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MIA

My hands trembled as I clutched the metal bar in the elevator to keep myself upright because my knees were quivering, too. My encounter outside had left me rattled. My ex’s “associate” had shown up. I’d let my guard down over the last couple of weeks when I hadn’t noticed any shady vehicles parked outside my apartment building. I foolishly thought I’d been freed from the pile of shit I’d unwittingly fallen into. Boy, was I wrong.

Things had moved from phone calls and veiled threats to personal visits. “This is what I get for trusting that dickwad,” I grumbled. In my defense, I’d had no idea my ex-boyfriend was a gambling addict and con artist. Now, I had his bookie—or whoever he was—riding my ass every week for payment that I couldn’t fulfill.

The elevator stopped, and the door slid open. As I trudged toward my apartment, I saw my neighbor balancing grocery bags as she fished inside her handbag for her key. I hurried toward her and caught one of the bags just as it tumbled out of her hold.

“Oh my gosh. Mia, thanks a bunch.”

“No problem, Kim.” I forced out a smile, which probably looked more like a grimace. The stress of my situation was wearing me down.

Kim’s smile faded as she studied me. “Are you okay, Mia? You look…”

“Stressed?” I could just imagine how I looked after being harassed by someone who I was sure was capable of murder. “I’m just dealing with some stuff. You know how it is.”

Kim nodded as her eyes moved over my face. I’d met her the first day I moved into the building. She was incredibly sweet, and we became fast friends.

“How’s the job hunt going?” She opened her door and turned back to me.

“Not great. I still haven’t found anything.”

Kim placed her load on a table and then took the bag I’d caught. “Maybe I can help.”

Hope inflated in my chest. “You can?”

She nodded. “I have this friend who works with an agency. She mentioned a job she heard about through the grapevine and was only able to get an address. She didn’t know the details but recommended it to me because she knew I was looking for something. I ended up getting another part-time, so I didn’t bother checking it out. You can, though.”

I nodded eagerly. “I’m interested.”

She chuckled. “You don’t even know what the job is yet.”

“Whatever it is, I’m interested.” Maybe desperation would help me to acquire whatever skills I needed for the job.

“Alright…” She reached into her handbag and took out her phone. “I’ll text you the address. I’m sorry that’s all I have to give you.”

“An address is all I need,” I assured her.

As she tapped her phone screen, she murmured. “You know, now that I think about it, you’d make a great nanny.”

Just as my phone dinged with the incoming text, I froze. “Nanny?”

Kim nodded. “Yeah. Check it out. Good luck.”

“Uh-huh… Thanks.”

Kim smiled. “I’ll catch you later.”

“Later.”

I stared at her door long after she closed it. A nanny? I didn’t know jack squat about children. Hell, I could barely take care of myself. However, I had resigned myself to doing whatever job I was lucky enough to get.

“I guess I’m going to try my hand at being a nanny,” I grumbled.

I let out a low whistle as I gazed up at the sleek, towering building, surveying the immaculately dressed people exiting and entering. This was a far cry from my place. I lived in a decent part of town, but this neighborhood looked as if it was built on money.

I clutched my handbag tighter as I approached the entrance. The liveried doorman gave me a polite nod as he held the door open.

“Good afternoon,” he greeted with a smile.

“Afternoon,” I mumbled, feeling a bit out of place. When I stepped inside the lobby, I took in the high ceilings, marble floor, and plush seating. There was even a lady perched on one of the fancy sofas, wearing a fascinator and holding a poodle while she chatted on her phone. Her air of elegance made me feel like a street urchin in my jeans and t-shirt. This was the kind of place you saw in movies, where beautiful people with important jobs lived.

I approached the reception counter where a woman sat. She looked up as I approached, her smile warm but curious.

“Hi, I’m here to see…” Shoot. I had no name to give. It was a nanny gig, so I went with, “The family on the top floor...” According to the info I got from Kim, it was the penthouse apartment. To my amazement, it worked.

“Of course,” the woman said. “Amber is expecting you.”

All I did was nod because I was too stunned that my vague description had actually worked.

“Please, take the elevator to the top floor,” she said.

“Thank you.” I felt a flutter of nerves as I turned towards the elevators. I was nowhere near calm when the doors opened with a chime, and I stepped into a carpeted hallway. There was only one door on the top floor. I took a deep breath before ringing the bell.

