6. Chapter 6
LUNA
Well, once again, Macy Jackson, formerly known as Macy O’Brien, got what she wanted. After what I can only assume was constant badgering and maybe a little sabotage here and there to the nannies lined up to be interviewed, I received this email when I got home later that day.
Subject: Live-In Nanny Application
To: LunaJackson@
From: Nigelmiller@
Date: Wednesday 21st Apr 18:00 BST
Dear Miss Jackson,
We have reviewed your application and would like to offer you an interview to determine whether or not you will be suitable for the role. Please report to the K that alone will make Nigel like you, and if he does, that already doubles your chances,” she declares confidently.
I’ve heard all about the famous Nigel here and there over the years, so it feels weird to know I’ll be able to put a face to the name come tomorrow morning.
Looking at the person, I somewhat pitied him for working for a Grinch of a man like Oliver Walters, when his picture from earlier suddenly comes to mind, and my nerves start up again, but not the same kind - the kind that makes me cross my legs.
Things I definitely shouldn’t be thinking about, especially if I’m a day away from the possibility of working for this man.
“Oh!” Macy yells, suddenly remembering something and breaking my questionable train of thought. “And before I forget, when I was haggling with Nigel-”
I knew she pestered him; I just knew it.
“He mentioned that they may do a possible background check on you, but I already told him you’re clean on that front and Surly Bastard is gonna need a reference, cause he does that part himself so once we’re done here, call Tracy and see if she can be your reference since you’ve worked with her in the past and she absolutely loves you,” Macy beams so much I could practically feel her smile through the phone.
“Tracy loves all the workers, not just me,” I correct her, knocking down a layer of the high tower Macy is building with people who apparently adore me. She started it because she said I’m too humble and need to be reminded of what an amazing person I am and how many people think so.
“Um…no, shut up. Because she does love you because I asked her, and it’s a known fact not all of her workers wouldn’t do even half of the things you’ve done for that place so stop being a humble bumble.
” she groans, I know by the use of her many nicknames that pop up now and again that she was telling me to back down already because she was tired and she’s always right.
“Fine, I’ll call her once we’re done here. I have to call her anyway to see if she needs me to grab something before I head over there on Saturday.” I cave, staring at my ceiling, but all I could picture was Macy’s victory smile.
“See? How many people would do that? Anyway, I’m home now and spent five minutes just sitting in the car, so I’d better go before your brother starts thinking I’ve gotten in an accident and gone into la-never mind, he’s calling right now, hold on.”
I hear Macy say before I hear what sounds like her winding down her window and yelling, “LJ, I’M OUTSIDE ON THE PHONE TO YOUR SISTER, I’M FINE FOR CHRIST’S SAKE!” Then the window goes back up. He ends the call because the beeping on my end stops.
“You’d better go inside. LJ worries enough as it is, and don’t tell him about the interview! He doesn’t think highly of Surly Bastard as it is, so it’s easier to explain if and when I get the job.” I beg, even though I know I didn’t have to.
“You mean, when you get the job, because you will. I’ve been manifesting it ever since earlier, but yes, I’m gonna go, and I want you to come straight down to the Library to tell me how it went.
Don’t worry about getting cleared; I’ll wait for you by the lift.
” Macy states in her no-ifs-or-buts tone.
“Okay.” I agreed.
“Great, Ooo I’m so excited, I get to see my favourite sister two days in a row, and she’s getting this fancy new job, so she can take me out to a fancy restaurant once the baby is born so I can drink to my heart’s content.” Macy not-so-cleverly hints.
But I saw nothing but her charm in that declaration because if I did get that job, taking her out as a thank you was the least I could do, and cause I knew that she loved the fact she was about to become a mother, but she missed a good bottle of red wine just as much.
And that comment about me being her favourite sister made my heart flutter. She chose me despite having two biological sisters, but they were much older and nowhere near as close as Macy and I are.
“I will be taking you out as a thank you, don’t you worry. And I know you only have a few steps to go, but get in safe and take it slow.” I chime in, smiling into my phone like an idiot. I knew she couldn’t see me, but that sister’s comment made me feel all warm and giddy inside.
“I will, see you tomorrow, love you, sis,” she sings, climbing out of the car.
“See you tomorrow, love you too,” I recite back, staying on the phone long enough to hear her make it to the front door and inside before hanging up.
Then I lay back on my bed for a while, feeling grateful for the people I have in my life.
Even if my love life was non-existent, I had people I could really count on.
Once I climbed down from that bliss, I dialled Tracy’s number, knowing she had already put the kids to bed by now and was probably cooped up by the TV with a glass of white wine.
She picked up after the second ring.
“Well, if it isn’t my favourite girl,” she hummed.
I can practically feel the big smile she had on her face.
We caught up a little as she updated me on how the kids were doing, and after agreeing to be my reference before I had even finished my sentence, I finally started to feel positive about my interview tomorrow.
Tracy and I chatted for a little longer, then I hung up and got ready for bed. Tomorrow was going to be a big day, and a good night’s rest was just what I needed.
****
Despite all the praise and encouragement I received from Macy and Tracy last night, despite their faith in me, now that I was standing in the lift caged in by a bunch of businessmen and women in fancy suits, I was hypothetically shitting myself.
Not physically, because I’d made sure not to eat anything that would result in my need to use the bathroom or fart before or during the interview. I did, however, manage to scoff down two chocolate & oat breakfast bars on my way here, so my stomach wouldn’t start growling.
The hairs on my legs were standing upright, which were hidden underneath my black pants - Thank God.
Goosebumps run all the way down my arm as the lift ascends. I count the floors in my head and clench my fists till my knuckles turn white to counteract the trembling nerves running through my body.