My phone buzzed again.
Theo: I’m glad things are going well. Thanks again for helping out. I felt bad that I had to rush out so quickly this morning. I don’t think I even said goodbye.
I glanced back at Charlotte, who was now giggling hysterically at the two boys on the screen wearing wigs and pink tutus.
Me: Don’t worry about it. I figured you had a big day. No need to feel bad.
There was a pause. Long enough that I wondered if he’d been pulled into something at work or decided to let the conversation end there.
Then—
Theo: Still. I appreciate you. I can’t tell you how nice it’s been knowing Charlotte is in good hands while I’m at work.
My fingers hovered over the screen for a second before I typed back.
Me: I’m happy to help. It’s actually been so much fun for me too. You’re raising a darling girl.
Which was true. Charlotte was pretty much the cutest little gremlin I’d ever encountered.
I set my phone down just as Charlotte scooted closer, her head tipping against my arm. The simple weight of her there made my chest feel too full in the best way.
I’d only been watching her for a few days, but the thought of Monday morning rolling around and not needing to come here anymore already made my heart twist.
I’d always thought working with kids could be fun. That was part of the reason I’d added an early childhood development minor in the first place. But there was something especially sweet about spending the day with this specific little girl.
Was this what it would feel like to work at a preschool? Or a daycare?
Or a preschool gymnastics program?
Maybe I should broaden my job search. It wasn’t like any of the other positions I’d applied for were falling over themselves to hire me. I might as well see what else was out there.
If I hated it, I could always quit, right?
With a quiet sigh, I opened another browser tab and searched for childcare job listings. A few results loaded almost instantly.
Assistant teacher. Program aide. Daycare support staff.
And then, my eyes snagged when I read the listing for a full-time nanny position.
Was that Theo’s listing?
Was he still looking for an official nanny, then?
I hadn’t asked him where he was in the hiring process since I figured he would’ve said something if there was news.
Still, my fingers hovered over the trackpad as I stared at the listing, chewing on my bottom lip.
Would it be weird to apply? Put it out there and see what he said?
Worst-case scenario, he’d see my name, delete the application, and I’d spend the rest of my life actively avoiding eye contact with him.
No big deal.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I filled out the application.
A few minutes after I’d hit the submit button, my phone buzzed.
My heart leapt straight into my throat.Has Theo already seen it?