A moment later, the door swung open, revealing a tall, dark-skinned woman with striking features. She looked a little frazzled, but her gaze was steady on me.

“Hello…” Her gaze dipped, taking me in from head to toe and back up.

Her confused expression made me frown. Jeez. Maybe she was appalled by my appearance. I should have put on a business suit like the one she had on… but I didn’t expect them to want Mary Poppins, for goodness’ sake.

“You are…?”

“I’m Mia Clarke. I’m here to interview for the nanny position.”

The woman’s eyes widened. “Are you from the agency? Because I was specific about who we wanted. You are…” She gave me another quick but thorough assessment. “Not matronly.”

I canted my head and frowned. “Erm… I guess not…”

A phone rang in the background, and she looked over her shoulder. “Shoot. I need to get that.” She waved me in as she scurried off.

I took a hesitant step inside and looked around. I was alone in the foyer, so I admired the surroundings. Of course, the room was just as lovely and sophisticated as the lobby and the people in it.

“Must be nice living it up in a place like this,” I muttered. The woman, who I assumed was the missus of the castle, didn’t come back, so I advanced inside and headed to what looked like the living room. There were a few framed photos sitting on a glass table up ahead, and I moved towards them, curious about the family that lived here.

I didn’t make it too far before a tiny body came sprinting around the corner. The little girl halted when she saw me, and I froze, too. I locked eyes with a pair of green ones that sparkled with curiosity. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her shoulders. She looked like a doll with her big eyes and delicate features.

“Oh, my gosh. You’re too adorable,” I cooed.

A smile lit up her face and the entire room. “I’m Poppy. Are you my new nanny?”

I stared at the little girl, not sure what to tell her. “Well…”

“Poppy, there you are.” The woman who had greeted me at the door power walked around the corner and gave the little girl a reprimanding look.

“Sorry, Amber,” Poppy said. She then looked at me and grinned sheepishly. “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers.”

I snickered. Was it strange that I liked this kid already? I could tell she was full of energy and probably got a little mischievous sometimes. She reminded me of someone I knew… myself.

“That’s a great rule,” I told her. “You should stick to it.”

“But you’re not a stranger. You’re my nanny!” Poppy reasoned.

“No, she’s not, sweetie,” the woman named Amber began, but then her phone chimed. She held up a finger. “Hold that thought, you two.” She answered her phone and took off again.

Poppy and I stared at each other.

“So… I’m Mia…” I rocked back on my heels. “What’s shaking, kid?”

She giggled and shrugged, and that made me smile.

“Wanna have a tea party, Mia?” she asked.

I snorted my amusement. “Sure, why not?” I guess I could drink a little pretend tea until the seemingly busy Amber got a minute to chat with me.

To my surprise, Poppy grabbed my hand and tugged me further into the apartment. Amber probably wouldn't like this, but who was I to deny the most adorable little girl ever a tea party? She led me away from the photos I’d been curious about, so I still had no idea what her father looked like. I imagined a sophisticated middle-aged man who spoke in a haughty tone.

Poppy pulled me into a bright, cheerful playroom filled with toys and books. Her enthusiasm was contagious. Before I knew it, I was kneeling beside a table, helping her arrange tiny cups and plates. As we settled into our roles—Poppy as the gracious host and me as her honored guest—I couldn’t help but notice how natural and easy it felt. The nanny gig wouldn’t be as hard as I thought it would be. In fact, I could tell Poppy and I would get along famously.

“Poppy is a pretty name,” I said to make conversation.

She gave me a toothy smile. “Daddy says I’m his little flower.”

Aw. She was so freaking cute. “Of course you are. So, Poppy, is Amber your Mom?”

“Nope. She’s Daddy’s assistant.”

“Ah, I see. Where’s your mom?”

She shrugged tiny shoulders and went back to pouring pretend tea.

I lifted an eyebrow. Interesting . My curiosity was piqued. However, it seemed wrong to use the little girl to pry into her family’s business, so I only asked one more question. “How old are you, Poppy?”

“Six. Would you like some more tea, Miss Mia?” she asked in a prim, grown-up voice that made me grin.

“Why, yes, Miss Poppy,” I replied, holding out my tiny cup. “I’d love some more of your delicious tea.”

She carefully poured the imaginary tea from a pink plastic teapot. The way her brow furrowed in concentration made me want to laugh.

“Here you go. It’s my special blend.” She beamed.

