Chapter 6
Chapter Six
GRACIE
I stretch my arms over my head. It feels good to wake up to the birds chirping and the sun shining brightly.
I snicker. Who am I kidding? The windows aren't open. There are no birds singing me awake like some fairy tale.
But you want to know what else I'm not hearing? Annalee screaming my brother's name in ecstasy. No sister should ever have to wake up to that sound in her life.
I give my body a little wiggle and one last stretch before climbing out of bed. My feet hit the cool laminate floor and I remind myself again I need to get some slippers. I made a mental note last night before bed, but it will likely take at least three more reminders before I actually get them.
At thirty-three years old, one would think I’d have a good memory. And one would be wrong. I live by the reminders on my phone—when I remember to set them. More often than not, I forget to do that and then wonder why stuff never gets done.
I blame it on being the youngest of six kids, whose siblings are all twelve or more years older than me.
I'm the oopsie baby. The sibling always catered to by everyone else in the family.
Owen's the biggest culprit because he was already off in the Marines when I was born. I think he feels guilty for missing most of my childhood, so now he spoils me.Could be worse, but it definitely didn’t help me build up any sense of autonomy for things like buying shit I need.
I head straight for the bathroom to wash my face, throw my hair in a ponytail, and brush my teeth. I instantly feel much more awake. Morning routine clean—so much better than birds.
Marching over to the closet, I find a pair of jean shorts and one of my favorite shirts to wear for the day: I want you to glaze my hole.
The shirt itself is black, but the donut in the middle is a multitude of colors dripping with colorful glaze.
And each letter is a different color giving it a rainbow effect.
The rest of the world might find my shirts weird, but I love the little thrill they give me when I find a new one.
Not to mention the chuckle I get every time someone looks horrified when they read it.
Honestly, the number of people who are embarrassed by what I wear is hilarious.
It's not like I'm forcing them to wear it.
My stomach growls as I pull the shirt over my head.
It's past the normal time I would eat breakfast and my belly isn't happy. Which brings me back to my current predicament. I think about what’s between me and the kitchen, and sigh.
With any luck, Ang is already off to work and I won't have to interact with him just yet.
I'm still feeling off after his reaction last night.
The last thing I need to do is start something with my landlord. My life is complicated enough.
Unfortunately, luck isn't on my side.
I walk into the kitchen and stop dead. Sitting at the small table are Ang and Everly. "Oh, I'm sorry. I figured you would be at work. I can go back to my room until after you're done." I point my thumb back in the direction of the in-law suite.
"Don't be silly. You're welcome to use the kitchen any time you want. There are homemade waffles on the island if you want some. The little lady insisted I make them this morning."
Everly gives me a big toothy smile. Her face is covered in sugary goodness, and I'm betting if I touched her hands, they would be sticky.Definitely a kid after my own heart.
"That sounds great. Thank you."
I search the cabinets until I find a plate and the silverware drawer. I plop two big Belgian waffles on a plate and drown them in syrup.
Ang laughs at me when I join him at the table.
"What? Do I have something on my face?"
I brushed my teeth before coming out, so maybe I got some toothpaste on my chin and didn't realize. I go to wipe the area but he shakes his head.
"I thought my girls had a sweet tooth, but I see they have nothing compared to you."
I glance down at the waffles that are now swimming in the sticky goodness, and shrug."It wouldn't be a proper breakfast if it didn't involve a little sugar."
Yes, I have the mindset of a child. No, I don't care.
With a laugh, Ang responds, "My daughters would agree with you."
"Boo-wee, boo-wee," Everly looks at me and chants while pounding her fists on the table.
I raise my brow at her father. I'm not fluent in toddler speak, so I have no idea what she could possibly want.
" Bluey . It's her favorite show. I'm going to get her cleaned up and put it on the TV. Give you a chance to enjoy your breakfast in peace."
I don't take my first bite until after Ang and Everly leave the room. I was too busy watching how good he is with her to focus on my food. But once the two are out of my sight, it's game on.
And the moan that leaves my mouth when the first bite hits my tongue . . . Daaamn . . . Ang is one hell of a chef.
I always manage to burn waffles and pancakes when I try to make them, so I normally stick to the frozen ones I can buy at the store.Ang apparently doesn't have the same problem. These are perfectly fluffy and make me want to stuff my face until I fall into a food coma.
I don't get the chance to truly indulge before Ang's heavy footsteps catch my attention. He walks back into the kitchen with a truly impressive scowl on his face.
"Everything okay?" I ask as he drops back down into the chair next to me.
Ang lets out the heavy sigh of a man tired of being frustrated.
"My babysitter canceled on me again. I need to find someone new. Maybe a nanny. Someone I can put on a salary so they’re more reliable.
I have meetings I need to attend, a business to manage.
Being the boss doesn't allow me the luxury of canceling on clients. "
I take another bite of my waffle and chew it slowly while I think. This is one of those times where impulsivity could be detrimental to not only myself but another human being.
"I’m sorry. You don't need to listen to my sad stories while you're trying to eat your breakfast." Ang starts to get up from the table, but I stop him with my hand on his arm.
"It's not a sad story. You're in need of advice and I happen to be here as a sounding board. I was giving myself a moment to think everything through." I clear my throat and give myself an extra moment to make sure this is the right decision. "I'll do it."
"Excuse me? Do what?"
"I'll be your nanny." Ang starts to balk at the suggestion, so I place my hand in the air to stop him. "Temporarily until you can find someone more qualified."
Or qualified at all, for that matter.
"Have you ever worked with toddlers? Any nieces or nephews you've babysat?"
"Ah, no. I might have five older siblings, but apparently none of them thought reproducing was a good idea."
A shame really. Owen would make a great parent. And probably my sisters as well, but none of them have ever even hinted to the idea.
"But you want to be Everly's nanny?"
" Temporarily." I emphasize the one word again. "I'm not saying I'm the best candidate. Hell, I totally get why you would be hesitant, but I'll watch her like a hawk and keep her alive.”
It's all I can offer, but I figure it has to be better than where he currently is—canceling meetings so he can stay home with his daughter, his business falling to the wayside in the meantime.
"Do you know CPR?"
I sit up straighter. "That I do. I'm certified and everything. My last job required it."
"That's something at least."
I watch the wheels turn in Ang's mind and I understand the hesitation. If the situations were reversed, I’m not sure if I would hire me either.
"And you have the time?"
I laugh. "Unfortunately, yes. That I have plenty of. My plan was to start looking for jobs this week, so I do in fact have loads of free time until I find one." Ang squints his eyes at my explanation. "Oh, don't worry. I have money saved up for rent. I wasn't going to flake on that."
Only a small white lie. I have this month's rent, and fully plan to have a job before next month's is due, but Ang doesn't need to know that. He has enough of his own problems to worry about.
"Fine." He blows out a puff of air. "You can do this week and we'll see how it goes, but I'll start looking in the process."
I nod my head and internally do a little dance. One problem solved. At least for the meantime. And I can look for a job while I'm watching Everly. Two birds, one stone kinda thing.
Then I hear Everly screaming from the living room and I wonder what the hell I got myself into?