The Contract
Iopen the envelope and pull out the small stack of papers.
Is this a contract? I read through it and notice that in the spaces marked candidate/employee, my name is written in full.
Elena Mae Reeves. It’s a contract for the live-in nanny position that he told me about at the restaurant. I read aloud,
“The successful candidates’ responsibilities will include… ‘abiding by the dress code’.”
I cock an eyebrow at Tony.
“Just how strict is the dress code?”
“Stay away from cheeky shorts and you’ll be fine.”
“No problem there. I think I can manage not flaunting my body to the toddler.”
Reading on, I find most of the stipulations agreeable… until,
Playdates are not to be scheduled without the approval of Mr. L. Marino.
“I would need permission every time the child has a play date?”
“Yes. It’s non-negotiable.”
“Surely you can’t be serious?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“So, you’re telling me that if the child wants to visit the playground or have play time with a friend, I would need Lorenzo’s permission first?”
“Yes.”
“What if I can’t get a hold of him?”
“Then the answer is no.”
“Be honest with me. How well do you think a toddler will handle being said no to?”
“Not well at all.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Moving along I continue my perusal of the contract.
“‘Boyfriends are not allowed on the property.’ Is this referring to a male interest specifically or males in general?”
“It would apply to any romantic interest you may have.”
“Jesus, talk about a cock-block.” I mutter under my breath.
“I beg your pardon?”
“Nothing. Just taking it all in. That’s all.”
I look up at Antonio. He has a wary expression on his face. I look at the table and see that our order has arrived. I hadn’t even noticed.
“Okay, so this may come across as a dumb question and at the risk of sounding like an idiot, are you offering me a job?”
“Yes and no. Yes, you are being offered a job and no I am not the one offering it.”
“I don’t understand, why would you even consider me for the position? You don’t know me? Did you convince your brother,” I look at the name on the contract under employer, “Lorenzo to offer me the job?”
“No. It was my brother who asked me to offer you the job on his behalf. I explained the situation to you at the restaurant. He feels strongly that you will fit the position perfectly.”
“That doesn’t make any sense at all. He doesn’t know me, we haven’t spoken. Jesus, I don’t even know what he looks like. Not to mention that I got the distinct impression that he did not like me very much.”
“Well, that changed when you confronted us about our ‘Shady dealings’.”
“What?”
“He feels that with your protective nature and strong assertive personality, you would make the perfect guardian for his child. He wants someone that is mature, responsible, caring, trustworthy and assertive to care for Angelo. He’s been unsuccessful so far as every single candidate has either been fired or has run off.
I’m not going to lie; my brother is a lot to deal with.
He’s stubborn, controlling, he hates change and he absolutely will not bend the rules when it comes to his son but I assure you he will provide anything you need; the pay is great, you’ll have your own living area in close proximity to Angelo’s room.
You did say you wanted a job here in Chicago, didn’t you? ”
“That’s creepy, how do you know that?”
“Lorenzo said he heard you and your friend chatting rather loud that night?”
“I mean, I can’t just up and leave. I have a life in Michigan. I would need to move. I have a,” Wedding to cancel and a fiancé to break up with. But I don’t tell him that.
“You have a?”
“It doesn’t matter. I don’t think it’s possible.
I haven’t even interviewed for the post, I would need to meet Mr. Marino, I need time to pack up my life, where would I park my car?
I’m a writer, I need space and time to write.
Taking care of a child is a full-time responsibility, I have no experience with kids.
I would need to meet the child. Oh God, what if he hates me.
” My mind is racing and I’m hit with the possibilities this move could bring but also the risks that come with it.
“It is a lot to take in all at once, why don’t you take some time to go over the contract, if you like what we have to offer, then we could arrange a meeting between you, Lorenzo and Angelo.
For now, please go over the benefits.” I nod at Antonio, take a sip of my coffee and proceed going over the rest of the contract.
I look up at Antonio, who doesn’t seem to have a care in the world. He’s busy breaking pieces of blueberry muffin and stuffing it into his mouth. Picking up his cup to take a sip of his coffee he notices me staring.
