I nodded. “I was, yes. That’s why I’ve been all over the world. The family I worked for homeschooled their three kids, and their dad traveled almost every week for his job. He had a private plane and took us with him.”
She began to drive again, moving us onto the main road. “That’s why you looked like such a professional with Eve.”
“I don’t know about that, but I have a lot of experience with children. I understand their needs and what it takes to raise them.” My voice softened when I said, “It’s not easy, being a single parent. I give Ford a lot of credit.”
“He’s so good with her. He has been since the very beginning.”
I wanted so desperately to pick her brain, but I knew how inappropriate that was, so I said, “It sounds like they’re lucky to have each other.”
She was silent for a few moments while listening to the app give the next instruction and then asked, “Now that you’re starting school, will you be working as well or just focusing on classes?”
“Oh, no. I need a job.” I traced my fingers against the glass, staring at the palm trees that lined the street. “I haven’t begun looking for one, but it’s on the agenda along with getting a bed and furniture—I have nothing.” We connected eyes as she slowed for the stop sign. “I have so much to do. I’m what I call a hot mess.”
“I can take one thing off your plate. I have the perfect job for you. You could be Eve’s nanny.”
My hand immediately went to my chest. “Me?”
“If you helped homeschool three children and you’re going to UCLA to become a teacher, there isn’t a person more suited than you.”
“I don’t know …”
“Everly is a doll. I mean, sure, she gets cranky at times and throws fits—all kids do, as we know—but she’s already so smitten with you. Ford is looking for a live-in, so you wouldn’t have to buy furniture. You need a job, and he needs a nanny; it’s a match made in childcare heaven.”
I swallowed, almost choking on my spit. “So … a few things.” I took a deep breath, trying to process this. “I don’t mean to get overly graphic, but I slept with Ford last night, and he mentioned something this morning about going out again.” I paused. “I don’t know if what we have will turn into anything, but it seems like sleeping with the boss isn’t the best way to apply for the job.”
“Listen, I despise my boss. I’m talking, I loathe him in the worst way. I’d much rather be in your shoes than mine, wouldn’t you?”
“Fair enough, but …” My voice faded out as I thought about the opportunity Hannah was suggesting.
Working as a nanny wasn’t something I had even considered when I pondered ways to make money in LA. The truth was, I hadn’t really given the topic much thought at all. With the savings I’d banked over the years, I’d paid for the entire semester up front, and I still had enough to pay my rent for the rest of the year while I figured things out.
But by taking my classes online, that would leave me with lots of extra time, and I wanted to fill those hours with a job. Nannying Everly would certainly put me in the environment that I was seeking. I just didn’t know how that would affect things with Ford. I knew he didn’t want to bring women around his daughter, but would things be different with me due to my experience with kids? Or maybe because I’d already met her?
“What are you thinking about?” she asked.
I was still staring out my window, but I looked at her profile as I replied, “Hannah, I just don’t know. It’s a lot to consider.”
The app told her to turn at the upcoming light, so she did and said, “How about this? Email me your résumé, and I’ll pass it along to Ford’s assistant. If she likes your experience, she’ll reach out and set up an interview. Just see how it goes. If things are meant to be, they’ll work out.” She made another quick turn. “I know I would be relieved to have Everly in your care. You two really connected, and I sense you’re more than qualified—that’s for sure.”
“You’re kind to say that.”
“It’s true.”
I loved my interaction with Everly. She was definitely a sweet kid, adorable from top to bottom. Curious. Inquisitive. Extremely loving. She’d responded to Ford’s voice when he turned a little stern, and she’d calmed down when he prompted her to.
“I know I’m only judging this on a few minutes of conversation, but you have an incredible talent, Sydney. And I know it’s probably extremely selfish to say this, but I want my little Everly to reap the benefits of your talent.”
“Wow.” I wrapped my hands around my clutch, holding it against my stomach. “You have a lot of faith in me.”
“You know when your gut is telling you it’s a good thing?” She briefly faced me. “That’s happening to me now.”
“Oh, I sure do.”
“Sooo, is that a yes?”
I laughed. “You’re going to make an excellent attorney.” My phone was resting on my lap, and I lifted it into my hands and exited out of the navigation screen to open my email. “What’s your email? I’m going to send you my résumé.” Out of boredom, I’d worked on it during my flight home from London, not even thinking I was going to need it this soon.
She rambled off her email, and I attached the document I’d saved in my inbox. A few seconds after I hit Send, a ding came through the speaker of her phone.
“Got it.” She pulled up to a stop sign only a few blocks from my building and looked at me. “Hey, for the time being, let’s keep this job thing between us. If you mention it to Ford, that’ll just complicate things.”
“And if he asks how I heard of the job, assuming I get that far in the process?”
Her smile didn’t fade when she said, “Get creative.”