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Caring for Isabel feels different, more important than any other job I’ve done. My instinct to protect her is stronger.
She’s special. Everything she does is utterly adorable. And right now, studying the drawing she made, I’m so proud of her.
I’ve never gotten this attached to a charge so quickly.
“Whatever happened out there” — Jay tilts their chin to the hall — “it’s clear whose side this little one is on.”
My grin falls to a grimace as I peer at them. “I only meant to help.” I shake my head as remorse threatens to drag my smile to the floor. “I didn’t mean…”
I stand with Isabel in my arms, half scared that this is the last day I’ll have with her. And that Kiara’s going to hand me my ass. Even if Ms. Keller doesn’t fire me, do I really want to be someone’s punching bag?
The image of an intriguing woman with guarded green eyes and weighed down by the world she carries on her shoulder flashes in my head. Mae isn’t a malicious woman. I can see how much love brims in her gaze when she holds her daughter. She’s probably just exhausted. Stressed and fucking sick of men like me making decisions for her.
I’m an idiot.
“I know. Mae is my best friend and a pain in the ass.” Jay raises an eyebrow at me. “I can say that because I’ll tell it to her face.” Their stare is challenging as if saying, I’ll kill anyone else who says it, though. “But under that hard mask of self-preservation is a beautiful soul, who would do anything for the people she loves. If you can break through her walls, you’ll see who she really is.”
I dip my chin. “I can understand that.”
She hadn’t been sure about me at first, but she called me back anyway because it was the best decision for her child. It could not have been easy to admit she’d made an error, even to herself.
“I’m pretty good at reading people, Remi. I think you’ll be great for them. But futz around, and you will find out.”
I gulp. She was very clear about exactly how I would find out if I fuck up.
“She’s not one to give an undeserved inch, but she is fair. And worth it.” They wink.
I don’t know Mae well, but for some reason, I believe Jay.
Isabel giggles when I bounce her in my arms and it rights all the wrongs of my snafu today. I can definitely roll with the punches to be able to care for this little one.
And I really want to get to know the woman underneath the hard mask she wears. Hopefully, she lets me stick around.
“Can you copy this?” I’m sitting on the family room floor with Isabel, playing with alphabet blocks and showing her how to spell her name.
Her pink tongue pokes out as she concentrates on finding the letters she needs to match mine, and it’s a marvel to watch. “I.” She picks up the right one. “S.” She has a little trouble with this one, but she’s determined and doesn’t give up easily.
For all of Mae’s harshness, Isabel is a sweetheart. She shares her toys and doesn’t fuss at naptime. So far, my job has been ridiculously easy and fun. That’s a tribute to her mother, the person Jay sees. Isabel is a remarkable little girl, which makes me wonder about the woman who raised her. I’m determined to meet that woman. Something tells me she’s just as incredible as her daughter.
The front door opens, and a cold breeze ushers Queeny in. Cool green irises find us right away.
“Hello,” she greets with a timid tremor, so unlike the fire she expelled earlier.
I can see an apology in her stare before she scoops up Isabel and kisses all over her chubby cheek.
“Hi, baby. Did you have a good day?”
I’m sitting on the floor as if part of the furniture, awkward and unsure of my place here.
“Yeah! Emmie play wif me, and we had mac ’n’ cheese,” Isabel speaks excitedly to her mother.
Mae’s chin quivers with some type of emotion. Guilt, maybe? She has nothing to feel guilty about.
I stand and face her. “We had a great day. Isabel is very well-behaved, and she ate every bite of her lunch like a pro.” I chuckle, remembering how excited she was with the cheesy goodness. “Ms. Keller, I wanted—”
“I’ve got it from here, Remington. Thank you,” she addresses me without looking at me.
An ounce of frustration simmers in my chest. Is she always going to be like this?
