I bent down. “Hey, sweets. I’ve got your photos for you.”
She grabbed my hand and pulled me in. “Dad!”
“Amy, you shouldn’t open the door without permission.” An older grey haired woman stepped around the corner, drying her hands. “You don’t know who could be on the other side of the door.”
“But I did know, Grandma. This is Rachael.”
I turned to the woman again. Her grandmother? I never would’ve come had I known family was visiting. “I’m sorry. I should’ve called first.” I looked back down to Amy. “I should come another time.”
“So this is Rachael.” The grandmother smiled and walked over to me with her hand held out. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
The sound of a sharp intake of air as I shook the woman’s hand before me let me know Carl was in the room. I really should’ve called first.
“Susan, I’ll handle it from here. Amy, it’s time you get ready for bed.”
“But I want to see the photos.”
“Go get ready and you can see them later.” He hadn’t taken his eyes off me.
Someone I assumed was the grandfather had stepped into the entryway. “What’s all the yelling?”
The woman walked over to him. “This is Rachael.”
I saw Carl look to the ceiling before addressing the couple. “Rachael is just dropping off some photos she took for me. Please, excuse us.”
He placed his hand on the small of my back and directed me to the kitchen. I called over my shoulder, “It was nice meeting you both.”
He closed the swinging door and led me to the sink. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you’ve got to go.”
I put my hand on my hip and tilted my head. “You’ve sent me texts and emails asking for these files. What gives?” I pointed to the doorway we just walked through. “And why does it seem they already know about me?”
“Well, that’s easy. Amy hasn’t stopped talking about you or your camera. Your friend who wanted to see my balls in a vice grip is well known, too.”
“Yeah, Janelle’s other name is ball-buster.” I smiled, but I could see he was stressed. “What’s up with you?” I touched the circles under his eyes.
He turned to me. “I don’t know how you do it. How do you live with your parents? I can’t drink. I can’t stay up late. It’s almost as if I’m back in high school sneaking things again. This is my house!”
“Shh.” My hand covered his mouth and I laughed. “It’s really funny to see you like this, but I don’t think they would appreciate it or find the humor.” I leaned against the counter. “What are they doing here anyway?”
Whenever Carl was stressed or anxious, he ran his hands through his hair. The way his hands were forced through his hair just then told me it’s beyond parental interference.
“They want to take Amy.”
I stood up straight. “What? How can they think that’s a good idea?”
“They want to take her for the summer. She’s out of school after this next week.” He crossed his arms and leaned against the counter. “I agreed to two weeks, but now I’m having second thoughts.” He looked at me. “I’m afraid if they take her at all, they won’t give her back.”
“Have you asked what Amy wants?”
“No. I’m not sure she’ll understand the consequences of going, and I won’t explain my fears to her.”
“Have you actually talked to them?”
“Not in depth. They’ve been a huge help for the last week, and I feel terrible thinking badly of them. And it isn’t that they would be malicious. They think they’re helping me get my life back in order by taking her.”
He rubbed his face with his hands and ran them through his hair again. “Joy would hate me for some of the thoughts I’ve had about them.”
“I think Amy could use some ice cream.” I started to walk out to the back hallway, but he grabbed my arm.
“I just told her to get ready for bed.”
“Carl, it’s just after six. Why on earth did you tell her to go to bed so early?” I covered my hand with his. “You need to talk to them. I’ll take Amy out of the house, so you can speak your mind without being overheard.” I turned to go and stopped. “Besides, Amy’s the only reason I come over here anyway. I’d miss her too much.”
“Cute kid.” The man behind the ice cream counter nodded toward Amy.
“Oh, she isn’t mine.” I turned to look at her as she sat and waited for me. It was cute how she was swinging her legs in the chair. “She is adorable, though.”
“Are you a babysitter?” His cocky grin made me smile.
“Not exactly. Her dad just needed a little time, and I needed ice cream.”
I picked up the dishes he had passed over to me and headed back to Amy. It was difficult not to glance over to him as I sat with her. He was cute—a little young, but it was a pretty safe bet he was over eighteen if he was in fact the manager as his nametag stated.
“Do you think Dad would let me go back to Drew’s daycare?”
I stopped playing eyes at the ice cream guy and focused on Amy. “You want to go back to Drew’s?”
“Yeah. I liked it there. There were always other kids to play with and some of my friends still go there.”
My appetite wasn’t what it was moments ago. Drew was very much in love with my brother, so I wasn’t worried about her being around Carl. I was more worried about Carl being around her. I hated that I was jealous, but I couldn’t blame the kid for not wanting to spend her summer with Cil.
“I’m not really sure that’s an option anymore, but I’m sure your dad could ask. From what I hear, there’s a waiting list to get into Drew’s daycare.”
She shrugged. “Okay.” Apparently, Amy had lost her appetite, too. “Can I tell you something?”
I scooted closer and put my arm on the back of her chair. “Of course, sweets. You can tell me anything.”
“I don’t want to leave Dad. I know Grandma and Grandpa want me to go with them, but I think Dad needs me here. He won’t have anyone if I leave.”
