Chapter 2
Stella
“What is going on here?!” Mrs. Kensington shouted when she saw Mr. Kensington help get the glue out of my hair.
“Calm yourself, Nadine.” Mr. Kensington turned to her. “The poor girl has glue in her hair. Apparently, Austin wanted to have a glue fight.”
She stood and stared at me, narrowing her eyes. Her glare told me her mind was spinning out of control.
“Step away from her, Brandon. Where are the children?”
“They’re upstairs in the playroom.”
She walked over, arms folded, with a stern look.
“You’re fired.” She scowled.
“What?” My brows furrowed.
“Nadine, what the hell?” Mr. Kensington shouted.
“Don’t ‘what the hell’ me, Brandon. I know there’s more going on here. I see the way you look at her.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. What is the matter with you?”
“Mrs. Kensington, I?—”
“You don’t say another word, Stella. I’ll put your final check in the mail. You’re dismissed. I will make sure you never work as a nanny for any family in New York again.”
“What about the children?” I asked.
“They are no longer your concern. Leave.” She pointed to the elevator.
I looked at Mr. Kensington, hoping he’d stick up for me. But he didn’t. He knew better than to go up against his wife. I slowly walked over to where my purse was, hooked it over my shoulder, and approached the elevator. Before stepping onto it, I turned and looked at the Kensington’s.
“I’m not sure why the two of you even got married or had children in the first place. Do your children a favor and get divorced. It’ll do less harm than what you’re doing to them right now.”
“How dare you!” Mrs. Kensington shouted.
I stepped onto the elevator and stared at them as the doors closed. I didn’t regret what I said because it was the truth. Their constant bickering and name-calling were enough to drive anyone crazy.
* * *
Iwalked into my apartment and threw my purse down.
“What are you doing home already?” My best friend and roommate, Jordyn, asked.
“Mrs. Kensington fired me.” I fell on the couch next to her and grabbed the pint of ice cream and spoon from her hands.
“What? Why?”
“She thought her husband was interested in me, and we were having an affair.”
“Why would she think that?”
“When she came home, Mr. Kensington was helping me get the glue out of my hair.”
“Honestly, I know that man wants you. You know it, too. Don’t deny it.”
“It doesn’t matter. I would never.” I stuck the spoon into the ice cream container.
“I know you wouldn’t.” Jordyn got up and grabbed two glasses and the wine bottle. “No worries. You’ll find another wealthy family to work for.”
“I doubt it. Mrs. Kensington said she’ll make sure I never work as a nanny in New York City again. I know how that woman operates, and she’ll tell all of her friends that I stole from them. Before you know it, I’ll be labeled as the nanny thief of New York City.”
Jordyn laughed. “You really think so?”
“I know so,” I said, lifting the spoon to my mouth. “What am I going to do? I need to find a job.”
“You have your savings, so don’t worry about it too much.”
“That won’t last, especially with my half of the rent, utilities, credit cards, and student loans.”
“Don’t forget our Vegas trip is next month for Morgan’s and Howie’s bachelor/bachelorette party.”
“I haven’t forgotten.” I sighed.
There was a knock at the door. Jordyn got up from the couch and answered it. Glancing at the door, I saw my boyfriend, Sawyer, step inside.
“Hey.” I smiled, jumping up from the couch. “What are you doing here? I thought you couldn’t come over tonight.” I hugged him.
“Jordyn, can I speak with Stella alone, please?” he asked.
“Yeah, sure. I’ll be in my room.”
“What’s going on?” I stared into his chocolate brown eyes as worry tore through me.
He took hold of my hands and gripped them tightly. Taking in a sharp breath, his eyes stayed fixated on mine.
“Stella, you’re a great woman and—” he paused.
“You’re breaking up with me, aren’t you?” Tears filled my eyes.
“Yeah.” He nodded. “I’m sorry. The timing isn’t right, and I have so much going on.”
“What do you have going on?” I broke free from his grip, planted my hands on his chest, and pushed him back. “Just tell me the damn truth, Sawyer!” I shouted.
“Fine. I met someone else, Stella.”
Those words tore through me like a serrated knife cutting into a loaf of bread.
“You’re an awesome girl who deserves better than me.”
“Where did you meet her?” I calmly asked.
“She’s a new assistant at the office. I’m sorry.” He looked down.
“You fucking piece of shit!” Jordyn emerged from her room and ran over to him. “Get the fuck out of our apartment! And you’re right. She deserves better than you, you corporate man wannabe.” She opened the apartment door.
“Again, I’m sorry, Stella.”
“Just get out,” I said as a tear fell down my cheek.
Jordyn wrapped her arms around me. “You don’t need his dumb ass. You can do so much better.”
I cried in her arms as she led me to the couch.
“How am I supposed to face him when we go to Vegas? He’s the best man.”
“You’re going to forget about him and move on. A lot of alcohol will help.”
“Wow. I got fired and dumped all in a matter of a couple of hours.” I blew my nose in the tissue Jordyn handed me.
“Everything happens for a reason. You’ll see. Something amazing will come out of all of this.”