Page 21 of The Surrogate Nanny
“Mr. Powell tasked me with finding a nanny for Nori. I think you’re the perfect fit. Obviously, you know everything there is to know about Nori, and she’ll be comforted by your presence.”
I glared at him and tried not to appear too eager. “I don’t know.”
Jonathan’s eyebrows catapulted to the top of his head. “You don’t know? What do you mean, you don’t know? This is a golden opportunity to be reunited with your daughter. Not to mention you’ll be paid!”
“I ended up caring for a child only to have her stolen from me the last time I was offered a contract. How can I trust this won’t backfire?”
His ears reddened. “In my defense, I was not involved with the surrogacy contract.”
“And court?” I pressed, wondering what excuse he would come up with next.
“Ms. Livingston, Mr. Powell is my client—not you. Please don’t hold it against me.”
I scoffed and rolled my eyes. “Anthony denied joint custody. Why would he want me to be around Nori now?”
Mr. Baker offered a strained smile and continued. “Anthony and Nori are having some...adjusting issues. In my opinion, he desperately needs the help, and who better assist him than Nori’s previous caretaker?”
“Mother!” I spat, causing him to flinch.
“I’m sorry. That was a poor choice of words on my part. I didn’t mean to disrespect.”
“Does Anthony know you’re here?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because I’m starting to get used to your fancy lawyer talk. You know how you seem to tiptoe and carefully word your responses.”
He sat back, removed his glasses, and for a moment, he looked human.
“You asked me what I would do if someone took my children away from me. Do you want to know my answer?” I nodded. “I think I’d put a gun in my mouth and end it all just like you were contemplating.”
“Wha—”
“You missed a few pills on the floor by the trashcan, and you forgot to wash out the wine from the sink after you dumped the glass.” My eyes ticked to the betraying pills. Sure enough, three tablets were scattered by the trashcan. “I’m very good at what I do, Ms. Livingston. Do you want this opportunity or not?” he asked, sliding the contract towards me.
“So, no?”
His eyes widened. “I’m sorry?” he asked in confusion.
“The answer. I asked you if Anthony knew that you were here. It’s a no, correct?”
A sly smile appeared on his face.
“Anthony and I have maintained a friendship for years; if he knows me as well as he should, then he knows I’m here.”
I nod. “Okay. How long does he need a nanny for?”
“The contract is a year but can be renewed.”
“What about custody for Nori?”
“Let’s focus on one thing at a time, shall we?” he asked, sliding the contract closer.
“Will I need to interview for the position?”
“Of course.”
“When?” I asked, giving the contract a preliminary once over.