My heart broke for her and I felt the weight of the world she carried on her shoulders. If only Carl could open his eyes, he would see it for himself. She climbed onto my lap and put her arms around my neck. I rubbed her back. I had no idea what to say or do for her. I just held her.
“We’ll figure it out.”
I sent a text to let him know we were on our way home. If things got heated, I wanted them to calm down before Amy came back.
The house seemed quiet when we entered and Amy ran up to her room. I had asked her to give me a little time with the adults when we got back.
“I’ll go check on her.”
I entered the front room as Susan had stood to go after Amy. “Amy’s fine. I asked her to give us time.”
“Oh?” Susan sat down next to her husband. “Is there something on your mind?”
“Actually, there’s something on Amy’s. She doesn’t want to go with you. She’s afraid of leaving her dad alone.” I looked at Carl.
Kevin spoke up. “This is exactly the sort of thing we’re talking about. You two need a break. You need to get things back in order and we’ll help you.”
“By ripping her from the only parent she has left?” I was furious these grandparents could think the best thing for a parent and a child is a break. Family should stick together.
“Carl needs to be the best father he can be, dear. He can’t be that and look for a wife at the same time. I thought you of all people would be for this.”
“Susan.” Carl hushed is mother-in-law.
Kevin stood and held out his hand for his wife. “We’re going to bed. There isn’t any reason to discuss this any further. You’ve fired Cecilia and have no choice but to allow us to take care of Amy for the summer.”
I turned to Carl. “You fired Cil?”
“Yes, last week.”
“Wow.” I looked between them all. “So this whole thing is because you don’t have anyone
for Amy.”
“Not exactly.” Susan chimed in. “We think it’s best for Carl that he has the opportunity to put this family unit back together.”
“By ripping them apart.” I shook my head. “That’s just ridiculous.” I turned to Carl. “If you’re looking for someone to stay with Amy this summer, I know of someone who’s looking for a job.”
Carl perked up. “Who?”
“My sister.”
He looked at his in-laws and back to me. “Your sister?” He led me to the kitchen. “You’re talking about Deb, right?”
“Yes, Carl. I’m talking about my sister, Deb. She’s looking for a job and you’re looking for a nanny who will keep Amy here with you.” I crossed my arms. “I fail to see the problem.”
“I think you know the problem I’m referring to.”
“She isn’t a danger to anyone. Actually, I think it may help her to be responsible for someone else.”
He slid his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “I’m just not sure about putting someone like that with my daughter.”
“Someone like what, Carl?” I put my hands on my hips. “You’ll put Amy with a bitch like Cecilia, but not my sister?”
“Think of it from my point of view. Would you put your daughter with someone who has,” he lowered his voice, “killed someone, and wants to hurt themselves?”
He had a point, but I knew my sister. She was trying to get better and caring for Amy would help her further. “Joseph thinks she needs to find a job.”
“Who’s Joseph? Her boyfriend who’s tired of paying for everything?”
“Don’t be an ass. Joseph is her therapist. Drew introduced them.”
Carl looked at me. “Joseph Hatcher?”
“Yes. If you know him, ask him yourself.”
“Amy saw him for a while.” He looked thoughtful. “I would be willing to ask him if he thought it was a good idea or not.” He turned to me. “But if he has any sort of hesitation, my answer will be no. Is that clear?”
I saluted. Joseph would be fair and impartial. If he thought Amy could be harmed at all, I would be the first to admit it was a bad idea.
“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice.” I followed Joseph into his office. “It really is imperative to get this figured out as quickly as possible.”
He offered a seat I didn’t take. I hadn’t planned to stay long. He walked around his desk and sat down, looking at the chair I had ignored. I’m not intimidated easily, but I did feel as if I had been disrespectful to him. I sat.
“I’m happy to help answer the questions I’ve been permitted to, Carl.”
“I don’t believe in pussyfooting. Is Deb a danger to my child?”
“No.”
I looked at him for a few seconds, thinking he would elaborate. “That’s it? No?”
“I don’t believe in pussyfooting, either. We’re both very busy men. If that’s the only question you have—”
“I’d like to know a little more about the situation than just no. Are there signs I need to watch for where Deb’s concerned? Are there things I shouldn’t ask of her that I would ask a normal nanny? Is Amy in any danger?”
“Deb is just like any other person with different moods: both good and bad. She has good days and bad days just as the rest of us do. She can take on any normal duty a nanny would have such as cooking, cleaning, driving, and caretaking.” He briefly hesitated before answering my final question. “As for any danger Amy could be in, that depends on you.”
“Me?” I stood. “How dare you accuse me of putting my child in danger. I’m here to figure out if this crazy idea is worth entertaining. If I didn’t care about my child, I wouldn’t be here. I’d let her go with her grandparents.”
“I didn’t say you didn’t care for her. I know you love Amy very much.”
“This is more of your shrink shit. You can keep it.” I turned to walk out.
“To be honest, I’m more concerned about what’s going to happen to Deb.” I turned back to him to give him a puzzled look, but stayed by the door. “What are your intentions toward Deb?”
