The Manny

‘I share a loft with two guys in Brooklyn, Red Hook actually. You know it?’

‘I, I know Brooklyn, yes.’

He grinned. ‘I can’t really see you in Red Hook.’

I had to grin back. His irreverence charmed me. For the first time during the interview I felt myself relax. ‘Well, actually, I have a lot of friends who live in Brooklyn.’

He didn’t look convinced. The burgeoning working-class Red Hook and the toney, yuppie Brooklyn Heights – where I really do know some people (vaguely) – are continents apart.

‘So what do your roommates do?’

‘One wrote a novel that got great reviews, but he had to bartend because even good books don’t make any money. So he got a job working for a hot literary agent at InkWell Management. The other is the teacher in the public school system. The one I was subbing for. He’s consulting on my program.’

‘So each of them have pretty set career paths.’

‘I guess so. But you’re offering more than they make.’

‘So is the salary more important than a set career path?’

‘I’m on a set career path. Listen, are you trying to convince me not to take this job?’

I put my tough reporter hat on. ‘OK, let’s talk turkey.’ I took a sip of water. ‘You’re living in this year’s hip new Brooklyn neighbourhood, even I know that. You’re personable, smart and well educated, and of course I’m not trying to scare you off. But I need to know how you feel about working in someone’s home when your friends are becoming teachers and agents? Would that be …’

‘Be what?’

‘You’re almost thirty. Do you mind taking a job like this?’ I crossed my fingers under the desk. ‘In a household with kids?’ I hated saying that out loud, reminding him he was a guy with a graduate degree on an interview to become a Park Avenue nanny. But I also didn’t want him ditching us after a week when he realized what he’d agreed to. ‘I mean, not that it isn’t, you know, substantive; some consider it a calling to work with kids … have you ever even heard of the term “manny”?’

‘No. But now that you say it, I get it right away.’ He laughed. ‘Now I’m remembering. Britney Spears has one.’

‘Well. I mean, for her, that’s a bodyguard guy. I think the word “manny” sounds kind of …’

‘What?’ I was thinking demeaning, but I didn’t say it.

He leaned in closer. The leather on the chair squeaked. ‘I think the word “manny” is hilarious.’

‘So you don’t mind it?’

‘First of all, I’m never going to be a suit.’

‘But you have worked in offices.’

‘Not happily.’

‘Like at the Denver Educational Alliance? You didn’t list a reference from there.’

‘I’d been there for fourteen months doing a study. You’re not going to get a reference.’

‘You mind telling me why?’

‘Happy to. They do great work, but the founder’s a passive aggressive guy who likes to make his colleagues miserable, and, frankly, I told him so.’

‘You told him he was passive aggressive?’ What will he think of me? A lame Park Avenue mother trying to have it all.

‘Not in those words. Well, maybe I used that term, but I was very clear and respectful when I said it. Listen, someone had to say it. My boss was a complete jerk. And one day we were in a meeting, and, as usual he was completely undermining a colleague, a woman whose work was top-notch and I just couldn’t take it. Anyway, I said all the things I knew everyone else was thinking.’

‘That’s, I guess, impressive.’

‘You know what? I didn’t tell you that to impress you. Just to show you I don’t like the BS that goes with the structure of an office. This is why I like kids. Because kids tell you what they mean. First time out. And if you just listen, they have an innate sense of fairness that I totally respond to.’

‘I get that.’

‘I also like working independently. Honestly, your job sounds good. I can’t do a full-time gig right now, and the job would let me work on the computer project whenever I’m not needed during the day, with Dylan in school. I assume I would go home after he’s asleep, right?’

‘Yes. Carolina lives in, so she’s fine to cover if we’re out or something.’

‘And the other kids?’

‘Sometimes I might need you to pitch in. It’s hard in a family with three kids just to focus on one child at a time.’

‘Makes sense, but I’m not totally experienced with little kids.’

‘The regular nanny will be there all the time. I’m going to need you in the mornings sometimes too, just for drop-off mostly if I am travelling or whatever.’

‘If I’m available, sure. Depends on how the software’s going. How often do you think that might be?’

‘Like a few times a week.’

‘That’s fine. If I can.’ I was getting the impression this guy wasn’t meant for the service industry.

‘And you’re sure this position is something for you …?’

‘Scout’s honour.’ He put two fingers in the air. ‘Listen, if all goes according to plan, my project should hit in about eighteen to twenty-four months. And when that bang happens, Dylan’s going to be off and running like new.’

I laughed. ‘Sounds like a plan. So you like New York?’

‘I do. But also, my backers are here. All the technology funds are here …’ He looked down. ‘And … and there’s a little situation at home I don’t need to be around.’

‘A situation? Something I should know about?’

‘Nah. No big deal.’ He looked up with a slightly crooked smile. ‘Sorry. It’s personal.’

Charles had done a thorough background check including his criminal record and there was nothing. Besides, I didn’t want to pry. At least, not then.

‘But I do have one problem,’ Peter said.

‘This is an interview. You’re not allowed to have a problem yet.’

He smiled. ‘You told me Dylan’s dad is gone all the time. You can buy someone’s time and attention, but it is not the same as a dad. And for what the job pays, I don’t want to disappoint you – or him – from day one. Dylan’ll figure out right away I’m pinch-hitting for his father. How do you think he’ll feel about that?’