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ChapterFourteen
Paislee
Iknew that I was going to enjoy nannying Callie. But I did not expect to have so much fun. I have come to learn that Callie is more herself in spaces she feels comfortable in. She is obviously comfortable in her home, which means that she doesn’t have many reasons to spiral. Also having her follow the schedule we came up with helps immensely. She loves order, and I follow her lead. As the days pass, there are fewer tantrums and more good times. There is something, however, that is beginning to gnaw at me.
While working in Sebastian’s home, I get to see his workaholism in full swing. We barely saw him this past week. Usually he is already on his way out before I even arrive at the house. Not only does he leave early, but he also comes home quite late. It has me wondering how much time he actually spends with Callie. Even though I had accused him of not paying enough attention to his little girl during our altercation, it hurts to realize that I was right.
I decide to allow Callie the luxury of watching her favorite cartoon a little earlier than usual. Meaning we stopped our lessons early today which she gladly welcomed.
We are both relaxing on the couch with a big bowl of popcorn between us. Callie's focus on the large screen mounted on the wall gives me the illusion that we are in a dark theater room. Of course, we turn off the lights to get the full experience. I find myself distracted by thoughts of Sebastian. The only time I saw him this week was when I arrived early and found him striding to his car. His driver had already started the car, ready for him to take off. I bite my lip as I try to erase thoughts of the man from my head.
“When does your father get off work?” I ask Callie nearly an hour later when there's still no sign of her father.
The official time we'd agreed to end our daily lessons is 4 p.m. However I usually stay longer to look after Callie and keep her company. I might also be hoping to catch a glimpse of Sebastian, but I never do. I find it worrisome and wonder if he even gets to see Callie before she falls asleep.
Callie shrugs as she throws another piece of popcorn into her mouth and chews hard.
“I don't know, I'm usually asleep most of the time.”
My eyes widen at Callie's words.
“You mean he is never home early enough to tuck you in?”
Callie shrugs again.
“Rose tucks me in on the days he comes home late.”
I pause, allowing Callie's words to sink in. I am curious enough to ask again.
“How often does he come home late?”
Callie gives another shrug, and I briefly wonder if she's honestly just bringing herself to not care. I can’t tell with her.
"I don't keep count, but it happens a lot. It's a good thing Rose lives here."
I close my eyes, trying to shut off the slight feelings of resentment that courses through me at Sebastian's obvious lack of parental skills. I pop my eyes open again with my mind made up. I'm going to stay until Sebastian returns. Someone has to tell him about Callie, and that someone has to be me.
When Sebastian finally returns, I'm worn out and almost fell asleep on his all-too-comfortable sofa. I tucked Callie into bed nearly two hours ago and have been struggling to not fall asleep while waiting.
I sit up when the door rattles and Sebastian steps into the room seconds later. My eyes run over his form and up his face. He looks exhausted.
Sebastian looks like he is just about ready to keel over. I can tell that he also has not taken notice of me in the slightly darkened room. He begins to make his way toward the sofa, his fingers wrestling with the tie on his neck.
“Hello, Sebastian.”
Sebastian pauses and his eyes move directly to the sofa where I'm sitting. He looks a little shocked at my presence. I feel a little embarrassed that I've invited myself to stay longer than needed.
“Paislee.” He murmurs in a low tone of voice that sends tremors through me. His tired voice should not have this sort of effect on me, but it does. God, it does!
“I didn't expect to see you here at this time.” He admits as he moves close enough to the sofa to sit, but doesn’t.
I notice his eyes tracking the length of my skirt and exposed legs, and my body tingles with awareness. I immediately become uneasy.
“I was waiting on you.”
His brow furrows with what can only be described as worry.
“Is everything alright?”
