“I did. I mean, I do. Sir.”
“Why the change of plan?”
“I, um, well…”
“Does it have anything to do with my nanny?”
Jeff never blinked when he replied. “Yes, sir. It does.”
“I see.”
Jeff nearly stopped breathing while he waited to hear what Mac would say.
“How old are you, Jeff?”
“Twenty-three. Sir.”
“You’re young to be changing plans for a woman.”
“I know, sir.”
Mac frowned at the word.
“I’m sorry. It’s just how I was raised. Sir.”
“It’s okay. What did you major in?”
“Computer science.”
“Isn’t there a lot of money in that?”
“Yes, sir. There is.”
“There’s not a lot of money in Gansett Island construction jobs.”
“I’m aware, but I could live at home with my mom and Charlie. There’d be time later for me to pursue other opportunities because, as you said, I’m young. Kelsey is going to be here this year, so I’d like to be here, too. If possible.”
“Have you spoken with Kelsey about this change of plan?”
“Not yet, sir. I need to land a job before I can seriously consider staying here.”
“You may be in luck, my friend.”
“How so, sir?”
“My family recently purchased a property on the west side. Do you remember the old alpaca farm that used to be out there?”
“I do,” Jeff said. “My grandparents would take us out there to see the animals.”
“It’s fallen into serious disrepair. We’re going to renovate it for a wedding venue.”
“Oh wow. That sounds cool.”
“We hope it will be. As a result of taking on that project, I plan to add a few people to my team this off-season. In fact, I was just working on the ad I’m going to post when you came in. If you’re sure about this, I’d be happy to have you.”
“You don’t want to check my references or anything?”
“I know your people, especially Owen, Julia and Katie. We’re good.”