He sounded tired, fed up.
“Reese?”
“Yeah?”
“Is everything okay?” She felt stupid for asking. They were acquaintances. Boss and employee. But she heard a tone in his voice, a tinge of defeat he couldn’t quite mask, and it bothered her. “Surely you’re not having to race around and find a place for a wedding today? Who gets married on a Monday?”
“You’d be surprised. We actually do about eighteen Monday weddings per year,” he said. “But I’m not even at work yet.”
“Why not? Kids sick?”
“They’re healthy as hogs. No, it’s the same old nanny problem and since the day care I use is on your side of the town, it’s also shutting down for today. I’m trying to juggle things.” He rasped a harsh laugh. “Between filling your job at Byways and trying to keep a nanny, I’m starting to feel like an employment agency.”
“I’m sorry.” That sounded woefully inadequate.
“Yeah, me, too. But thanks.”
“Reese? Would it be okay—I mean, since I have the day off and everything.” Olivia paused, squeezed her eyes closed and counted to ten. “What if I took care of the twins today? I have nothing else planned, so it’s not a problem.”
“Really? You wouldn’t mind?”
“I’d love to see the boys again.” She meant it. But she also wanted to see him, too.
For some reason Olivia couldn’t quite dislodge Reese’s face from her mind, though she’d told herself to get over it a thousand times. She was not interested in a romantic relationship and there was a good reason for that. Being the fodder for gossip tabloids meant everyone you came into contact with was a target. Granted, few people outside New York would remember her, but Brett and Brady were totally photogenic. As was their father. Add in the notoriety of Weddings by Woodwards and who knows how big an enterprising reporter could make the story.
Stop worrying. Nancy said no one knows where you are.
Silence gaped across the phone connection like a chasm too wide to cross.
“Reese?” She regretted offering. After all, they were strangers. She’d only been a bridesmaid in his sister’s wedding. “Never mind—”
“If you’re really sure, I’ll be forever grateful.”
“I’m really sure.” Funny how sure she was.
“Then thank you.” A crash sounded in the background. “Want to change your mind, Olivia?” he murmured.
She laughed.
“No. But I’ll need directions how to get there.”
Reese told her, then added, “Drive carefully.”
Olivia hung up the phone, smiling at the ruckus she’d heard in the background.
“So now you’re babysitting his kids.” Nelson leaned against the door frame, his face expressing his displeasure.
“I don’t think it’s polite to listen in on other people’s conversations, do you?” Olivia stared at him for a second. Seeing no remorse she gathered her bag and her jacket. “I was about to tell you and Casey that we have to cancel out today. Reese says the power’s going to be shut off and will probably stay that way till this evening, so we’re to close up shop for the day. I hope that won’t put you out too much.”
“That’s not exactly true, is it, Olivia?” A sneer stretched his lips, marring Nelson’s good looks. “You really don’t care if my plans are ruined at all.”
“You’re wrong about that. But I’m not going to argue with you. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She paused outside her office, waiting for him to leave so she could lock the door.
Nelson made her wait a few seconds before ambling out of the room. He stood watching her, as if memorizing the way she turned the deadbolt and checked to make sure the door was locked.
“Secrets protected, Olivia?”
“I have nothing to hide.” But I don’t want my life on the front page anymore.
“Sure you don’t. How come nobody’s heard of you?”
“Lots of people have heard of me.”
“I heard your references were rather skimpy.”
Frustration vied with anger. Olivia fought to keep both from showing and sent a prayer for help heavenward. Composing herself, she slid the handle of her bag over one shoulder and dug her keys from the outside pocket.
Then she looked him squarely in the eye.
“The board was completely satisfied with my references.” She exhaled and tried again. “I don’t know why you’re acting like this, Nelson. I’m not at Byways to ruin your world or make your life difficult. I am here for the children. I intend to do the very best I can for them, for as long as I’m here. And nothing you can say will sway me from that goal.”
“Uh-huh.”
Olivia paused a fraction of a second longer, maintaining eye contact. Then in her softest voice, “Excuse me.”
Nelson stepped back, waved her past.
“Of course. I’ll lock the place up for you and make sure all the other details are seen to while you go off and have your date with the chairman.”
It took every ounce of strength Olivia could muster to keep walking. She found Casey, told her the plan, then left. When she finally reached her car, she kept her back to Byways as she drew in deep cleansing breaths.
“I didn’t mean to listen to your conversation, Olivia.” Emily stood behind her. She danced from one foot to the other. “But I heard what my brother said in the hallway. You’re going to Mr. Woodward’s.”
“Yes.” Olivia felt sorry for the thirteen-year-old. Having Nelson for a brother must be difficult. “I’m going to look after the twins for the day. Their nanny quit.”
“Can I go with you? Please? I’m used to babysitting them, I could help.” Emily tracked Olivia’s gaze back to the building where her brother stood on the top step, watching them. “Please? I really want to go.” She sounded nervous. “I need to.”
Need to? Olivia studied the young girl, saw shadows in her eyes.
“Is anything wrong, Emily?”
“No.” It came out too quickly. Emily darted another glance over her shoulder. “I just need to get away from here today,” she said, desperation edging her voice. “I promise I won’t cause any trouble. I’ll do whatever you want me to. But please, let me come.”
The look crouching at the back of Emily’s eyes reminded Olivia of her own feelings when cameras had been shoved in her face, harassing her, intruding into her grief. All she’d wanted was to escape. Emily’s face bore that same fear.
“You’ve babysat the twins before. Maybe you should go instead of me,” Olivia murmured, stalling for time. Nelson was still watching them.
“I—I don’t want to babysit all alone. I’m kind of—tired.” Emily’s jerky voice came out in little gasps. “I was up late last night.”
“How come?” Olivia didn’t understand why the girl wanted to escape, but she recognized the extreme anxiety in Emily’s voice. The way she kept checking to see if her brother was still watching them was curious. It wasn’t that Olivia wouldn’t welcome the extra help with the two busy boys, but she had a feeling allowing Emily to come with her would only irritate Nelson more and she did not need that. “Were you sick?”
“No.” Emily blurted the word out too fast. “I was busy doing—stuff. It took longer than I figured. You could phone Mr.