I chuckled. I could tell Poppy was a riot and smart, too. “Thank you,” I said, taking a pretend sip and smacking my lips. “Mmm, just perfect.”

Her giggles floated around the room, and I smiled.

“You’re lots of fun, Mia. I’m gonna tell Daddy and Amber I want you to stay with me.”

I snorted and lifted my tiny cup. “Poppy, if your recommendation lands me this job, I guarantee endless tea parties. Cheers to wishful thinking and optimism, kiddo.”

She gazed at me with bewilderment, and I instructed, “Tap your tea cup against mine.”

She did, and we grinned at each other.

Amber practically careened around the corner and into the room. Her wide eyes darted from me to Poppy and then she blew out a long breath that resonated with relief. I lifted an eyebrow in amusement. Sheesh . Did she think I had kidnapped Poppy?

Amber shook her head and looked skyward. “I have Michael’s kid hanging out with a stranger in his house. He’d kill me for this.”

I almost got whiplash when my head snapped to Amber. “Michael?”

“That’s Daddy,” Poppy shared with the brightest smile I’d seen from her yet.

“Right…”

I gave myself a mental kick in the ass. I was still so hung up on the Michael I’d had a one-night stand with weeks ago that I was ready to lose it when I merely heard the name as if there weren’t millions of Michaels in the world. I really needed to stop thinking about my Michael… I had to stop referring to him as mine , too. I just couldn’t get the man out of my head, and it was frustrating. For all I knew, he’d used a fake name just like me.

Amber clapped her hands. “Okay… Mia was it?”

“That’s right?”

“There seems to have been some kind of miscommunication at the agency because I was specific about who we’re looking for and?—”

“It’s not me. Yeah, I got that.” Getting up, I faced Amber. “I’m not from the agency.”

Amber’s eyes widened slightly as if she thought I was some random crazy lady who walked in off the street. I hurried to put her mind at ease.

“I heard about the job through a friend who works there.”

Her eyebrows elevated. “I see.” Amber’s phone went off again, and she glanced at the screen. “Oh God,” she muttered. “This is just what I need.”

As she rapidly tapped on her phone, I said, “You seem to be having a busy day, Amber.”

She spared me a glance. “Yes, you just walked into total chaos. I’ve been having a hell…” she glanced at Poppy. “A heck of a day, and now I have to hightail it to the office, but I have Poppy and…” She stopped and studied Poppy and me as if she was just hit with a realization. “She invited you to a tea party. Not just anyone gets an invitation,” Amber added with amusement injected into her tone.

“Uh-uh.” Poppy shook her head emphatically. “They’re elusive.”

“I think you mean exclusive, kiddo,” Amber said.

I couldn’t help laughing. “You don’t say? I feel so special.” I winked at Poppy and she giggled.

“She likes you,” Amber said.

“I do!” Poppy grinned. “Can Mia be my new nanny?”

“Poppy, that isn’t how this works…” Amber’s phone beeped again, and she groaned. “Oh, God… I hope I don’t regret this.”

Poppy and I both looked at Amber, our eyes wide with hope.

“Mia, are you free for the rest of the day?”

I nodded as emphatically as Poppy did a moment ago. “Absolutely.”

“Alright, here’s what we’re going to do.” Amber’s gaze shifted between Poppy and me. “I have to get to the office pronto, and I can’t leave Poppy with a complete stranger.”

“Mia isn’t a stranger. We had tea…”

I smirked. Poppy sounded as if sharing pretend tea made me family. The sweet innocence of kids… She was officially my new favorite person.

Amber seemed as amused by Poppy’s logic as I was because I saw the smile she swallowed before it blossomed.

“Still, Mia isn’t staying here alone with you until I’ve done a proper interview and background check… which we’ll do in the car on our way to the office.”

I blinked, stunned that she was actually giving me a chance. Was my luck finally looking up?

“Yay! Mia gets to come with us!” Poppy cheered.

“Uh-huh, and I hope your dad doesn’t kill me for this,” Amber mumbled. “Go grab your shoes and your bag.”

“Okay!” Poppy took off with the speed only a child could have.

Amber and I had a staredown. “Mia Clarke, if you turn out to be a nut, I’m going to be so disappointed.”

“I’m not a nut,” I assured her. “I’m perfectly capable of being a nanny. I’m very responsible.” Well, I will be from now on.