Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61900 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
I go into the kitchen once Star is down and get myself another drink, only now can I fully relax. After all, it’s my job to put Star first, even when there are people around. I’m her nanny, it’s what I do, and she is number one to me. That little girl is growing on me, and I hope in time, she’ll start to grow on Hugh, too. He deserves that. She deserves that.
“Delilah is chatty.”
I turn to see Hugh standing in the kitchen with an empty plate in his hand. The sound of Delilah’s laughter trails through the room, and I can’t help but feel glad she is opening up a little.
“You all ate the cucumber sandwiches,” I say, with a smile.
Hugh grunts. “We didn’t want to hurt her feelings; she has put in a big effort.”
“Yeah, she has. How did your ride with her go?”
I wish this strange feeling in my chest would go the hell away. It’s this tightness when I talk about Delilah with Hugh, but it couldn’t be jealousy. I haven’t known either of them long enough to have any sort of attachment. Even though the kiss with Hugh plays in my mind, over and over, I’m starting to think it’s more because I wish someone wanted me in the genuine way he showed, instead of in the toxic way I’m used to.
Perhaps that’s what it is?
Jealousy of the effort.
“We had a good time, actually,” he tells me. “She laughed a lot and opened up. When she is away from the life she is so used to, she’s actually a good chick.”
I force a smile.
Stop being so petty, Maggie.
“Well, I’m glad. I really am. You two deserve to make it work.”
Liar.
“Hmmm,” he murmurs, “well it’s a step forward but we still have a long way to go. One day out doesn’t mean she’s willing to change for the better. Her parents fuckin’ hate me and they want her to end it, so she’s going to have that pressure forever. It’ll take a hell of a person to go against her family for us.”
He’s right.
It will.
Am I sure Delilah has it in her? No.
But do I think she could possibly give it her best shot? Maybe.
“It’ll be tough, but you should both be proud you’re giving it your best go for Star’s sake.”
“Yeah,” he mutters, “but still feels forced.”
“It might for a while—you two have basically been forced into a situation that you’re both a little uncomfortable with. It’s going to take a bit to ease.”
“There’s that smart brain again,” he says, staring at me.
His hands comes out, surprising me when he takes a piece of thick hair that always falls over my face and tucks it behind my ear. I swallow the thick lump in my throat and stare at him, eyes wide, trying really hard not to look like my heart is racing, because oh, it is.
“Your hair is somethin’ else,” he murmurs.
“Yeah,” I say, my voice far too breathy. “I have wild hair.”
“It’s fuckin’ beautiful.”
Jesus.
Step away.
Abort mission.
Run, Maggie.
“There you are.”
Delilah’s voice has Hugh dropping his hand.
Saved by the bell.
Thank god.
“THE GIRLS ARE ALL COMING over, I’m going to need you to be on your best behavior, Maggie. This is important. One of the girls’ father owns a huge company I want to get into, and if she doesn’t like me, he won’t, either.”
Yes, Mommy.
Anything else?
I want to fanny kick her just to remind her I’m not a toddler and she can speak to me like a normal person, but then I am reminded that that’s exactly something a toddler would do. So I refrain.
“We’ve been over this business of talking to me like I’m a child,” I say, calmly even though my hands are shaking. “I’m not stupid, Delilah. Just tell me what you need and do it like you’d talk to any other grown ass adult.”
She pauses mid-way through fluffing a pillow on the sofa she has already fluffed twice. She glances at me, and then exhales. “You’re right. Sorry. Please just do your best.”
I blink.
Did ... did she just apologize?
I’m stunned, so stunned it takes me a moment to respond. I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing her act genuine. It looks good on her.
“Of course,” I manage, still surprised.
“Thank you. Can you get Starla dressed? I’ve left her outfit on the bed.”
I nod, scoop down, and pick up Star who is playing on the ground, and walk her into her bedroom. I stare at the outfit, look around the room incase I’m wrong, and then look back. She can’t be serious? This would have to be the most hideous outfit I’ve ever seen and certainly not fit for a little baby.
The pants are some sort of expensive light brown fabric that looks so unforgiving I’m not certain how she thinks I’m going to get those over Star’s legs. Then, the shirt. White button down and full of fucking ruffles. Ruffles around the neck, ruffles on the sleeves. Yuck. What the hell? A giant bow for her little precious head sits above it all and a pair of nasty brown shoes that I’m certain are more expensive that my entire outfit sit by the pants.