Chapter 7 #2
Mia lets out a soft chuckle. “Maybe moving in would make more sense.”
The corners of my mouth twitch. “We can play it by ear, see how things go.”
Mia rolls her lips between her teeth, biting down as she bobs her head. “That works for me,” she says, her voice softening. “If you need me to watch her for more than work stuff, I can do that too. You know, if you have a date or just anything.”
Her words catch me off guard and I inhale sharply, immediately shaking my head. “I don’t go on dates, Mia,” I tell her, my voice dropping. “That’s not something I’ll ever need you for.”
Her lips part, eyebrows drawing together as she lets out a breath and closes them. She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth, dragging them over it as her brows relax. “Okay,” she says softly. “Sorry, I just thought I would offer, at least.”
I rake my hand through my hair, letting out a sigh. “No, I’m sorry,” I say, pursing my lips. “I appreciate it. I don’t normally do much outside of work but take care of T. I will keep your offer in mind, in case I do need you for something random.”
“I get it,” she tells me, saving me from the awkwardness of this conversation. She gives me a gentle smile, her eyes warm and inviting. “Do you have your schedule for the season?”
“I have our game schedule. Practice is normally the same, but can vary on a rare occasion. I can send you everything scheduled so far. Can I give you event details and any practice changes as I know about them?”
“Of course,” she says, nodding eagerly. “I’m at your disposal, so whenever you need me, I can be available. I do plan on going to Sugar Hill Hollow to visit my friend at some point, but I can work that around your schedule.”
“If you need any time off or a date doesn’t work for you, I can figure something out,” I assure her as my mind drifts to a previous conversation with her. The one about her wanting to look for a job. “I don’t want this to affect you finding another job or anything like that.”
Mia’s silent, slowly scanning my face. “Yeah, I’ll let you know if anything changes.” There’s something off about the way she says it, but she immediately moves past it. “Do you want to just email me your schedule?”
“Absolutely,” I say, nodding as I pull out my phone. “What’s your email address?”
She reads it off to me and I forward her all the emails sent from the coaching staff with information, when we leave for each away game, return dates and times.
There’s also a tentative practice schedule and anticipated events email that I send her.
“That should be everything,” I say, locking the screen.
“I wanted to discuss pay with you as well and if you have a contract.”
Mia’s eyebrows tug together and she lets out a breath. “I don’t have a contract, but I can have my father’s lawyer draw something together.”
“Perfect. It’s important to have, especially in a case like this with my schedule being insane.
” I scratch the back of my neck while trying to figure out how to broach the next subject.
“I was paying Gloria $50 an hour. Is that a rate you would be comfortable with? All other expenses would be paid for and I would give you a credit card to use for any purchases for T and the house.”
Mia’s eyes widen. “Um.” She pauses, wetting her lips. “I—um—isn’t that a bit much?”
I shake my head at her. “No, not in my opinion. You are taking care of Tella in place of me when I’m not able to. I pay enough to ensure she’s receiving the best possible care. It is also a demanding job. You’re responsible for and taking care of a child for extended periods of time.”
“Okay,” she says, her chin tipping with understanding. “Yes, I accept. Do you need to see any of the training I’ve done or certifications, like CPR?”
“No, I believe you.” I roll my arm, glancing at my wrist. “Shit. I forgot we’re supposed to go see Gloria before she leaves.” I look back at Mia. “Are you able to officially start tomorrow? I will obviously pay you for today, I just want to make sure you’re able to start immediately?”
“Yes, of course,” she says, rising to her feet as I do. “I’ll get in touch with my father’s lawyer and have a contract for you then, as well.”
“That’s great. If you have time after practice again tomorrow, I would like to sit down and go over everything for Tella’s schedule and what not.”
“Absolutely.” Mia smiles at me, dipping her chin as we’re about to fall in step together, but she abruptly stops. “I need to grab my bag from inside.”
“Sure, no problem.” She heads back into the house and I walk over to Tella on the driveway. “Hey, T. We have to get ready to go see Miss Gloria.”
“Okay.” She climbs to her feet, dusting her hands off on her dress, covering it even more with chalk.
“Can you go inside and get changed please?”
“Yeppers,” T says, as she skips past me toward the house. “Bye, Mia!”
“Bye, Tella!” Mia calls out to her as they pass one another on the porch, her voice light on the gentle breeze. When Mia reaches me, there’s a brief pause in her movement as her gaze meets mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow around nine,” she says softly, her eyes shimmering in the sunlight.
I swallow roughly, the smell of lavender and vanilla invading my senses. “See you then.”
Mia gives me one last lingering look and I don’t miss the way the corners of her lips twitch as she makes her way past me. I can’t take my eyes off her as she walks toward her car, the way her legs shift in her tight jeans.
My throat constricts, nostrils flaring as I blow out a frustrated breath. I glance at the house, waiting for Tella, but instead my eyes drift toward the white rocking chairs. I rake my hand through my hair, tugging lightly on the strands as I run them through the gaps between my fingers.
The effects of being alone for so long must finally be getting to me. I’ve grown accustomed to being alone. I’m no stranger to lying in the dark by myself night after night. Regardless of the deep seeded loneliness, I have no intention of ever finding someone to take Amelia’s place.
There isn’t a single person on this planet that could ever replace Amelia, that could ever fill the hole she left inside my chest.
But fuck me—sometimes I wish I didn’t have to be so alone.