“I was given the same opportunities as my siblings, but I’d always been the screw-up. He took my mother and me in and gave us a life we never could’ve imagined, and I don’t know, I feel like I’m losing another father.”
I sighed dreamily.
Women with daddy issues are God’s gift to men. If they can’t appease their fathers, they’ll seek validation from any men willing to give it to them.
“What’s stopping you from changing?”
“Excuse me?” she asked, completely blindsided by my statement.
“You’re still young, Kiyah. It’s not too late to prove to your father that you’re not the family’s black sheep. I have an idea, and please, feel free to call me crazy, but why don’t you come work for me?”
Her eyes widened owlishly from my generous offer. “In what capacity?”
“I’m in desperate need of a live-in nanny and can use a few more hands on my campaign. I know you disdain politics, but you have the vision. You inspired me to change my campaign slogan, after all.”
She smiled gently. “And how is the new slogan polling?”
“Overwhelmingly positive. My campaign manager believes I have the election in the bag, but you know what they say about celebrating too early.”
“It’s not advisable. What position would I have?”
“One that has a fancy title without the heavy burden. I’m thinking—”
“Please don’t make me the hospitality manager responsible for setting up a drink station.”
I laughed genuinely, stirring Pete from his sleep. He eyed me cautiously, wondering if that was the first time he ever heard me laugh in earnest.
“I was thinking more along the lines of Entertainment Coordinator. You can plan what Pete and I do in our leisure time while on the road.”
“Sounds riveting.”
“Do you think you can handle it? It’s arguably the most crucial position on my campaign team,” I said, flashing her my politician smile.
“I don’t know if I’m qualified to plan a trip to the aquarium,” she said, drawling her words playfully.
“You’re considering my offer then?”
She looked away. “I don’t know. I know I need to do something with myself, but—”
I won’t let her refuse me!
“I’ll tell you what. How about you take a few days to think it over and give me a call?” I said, climbing out of the booth with my son. “I know being a nanny and an entertainment coordinator isn’t as glamorous as being a big shot attorney, but it’s important work, and your boss is amazing, if I say so myself.”
I pulled out a business card and dropped it on the table.
“You’re a little full of yourself.”
I grinned. “I was referring to Pete.” I chuckled when her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “Call me in 48 hours with your decision. Have a good evening, Kiyah.”
I left the restaurant feeling invigorated and accomplished because I had no doubt that I’d hear from Kiyah by the evening—tomorrow at the latest.
She’s an intelligent woman, but far too trusting.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Kiyah
I flipped Todd’s business card between my fingers and stared at my bedroom ceiling. I was considering his offer because I couldn’t help but feel like an interloper in my parents’ home. They’d recently kicked Kieran’s ass to the curb and were looking forward to becoming empty nesters, only for me to return home with my baggage. They insisted they preferred me home rather than taking off and going low contact again.