“If you don’t mind me asking,” Davenport wrapped his fingers around his coffee mug. “What are your rates?”
Veronica shifted a little in her seat.
“Well,” she started, trying to think of the most diplomatic way to say what she needed to say. “I don’t really have a flat fee. I create a plan for each family that I work for, according to their income and their ability to pay.”
“That’s very considerate of you,” Davenport noted, and Veronica blinked, more than a little surprised by his response.
“Some people have said it’s an irresponsible business decision,” Veronica noted, taking another drink from her mug.
“Not necessarily,” Davenport shrugged. “You’re building a good rapport with your clients, who will recommend you to friends, and ultimately increase your income. Even if you make less money in the short term, it does help to set you up for long term success. Good business decisions aren’t determined by the amount of money you bring in on a short term basis.”
Veronica nodded. She couldn’t agree more.
“Besides,” Davenport went on, and his tone softened. “It speaks highly of your character to know that you are willing to be flexible when providing a service for those less fortunate.”
“Well, I certainly wasn’t always as fortunate as I am today,” Veronica said with a shrug.
“Neither was I,” Davenport let out a low chuckle.
“Oh?” Veronica raised her brows, curious.
“I grew up in the system,” Davenport confessed. “I didn’t always end up in the best homes.”
“Oh,” Veronica blinked, a surge of sympathy flowing through her. “Did you ever…?”
“Get adopted?” Davenport gave her a smirk. “No. I was in and out of homes until I aged out.”
Veronica couldn’t control her emotions for a moment. She hadn’t had the most opulent upbringing, but at the very least she had her family. She couldn’t imagine going through the nightmare of being transferred from one foster home to the next for the entirety of her childhood.
“I’m so sorry,” Veronica said, her voice soft. Davenport gave her a gentle smile.
“It’s quite alright,” he comforted her. “As you see, I managed to rise above my circumstances.”
Veronica could clearly see that was true, and she was glad that he had been able to elevate himself to this status.
“And as you can imagine, I want to do everything in my power to provide my little girls with the kind of childhood that I didn’t have,” he explained. “Which is why I am looking for a nanny for them in the first place. And also why I would very much like it if that nanny was you.”
Ch. 5
Veronica choked a little on the coffee she had been sipping, her head spinning at the sudden turn in conversation.
“Are you serious?” Veronica asked, and Davenport laughed a little.
“I am very serious,” Davenport gave a single nod. “I am offering you the job if you want it.”
Veronica’s head spun. She had certainly not expected to be offered a job immediately in the interview.
“I don’t know what to say,” Veronica shook her head from side to side, still in disbelief.
“Well, don’t say anything for the moment,” Davenport held up a hand. “I will have Lynn send you home with a file of paperwork detailing the requirements of the job, the pay, and all manner of details. You can take it home and peruse it, and if you should say yes, you can sign the documents and report to my estate in the morning to start. If you have to decline for any reason, just send me an email, and I’ll understand completely.”
Veronica had to work hard to keep her jaw from dropping. This was all moving so fast, and she could hardly keep up. She shook her head a little, reminding herself that she had to respond.
“I can’t tell you how much this means to me,” Veronica said, laughing in disbelief. “Thank you so much.”
“Well, don’t thank me just yet,” Davenport laughed. “I’ve heard I can be a hard man to work for.”
Veronica laughed, and she followed suit as Davenport rose from his seat.