Jacy
“You’re hired.”
Those two simple words sent wave after wave of sweeping relief through my blood. I couldn’t halt the silly grin from splitting my face, and I observed Mr. Armstrong’s kind smile in return. The kid didn’t know me, but he crawled into my lap after our rather intense hug. Declan’s bluer than blue eyes looked deep into mine as though searching for the Holy Grail within them.
Still, I wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable under that steady regard.
I finally glanced at my new employer. “Thank you, Mr. Armstrong,” I murmured. “I really need this job.”
“Waitressing doesn’t pay a whole lot,” he agreed. “And you’re welcome. As my ad stated, it’s a live in situation. You’re okay with that?”
Living under the same roof with this stranger? I looked as deeply into his eyes as Declan had mine and wondered if I’d recognize a serial killer if I saw one in him. Mr. Armstrong’s dark, Scandinavian blue eyes returned my gaze, his even white teeth gleamed as he smiled as though knowing my thoughts. He’s a damn good looking dude. I can see dragging him to bed with me. Reddish gold hair tumbled over his brow and shirt collar, his massive broad shoulders and biceps informed me he worked out regularly.
“I trust I’ll be safe?” I inquired.
I expected a flash of anger that I’d dared question his integrity. At the minimum, he’d snort with derision for the same reason. He laughed. In that laugh, I knew instantly I’d be safe living in his house with him. Mr. Armstrong not just owned a sense of humor, he didn’t sweat the small stuff.
He inclined his head. “As safe as I can make you, Ms. Maxwell. I also appreciate that you asked.”
“If we’re working together, please call me Jacy.”
“I’m Avery. I don’t stand on formality.”
“Great.”
I glanced down at Declan. He followed the conversation with the intensity I wouldn’t have expected from a five-year-old. His attention span seemed incredible to me, though I didn’t know that many five-year-old kids. Wouldn’t a kid his age prefer playing with his toys or the dog than listening to adults talk?
“Do you want Jacy to be your nanny, Declan?”
That, too, surprised me. That Avery included said child in the decision-making process. Declan’s grin told me, and Avery, what he thought about me.
“Yeah, Dad,” Declan replied, twisting in my lap to include me in his smile. “She’s nice.”
“I trust his instincts,” Avery commented. “Declan has good ones. He can instantly tell someone’s nature, good or bad, immediately.”
“I wish I had the knack for that,” I said. “I’m a lousy judge of character.”
“I’m sure you’re better than you think. I’ll have you sign a salary agreement,” he went on, rising, and all but tripped over Max. “Max, you make a very obnoxious obstacle.”
Max rolled over on his back, his tail thumping the floor. I guessed he had German Shepherd in his genetic makeup, and perhaps a bit of retriever. Which might explain the goofy attitude. Big, easy going, he surely would protect his young charge if the need ever arose.
Avery returned to the table with a printed paper and a pen. Sitting, he passed the paper to me. “If you agree with what I’ll pay you, then sign it.”
After looking at the monthly number, I shut my jaw hard. I swallowed the gasp that threatened to escape my lips. Avery sent me a gentle smile as I looked up at him.
“I can afford it,” he said quietly. “I work as a stockbroker, and I have very strange hours sometimes. Given the local school district’s lack of a decent education system, I want Declan homeschooled. I don’t want him in daycare, which would cost me more than I’m offering you.”
“It’s – it’s too much.”
“Room, food, cable, a dog who’ll steal the covers if he sleeps with you, and a decent salary. How can you say no to that?”
I grinned. “I can’t.”
After scribbling my signature, I passed Avery the agreement. “I’ll have to get my things from my apartment; inform my roommate I’ll be moving out.”
“I can give you a few days to get settled in,” he said. “I’m off until Thursday. I’m usually home on weekends, but sometimes I travel. Sundays are yours to do with what you want, unless I’m out of town. Okay?”
“More than.” I squeezed Declan around his middle and nuzzled my nose into his neck. “I appreciate this chance so much.”
“I’m glad to give it to you. Quite honestly, I’ve interviewed two other candidates, and neither Declan nor I liked either one.”
I had to know, though it wasn’t any of my business. “Why not?”
Avery shrugged. “Both gave off bad vibes. I got the feeling neither really cared about Declan or the job. They wanted a situation where they didn’t pay rent, could watch TV all day, while making sure Declan didn’t crawl into the oven.”
Flattered, I felt my face heat in a blush. “That’s not what I’ll do.”
“I know. So does Declan.”
“I have to admit I’ve never been a teacher or a tutor,” I admitted, “but I’ll learn in my free time.”
“There are so many homeschooling platforms on the internet I doubt you’ll need to do that. Just follow the instructions.” Avery grinned. “Declan has already started to learn to read, and he knows his numbers. Right, little man?”
“Yep,” Declan replied proudly. “I can teach you, Dad.”
“I’m sure you can. Look, take Max into the other room. I want to talk to Jacy in private.”
“Aww, Daaad.”
Pouting, an expression I felt wasn’t real, Declan slid down from my lap and grabbed the dog’s collar. At first, Max refused to get up, forcing Declan to strain, his head down, pulling like a draft horse. With a long-suffering sigh, Max stood up and followed him from the kitchen.
My stomach clenched. What did he need to say that he couldn’t say in front of his kid?
