Chapter 23
[Addison]
[Two Months Later]
When I entered the Grant Family manor, it was with the understanding that it would be temporary. “I just need to call Tracy. She’ll help me get back on my feet. I’ll find my own place and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
And while I did call Tracy, and she did come over, her response was to leave me there. “Until you recover. This place is a MUCH
nicer place to heal than my one bedroom apartment.‘
What started out as one day turned into ten, and before I knew it two months have passed. Although technically I never accepted
the position as Livy’s nanny and tutor, it sorta just…happened.
Every morning, the contract sits on the table with a pen waiting for me to sign. And every morning, I take the contract and recycle it, with no intention of signing it. I don’t know why I hesitate. Maybe because it will give me an official spot in their household and I’m not quite ready for that yet—to feel like I belong to this little family. My heart is still aching with how Michael and my
own son Jayson rejected me for Evelyn.
I now know that happily ever after isn’t always forever.
And I haven’t taken a single cent of Hunter’s money. I am determined to make it on my feet on my own terms. And while his offer
is generous…it’s a bit too generous. I don’t want there to be any misunderstandings between us.
Yes, I need money—especially after discovering that my personal accounts had been completely drained. But I spend time with
Livy because she is a wonderful little girl and because I want to, not because anyone’s paying me. And as soon as I find a job, I’ll
move out.
It’s already getting complicated enough—Olivia insists on calling me “Auntie.”
“Livy! Where are you hiding! You need to take your bath now!” shuffling along the hallway, I search underneath tables and in the
hall cupboards. Not there. Cheeky little cherub, she hates taking baths..
The sound of giggling behind me turns my head. “Olivia Grant, you know this is important. Tomorrow is a big day! It’s your first
day of TK.”
“No shower. No school.” She mumbles from my bedroom, one of the guest rooms at the end of the hall. She’s probably under my bed again.
“Yes shower, yes school,” I grin as I pull up the comforter and find her lying on her stomach, her chin resting in her hands. “Just think of all of the new friends you will make. Also, if you’re extra good, maybe,” shielding my mouth with my hands I whisper, “I’ll take you out for some ice cream after.”
As I scoot away from the bed, Olivia crawls out from underneath. “Two ice creams,” she holds up her fingers. “One for the
shower, one for school.”
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“Already such a little litigator,” Tickling her, I praise her negotiating skills. If she keeps up like this, she’ll make a fine law someday. “How about this–one ice cream, two scoops.”
“Yay,” Livy cheers, knowing she has won as she wraps her arms around my neck. “You are the best, Auntie!”
Her fine baby hairs tickle my cheeks as her soft lips reward me with a sweet kiss on my chin, melting a bit more of the ice around
my heart. Livy’s love is so pure, so genuine, it’s hard not to fall in love with her.
Watching her skip down the hall towards the bathroom, she sings a song about ice cream and I wonder if this wasn’t all some
elaborate plan to obtain her favorite treat, knowing I’d offer it up as a bargaining chip.
She’s very smart for 4 years old. Also, she knows me far too well.
Shaking my head, I laugh as she takes the maid’s hand as if the battle from a moment ago hadn’t happened. A few seconds later I
hear splashing and singing. For all the fuss she makes about getting into the bath, she always has a great time once she’s in.
“You spoil her, you know,” a deep voice sends shivers down my spine and I turn to see Mr. Grant standing at the top of the stairs,
his suit still crisp even after a full day of work.
“It isn’t spoiling, it’s a negotiation,” shaking my finger I reminded him of the wise words of her behaviorist from our family
therapy meetings. “You can’t force a child like Livy to do anything she doesn’t want to do. That’s what causes the meltdowns. She
needs to feel a sense of agency.”
Frowning, he mumbles something about “bribes” but I know I’ve won the argument. These methods are proven by science after
all.
“Are you available to watch her this evening,” he loosens his tie as he takes a step towards me. “I have a meeting I must attend in
about an hour.”
“At 8 pm?” One thing I’ve learned about Hunter is that he’s always working. No wonder he needed a companion for Livy. “But you just got home.”
“You know how clients can be,” he removes his coat. “Sometimes the best deals are made over drinks. I’ll be heading out soon. If
you can’t…”
“No, I’ll watch her,” I promise. “I didn’t have any plans. Speaking of plans,” changing the subject, I remind him about my job interview tomorrow morning. “So you’ll need to be on call in case anything happens.”
“Of course,” he agrees without argument. Michael would have balked about having to rush off to pick up Jayson in case of an emergency, always claiming to be “too busy.” But Hunter, a busy CEO with a multi–national, trillion dollar business to run has no
problem setting it all aside to pick his little niece up from school.
Hunter’s is as different from my ex as night to day.
“Speaking about that,” he hands me a slim card. “Here is some money to buy yourself a new interview suit. I apologize that we didn’t have enough time to get one tailored.”
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Pushing his hand aside, I shake my head, insisting that my clothes are fine enough. “I know the man leading the interview
isn’t the type to be impressed by top brands –Just top talent. And once I’m hired, I’ll move out.” 1
This interview is for the same job I had been offered 6 years ago. I decided to marry Michael instead and help him start his firm. When I saw that the firm had an opening, I submitted my resume. I was so pleased when they called me for an in person interview–It feels like a second chance.
Hunter raises an eyebrow but doesn’t argue. Much like his niece, this argument between us feels like a negotiation, I just don’t know yet what the bargain is going to involve.
“After work, and your interview, we should have a chat,” he takes a step closer. “Can you meet me for lunch.”
“Hunter, Mr. Grant, I’m not sure if…”
“Auntie, I’m done!!” Livy calls from the bathroom and I leave Hunter standing there, a bemused look on his face as he watches
me walk away.
“I’ll send the car at noon,” Hunter promises as he turns and walks away, leaving me no choice but to agree.
