Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79197 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 317(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
I quickly pulled my hand back. “Aiden, did I do something wrong? Something you’re not happy with? I only got Hadley ready for bed last night because you weren’t home, and if you wanted to wake her up this morning, I’m so sorry. It’s just, your mother said sometimes you leave early, before she’s even up, and I wasn’t sure if you were even still home. It’s…I…” I sighed. “I get the feeling I’ve done something that’s made you unhappy.”
He looked at me, his jaw clenched tight before he finally spoke. “I’m sorry I stayed out so late last night and wasn’t here to let you know how things go in the morning. It was a crap thing for me to do, and I’m just mad at myself for it.”
The corners of my mouth rose. “It’s okay, I only wanted to make sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong. You seem…upset, for lack of a better word.”
He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it. Then he looked down and back up at me. “I’m sorry. I think getting used to another woman in the house is going to be more difficult than I thought. I’ve got to go.”
Stepping back from the truck, I watched as he rolled up the window and drove off. I turned and headed back into the house to Hadley, unable to shake the strange feeling that washed over me.
Despite his explanation, Aiden was bothered by something, and that something was definitely me. If he couldn’t get used to me in his home, this job was never going to work.
***
I parked the car and walked Hadley up to the door of her school. It was the protocol Mrs. Bishop said she and Aiden had followed since school started a few weeks back.
Leaning down, I grinned and handed her the lunch we’d made together. “Have an amazing day in school, Hadley. I’ll be here to pick you up afterward.”
A huge smile grew over her face. She hugged me quickly, then turned and ran into the school.
I watched her until I could no longer see her, swallowing hard. Making my way back to my Pilot, I headed over to Starbucks. I had to admit, I was relieved I didn’t run into Nancy again. I wasn’t sure I was ready for a showdown on school property.
The moment I walked into Starbucks, Tammy stood up and waved.
“Grab your order and come on over!”
After ordering a hot chocolate and a slice of banana nut bread, I made my way over to her table.
“I’m so glad you made it. How was your first day of drop-off?”
Sitting, I smiled politely and replied, “It was good…I think. I feel like the morning went well for the most part.”
I wasn’t sure if I should tell her it was my first time being a nanny. She also didn’t need to know that every time Hadley reached for my hand, an ache I’d long ago buried deep inside threatened to resurface.
And she certainly didn’t need to know that Hadley’s father could hardly stand to look at me all of a sudden.
“Good. I know it’s been really hard for Lance and Patty to keep up with Hadley’s schedule. Before she started school this year, they could just bring her to the store.”
For a moment, I wasn’t sure who Lance and Patty were, even though Patty had obviously texted me yesterday, but I quickly deduced she was speaking about Aiden’s parents.
“Thank you for coming to my rescue yesterday in the store. I’m not sure what I’ve done to make Nancy dislike me so much. I only just met her Saturday.”
The barista behind the bar called my name. I got up and grabbed my hot chocolate and the warm banana nut bread, then made my way back to Tammy.
“First off, I don’t want you to think I gossip.” She lifted her brows in thought. “Actually, let me rephrase. I do like a bit of gossip every now and then, but harmless stuff. My daddy’s the preacher at the Methodist church Aiden and his family go to. I’ve known him since we were in elementary school.”
I smiled and took a sip of hot chocolate.
“But I do feel like you need a bit of backstory to truly understand Nancy. She and Lisa were best friends. I’m sure you know Lisa was Aiden’s wife who passed away, though I doubt he’s talked to you about her much.”
“Just a few mentions,” I confirmed.
She nodded. “Yeah, he’s been sort of hiding out the last year or so since her passing.” Tammy lowered her voice. “No one really knows this, so please keep it to yourself…but Lisa and Aiden were having problems in their marriage before she found out she had cancer. It was hard for Aiden to just walk away when Hadley was involved, but they definitely would have gotten a divorce had she not gotten sick.”