The Summer Arrangement (Summers in Seaside)

1. Lizzy

“Mrs. Kruse will see you now,” The receptionist in front of me stands and guides me to a conference room.

My heart races, and I force myself to take a steadying breath.

I can do this. I’ve worked for several families. I have what it takes to nanny a three-year-old. Hell, I’ve done it a million times. My references are stellar, and the agency has assured me that I’m among their top candidates. I just need to get through this.

Focus.

Read the room. Be myself.

That’s all I can do.

Gah, why the hell are my palms sweaty?

It’s not like I’ve never done this before. Why the hell am I so nervous?

Uh—Maybe because the stakes are higher?

I can’t afford to choke and blow this opportunity.

I’ve got so much riding on this.

If this works out, so long second summer job. I’ll easily be able to cover next semester’s tuition—and I can spend quality time with my sisters this summer, if I play my cards right.

Inconspicuously wiping my palms down the sides of my pants, I follow the receptionist into the large conference room.

Immediately, an older woman dressed in a dark-gray pantsuit stands from the large table and greets me.

“Welcome, Ms. Lancaster. I’m Dianne Kruse.

I’m sorry my son can’t be here with us. He’s away on business.

Since I’m only in Seaside this week, I must get preliminary interviews out of the way, so things are settled before I leave. ”

Her smile is warm as she grips my hand in hers, then gestures for me to have a seat adjacent to the one she’d left. Pointing at the table along the wall, she offers, “Would you like anything?”

Glancing at what has been set out, I notice there’s an assortment of cookies, bottles of water, and a few sodas. All of it looks amazing, but my stomach can’t handle anything like that until I get this interview over with, so I politely decline. “No, thank you. I’m good for now.”

“Well then,” she says, taking her seat. “Let’s get started. Your resumé says you’re attending Portland State University, double majoring in psychology and elementary education, but you’re here in Seaside for the summer?”

“Yes, I’m spending the summer with my family and if all goes as planned, I’ll graduate next spring.”

She glances at my resumé next to us and nods. “Oh, that’s right. Did you grow up here?”

“Yes and no,” I admit. “My grandmother lived in Seaside. My dad is in the Air Force, so technically, we lived in several places, but this is where I feel most at home, even without Nana.”

Shit. Why did I say that?

When Mrs. Kruse’s expression turns quizzical, I rush to explain.

“Nana passed just over four years ago. But her place will always be home. In fact, we’re all here again this summer. It’s what we do every year… though I guess Lanie lives in Seaside with her husband Ryan year-round.”

For fuck’s sake, she didn’t ask for your life story. Stop rambling already.

“All of you? I take it you have a big family?”

Exhaling slowly, a smile creeps onto my face as I admit.

“Not really, though I do have three sisters… and with each of them now married or on their way to be, I guess our family is growing. Dad is stationed at Lewis-McChord, and my mom is a traveling nurse who currently works for a family in New Hampshire. Both will come out at some point this summer, I’m sure. ”

“That’s wonderful. I’m traveling with my sister this summer, too. I’ll miss Emilia like crazy, but I’m looking forward to spending time with Judy on a European cruise. It’s something we’ve dreamed about for years. Time with family is precious.”

“Nothing could’ve kept me away from my sisters this summer. I’ve missed them while I’ve been in school,” I admit.

“I’m sure you do…” She trails off with a smile, then her face and tone turn serious.

Clearing her throat, she asks, “Will tending to my granddaughter keep you from your family? The agency informed you that my son’s schedule won’t be the typical nine to five.

Of course, we will ensure you have at least two days off each week, but the days and times may vary, depending on his workload. ”

Crap. That’s not what I meant.

“Oh, it won’t be a problem,” I rush out. How do I ensure her this job won’t get in the way? Hell. Even if I did work around the clock, I’d still have more time with them than I did last summer when I practically worked two full-time jobs.

When she still isn’t convinced, I add, “I assure you, my sisters all have busy lives of their own. Some of them travel for work and honestly, I’m just grateful we’re spending the summer in the same vicinity.”

Her demeanor relaxes, and I’m relieved when she changes the subject. “Tell me more about what you enjoyed here as a child while visiting your grandmother.”

With that simple request, a huge weight lifts, and I’m put at ease.

I launch into my countless memories about summer adventures with Nana.

I tell her about trips to the aquarium, walking along The Promenade, making sandcastles by the shore, going to the local library and bookstores, and baking endless amounts of treats in Nana’s kitchen.

Seamlessly, our conversation flows from one topic to the next. She tells me about her granddaughter Emilia’s favorite foods, stories, and love for all things about the ocean. I quickly learn that if I get the job, they’ve recently signed Emilia up for swim lessons.

I’ll be responsible for taking her to the aquatic center in Astoria and encouraged to practice those new skills at home with her, should I feel comfortable.

Apparently, her son has rented a house with a pool this summer, so it’s a new feature for them.

With easy access to both the pool and the ocean, it’s crucial her granddaughter learns to swim.

Though even if she becomes the best swimmer, I assure Mrs. Kruse I have no intentions of letting her get anywhere close to the ocean without being right beside her. She’s still young, and the waves are far too unpredictable.

When she asks about my previous experience, our conversation quickly morphs from water safety to our love of children and books. My experience as a previous nanny and working at Booked at the Beach, our local bookstore, gives us many things to talk about.

Before I know it, the interview comes to an end. Mrs. Kruse thanks me for coming and lets me know she’ll be in touch after she finishes the rest of the interviews and consults with her son.

Just as I’m about to leave, she adds, “Thank you so much for coming today, Elizabeth. I’ve enjoyed getting to know you.

Please know, if you make it to the next round, it will be with my son and granddaughter.

We need to ensure you get along well with Emilia and her father as ultimately, he’ll make the final decision. ”

“Of course. Thanks again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.”