My silence must seem reluctant, because Tiffany plows on.
“I’ll pay you of course. But I’ll also give you your extension, the one you asked me about for your bookstore this morning. The six months you need.”
I don’t need to be asked twice.
“I’d love to. When can I start?”
I hang up the phone and suddenly feel so much lighter. This could be the answer to my prayers.
It’s just an extra bonus that I get to hang out with Ana… and Tiffany.
Eight
Tiffany
I awake the next morning feeling unrushed, for a change. There’s no need to hurry this morning. I have the morning free in order to introduce Rachel to Anastasia’s schedule.
Rolling over, I’m surprised by the wave of anticipation that courses through me. I’m actually feeling eager to see Rachel this morning. There’s something about the sultry bookstore owner that won’t let my attention go.
“Mommy, mommy!” Anastasia shouts, as she races into my room and launches herself on the bed. The mattress jostles, as she scrambles under the comforter and cuddles up next to me.
“Good morning, sweet girl.” I smile down at her, wrapping my arms around her slight frame.
“I’m so happy you’re here this morning, Mama. We should have a special breakfast to celebrate,” she sque
als with delight.
“What kind of special breakfast would you like?” I ask her, noticing the time on my nightstand clock. There’s still a little over an hour before Rachel should be here.
“I want waffles with strawberries and whipped cream on them.” Her dark eyes are big and round with anticipation and excitement.
“That sounds delicious. Let me get dressed and then we’ll get started.” I scoot her out of the bed and she runs out the door and down the hall towards the kitchen.
By the time I’m dressed for the day and make it to the kitchen, Anastasia already put strawberries and whipped cream on the counter. She’s pulling the eggs and milk from the fridge as I come round the corner.
“Looks like you just about have everything ready. Maybe you don’t need my help.” I pat the top of her head.
“Oh, mama, you’re silly. I’m too little to use the hot waffle iron.” She makes an exaggerated eye roll, as if, of course, I should already know that.
Together, we mix the batter and I let her plug in the iron. I let her help me cut the strawberries with a small knife, making sure she keeps the sharp end away from her fingers and doesn’t point it towards herself.
As we work, she proceeds to give me, in excruciating detail, an account of every single tiny thing she’s done so far this morning. Even though I’ve been here the entire time, there’s some part of her that is desperate to make sure I know what’s going on in her life.
I’m worried that maybe the attempted kidnapping is weighing on her psyche more than I initially thought. Maybe the fact that I’ve been spending the majority of my days at work and not home with her, has her missing me more than I imagined.
Of course, I need to work, but maybe it would be possible to spend less time at the office and more time at home with Anastasia. It worries me that she feels so insecure. I make a silent promise that once the big conference is over, I’ll try to spend more hours at home.
We’re just finishing up our breakfast, and I’m standing from the table to take the dishes to the sink when the doorbell chimes.
“Is that Rachel?” Anastasia squeals ecstatically, jumping down from her seat, her legs already at full speed before her feet even hit the ground. I’ve never seen her this excited about a nanny before.
“Do not open the door until I get there,” I holler after her.
Her small body is vibrating as she bounces on her toes, waiting for me to unlatch the deadbolt. When the door finally opens, she screams Rachel’s name and hurtles herself into the surprised arms of the woman standing on the front porch.
It’s been a long time since Anastasia has felt so comfortable with someone. I’m touched that Rachel’s presence has such a positive impact on her. The impact it has on me, however, is a little more unsettling.
Rachel looks even more gorgeous than the last time I saw her. She wears dark jeans that hug the curve of her ass in the most delicious way. The blouse she has on is a dark eggplant color that accentuates the fullness of her breasts.