“I have no intentions toward her. I need someone to watch my child. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
“Drew was just to watch your child, too, wasn’t she?”
I placed my hands in my pockets and carefully chose my next words. “What happened between Drew and me is none of your concern.”
“You’re right—unless you have a pattern of intimidating women to get what you want.”
“I do not intimidate women.”
“Shall we discuss Drew again?”
“No. That isn’t what I’m here for.”
“You’re here to get my blessing regarding Deb watching your child. The only way I’ll give any kind of consent is if I’m confident it’s what’s best for Deb. My concern is not for Amy in this situation. Is that clear?”
I’d had enough and had taken a step forward. “I don’t need your consent or permission to hire anyone.”
“No, but Deb asked for it. Right now, I have to say I’m leaning toward no.”
I was at his desk in no time. “Who the hell do you think you are to judge me?”
“I’m the man you asked for advice. I’m not judging you, Carl.” He motioned for me to sit again. “I’m simply weighing all the pros and cons of this situation. I believe Amy and Deb will hit it off. I believe Amy needs to stay with you. I also believe Deb will benefit from being a member of society again and earning a wage.”
“Well, go on. But.”
“I also believe Deb can be influenced a little too easily if you start to intimidate her. I believe she’ll revert to her past when she was intimidated the most. Now, I don’t believe it will have any effect on Amy, but I do believe it will have an effect on Deb and the work we’re doing. I don’t want her to have a setback.”
I sat and thought for a moment about what he was saying. It was clear Joseph had no hesitation for Amy’s safety. That was a relief. It was bothersome to hear he had a hesitation for Deb’s peace of mind from me.
“I can assure you that I want a nanny for Amy and nothing else. I don’t want Deb in any capacity outside of that.”
“Have you two even met?”
“Rachael brought her over briefly to the office. I wanted to meet her before I entertained this crazy idea.”
“How does Rachael play into this?”
“It was her idea.”
Joseph looked thoughtful for a moment. “I apologize. I was under the impression it was Drew who set this up.”
“I haven’t spoken to Drew in months.”
“How do you feel about that?”
I shrugged. “What’s to feel? She’s happy with Dennis, so there’s no need to be around her.”
“But you’re around Rachael now?”
“I hired the company Rachael works for to take some photos for me.”
“And you told her your babysitting troubles?”
“Why the pussyfooting?”
“Nothing of the sort. I’m just trying to figure out the order of events here.”
“Rachael came over to give me the last of the photos she had taken for me while my in-laws were there, threatening to take Amy. She agrees Amy needs to stay here with me. She offered Deb as a solution.”
“There’s also the issue of her appointments. I do still want to see her once a week, especially with this change.”
“I’m sure I could work something out such as a play date as long as it’s consistent.”
Joseph nodded and relaxed back into his chair. He had been tense with a stiff back the entire conversation. “I think this could work out very well. I see no reason to prevent Deb from working for you as long as it stays just work.”
“It will. I have no intentions otherwise.” I stood. There was a busy morning waiting for me at the office and I had already stayed longer than I intended.
“How are things with you?”
“Work is busy as usual. Now the
issue with someone to watch over Amy is resolved, I couldn’t be better.” I turned to go.
“You look better than when I saw you last. I can tell it’s been an anxious couple of weeks with the in-laws, but you look well. You’re sleeping better?”
“I appreciate the help you’ve given Amy. I respect your concerns given what little you know about me, but let’s be clear; I’m not a topic of conversation between us.”
“Afraid you’ll learn something?”
“You’ve done nothing but insult me the entire time I’ve been here.”
“I prefer to think of it as helping you to see. They aren’t meant as insults at all. Some people just aren’t ready to see yet, but I’ll be here if you ever want to.”
It surprised me how well things were going with Deb. I had braced myself for a little bit of a struggle at first, but it really was effortless. Once Amy was out of school, we all adapted pretty quickly to a routine that worked well.
Amy was excited from the beginning when she learned Deb was Rachael’s sister. I think she believed Rachael would come around more if her sister would be there. I had to admit I was hopeful for that, as well.
It wasn’t to be, though. I hadn’t heard anything from Rachael in weeks. I shouldn’t have been surprised. The photos were finished and she no longer had a requirement to speak to me. I had hoped that requirement wasn’t necessary.
“Why don’t you call her?”
I looked up as my assistant sat in the chair across from my desk with a notepad in hand. “I’m sorry. Call whom?”
“Amy. We’ve been here for fifteen minutes and you haven’t said a word. If you’re worried about your daughter, call her and see if she’s okay.” She stood to leave. “I thought you said the new nanny was working out, though.”
“Oh, she is. I’m sorry. I’m not exactly sure where my mind is. We’ll pick this up next week.” I looked at the clock. “It’s a beautiful day. Go home and start your weekend early. It’s been a while since you’ve taken an afternoon off.”
She was headed toward the door as she spoke. “Are you sure? What if you need something?”
“Actually, I think I may leave, too.”
Striving for Perfection (Striving Series Book 2) Page 15
