Page 18 of Nine Week Nanny

The search results load, my eyes immediately drawn to the top listing: "Elite Care Childcare Services—Palm Beach's Premier Nanny Agency for Discerning Families."

Well, that sounds suitably pretentious.

I click through to a sleek website with minimal text and lots of serene photos of well-dressed women reading to perfectly behaved children in immaculate homes.

The muted sound of waves drifts through my balcony door as I scroll, providing an ironic soundtrack to my potential career downgrade.

Under "Current Opportunities," most listings are for part-time positions or summer-only arrangements. Then one jumps out at me:

Single dad of a seven-year-old boy seeking a full-time, live-in nanny for nine weeks. Competitive pay. Immediate start.

I click for details and nearly choke on my own spit when I see the compensation figure. That's... that can't be right.

I double-check the number of zeros. That would cover my rent for a full year. Plus utilities. Plus groceries. Plus, having enough left over to actually enjoy this overpriced paradise.

"Live-in, though?" I mutter to the empty room, chewing the inside of my cheek. That would mean giving up any shred of my independence.

But does it really? My brain shifts into problem-solving mode.

This condo would still be here. I'd have days off, and I could retreat here when I need to get fully away. It would be nine weeks of my life to solve a year's worth of financial stress.

It's temporary, I remind myself. Just until the clinic position starts.

I stare at the screen, my finger hovering over the trackpad.

My pride whispers that I'm better than this. My bank account screams otherwise.

I can imagine they will have a million applicants for this position because of the salary alone. I doubt it will lead to anything, but I have to try.

I barely take time to look over my résumé before attaching it to the application form. My fingers hover for just a second before I click "submit." There. It's done.

I close my laptop and push it away on the coffee table.

My phone chimes with a text from Maris.

Did you look into the nanny thing?

Just applied for one. Not holding my breath, but the timing and pay would be ideal. We shall see.

I stretch my legs out on the couch, watching the afternoon sunlight creep across the floor. The shadows have shifted since I first sat down, the golden light now casting long fingers across the marble.

My phone erupts with a shrill ring that makes me jump. Unknown number. Palm Beach area code.

I clear my throat before answering. "Hello?"

"Is this Sloane Brennan?" A crisp, professional female voice comes through.

"Yes, this is she."

"This is Vanessa Williams from Elite Care Childcare Services. I'm calling about your application."

There’s a brief pause while papers shuffle. "You sent in an application nineteen minutes ago."

My heart skips. Nineteen minutes? That's practically speed-dating for job applications.

"Yes, hi. Thank you for calling so quickly."

"We move fast when we see strong candidates. Do you have a few minutes to answer some preliminary questions?"