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I nod. "It's a good practice. I have learned many different styles, but I enjoy them all. I hope to one day be able to open my own studio. That's why I also take business classes at Columbia in the evening."
"Wow, that's amazing," Gina replies, genuinely impressed. "You must be passionate about it."
"I am," I admit, my thoughts drifting to the countless hours spent on my mat, finding solace in each breath and movement. It's more than just a passion—it's a lifeline.
As we chat about different yoga styles and our favorite instructors, I feel a connection forming between us. Our conversation is interrupted by Carmen's sleepy voice calling for me from down the hall, and I excuse myself to attend to her needs.
"Maybe we could practice together sometime," Gina suggests before I leave the kitchen, and I can't help but smile at the thought.
"Definitely," I agree, already looking forward to deepening this newfound friendship.
The sun is setting, casting a warm glow across the penthouse as I glance at the time on my phone. I've stayed far later than I intended, but Roland still hasn't returned. Gina has already left, as has Leo. Erin has been replaced by one of her underlings—a young guy who is watching TV. I sit next to him on the couch but try to read some articles on my phone.
As this is my first day, I haven't yet spoken to Roland about my need to leave on time, but the deal was five p.m. today. That's what was agreed upon when the staffing agency hired me for the trial. And as it's my first day, one would think Roland would be on time.
I sigh. Then again, from what I saw of him last night, I’m not sure that’s the case.
I look at my phone again. If I don't leave soon, I'll miss the yoga class I'm supposed to teach. It's getting close to six twenty. And I've already put Carmen to bed.
Just then, I hear a key in the door, and Roland strides in moments later; his dark hair is tousled, and there’s a furrow between his brows. He's dressed impeccably as always, and his face is, frankly, gorgeous, but I can tell the day has worn on him.
"How did it go?” he barks at me. Not the warmest of greetings. I feel like giving him a piece of my mind but stop myself. I need to learn to be civil to this man if I am to work for him.
"Fine. Carmen and I did just fine. But I am about to be late for a yoga class I'm teaching. Our agreement was five p.m., and you didn't bother to call and tell me you were going to be late."
"The other nannies didn't mind."
"Or they just didn't tell you so." I feel my temper starting to get the better of me and remind myself I need this job. I take a deep breath. "Listen, I get that you might have to work late or attend events at times, but I raise my much younger brother, and I study and teach yoga outside of work hours, so I have a full schedule. If you want me to stay later than five any day, you need to tell me."
I feel my cheeks heating, and my tone of voice isn't exactly friendly. Dammit, what is it with this guy that rubs me the wrong way? Perhaps it’s that glint in his eye that makes him look amused. Nothing is amusing about him being late.
Roland slowly looks me up and down, seeming to consider what I’m saying. Then he says, "All right, but I expect the same in return—you show up on time in the mornings. I also expect that you will treat me with some respect. If you want to yell and carry on, you can find another employer. My staff says it went well with Carmen today, so I'd like to see how things go, but don't think you can walk all over me."
"I'm not trying to walk all over you. I'm merely pointing out that I came here today with the expectation that my day ends at five. It's almost six thirty now. And on that note, have a nice evening. I have to go."
I get up and walk to the hallway without waiting for a reply. It's not the friendliest way to end the conversation, but if I don't leave now, I might just get angry for real, and then I'll definitely lose my job.
Chapter four
Roland
My day is nothing but back-to-back meetings. Usually, I enjoy meetings if they're productive, but not today. I just can't shake the thought of Carmen with that bad-tempered nanny. Even as I check in with my staff throughout the day, their rave reviews do little to ease my mind.
"Roland, everything's going smoothly here," Gina assures me over the phone. But her words just seem like a hollow echo in the cramped conference room. I know I should trust her. She’s been the one watching Carmen in between nannies and alerted me if Carmen hasn’t been happy with anyone. Unfortunately, the last three nannies we’ve had have made mistakes and, when confronted, fled in tears instead of owning up and sorting themselves out. Well, one was simply not a good fit for Carmen, but the other two messed up. It’s left me feeling frazzled and overprotective.
I never knew finding the right nanny could be this difficult. At least Carmen seemed to take to Maggie, no, Maddie, instantly.
"Thank you, Gina," I reply curtly. I take a deep breath. There’s no point fretting. I have to focus on a presentation I have to give to our board members in about five minutes.
We’ve grown to become the largest importer of specialty coffee in the US and Canada over a period of eight years. Now it’s time to tackle the European market, and I need all stakeholders to be on the same page, meaning I have to convince the board that we're tackling Europe and not playing it safe and just staying in North America.
There are ways to mitigate the risk of trying to enter that market, but there's a risk nonetheless, and not everyone on the board likes risks. In fact, I wonder why I placed some of them in the positions I did. But I also know that Brett, my business partner, and I are true entrepreneurs and maybe a bit too prone to take risks and try new things.
"Hey," Brett says as he enters the room. "How was the new nanny this morning?"
"It's the woman from the coffee shop from last night."
Brett looks at me questioningly.
