Page 32 of Keeping Penny

“Which brings me to one of the reasons I wanted to talk to you. Not because I wanted to babble on and on about myself and not give you a chance to tell me about you—because I do want to know you. I want to hear all about Bowie, and how you realized she was blind, and how in the hell you’ve managed to raise such an independent and brave little girl, because I swear she doesn’t have a shy bone in her body. Which is awesome and what I want for my own daughters.”

Penny flushed with pride. Bowie was brave. She didn’t let a lack of eyesight hold her back. She was going to be a force to be reckoned with when she got older, and Penny prayed that inner fire and love of knowledge was never squashed by others who thought she should stick to sitting at home doing something “safe” just because she was blind.

“Tate talked with Pyro, who said you’re interested in possibly babysitting for us. Or I guess I should say nannying, after our little nugget—or nuggets, if the case may be—are born and we’re deployed.”

Penny couldn’t read Laryn. Did she like the idea? Or think it was crazy since everyone had just met her? “I’m not sure, honestly. I mean, I don’t know what kind of job I’ll be able to find in the meantime, and I need something that makes enough money for me to pay rent, get a car, do all the things adults are supposed to do. And of course, raising a kid isn’t cheap.”

“Yeah, I’m figuring that out with all the baby stuff we’ve been looking into getting. Why are baby clothes so much more expensive than things I get for myself at the big box stores? It makes no sense. There’s so much less material, and yet manufacturers throw a duck on the front and suddenly it’s twice as expensive than a T-shirt for me. It’s stupid!”

Penny chuckled. “I’m the last person to ask, as I haven’t bought anything new in years. And things in Gabon I’m sure are super cheap compared to what’s on sale in the US.”

“Yeah, okay, true. But, girl, are you in for some sticker shock the first time you go shopping. Though I totally understand that you need a job that pays well. To be clear, I’m not really asking you to be a full-time caregiver for me and Tate. I want to be a very hands-on parent. It’s just…I love my job. I love traveling on ships with Tate and his friends. Not to be conceited, but I know their choppers like the back of my hand. I know how they should sound, and I’ve touched every nut and bolt on the damn things. I want to continue going on missions with them. Not on the actual missions, but traveling with them…you know what I mean. But I need to know my baby is in good hands when I’m not with him or her. Or them. Shoot, I can’t wait to find out how many babies I’m cooking in here,” Laryn said, placing a hand on her belly.

“Anyway, I guess what I want to know is if you’d be willing to be a live-in nanny with my baby when I’m gone. This might be weird, since I know we just met, but I’ve seen how you are with Bowie, and I have no doubt you’d be amazing with any baby in your care too. I also realize a lot of things could change between now and when we’d actually need you, so there’s no pressure. I’m guessing you’ll need some other kind of job too, as the deployment schedule is unpredictable. But knowing you’ll at least consider it would be a huge weight off our shoulders.”

Penny felt honored that Laryn and Casper trusted her with their kid. Or kids. Who weren’t even born yet.

“Oh, and before you say yes or no, I have to be honest about something. I tore Tate a new asshole when he told me this, and I let him know how uncool it was…but he asked Tex—you know about Tex, right? How he’s like this computer God who can find out anything about anyone?”

Penny nodded. “Pyro said he’s been talking to him about a man who’s been forcing me to pay off my deceased husband’s debts.”

“Yeah, sorry. I heard about that too. One thing to know about the Night Stalkers is that they’re a gossipy bunch. They can’t help it. Their hearts are totally in the right place, but yeah, nothing stays a secret for long among the group. Anyway, after Tate and I had a long discussion about possibly hiring you, he asked Tex to do a background check. He shouldn’t have, but he did…and now it’s done, so I’m sorry.”

Penny wasn’t sure how to feel about someone looking into her history. Not that she had anything to hide, but as Laryn said, it wasn’t exactly cool. Then again, Tex probably already knew most of what there was to know about her from looking into Colvin. He had to probably look at her and John’s histories in the process. And since she had nothing to hide, wasn’t on the run from the law, and didn’t even have a speeding ticket, she didn’t really care.

“It’s okay,” she said a little belatedly.

“Whew. Okay. Tate didn’t share what Tex told him, which is weird, considering they gossip like little girls about every other thing, but he said you were good. Which in Tate speak is high praise.” She leaned back on her hands and sighed. “Honestly, I’m conflicted about this baby. I want kids with Tate, of course. I love him so much. But I also love my job and don’t want to give it up. And Tate obviously won’t be giving up flying, so we’re kind of in a tough place.”

“I get it. And it’s awesome that you love your job that much. I think it’s rare for people to find a career that they’re absolutely passionate about. And I’m thinking that I want you on the job, because that’ll mean Pyro’s safer.”

“Especially since he flies with Tate,” Laryn said with a grin.

“Exactly.”

“Awesome. Okay, we’ll see how things go in the next few months. Get you settled. See what kind of job you find. You might end up working somewhere that isn’t flexible, and you won’t be able to take time off to hang with my kid. Do you want to stay in the health care industry?”

“I’m not sure. I really enjoyed teaching women about prenatal health, but I’m sure things in the States aren’t even remotely the same as where I was. I’m guessing Americans have a lot more knowledge about women’s health and prenatal care.”

“Maybe, maybe not. I’m sure you’ll find something you’ll love. Especially with all of us doing what we can to help.”

Warmth swam through Penny’s veins. How she’d somehow hooked up with such a generous group of people, she had no idea. But she was more than grateful.

“How about we head out and find Pyro and Bowie? I have a feeling he probably bought her the biggest ice cream he could find and your daughter will probably be all hyped up on sugar.”

Penny winced.

Laryn chuckled. “We’ll find something to tire her out. Maybe Casper can have her run drills in the hallway until she keels over.”

Penny eyed the other woman, not sure if she was joking or not.

“Kidding!” she said with a laugh.

“It’s not a horrible idea,” she replied, chuckling herself. “And Bowie would probably love it.”

“I like you, Penny,” Laryn said, as she hopped off the small table. “You clearly haven’t had an easy time of it, both recently with the evacuation, but also in general, trying to raise Bowie while dealing with assholes shaking you down for money. But you’ve dealt with everything shockingly well.”

“I didn’t have a choice. If I don’t want my child to suffer, I have to suck it up and keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how difficult life is.”