Page 4 of One Hot Daddy

"Jennifer!"the woman practically shouts, rising to shake my hand with almost manic fervor."I'm Dana Wells.Thanks for coming in."

I take the seat she gestures toward."Thanks for the opportunity.Honestly, I never imagined I might wind up in Nebraska.But I love what I've seen of Millbrook Valley so far.

Dana opens a folder---the agency copy of my application, no doubt---and runs a finger down the page."You're an Arkansas girl?"

"Born and raised."

"Most of our candidates are transplants, or...well, passing through."She tilts her head."What brought you here?"

That's the question I always dread.My mind jumps to the usual answers: a change of pace, a desire for a simpler life.Instead, I go with the line I'd practiced in the car."I like knowing my neighbors, the way I did back in Hot Springs.Plus, I enjoy walking to the bakery and having them remember my order."

Dana grins and laughs."A woman after my own heart."

She spends the next ten minutes running through the basics---experience, certifications, whether I'm allergic to cats or gluten, and do I enjoy watching sports.I give all the right answers because I've done this dance before.

Then she hits me with The Question."I have to ask, because it's not in your file.Why didn't you go to New York with your last family?"

I shrug."Too much noise, and people rarely look you in the eye.I don't think I'm at my best when I'm somewhere I'd rather not be."

She sits there without moving or speaking for a moment, and I can see her respect for honesty warring with her suspicion that I might be too attached to small-town life.

"Fair enough," she finally says."Would you be willing to consider positions outside Millbrook Valley?"

I shrug."Depends on how far away it might be."

Dana grins."Don't worry, no one's sending you to Seattle.Most of our placements remain right here in the Valley."She closes the folder."You're a strong candidate, Jennifer.I have a few families in mind that might be a good fit."

I rise from my chair, still holding my neutral expression.But inside, a flicker of hope ignites.Or maybe it's the caffeine kicking in.

"One more thing," Dana says."Are you open to...unusual arrangements?"

I pause, my hand clutching my folder."Define unusual."

She leans in, almost whispering."There's a family looking for a nanny who's...a bit more involved.Not just for the kids, but to help the whole household run.It's a bigger commitment than most nannies would want."

Something about her description of the situation makes me think of cults or reality shows.Or maybe just families who have lost their last three nannies to nervous breakdowns.

"I'm open to hearing more," I confirm, because I need a job and can't afford to be picky.

Dana smiles again."I thought you might be."

"Um, do I have the job?"

"Not quite.First, a few explanations are in order."She sets her fingertips on the desk, leaning forward slightly."This is a single-father situation.My ex-wife abandoned the family several years ago, which left Dad with four kids between the ages of eight and fifteen.They're a wonderful family...with issues."

I swallow hard, my throat suddenly tight."Um, I see."

Dana comes around to my side of the desk and squeezes my shoulder lightly."Think about it, Jennifer.Then let me know by Wednesday."

"I'll do that."

When I move to leave, Dana stops me again."I think you could be the perfect nanny for this family.But don't let me talk you into it.Decide for yourself."

"Got it."

On my way out, I stop at the coffee table, pick up "Your First Baby," and flip to the back cover.The text offers an outdated 800 number and a quote from Dr.Spock.I leave the book face-down, like a playing card I'm hoping won't come up again.

As I push open the glass door to the parking lot, the receptionist gives me a little wave.The air outside is temperate and clean, and for a second, I imagine I can hear the sound of a tire swing creaking somewhere in the distance.While I walk back to my rental car, I do what Dana suggested.I think hard about whether I want to join a troubled family.She wouldn't send me to a nightmare house, of that I'm.But I'm not so naïve that I think any family with four kids and no mother is going to be a walk in the park.