“Romance,” she supplies in a sing-song. “Got it. Totally not romance. Purely contractual. Absolutely nothing to do with the way you look when you talk about him.”
I groan into my hands. “Drive.”
Tiana laughs. “We’ll circle back to therealdetails later. But right now, I need to swing by Willow’s to grab the weekend schedule.”
Soon enough, after the detour, we’re pulling into our parents’ driveway. My chest warms at the thought of seeing them. I didn’t realize how much I missed home until now.
Dinner is loud. Mom fusses over me, Devon teases, and JJ fills us in on middle school drama.
Later, Tiana and I collapse on her bed. I curl up against her pillows while she flips through her planner.
After catching her up on what happened in Singapore, I ask, “So, how’s Willow’s been holding up without me?”
Her lips curve though her shoulders sag. “It’s been tough. Aravind asked me to find a replacement for you, but everyone I’ve tried either flakes or just isn’t good enough. You left big shoes, MJ. We miss you.”
My chest pinches. Before I can reply, she adds, “And I talked to him again about me buying the place. But he wants to sell soon, and I don’t have the down payment, and there’s no way I can work a second job right now.”
I sit up straighter, suddenly remembering how worried Griffin was at the gala. “Wait. What if you tried nannying?”
Tiana snorts. “Me? A nanny?”
“Why not?” I grin. “You’re amazing with kids. You used to babysit the whole neighborhood; you even made those business cards Devon helped you design. Griffin, one of my bosses, has been looking for someone reliable to watch his son. It could be perfect. Especially if it’s live-in. You’d have mornings and evenings with the kid, and you’d still be able to work at Willow’s during the day while he’s at school.”
She blinks, chewing it over. “Huh. That actually… doesn’t sound terrible.”
“See? Perfect fit.”
Before I can push more, my phone buzzes on the nightstand. Worth’s name lights up the screen. My heart kicks.
Worth:
Great work this week, Ms. Jones.
I bite back a smile, warmth spreading through me as I lock my phone without replying. It’s safer that way.
25
WORTH
When I step through the door, Brianna barrels towards me with a wide grin on her face. I drop my bags and catch her, lifting her off the ground like I used to when she was small. She’s taller now, lankier, but I don’t care. I hug her tight and kiss the top of her head, breathing her in. God, I missed her.
“Dad!” she squeals, squeezing my neck. “You’re back!”
“Always, Piglet,” I murmur, setting her down but keeping my arm slung over her shoulders. “You look happy to see me.”
“Duh!”
I bark a laugh. “I missed you, little one.”
She grins, a wicked little thing. “Me too!”
Before I can get another word in, Bri starts yapping about her week. I let her talk, the sound of her voice untangling the stress in my chest as we head towards the kitchen together.
Maggie is at the stove, wooden spoon in hand, stirring something that smells delicious. At the island, Henson sits with a glass of something green. His face says it all. He catches my eye, then points at the drink, mouthinghelp me.
I chuckle under my breath and raise both hands.You’re on your own, brother.
It’s probably one of Maggie’s so-called miracle juices. She swears her concoctions can cure everything from headaches to heartbreak. Judging by Henson’s grimace, he must’ve complained about something earlier and got stuck being the guinea pig.