Temporary Nanny

“Yes, Mom.” Jake slung his backpack over his shoulder and trudged to his room.

“Wow, you’ve got that threatening voice down pat. I was ready to salute.”

“I’ve probably been too easy on him. Mostly because I understand that he’s looking for a father figure. His dad’s really dropped out of his life the past couple years. But I can’t let him continue to put you on the spot. You’ve been great. Absolutely great.”

Royce shifted. “So when will the new nanny start?”

“Good question. The agencies are having problems finding enough qualified people because of the high-tech boom. I’ll figure something out, though.”

I always do.

But this time, she had the feeling her luck had run out.

ROYCE STARED at the TV, but wasn’t paying attention. He kept thinking about Katy and the flash of panic in her eyes when she’d talked about finding a new nanny. He remembered how she’d said it was extra hard finding someone qualified who would work part-time and weekends.

So why was he concerned? It wasn’t his problem. Yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit protective of Jake and Katy. He’d never gotten actively involved in his neighbors’ business before, and that had been the beauty of being an expat. Royce could be as involved as he chose, because he knew he’d be moving on soon.

Royce resisted an idea begging to be explored. “No way. Not me.”

If not him, then who? He’d learned that sentiment in one of his high school classes. Funny that it’d stuck with him all these years. Funnier still that he’d been able to ignore it. Until now.

Katy had said Jake was looking for a father figure. Royce had failed his own son, but maybe, just maybe, he could step in and make a difference for Jake, if only in the short term.

Royce grabbed his keys, locked the door and took the stairs to Katy’s place. He knocked immediately, afraid he might change his mind. His idea was totally out of the norm for him, but somehow right.

Katy opened the door and motioned him inside. She was talking on the phone.

“Yes, I understand,” she said. “There’s no way you can find a replacement on such short notice. I’ll be there Thursday evening as planned. But I’m going to need some comp time to spend with my son.”

Her shoulders sagged as she clicked shut her phone. “Hi, Royce.”

“Hi. Still no luck finding a nanny?”

“No. I’ve called everyone I can think of. I tried to get out of the show this weekend, but no luck. That’s the problem working for a small house. I do several different jobs and can’t be replaced on a moment’s notice. We tend to have more auctions in the spring because the weather’s good.”

“Job security.” He smiled to lighten her mood.

“That’s one thing, I guess. Normally my mom could step in and take Jake for the weekend, but she’s working mandatory overtime because of a big sale at the store.”

“I might have a solution for you.”

“Really? Have a seat.” Katy gestured toward the couch and he complied. She sat in an easy chair.

Royce plunged in before he could have second thoughts. Or thirds. “Actually, it was Jake’s idea. I’m not working right now and I can easily arrange my physical therapy around Jake’s school schedule.”

“I didn’t think you’d seriously be interested.”

“Only on a temporary basis, until you find another nanny. One who’s qualified and all that.”

Her shoulders straightened. “I’d pay you, of course.”

He grinned. “Of course. I have to admit, I could use the cash until I get my disability claim worked out. My investments are long- term and I can’t access my funds right now. But that’s not the reason I suggested the plan. Jake’s a great kid. I’d like to do it.”

“It might just work. You’re right here in the building. Jake likes you. I…trust you.”

Royce loved seeing hope spark in her eyes. He felt good that he’d been the one to help put it there.

Katy placed her hand on his arm. His left arm, just below the elbow. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked.

Royce was mesmerized by the sight of her hand so close to his injury. He realized it was the first time anyone outside the medical profession had touched his damaged arm. It was a shock to find out how much he missed that contact.

“Positive.” He’d never felt so sure of something in his life. And that scared him.

CHAPTER SIX

WHEN THE PHONE RANG on Friday, Royce checked the caller ID display, half expecting it to read “unknown caller,” the digital trick employed by some telemarketers.

Instead, it read “Garner, Katy.”

“Hi, Katy. What’s up?”

“I was just calling to see how it went yesterday.”

“Fine. No problem. Jake’s an easy kid to be around. As a matter of fact, he insisted on loading the dishwasher.”

“Most of the time he’s very good.”

He thought he detected a smile in her voice.

“Most of the time? Now you’ve got me worried. Does he grow fangs during the full moon?”

Her chuckle was warm and made him smile.

She said, “I have the feeling this might be the honeymoon period.”

“Honeymoon?”

“As in, he’s on his best behavior because he doesn’t want to scare you off.”

“Hey, it takes a lot to scare me. I’m not totally unaccustomed to ten-year-old boys.”

“Not much recent experience, though, huh?”

“It’s coming back to me. Piece of cake.”

If Saturday afternoon went just as well, he would be home free. Jake’s grandmother would take him for the two nights and Royce would watch him during Audrey’s Saturday shift at work. And Katy would be home Sunday. Not a bad arrangement as long as it was temporary.

“Good. I’ll stop by with your pay Sunday night if I don’t get in too late.”