He flashes us this grin that holds just the slightest hint of shyness, and it has kind of a weird impact on me. It’s sort of…cute?
But he’s a dude. I’ve never really thought that way about another guy, and it’s a strange thought. It’s pushed out of my brain quickly, however, when an unfamiliar chiming sound jangles loudly. Stephen reaches into his back pocket for his cell phone, and when he looks at the caller ID, any trace of his smile disappears. “Hello?”
I can’t hear what’s happening on the other end, but from the deepening of his frown and the way his brows start to knit together, it’s not good news. “Oh, no, are you ok? That’s awful, I’m so sorry. No, I understand, it’s not your fault. You just rest up, get well soon, okay? Yeah. Yeah, I will, thanks. Okay. Okay, bye.”
He hangs up, then lets out a heavy sigh. “Aw, shrimp,” he groans.
“Everything okay?”
“That was my new nanny. She’s supposed to start on Monday so I can start at my new job, but she just fell down three flights of stairs and broke both legs in multiple places.”
My jaw drops and I hear Kristen gasp and exclaim: “Oh, my gosh!”
“I know, poor thing. But obviously that means she isn’t going to be up for chasing after a two year old, which means I’m screwed,” he sighs, “Unless you guys happen to know of any trustworthy nanny services or anything around here?”
I shake my head. Without any kids ourselves, it’s not exactly something we’ve ever been in the market for.
“Well, I’m not exactly a nanny and my only experience comes from my babysitting business as a teenager, but I’d be happy to help you out while you’re looking for something,” Kristen offers timidly.
“Wait, really? No, I couldn’t ask that of you, it’s one thing to watch her for 20 minutes while I’m helping the movers, but it’s another thing to ask you to do it full-time,” Stephen protests.
“I’d be happy to, I’ve been going crazy by myself at home,” Kristen says, “And it’s not like I can’t continue the job hunt while I’m sitting, fill out some applications while she’s playing by herself or napping or whatever.”
“You’ll be doing my waistline a favor keeping her away from the oven,” I quip, patting my belly, “If she keeps baking like she has been, I’m gonna look like Jabba the Hutt before long.”
Both Kristen and Stephen snort. “Yeah, right,” Stephen rolls his eyes, “I wish my abs looked that good.”
I’m surprised when heat rises to my face. Am I fuckingblushing? What the hell?
He turns his attentions back to my partner. “Well, look, if you’re gonna do this, I’d be happy to just pay you the salary I was going to pay the nanny.”
“That’s not really neces-”
“Just let me pay you, okay? You’re doing me a massive favor.”
Kristen laughs. “I mean, okay. I won’t make you twist my arm so you can give me money.”
They iron out some of the details like timing, with Kristen agreeing to come over about an hour before Stephen has to leave so he can give her a rundown on Judy’s routine and show her where to find everything.
It’s funny how things work out. Our new neighbor has not only turned into the new friend we didn’t know we needed, but now at least temporarily, Kris has a new gig that’ll make her deliriously happy.
And who knows? Maybe the baby fever will get to us both and I’ll give her a different reason to stay at home.
Chapter Four
Kristen
I don’t know how nannying never occurred to me before. During my job hunt, I’ve looked at dozens of entry-level desk jobs, but somehow, I’d never thought to go back to the teenage career I’d loved so well.
And clearly, I’d made a mistake. The last week watching Judy has been perfect. She’s such a sweet, smart little girl, and it’s just reminded me how much I love kids.
Plus, I can’t say it hasn’t been handy to work next door to my own house. I can run back and forth if I need anything, and on the evenings when we don’t end up hanging out with Stephen anyway, I just walk right home.
Although we’ve spent practically every night hanging out. Stephen and Joel have been having fun gaming, but even when they’re not on their computers, the three of us will sit around talking or playing card games.
It’s been a while since I’ve seen Joel get to just kick back with a friend. He used to have some local buddies, but over the years they’ve all ended up moving away from here.
We have one or two “couple” friends, but we’re not exactly close, they’re just co-workers of his that we’re friendly with. And admittedly, I’m no social butterfly or anything, but I’m also more introverted than Joel is anyway, so it doesn’t particularly bother me. But I know sometimes he wants more company than just me.