“Relax,” Avery said. “It doesn’t concern you. Well, it does and it doesn’t. Declan’s mom abandoned us a few years ago. He doesn’t really remember her, and he asks about her every now and then. I just want you to know in case he asks.”
“What do you tell him?”
“As much of the truth as I can. That she left us for the sort of life she wanted. One that didn’t include us.”
***
“You’re leaving?”
Beth hugged me tightly, near tears. “I’ll miss you. Here and at the restaurant.”
My guilt nudged me in the ribs. “I’m sorry. I got the job. I’ll be a live-in nanny for a little boy.”
Beth sniffled and held me at arms-length. We’d hit it off the moment we’d met when I got hired as a waitress at the same place she worked. Upon learning I’d just moved to town, Beth invited me to room with her. I never regretted the decision. Now I was leaving her with the full rent.
“I’m happy for you, love.” Beth smiled. “You’ll be great.”
“I hate sticking you with the whole rent.”
She waved her hand negligently, her lips pursed. “Oh, stop. I was fine before you came, I’ll be fine once you move out. Just stay in touch, okay?”
“Promise.”
Ten years older than me, Beth had worked for the restaurant’s owner for five or more years before I arrived. Among us all – waitstaff and busboys – only she could deal with his crusty moods and ill temper. I certainly didn’t regret leaving that job – even without giving notice. Upon learning I wouldn’t arrive for my next shift, he’d no doubt take his rage out on Beth and the others.
“What’s this guy like?” she asked, turning away to sit on the worn sofa.
“Good looking, big muscles, hot to trot.” I sat beside her. “The kid is great. We hit it off right away.”
“That’s important.” Beth gazed at the distant wall. “Are you safe with him? You never know about some dudes. They behave all nice and kind, then hold a knife to your throat while they rape you.”
I recalled Avery’s laugh, his kind, dark-blue eyes. “I’m sure I am.”
“I’ll worry about you, though.” Beth took my hand. “At least until he proves he’s not a narcissistic rapist.”
“I think I’d know,” I replied slowly. “Declan, that’s the boy, he’d be different if he had a monster for a dad. Avery would abuse him, wouldn’t he? If Avery was that kind of man?”
“I don’t know,” she said. “I never had kids. I much preferred to stay away from folks with testicles. Folks with boobs are more my type.”
That Beth liked girls never entered into our relationship. That she was lesbian and I straight never hindered our friendship. Unfortunately, in the small western town we both lived in, possible girlfriends were in short supply. Beth never complained about not finding a loving partner. Nor did she hit on me or try to turn me from liking men to liking girls.
“I think Declan wouldn’t be such an open and happy kid if Avery abused him, even emotionally,” I commented. “Narcissists emotionally abuse everyone in their lives.”
“Some physically,” Beth agreed. “Still, he could be a sociopath. Just be careful, love, okay? E-mail me every day to let me know how you are.”
I lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. “You’re the sister I never had.”
“Ditto. I think I’ve heard of this guy. Avery Armstrong?”
“Yeah. What have you heard?”
“Mostly good stuff,” she answered. “That he works hard, has some bucks, came to town with a baby and no wife.” Beth suddenly frowned. “That started some rumors about why there’s no lady in the picture.”
“Yeah. What were they?”
“I don’t remember exactly. That he kidnapped the kid? Maybe? It was years ago, and time has moved on. I think at the time there was a big deal. Now, not so much.”
“If you remember what happened, will you tell me?”
“Nothing will keep me quiet.”
I leaned my head back against the sofa and breathed deeply. “I do love you.”
“I know. And ditto.”
***
My former employer never demanded a background check when I went to work for him. As I packed my clothes, my few possessions into suitcases in the tiny apartment, I sweated, fretting. What if Avery insisted upon a background check? What if he was doing it at this very moment? I quit my only job possibility to discover that Avery refuses to hire me after all when I show up to move in.
Lord, you can’t be that cruel, I plead to a God I’m not sure I believe in. Don’t let Avery discover I’m not truly Jacy Maxwell. I need this job desperately, you know that. Never let him find my secrets, I beg you.
Fully packed, my fear sweat hardly dry, I tucked my suitcases into the trunk of Beth’s little Ford, then joined her in the front seat. Always in tune with me, my emotions, Beth gripped my hand.
“Are you okay?”
I nodded, my mouth dry. “A little scared is all.”
She met my gaze firmly. “If things go south, come back. I don’t care if I have to support you for a time, you come back. Got it? I’ll take care of you.”
Her words, her sincere love, moved me to tears. My pent-up emotions, my terrors, gushed out in a torrent. I sobbed as Beth did her best to hold me with a console between us, my tears wetting her t-shirt. She kissed my brow, reminded me of how much she cared, caressed my hair back from my face.
“You don’t have to go,” she said. “Say the word.”
I sniffled, wiped my wet face with my palms. “No. I can do this.”
“You’re tough, girl,” Beth said in my ear. “You’re strong. Yeah, you can do this. The question is should you do this?”
I nodded. “Yeah. I should. It’s a chance I can’t pass up. I just have a case of the willies, Beth. Once I’m there, start working, I’ll be okay.”
Beth smiled faintly, her fingers sliding down my cheek. “Just know you can come home anytime, love.”