Page 83 of Nanny for the Doctor

But all I’ve done is push people away, including my own fucking kid.

“He looks just like her.” I steady myself with a breath as my eyes burn. “Like Clara.”

Saying her name out loud stings, but I face it, letting the pain hit and then back off.

The light goes green, and I push down on the accelerator. After all, I can’t stay stuck in this lane.

People would honk, and I’d affect their lives, too. So, as much as I don’t want to see what the future holds—because itcouldbe bad—I have to.

I don’t have a choice.

Johnny’s office is just a few blocks down, and I start thinking through what I’m going to say when I get inside.

“I was a dick. Mae is incredible, and she holds me accountable. She makes me want to be a better man.”Ugh.

I roll my eyes. I have to do better than a line from a Jack Nicholson movie.

Throwing the car in park, I step out and head inside the financial offices. There’s a receptionist at the desk, and I walk up to her.

“Hello, I’m looking for Mr. Marrington?”

The woman looks up and checks her screen.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Marrington is in with a client right now, but you’re welcome to wait.”

She gestures to the plush chairs behind me, and I nod, taking a seat. Waiting patiently is another of my weaknesses, and I find myself picking up one of the years-old magazines to pass the time.

It’s all about markets, and it’s actually pretty hilarious to see some of the predictions inside, knowing full well that many of those businesses went bankrupt. Guess you can’t be right every time.

I only have to wait about fifteen minutes or so before a man comes out of the office down the hall, and I see Johnny shake his hand as he leaves.

Anger darkens his expression as he notices me, and I walk toward him.

“What are you doing here?” Johnny keeps his voice low, but I hear the rage simmering behind the whisper.

“Can we talk? I’d—” I close my eyes briefly before meeting his glare “—like to apologize.”

Johnny’s brows pinch together. “Wow. Didn’t think you had it in you.”

“Fair. I deserved that. But it’s true. I came here on my lunch break because I didn’t want this to fester any more than it already has.”

It feels like an eternity before Johnny finally sighs and steps back into his office.

“Fine, come on in.”

He gestures inside, and I go in, standing in front of his desk as Johnny sits behind his computer.

“Well, let’s hear it.” Cocking his eyebrow at me, Johnny smirks, all too aware that I despise apologizing.

“Ugh.” I release a heavy exhale. “It was wrong not to tell you about Mae and me. It was a complete dick move, and I should have done better.”

He folds his arms over his chest.

“You’re not going to make this any easier for me, are you?”

Johnny frowns, shaking his head. “Not a chance.”

“All right. I deserve that. I was a jerk. I said shit I shouldn’t, and I’m sorry. I’m crappy at this relationship stuff, and I’ve hurt both you and Mae by trying to avoid dealing with the situation.”

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