Giddy Up, Daddy (Dirty Daddies 2024 Anthology #5)

Chapter 3

Chapter Three

Relief flooded Blakely as Stafford turned away and headed back to the house.

She’d nearly lost this job without even being given a chance.

“Uh, here’s the thing, Blakely.” Stafford stopped at the bottom of the porch stairs and turned to face her.

“Yes?”

“This job isn’t just about housekeeping.”

“I know, you also want someone to help with your grandfather. How much help does he need? The ad didn’t really specify. I have some experience with looking after someone elderly. After my parents died, I lived with my grandfather for several years. But I’m not qualified in aged care.”

“Uh.” He looked slightly taken aback.

Probably because of your big info dump, idiot.

Right. She should probably keep her personal information to herself. He didn’t want to know about her grandfather.

“Well, he doesn’t need a lot of help. It’s more about having someone here with him in case anything happens. We need someone to make meals and keep the house clean, but I also want him to have company. My grandmother died a few years ago and he sort of retreated into himself. And then about a year ago, he fell and broke his hip. He had to go into the hospital and then to a rehab center. Since coming home, he’s rarely left. Sometimes he’ll come out onto the porch, but it’s not that safe out here for him and he won’t let me do any repairs or changes to the house or surrounding grounds.”

Oh. That was really sad.

“All right. Well, I can do all of that,” she said optimistically.

“Yeah, the thing is, he thinks you’re only here to take care of the house. He won’t have you here if he thinks otherwise. Okay?”

“Got it!”

“All right. Come meet Grandpa Jack, then.”

Following Stafford into the house, she was glad to see that it looked like it was in slightly better shape inside than out. Although it was a bit messy and dusty.

But she’d get everything whipped into shape soon enough.

He led her out into the huge farmhouse kitchen. It had dark wooden cabinets and granite countertops. In the middle of the kitchen was a square dining table where a scowling older man sat.

“This another one?” he barked.

Stafford sighed. “Be nice, Grandpa. This is Blakely. Blakely, my grandfather, Jack. And yes, she’s here about the housekeeping job.”

“Don’t need no housekeeper.”

“No? Have you seen how much dust is collecting on the furniture?” Stafford asked. “We’re living on microwave meals. And the fridge hasn’t been cleaned out in weeks. Sorry.” He grimaced as he glanced over at Blakely.

She shrugged. “It’s okay. It’s what I’m here for.”

Stafford’s phone rang. “Sorry, I’ve got to take this. I’ll let you two get acquainted.” He strode out of the room.

Shoot. She couldn’t help but feel a bit abandoned. Which was silly. It wasn’t like Stafford was a comforting person.

“Why are you wearing gloves?” Jack asked bluntly.

“Oh, uh, I feel the cold.” It wasn’t a complete lie. She did feel the cold.

“Warm day out there, girl. You poorly?”

“No, I’m fine.”

He grunted. “You know how to make a cup of tea?”

“Uh, sure.”

“My Elsie was from England. She made a good cup of tea. Milk, no sugar.”

Blakely guessed Elsie was his wife.

“I’ll try my best.” She understood this was a test of sorts and she was determined to pass.

Taking off her sweater, she placed it on the kitchen counter before searching for everything she needed. Jack was busy working on a crossword puzzle.

As the water boiled, she found some teacups. They were pretty with pink and yellow flowers painted on them.

Her hands protested as she picked up the kettle, but she managed to pour the water into the cup.

She poured some milk in before grasping hold of the cup with two hands. The heat transferred straight through her thin gloves, making her hands sting and throb.

With a cry, the cup slipped through her hands to shatter on the floor.

“What did you just do?” Jack yelled. “Get out! Get out right now!”