Page 9 of What I Needed

“I don’t have any experience as a nanny, so⁠—”

“Erissa, I can tell by your energy that you’re a good person, and my daughter took to you instantly. What you don’t know, I’m sure you’re smart enough to figure out. It’ll be no different than what I’m doing, and you seem to have the natural instinct for it that I’m missing. Please say you’ll take the job.”

“I’ll take the job, but the only reference I have is my best friend, and she’ll confirm that I’m a good person.”

“My gut says I can trust you. I start practice in two weeks, but can you start part-time tomorrow, you know, to get familiar with things?”

“Sure, but can we discuss my salary and benefits?”

“Let me go put her in bed. Hold on.” A few minutes later, he spoke again. “Is three grand a week enough?”

“Excuse me. Did you say three grand a week?”

“Is that not enough? How about five?”

“River, hold on. Three grand a week is plenty. I don’t⁠—”

“How about we do four?”

“Four is fine. What about benefits like medical and dental insurance?”

“Damn. Honestly, I didn’t think about any of that. Do you think you can do some research and find an insurance plan that works for you? I’ll add the cost to your pay.”

“Umm, sure. I can do that. Are there any specific requirements?”

“Do you mind moving in? I have a guest room that’s right next to where I want Riverlynn’s room to be. Oh, I also need you to order furniture for her. She’s been sleeping with me, and that’s probably not good.”

“I have my own place, River.”

“I’ll pay your rent until your lease is up.”

“There is no lease. It was my grandparents’ home, and they left it to me in their will. I just have to pay the property taxes by the first of November.”

“I’ll cover the taxes and any other maintenance you need for the house, but I’d prefer you move in with me. My schedule is a lot during the season, and⁠—”

“Okay. I’ll move in, and I can come over for a while tomorrow.”

“You’re a lifesaver. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

“I promise, what you’re paying me is plenty. Send me your address and what time you want me to be there.”

“Bet. See you tomorrow.”

“Damn. You’re prettier every time I see you,” I said when I opened my front door.

Erissa smiled as she entered my home. “Thank you. I’ve been meaning to ask, do you ever stay at the condo you mentioned?”

“My condo is mostly for my extracurricular activities. I haven’t had time for much of those since I became a father.”

She nodded as she looked around.

“Where’s Riverlynn?”

“Surprisingly, she’s still sleeping. We had sort of a rough night last night.”

“Did you try all the things I showed you?”

“Yeah, but nothing worked. I just held her and let her cry it out until she finally cried herself to sleep. Let me take your luggage upstairs, and we can check on her.”