Page 4 of Penalty Kill

“He needs a full-time nanny. Someone who can be there for the boys and run errands for them and make sure things don’t slip through the cracks.” Honey—I decided to give the blond a nickname—told the others.

“Can’t his assistant do that?” Barista asked.

My eyes bounced around to each of them hoping to be clued in with more information. Who were they talking about? What did a person have to do to have an assistant? Some fancy corporate boss, probably. Why couldn’t he take care of the boys? Where was Mr. Fancy’s wife?

“He’s got enough on his plate,” Brunette answered. “You’re right, Emma. He needs a nanny.”

So, Honey’s name was Emma. I watched her and smiled. She looked like an Emma, sweet and caring.

“Do any of you know someone?” Emma asked the other two.

Brunette shook her head. “Not really my area of expertise.” She rubbed her belly. “At least not yet.”

Barista sat up. “Addison might know someone.”

“I’ll have to ask her later,” Emma replied while looking down at the boy in her lap. “Maybe I should find a few options first and vet them before bringing it up to Brandon. It would probably be less overwhelming that way.”

“Definitely. Always present the solution with the problem,” Brunette said with a confident nod.

I stared down at my pile of applications. I really didn’t want to go back to working retail. As an only child, I didn’t have a ton experience with kids, but I was the babysitter in my neighborhood in high school and for people I met over the years. It wasn’t like I was completely inept. I could do it.

I picked up the top application and stood. I turned to the women and waited for them to notice me. Brunette sized me up with a raised eyebrow while Barista gave me a small smile. Emma was the only one to speak.

“Hi. Sorry, were we being too loud? We didn’t mean to bother you.”

“Actually, I’m looking for a job.” I held out the application. “I’m new to the area and have been filling out applications for the past few days. I couldn’t help but overhear that you’re looking for a nanny. I have plenty of babysitting experience, and my previous jobs and references are all on there.”

Slowly, she reached out and took the paper from me. She looked it over with a gentle smile. “Do you believe in fate, Sydney Banks?”

I nodded. “Actually, yes. I do.”

Her eyes found mine. “Me too.”

Brunette turned in her seat to face me. “Have you ever nannied before?”

“No,” I answered honestly. She seemed like the type to get straight to the point. “I’ve babysat quite a bit, and I was an administrative assistant before so I know how to manage a schedule, run errands, and keep an office running. I’m sure the principles can be easily applied to nannying.”

She eyed me before nodding.

“Have you ever worked for anyone…” Barista trailed off and looked at her friends before returning to me. “High profile?”

I was right. This was for some fancy pants CEO or something. I wasn’t sure who was famous in Salt Lake, so I simply nodded. “Yes, I understand the need to be discrete.”

“It’s not so much that.” Emma laughed. “It’s just that his life can be demanding. Weird hours and there would probably be some unique requests.”

For the first time, I was beginning to doubt my quick decision. Why were they making it sound so sketchy? Like I’d be doing some questionable things?

“I’m sure I can handle it.” I hoped I sounded more confident than I felt.

“I’m sure you can,” Brunette said with a sly smile. “We’ll reach out to your references.”

Emma nodded and smiled at me, and I took that as my dismissal. “Thanks.”

I returned to my table and picked up my purse and applications. I felt a little unhinged for approaching a bunch of strangers, but I didn’t regret taking a chance. The worst thing that could happen was that I never hear from them again.

I was almost to the door when one of them called my name.

I spun to see Brunette hurrying toward me. “Are you single?”