Page 3 of An Unexpected Match
“You have a rather eclectic work history,” he said slowly. “Over the last seven years, you’ve had seven different jobs. Waitress, library aide, flower shop delivery person, day-care worker, lifeguard at the beach, a Merry Maid, whatever that is, and hospice work. Not one job lasted longer than eight months.”
Arden nodded.
“Nothing shows me you have training for childcare. And I need someone I can count on for longer than a few months.”
He flipped the folder closed as if ending the interview.
Panic flared. Arden stood and reached out her hand, not quite touching him, but coming close enough to feel the heat radiating from his body. Recognizing a matching heat in her own, she dropped her arm and raised her chin. She couldn’t let the interview fizzle out like that.
“I can explain the eclectic work history. I’m working my way through college. In the past, I’ve had to get a job, work until I saved up enough money to attend a semester, then quit to go to school. When the money ran out, I’d get another job.”
“Which does not solve my problem. I want someone who will stay longer than a few months.”
“But that’s the wonderful thing about the position you’re offering. I can go to school at the same time I work if you’ll agree to letting your daughters spend a few hours a week in a great child-care facility at ODU. It’s set up for students to drop kids off while we’re in class. I thought that would be acceptable. It’d just be an hour or two a day, four days a week, and would give your girls structured playtime with other children.”
“ODU?”
“Old Dominion University right here in Norfolk. With the job you’re offering, I wouldn’t have to quit to attend another semester of school. I can attend classes and still watch your daughters. And I can assure you the child-care facility at the university is top-notch.”
She’d thought it through. It’d mean so much to her to keep going, not have to take time off to earn enough money for the next semester. If only he didn’t object. She’d be perfect for his children and the job would be perfect for her.”
He studied her through dispassionate eyes. His expression didn’t give a hint of his thoughts.
“What are you studying?” he asked.
“Graphic arts. I would study fine art, but there aren’t a lot of career opportunities unless an artist is really super. I’m good, but not super. But I can combine my love for color, lines, shapes, and texture in graphics and enjoy doing it almost as much. That field definitely offers more career opportunities once I get my degree and some more experience. And for recreation, I still paint and sketch and work with pastels. So I indulge myself with both the practical side and the purely creative.”
Arden swallowed and smiled brightly. This wasn’t going as easily as she’d hoped. When he said nothing, she began again. Shecouldn’tlose this opportunity.
“As for experience, I know lots about kids.”
Raising her hand, she touched her index finger.
“First, from working at the restaurant, I know how children should and shouldn’t behave in public. What they like to eat and how to keep them entertained when they’re bored. Second,” she touched the next finger, “from working at the beach, I’ve seen lots of kids and understand safety rules and how to enforce them. I know CPR. I have a certificate in first aid.”
She smiled smugly. He’d probably appreciate that.
“And third,” she touched another finger, “working at the day-care center gave me hands-on experience. The ages ranged from two to six.”
He said nothing, just watched as she talked.
Taking another breath, Arden continued.
“At the library, I was the one to read for the children’s hour. So I know what kinds of books kids like, especially young ones. I believe your girls are five and three?”
He nodded, but remained silent.
Not used to so little feedback, Arden wondered if he was merely biding his time until she stopped talking to tell her the job was not for her. Or was he truly listening? What else could she add?
“Merry Maid was a housecleaning service, so I can teach them proper techniques to keep their rooms tidy,” she finished with triumph.
“I don’t want to hire a nanny only to have her leave in a few months when something better comes along,” he said slowly. “The girls’ mother is dead. They’ve already had to go through one bout of separation and grief. My sister has been watching them and now she’s leaving. Another bout of separation. I don’t want a third soon.”
He stood and picked up the folder.
“I’m looking for an older woman who would offer stability and reliability. And who won’t go off with no notice the first time something goes wrong, or some man comes along and sweeps her off her feet.”
“Older women can be swept off their feet, too,” she countered swiftly. “And I don’t plan to get married, so there’s no worry there. Not that I’m the type to get swept off my feet. I’m determined to get my degree, to find work in my field and make a name for myself. Ever since high school, that’s been my driving ambition.”