Page 47 of Nanny for the Doctor

I stare at Reed’s hopeful face, considering. He’s been remarkably open, and Reed’s even made sure to interject a bit of self-deprecating humor.

Maybe I should give him another chance?

“Okay. You can pick me up.”

“Great.”

I smile tightly and go back inside the house. When I find Stevie and Henry, they’re having a ball, tossing pillows onto the bed from across the room.

“Alright, bud. Your dad’s waiting.”

Henry plops the pillow he’s holding back on the bed, coming to give me a big hug.

“Will I see you on Monday?”

“I’m not sure, buddy. We’ll see.”

“Dad’s been really good today, and he promised to take me for ice cream after this, so don’t stay mad.”

“Did your dad say I was mad?”

“Yeah, he said that he ‘pissed you off really good.’”

“Ha!” Stevie and I both chuckle.

“Okay, kiddo. I’ll keep that in mind. Now, go on!”

Henry squeezes me again and then takes off for the door. When it slams behind the boy, I’m left wondering what the hell I should do.

“Well, that was something. Bringing you with me today has certainly upped the drama factor of my typical day.”

“I’ll say.”

I sit on the bed, quickly remembering that it’s been staged and the provided mattress is hard as a rock.

“I don’t usually have this much excitement following me around, either. Unless, of course, you count nearly being killed by those twins.” I sigh. “What am I supposed to do about this?”

Stevie sits beside me. “What did Reed say?”

“That he’ll pay me double. That he’s willing to work on being around more. Hell, Reed even apologized.”

Her eyes go wide, and I laugh with a nod.

“I know! But that doesn’t mean Reed will suddenly start changing. And he was beyond rude the other day. It’s just complicated.”

“It’s a good sign, though. It’s hard for anyone to apologize, and I can imagine it’s especially so for Reed. He’s never asked for Johnny’s help with anything, even though Reed has definitely needed it.”

I stare at the generic off-white carpet covering the entire upper floor. There’s a faint pattern created on it, and I can practically hear the salesperson’s voice saying, “It’ll hide the dirt better.”

Stevie puts a hand on my shoulder, and I glance up at her with a forced smile. “He came and apologized. Actually knew he did something wrong. It’s a step in the right direction. You’re right, too, though. He won’t change overnight, but it looks like you’re having a positive effect.”

“I hear you.” I stand up. “I’m going to go think for a bit, if that’s alright.”

“Of course. Get out of here.”

“Thanks, Stevie. Maybe you’re right. Maybe our fight was just the push Reed needed.”

“Here’s hoping, babe. Here’s hoping.”

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