“Nothing, I just told Cook that I have this really pretty, really smart, really nice friend that I think he would like a lot…”
“Oh my goodness, I feel like I’m in high school, being set up by the bestie.”
“He was really receptive to it. It seems that he has trouble finding women who don’t just want to use him for his money.”
“He has money?”
“Shut up!”
She laughed. “You know that I don’t care about that. I can take care of myself. Thank you… I think… maybe I should meet him before I thank you.”
“He told me to talk to you and set up a coffee date. In the meantime is there any possibility you’re free tonight for a few hours?”
“For the coffee?”
“No… to babysit Michael so Alex and I can have a real date.”
“Oh absolutely. For Sir Michael I am always available!”
“Aw, thanks Liz. You’re a great friend.”
“Hey, you hook me up with your cook, I babysit your kid, it all works out in the end.”
I giggled. “We have
interviews for a nanny this afternoon… just a part-time one. I’m looking to go back to school soon.”
“Good for you! I’m so proud of you, Vicki. Have I told you that lately?”
“You have, but I like hearing it. Thanks, Liz.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you tonight.”
***
The first woman showed up at three for the nanny interview. I’d just fed Michael and he didn’t want to sleep yet so he got to sit in. It was nice for him to be there and see how the woman was with him. She was about forty and she looked like a Mom was supposed to look to me… far different from my own mother. She said that she raised four children of her own and then went back to school to get an early childhood development. She’d never had a nanny job before, so she didn’t have any job references, but her character references were stellar. She held Michael for a while and said all of the things a new parent wants to hear.
“He’s beautiful, what pretty hazel eyes,” and, “Look at those eyelashes,” and, “He’s really strong for a newborn, especially a preemie.”
I liked her, but I could tell that Alex wasn’t happy that she had no real job experience taking care of children though. After she left he said, “I’d prefer someone with job references.”
“I agree,” Karen said.
Alex looked at me and said, “What did you think?”
“I liked her, but as far as hiring employees goes, you and Karen have me there, so I will defer to you both there.”
He smiled and squeezed my hand before Karen led the next woman in. This one looked like a college student. She was cute, but a little over-bubbly, I thought. She did have references from two families she’d worked for. With one of them she had just gone on vacation with them and their newborn, but it was an extended holiday in Europe for three months. They recommended her highly. The second family was one that Alex knew well. He’d gone to college with the man and he’d even attended their wedding. They gave her a high recommendation as well; they had only terminated her services because at three years old their child got into a very progressive preschool. It was one that Alex had already mentioned to me that he really wanted Michael to get into. It was another area where we slightly disagreed. I hated the thought of treating pre-school and