Page 42 of Nanny for the Doctor

“Think that mirror trick can make my apartment feel less like a matchbox?”

But as I walk up behind Stevie and she opens the front door, it’s not a Realtor coming to speak with her.

It’s Reed.

Chapter14

Reed

This morning has been a disaster. Sitting on the chair next to Henry on the couch, I can’t help but dwell on the fact that, for the first time in I can’t remember how long, I’m the one that had to call off work.

The hospital took it fine, the on-call doctor saying she could find someone to cover the shift in no time.

I’m just so used to it being the other way around. I’m the one that pulls extra shifts and goes in on my days off to help.

Being on the receiving end of a favor feels strange and unwelcome, but as Clara would say, “You’re terrible at asking for help.”

I sigh. Henry seems happy enough.

He was thrilled to hear I’d be spending the day with him. After the shock wore off, of course.

And I am blatantly refusing to examine that reaction any closer. After Mae stormed off, and I was forced to call in with no babysitter in sight, I’ve had nothing but time to think.

I can’t think too hard about Henry’s reaction, though. I don’t want to consider how it might back up her ridiculous claims, and frankly, I’m still too pissed.

“Dad, can I have more milk, please?”

Henry doesn’t even look over from his show to ask, just holding up his empty cup.

“Sure thing, bud.”

I go to the fridge for more unsweetened almond milk and shake my head as I look at Henry propped up with pillows on the sofa.

He’s not in too rough of shape, but the kid definitely has some bumps and bruises that benefit from rest and ice.

An image of Mae in the hospital bed abruptly surfaces in my mind, and I remember her comment about my prescribed care.

I shrug the thoughts away, pouring myself another cup of coffee before delivering Henry’s beverage.

“Here you go, kiddo.”

“Thanks, Dad.” He looks over at me for a moment. “It’s weird you’re not at work.”

“Yes, it is. But you need a few days to rest before going back to school.”

“Okay.”

His attention returns to the TV, and after watching a few episodes of his favorites, I can tell he’s getting bored.

I have no idea what to do with him, however. Everything I can think of won’t be good for someone who’s injured and needs to take it easy. And we can’t just keep watching TV.

Even I’m getting sick of it.

Depositing my mug in the sink, I lean over the counter, putting my head in my hands.This is so stupid. I have no idea how to entertain my own kid.

Sighing, I look over at him. Henry’s little head pokes up, just visible from this side of the couch.

When he was a toddler, Clara would hide behind it and pop up when he searched for her. They’d be laughing and giggling like crazy, the game entertaining young Henry for several minutes.

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