Thank you for everything you have done. You can feel proud of the help you provided to Chloe and Ivy.”

Rachel finished her tea and stood up. “Thanks for hearing me out and for being so understanding,” she said, squeezing Charlotte in a tight embrace.

“I get it—go live your dreams. You deserve them as much as anyone else. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.” She stepped away and asked, “Do you need a ride somewhere?”

Rachel shook her head. “No, I arranged for a car to pick me up at the diner. I think I'll go there now on foot to clear my head. Please tell Ivy goodbye for me. I wouldn’t know how to tell her myself.”

Charlotte walked Rachel out of the house and followed her with her eyes until she was just a tiny figure silhouetted against the horizon.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

Bastien felt cursed and blessed at the same time. He was in hyper-focused work mode. The grief that had gripped him arriving back in New York had strangely fortified him and strengthened his resolve to get things in order so he could be there for Ivy. He wasn’t alone. He had a kid to take care of, to raise, to guide, to nurture into as stellar a woman as his sister had been. Still, he had been counting on Rachel to help in the transition and thought to himself,Kids these days have no work ethic.He had a mind to phone the company Rachel worked for and tell them how disappointed he was that she gave him five hours’ notice, but it made no difference since Rachel wouldn’t be returning to the nanny service, and in truth she had fulfilled her contract for the summer and then some. Besides, he wasn’t the client, his sister was, and she was no longer there, so Rachel owed him nothing.

Bastien was grateful for Charlotte, who had stepped in to save the day. She had been a source of support since he met her, and her willingness to help with things had been a godsend. He returned to his meeting and was interrupted again when an “urgent” call from his mother came in.

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