“Everything good?”
“Uhm, yes. This is an incredibly attractive offer. I’m actually tempted to say yes; however, I think I should take some time to think it over.
This is a big step. I hope you understand but I don’t want to make a rash decision and then regret it at a later stage. There is a child involved after all. “
“This is exactly why Lorenzo feels you are perfect for the job.”
“Why is that?”
“Well, you haven’t even accepted yet and you’re already thinking about my nephew. You’re going to love him. He’s the sweetest kid, nothing like his father.” He adds with a little laugh.
“You’ve certainly given me a lot to think about Mr. Marino. Is there anything else you need to speak to me about?”
“No, that’s it. For now. Please, call me Tony. Do you have any idea how much time you need to think it through? I don’t want to rush you but Lorenzo needs someone on the job asap. My mother is helping out for now but she needs to get back home soon.”
“I’ll let you know by tomorrow afternoon?” It’s Thursday tomorrow and we’re leaving at around 6pm. That gives me enough time to discuss this with Evie and hopefully come to a decision.
“That’s perfect.”
“I guess that’s that then. Can I call you on the number on the card?”
“Yeah sure. You haven’t eaten your muffin.” He looks down at the forgotten muffin on the plate and frowns.
“I’ll take it back with me, I forgot about it in the midst of all this.” I wave towards the contract and Tony nods.
Five minutes later after much insistence on Antonio’s part and failed resistance on my part, I am back in the Escalade being chauffeured to my hotel.
Antonio parks outside the hotel entrance, gets out swiftly and before I can say Johnny Depp, he’s at my door pulling it open.
“Thank you for the ride, you didn’t have to.”
“You’re welcome and yes, I had to. There is no way I would invite a woman for coffee and then leave her to her own devices.” I smile at him, charming as ever the smug bastard and make my way to the hotel entrance only to stop mid stride and look at Antonio right behind me.
“What are you doing?”
“Walking you up to your room of course.” Again, that million-dollar smile. I just roll my eyes at him and he lets out a small laugh.
“You really should get used to being treated like the beautiful woman you are Bella.”
Outside our room I dig around in my bag for my key card but the door swings open in a whoosh. Evie stands at the threshold with her hands on her hips, looking less than amused.
“You said you’d text every thirty minutes. Proof of life. Remember? Explain!”
“Shit! I’m sorry, I completely forgot. I got so caught up in the moment it totally slipped my mind.”
“It’s ok. As long as you’re safe. So,” she says wiggling her eyebrows up and down. “How was it?”
“How was what?” Realisation dawns on me like the sun making an appearance in the arctic after six months of darkness.
I freeze, lowering my voice trying hard not to let Antonio hear.
“I did not have sex with him, Jesus Evie we were only gone an hour. Is that what you think of me?”
Evie just shrugs and moves away from the door frame. We both turn our attention to Antonio who is clearing his throat after obviously having heard our not-so-subtle conversation.
“The more important question here is, is that what you think of me? Evie, is it? Short for Evelyn perhaps?”
Evie just stares at him, her eyebrows knit together in her signature, daffuq you talking about? look.
“You see, Evelyn. If I were to take Elena out to do what you suggested we did, I would need much more than an hour. Much, much longer than an hour and your friend here would have to be carried to this hotel room having temporarily lost the use of her legs. But since we didn’t…” He trails off.
I just stand there, rooted to the spot, unable to move, praying a silent prayer that I’m not drooling and my jaw is not on the ground.
“Well fuck, Ellie, if you don’t shag him, I will.”
I look from Antonio who’s grinning from ear to ear back to Evie who’s fanning her face with her hands and I just shake my head.
“You two are incorrigible. Mr. Marino, thank you so much for your time, I’ll think it over and get back to you tomorrow.”
“Tony.”
“Huh?”
“Call me Tony, please.”
“Yes, well then Tony. Have a pleasant evening. Goodbye.”