Page 8 of Grumpy Player
“Yes. Happy now?” I snap.
“No,” he says. “Are you single? Should I be expecting any boyfriends to drop by?”
“I’m single, so no worries there,” I laugh awkwardly. I don’t remember the last time I had a boyfriend or a date.
“How about you?” I ask in return. “Any wife or girlfriend I should be aware of?”
“It’s me and Syd,” he answers pointedly. “During the season I was working a lot. She was, unfortunately, left with nannies she didn’t care for. Now I’m injured so I’m around more, but I can’t do much while I’m healing.”
“Connor should be in bed. He was told to stay off his feet. There is a nurse who comes in twice a day to care for him,” Patty explains.
“You’re making me seem like an invalid,” Connor says to her quietly.
Patty winces. “Sorry. I just don’t want you setting your recovery back. Once you’re strong enough, I can come by and help you get back on track faster.”
Patty is kind and always helping. It’s who she is.
“I appreciate that,” he says to her.
“This is my floor,” Patty announces. “Unless you need my help settling in?” she asks me.
“Go ahead. I feel bad enough for getting you out of bed so early,” I reply.
“Talk soon,” she says to me.
“Bye, Connor.”
He mumbles a bye.
When we get to his floor, he tries to hold the elevator but he must pull something and then he hisses from the pain.
“Don’t worry, I’ll put one of the suitcases in the door and I’ll use my behind to hold it open,” I explain.
Did I really just say that?
Connor’s brows draw together.
“You don’t need to worry about your stuff getting stolen around here. My neighbor is a player from the team. You can follow me to my apartment then come back and get the rest of it,” he assures.
“Sure, thanks.”
My palms turn sweaty as I roll one of my suitcases to his front door. My life has been one big roller-coaster ride. Now I’m going to live with some guy I don’t know and his little girl.
He doesn’t seem crazy, but what if he is? What if Syd and I don’t actually mesh?
My anxiety gets hold of me like a noose around my neck. This is new and I hate change, yet I’ve had so many changes happening to me all the time these last few years, and Connor did say he needed a nanny long-term. It’s not my job of choice but maybe I’ll grow to like it, and the stability will be a welcome change. After meeting Syd, it doesn’t seem like it will be too hard. She’s a sweet little girl.
“I need to get into bed. Just explore yourself. If you have questions, my bedroom is through that door.” He points. “I have to spend most of my days in bed.”
“That must be hard. I don’t mind helping you out too, if you need anything,” I offer.
“I don’t want or need your help,” he snaps.
I wince.
He blinks then he swings himself awkwardly on his crutches. I watch him for a beat. He’s wearing heather-gray joggers, a white T-shirt, and flip-flops. The man is fine.
“Take the time when Syd is in school to do your thing,” he calls out. “Just take a look around. Your bedroom is the one at the end of the other hall, next to Syd’s. I need to get off my feet. When you’re done exploring, come by my room and we can go over expectations.”