“Yes! He is looking for someone. His last lady died, so he’s been—”
“Wait, what kind of job is this?” Sarena’s face dropped.
Devlynn’s laugh warmed up the room. “No, his nanny was like a hundred years old. She passed a few weeks ago, and he’s been dragging his feet hiring someone new.”
“Who is it?” I went to Devlynn’s side, trying to peek over her phone. When I saw the person she’d been texting, my eyes widened. “Are you shitting me?”
“Elis!” Mom chastised.
“No way. You’re not working for him. He’s probably a scam artist or—”
“Elis, stop. He’s been a family friend for years. I think he went to college with my dad. Plus”—Devlynn shot me an annoyed glare—“he got you off, didn’t he?”
“Wait, who got what off?” Sarena quizzed, her eyebrows angled up.
“My lawyer,” Devlynn breathed. “My lawyer is looking for a part-time nanny.”
“Sarena is horrible to children. I wouldn’t let her near mine with a ten-foot pole,” I said.
“I love kids!” Sarena’s eyes lit up. “I was a counselor at music camp four summers in a row!”
“Perfect.” Devlynn ignored me, dodging my hands when I tried to snatch her phone. “So, I’ll tell him you’re interested?”
“Very.” Sarena nodded enthusiastically, popping another broccolini between her teeth. “I can start as soon as he needs. Like, yesterday.”
“You can’t work for the enemy,” I deadpanned, stealing the bowl of broccolini from the table so she couldn't eat any more. I walked it to the kitchen, dumping the rest in a storage container and placing the bowl in the sink.
“He’s not my enemy, Elis, and he’s not yours. Stop being so weird about successful people.”
“I'm not weird about success—”
“He’s totally weird about it,” Devlynn said to Sarena. “And Sebastian Vaughn just confirmed. He’s wondering if you can meet him for an interview?”
“Yes!” Sarena beamed. “Give him my number.”
“What? You should keep that private—” I tried to interject.
“Elis, please. I’m nineteen. Chill the fu—”
“Kids, language!” Mom shook her head, bringing her empty glass to the sink, smiling with every step.
“Devlynn and I should get going.”
“Oh, okay, honey. It’s been so nice having everyone in the house again.” She pulled Sarena into a hug. “Please, let’s make family dinners a weekly thing.”
“Weekly?” I scowled.
“Monthly at least, and please bring Devlynn with you.”
“What she means is don’t bother coming without Devlynn.” Sarena pretend-slapped my cheek. “Love looks good on you, dude.”
I shook my head, prepared to defend myself against sappy things like love and happiness, but I couldn't. They saw the difference in me, and I felt it. Devlynn was good for me, from sunup to sundown. I thought about nothing but her.
“Ten-four, baby sis.” I laughed before a rap song sang through the dining room.
“Oh, that’s me,” Sarena darted across the room and picked up her phone. “And look at that. It’s my new employer.”
“Not yet,” I grunted.