Chapter 3 #2
We spend the next couple minutes getting the pasta in the pot.
Shiloh, the great helper he is, didn’t even drop a single noodle as he passed me the dried goods.
We set the timer for the noodles. He loses interest quickly when he realizes the spaghetti needs to sit in the boiling water for a bit before it’s ready.
So he runs back into the living room to finish his tumbling on the foam blocks.
I stand in front of the stove and stir the spaghetti, ensuring nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
“Thanks for helping out here,” the gentle timber of Monty’s voice, pulls me from my trance of stirring the noodles. I turn my head, my eyes connecting with the sweet chocolate tones of his.
Quickly, I spin around to hide the heat that has begun to creep up my neck. Giving the pasta another stir, just as the timer goes off letting me know it should be cooked. “It’s really no problem, and besides—Shiloh did most of the work.”
“I did daddy! I put them all in myself!” Shiloh yells from behind me in the living room.
“You did, buddy? I didn’t know I had a chef in the house.
” Monty is off to my right grabbing the strainer from the cupboard before placing it in the sink.
“Here, I can take care of this. Go hang out with everyone else while I get the last of it together.” Offering to take the pot from me, a soft smile on his face before he moves over to the sink.
Taking a breath, I make my way to the living room. Josie now has Hayes in her arms, her face is relaxed as she stares at the newborn with so much love. Her hand is gently patting at his diaper as she rocks on the chair.
Shiloh is over in the corner stacking up wooden blocks. Making my way toward him, Shiloh places a round blue block on the top carefully. When he knows it’s secure, he reaches behind himself and pushes forward a toy car. Driving it right into the tower knocking it over with a crash.
A cackle leaves Shiloh as he begins organizing and building the tower once again.
“Can I help you build your tower, Shiloh?” Sitting on the ground beside him, I point to the tower he’s working on in question.
Shiloh nods his head and continues with the task at hand.
We build the tower up and Shiloh knocks it down three times, each time his laughter becoming more and more infectious.
“Alright everyone, dinner is served!” Monty declares as he bows down quickly.
Shiloh gets up, toys forgotten and heads over to the dining table. Looking over I see that Shiloh has turned on the swing for his brother before racing over to take his seat. My heart swells at the simple act of love.
Up on my feet, I head over to Josie who has Hayes sitting straight up, his chest resting on Josie’s forearms, her hand cupping his face as she pats his back. After a few moments, a wet burp leaves his lips.
“Here, I can take him if you want to go get set up at the table,” offering a soft smile, while extending my arms to take Hayes.
Josie returns my smile, “thanks, that would be great. You can just put him in the swing Shiloh turned on.”
Ensuring Hayes’ head is supported under the crook of my elbow, I adjust him so I can carry him comfortably. My eyes drift to Josie as I watch her walk to the table. Seating herself next to Shiloh as Monty sets the food on the table.
She begins to scoop the food onto Shiloh’s plate before filling her own.
Monty walks behind her leaning down to place a kiss on the top of her head before taking his own seat.
I take this time to watch how this little family works.
Monty and Josie seem so in sync when they’re navigating the dinner table.
It’s surprising that they’re looking for help.
Just then Josie’s face pinches as she reaches further up the table for the garlic bread. It’s like she moved wrong, and that’s when I’m reminded of the major surgery she went through to be able to bring Hayes into this world.
Placing Hayes in the swing, before heading to the table to join everyone. “Does anyone need a drink while I’m up?” Pointing my finger to the kitchen as I head that way. A string of yes please follow me. I reach the kitchen before it dawns on me I don’t know where anything is.
I stand for a minute and decide to just give it my best guess. Reaching over I open the cupboard next to the sink and behind the door I’m greeted with cups. Fuck yeah, you got this babe.
Searching through a couple more cupboards before I find a jug, which I fill with water before returning to the table.
“I hope water is okay? I should have asked what everyone wanted to drink.” Placing the jug on the table, I retreat back to the kitchen to grab the cups before I sit down and load up my own plate.
The next hour goes by easily. The conversation flows, taking the time to get to know each other and see how I interact with Shiloh and Hayes. Josie and Monty ask plenty of questions, but it doesn’t make me feel like I’m actually in an interview.
Hayes wakes up needing a diaper change near the end of supper.
Which I quickly get up to do and get him back down, letting Monty and Josie enjoy the rest of their meal.
I offer to clean up, while Monty gets Shiloh in for a bath and into his pjs.
Josie stays in the kitchen with me to help me navigate while I tidy up.
“So, are there any other questions you have for me?” I ask while I wipe down the island counter, before I put the leftovers into the fridge.
Josie hums as she takes a drink of her water. “I don’t think so. Honestly, you’ve been so helpful this evening and I can tell Shiloh already likes you.”
Smiling, I lean on the counter across from where she’s sitting. “I must admit, he’s a really charming guy–”
“I heard charming guy.”
“Oh my god Monty,” Josie snorts, shaking her head; amusement flowing from her.
“What? I am a charming guy” one of his shoulders lifts, as his hand begins to scratch at his stomach. I try not to stare for too long because - hello, I’m here for a job interview.
Quickly I redirect my sight to where Josie’s sitting, where I see she’s checking out Monty too. Her eyes slowly trailing over the full height of his body, a slow smirk spreading on her face as she does.
“As truthful as that is, Evie was just asking if there were any other questions we had for her.” Josie moves us back to the topic at hand: me getting a job.
“Ah yes! Right. I don’t know what Josie said, but I don’t really have any questions.
” Slapping his hands together, he looks at his wife and they seem to have this conversation by just looking at each other in only a way a couple does when they’ve been together for so long.
A twinge of longing pinches in my chest, I’ve always dreamed of having that type of connection with someone.
I thought I had that once, but boy was I fucking wrong.
“We’d love for you to work for us,” Josie says, bringing me out of my train of thought. “That is, if you’re still interested?”
A smile breaks across my face, as I begin nodding. “Absolutely I’m still interested!”
We spend the next half hour working out the little details, like when I need to be there each day. We go over the typical daily routine, nap time, and favorite activities. Monty takes extra time to talk about Josie’s limits to her dismay.
She states she’s fine, but then Monty gives her the look.
You know the look, the stern look that means no funny business.
Through the few interactions I’ve had with Monty, he’s always been the goofy guy. The one to crack jokes, and play with the kids. I’ve barely seen him serious, but when it comes to Josie and her restrictions to heal. It sends shivers down my spine and it’s not even meant for me.
I wonder if he’s strict in the bedroom too–
Jesus Evie, do not go there. Scolding myself for letting my thoughts wander. I know I flirted with them both on New Year's Eve, but this is different. They’re my employers now, and I need to keep this job so I can save up again.
We say our goodbyes, and I get into my car. Heading back to my place, I turn up the music and let the music flow over me. I park in front of the apartment complex, get out and make my way in.
Unlocking the door, I head straight for my room. Sharing an apartment with random’s wasn’t always in my plan. But a girl’s gotta do what she’s gotta do. I needed to get my independence back, to be able to take care of myself. I learned the hard way not to rely on anyone.
Because the last time I relied on someone. I was never more alone.
The first thing I do when I get into my room is remove my clothes and get into my favorite tank and short pajama set then flop on my bed. Before I plug in my phone, I send a quick text off to Harper, who I know will be anxiously waiting for me to tell her how tonight went.
Evie: ya girl is officially employed again.
I don’t stay up to wait for a response, because as soon as my head hits the pillow I pass out.