Chapter 8
Elena
ICLOSE THE DOOR AND TURN TO FIND EVIE GLARING AT ME.“Well? Don’t keep me in suspense. What did he want to speak to you about?”
“He offered me a job. Actually, he offered me the job, the live–in nanny position.”
“Girl, do you even know how to carry a child?”
“Of course I do, I had a cat once. It can’t be too hard.”
“Really Ellie, you’re comparing a toddler to a cat?”
“Just kidding, I used to babysit for our neighbours now and then. Those kids were a handful so I know what I’m signing up for, if I accept his offer.”
“Are you considering accepting?”
“Honestly, I am. It’s a good offer. He drew up this contract in my favour. I can tell he’s desperate just by the perks alone. Here,” I hand her the contract, “See for yourself.”
“Damn he’s willing to incur all your moving expenses?
West wing? Where does this man live? Cell phone allowance, your own study?
Hun, I don’t know if this is too good to be true or if this is a golden opportunity.
Your name is already on the contract, in full.
Which means he must have had this drawn up yesterday, after the restaurant? So, he already knew your name?”
“Yes, he said as much. Apparently, we were talking too loud at the restaurant and Lorenzo overheard our conversation about me wanting to move here and fill out job applications, and because I told him that I’m an author here for a book signing event, I’m sure he put two and two together and found me. ”
“So, he sweetened the deal in your favour. But why you? No offense, I love you to death but this man doesn’t know you.”
“I asked the same question, Antonio said that Lorenzo was impressed with the way I stood up to them when I thought they were up to something dodgy and he feels it would be an advantage having me be the one to take care of Angelo. He said if I felt that strongly about a woman in trouble then he believes I would be even more so if it were a child involved and that’s what he’s looking for. ”
“He’s not wrong, I know for a fact that you’d guard that child with your life.”
“I hope so, I mean I would never intentionally allow any harm to come to a child, especially one that is in my care.”
“So, what do you think? It’s a damn great offer and will definitely give you the security you are looking for, plus the extra income and you won’t need to look for a place to stay, no need to fill out job applications.
I would miss you like crazy but I think you should bite the bullet and jump on this one.
Besides it won’t be all bad, I mean the man is disturbingly gorgeous.
He might be an asshole but I have eyes.”
“I haven’t seen him up close, so I wouldn’t know. I’ll sleep on it. I told Antonio I’ll call him by tomorrow evening.”
“Oh my God Ellie, the daddy is a total hunk. He’s got that whole don’t fuck with me I’m a broody son of a bitch look going on.
I don’t think the man knows what a smile is, and the short time I’ve seen him, he had a permanent scowl on his face.
But my God what a gorgeous face. He’s magnificent.
Antonio has the more charming, boyish sex God vibe about him.
Daddy Marino is more of a dark, mafia vibe, you know?
Like he’ll burn the world for you but he’ll do it with his hands around your throat.
I get the feeling daddy Marino may have a kink or two up his sleeve.
And he has the dreamiest sexy as fuck green eyes, but not quite green.
I don’t know what shade of green they are but damn. ”
“Seriously, Evie? Perhaps you’d like a shot at Daddy Marino?” I laugh at her and she sticks out her tongue at me in return.
“Anyway, I think you’re right. It’s too good an offer to pass up. I just need to figure out what to do about Matt.”
“That’s the easy part, you go there tomorrow, tell that ungrateful incompetent fool that you know he and Heather have been doing the mattress mambo behind your back, then you go to that gaming room and take back all the things you got him and smash it.
Next you pack up your stuff and have Caveman’s movers haul it away.
My storage locker is available as well so you only need to take your essentials up to Chicago.
You return that ugly ass ring and then knuckle him in the nuggets and walk out saying Adios mother fucker. ”
“You have an answer for everything don’t you?”
“Damn straight.”
I go to give her a hug. “Thanks for everything Evie, for the love and support, for the book signing today, for the advice, just everything. Thank you.”
“No thanks necessary, I got you. You know I’m coming with you when you leave Matt and then you’re coming with me. You can stay with me till you figure this all out.”
“I don’t know what I would ever do without you.”
“I’m going to miss you so much but we can still visit on your weekend off.”
“You’re getting ahead of yourself; I still need to sleep on it. I haven’t accepted the job yet.”
“Not yet, but you will. I’ll make sure of it.”
It’s early. Too early. I’ve hardly had any sleep.
Evie is still fast asleep and snoring lightly in her bed.
I can’t stop thinking about this job. Can I take care of a toddler?
Antonio said he was two, isn’t that the age when they become little gremlins?
I remember Mrs. Spencer referring to the phase as the terrible twos.
Oy, I could possibly be jumping out of the pot and into the fire here.
I do need a break though, an escape, away from Matt, away from Heather and all the stress that comes along with them.
It's probably around 7am when Evie starts to stir in bed.
“Morning sunshine, you look awful.” She offers peeking at me with one eye open.
“Gee thanks, I needed that.” I laugh and roll my eyes at her.
“Seriously, did you get any sleep at all.”
“Not enough. I couldn’t sleep much. My mind kept wondering if I should really do this.”
“And? Have you decided yet?”
“I have. I know what I need to do.”
“Atta girl.” Evie cheers me on. I don’t even need to tell her my decision, she already knows. And with that I pick up my phone to call Antonio. He answers on the second ring.
“Hello? Mr. Marino? It’s Elena Reeves. I just wanted to let you know that I accept your offer.”