Page 120 of Nine Week Nanny

I press my back against the cool stone sculpture, suddenly grateful for its support.

"When I called about possibly ending early, I didn’t expect it to happen like this. I was just asking questions.” My voice cracks.

"After you and I spoke, I talked to Mr. Carrigan, and he confirmed the change works perfectly for him." Her tone stays clipped, professional. “We pulled the original applicants and found someone who can start quickly and meets all of the time requirements.”

The world tilts beneath my feet. He’s already reorganized everything. As if erasing me were nothing more than updating a spreadsheet.

"Mr. Carrigan has also arranged for you to receive payment for the full nine-week contract, even though you didn’t finish the original contract time.”

My knees weaken. "He what?"

"You’ll get the remainder of the pay tomorrow at midnight through ACH. Does that work for you?"

It sounds almost casual, like I should be thrilled at being paid a fortune for not showing up. And maybe most people would be. But my chest aches as I struggle to keep my voice steady.

I press my palm to my forehead, trying to process. It's less like generosity and more like a payoff.

"Yes," I whisper. "That’s fine."

"Excellent. Then we’ll see you tomorrow at eight sharp for the transition. Enjoy the rest of your day, Ms. Brennan."

The call ends. I push myself upright, forcing strength back into my limbs.

I walk back to Angela, my feet feeling like they're trudging through sand. The boys are crouched down examining a small brass sculpture nestled among ferns, completely oblivious to my world crumbling.

"Sloane?" Angela checks on Tyler and then puts the light cotton cover back over his head. Her eyes scan my face. "What just happened? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I clear my throat, trying to keep my voice steady. "Tomorrow's my last day."

"What?" Her eyes widen. "But I thought you had five more weeks."

"So did I." The words come out flat, hollow. "Pope's already hired a replacement. They're coming tomorrow morning for the handoff."

I sink onto a nearby bench, the carved stone cool against my thighs. Angela sits beside me, bouncing Tyler gently as he starts to fuss.

"I was just completely blindsided." My fingers twist together in my lap. "Just as we were finding our new normal, the rug gets pulled out from under me. Again."

Angela reaches over with her free hand and squeezes mine. "I'm so sorry. This whole situation is just awful."

I watch Lennon point something out to Micah, his small face animated in a way it rarely was when I first met him. My chest aches at the thought of saying goodbye.

"I'll make sure to introduce you to the new nanny." I force myself to think practically. "You and Micah can still do the homeschool partnership with Lennon. I don't want him to lose that, too."

"I've loved being part of this." Angela's voice softens. "Micah adores Lennon. And I've loved getting to hang out with you."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak.

"Are you okay?" Her concern wraps around me like a blanket.

"I will be." I straighten my shoulders. "At least I can tell Coastal I'm available to start next week, now."

"That's something," Angela agrees, though her eyes remain worried.

"And Pope's paying me for the full contract." The words make me angry, even though it should be a relief. "So financially, I'm secure."

What I don't say, what I can't say without my voice breaking, is how my heart is being torn from my chest at the thought of never seeing Lennon again. Or Pope.

The little world we created, however briefly, is about to vanish forever.