“You’ve got us now. We’ll celebrate together.”
“Doesn’t that cross a line?”
“As if you’re concerned about boundaries.”
“I’m worried about confusing your child,” she retorts.
Which gets me thinking. “Has Ronnie asked you to be her mom?”
“Not today, but it’s still early.”
That’s somewhat of a relief. “Well, you’re already living with us. Ronnie will want you at our table for family meals. We justhave to make your position clear. It might take time, but she’ll learn to accept it.”
A loud snort spews from her. “I’m still not intruding on your holiday traditions.”
“Who says we have any?”
“There’s no way you’re convincing me the Benson clan doesn’t go all out.”
Memories rush over me in a cold wave. “It hasn’t felt the same since my mom left. And after Marion’s passing, I’m not sure what the rest of them are doing.”
Frankie flinches at the mention of my aunt’s death. It was a brain aneurysm. Killed her instantly. Her absence created a hole that the town and our family will never recover from. But we do our best to live each day like it’s our last, the way she would’ve wanted.
Which involves creating new traditions.
“Nothing fancy,” I mumble. “Hope that’s okay with you.”
The redhead rolls her eyes. “Nope. You’ve lost me. Caviar and champagne or I walk.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Her smile almost appears genuine. “Let’s circle back to my hours before you rope me into anything else.”
As if I’m including her for my benefit. “Ronnie has school from nine until four. I need you to drop her off in the morning. The bus brings her home in the afternoon, but you have to be at the road to get her or they won’t let her off. Other than that, it’s flexible. Jot down a schedule you can commit to.”
Her wary expression scrutinizes mine. “Am I getting paid?”
A slimy wriggle turns my stomach. “Assume what you will, but I don’t expect you to work for free. How does a thousand a week sound?”
She sputters. “What?”
My palms lift to stave off her upset. “Didn’t mean to offend you. Can we agree on two thousand?”
Frankie’s mouth works silently for several seconds. “You must be joking.”
“I won’t go higher until you prove yourself.”
She gapes at me. “It’s too much already!”
“My daughter’s safety and happiness are priceless. You’re responsible for both.”
“Uh-huh, sure. Let me get this straight.” She pauses to gather her thoughts again. “You’re giving me a place to stay, a car to drive, and freedom to roam while also paying me two thousand dollars a week?”
“For taking care of Ronnie,” I reiterate. “I’ll shadow you for the first month or so to make sure you’re comfortable.”
“And until you’re sure this isn’t a mistake.” Her tone is rolling its eyes.
“Like I’ve said, don’t fuck it up.”