Page 4 of The Accidental Nanny

The three of us get into a taxi to go to the annual Easter charity ball the Edwards family hold in their garden. This year, the money is going to the local children’s cancer unit, a cause close to their hearts.

Wesley opens the car door, taking my hand. His grip is so strong. I give him my best smile as I pretend to fall into him again.

“Really, Gem. You always fall over when you see me. Handy that I can catch you each time, huh?” It sounded like he was annoyed, but I couldn’t understand why.

When we arrive at the Edward estate, we walk through the house to the garden. The servers hold sparkling glasses with champagne on silver trays. I grab one, spotting myparents and brother under a gazebo near some heaters. I make my way over. Of course, the three of them are in conversation. They have forgotten all about me.

“Mum, Dad, Brody.”

“So, that’s your new dress. It’s a bit revealing,” Dad says.

I look down at my white dress. There is a little cleavage on show, but not much.

“Virginal,” Brody quips. “Red would have suited you better.” I smack him on the arm, and he mock flinches.

“Dad, tell him.”

“That’s enough, Brody. He has a point, though,” Dad replies.

“Why do you always take his side? He’s a loser. Look at him. He’s dressed like a grandad.” My brother is wearing a brown tweed suit. I look at my father, who’s wearing the same thing. “That’s just sad. When do I get my credit card back?”

“When you get a job. You have one week, or you’re out of the house. If you can get a real interview, I might reconsider my decision.”

“Can’t I work for you?”

“What do you know about digital marketing?”

“I have a big enough following.”

“You went to college and did childcare. You wanted to work for a nursery.”

“I didn’t expect to have to deal with screaming toddlers all day. They get so mucky.”

“Gemma, no more discussion. You have one week. You need to find a job, or you’re out. It’s not that we haven’t given you plenty of chances. Spending my money, partying, and documenting your life on social media does not qualify as a job.”

I stomp my foot in anger.

“Told you, Dad. She has no aspirations in life.” My brother takes a step back out of my parents’ sight and smirks at me.

“At least I’m not a telltale suck-up like you,” I snarl at him.

“I have a proper job and don’t need our parents’ money,” Brody points out.

I look at my mother, who hasn’t said anything yet.

“I agree with your father and brother. Gemma, you need to show some responsibility,” she’s taking their side.

“You don’t work. You married Dad and had us,” I point out.

“Get out of my sight. I’ve had enough of this,” Dad complains, turning away from me.

My parents hate me. I've never been good enough for them. Brody has always been the golden boy. I walk away, downcast. My life is over.

CHAPTER TWO

Alex

“Daddy, don’t go out tonight,” Eden, my five-year-old daughter, begs me.