“That woman doesn’t seem like she’s easily intimidated. So I doubt she carried a torch for me.”
“Improper advances? Conquest? Carried a torch? Damn, are you my grandma now?”
“Yes, and I’m very disappointed in you using all that bad language, young man,” I laughed. “In all seriousness, Noah, I know you want what’s best for me. But you have to let me be the judge of that. I’m not going to lose control and find myself unable to resist her. I’ve never met the woman yet who I couldn’t forget if I tried.”
“Famous last words, my man, famous last words,” he said. I’m not sure why his joke felt a little dangerous, why it fell on my ears more like a curse than a throwaway remark.
I was going to hire her if we could come to terms. There was no sense putting it off. I’d changed my entire lifestyle when I became a father. I didn’t believe there was much chance that my value system was in danger from being in close proximity to a waitress and babysitter. I wouldn’t suddenly throw out my plan to avoid a relationship or affair because of Sadie. There wouldn’t be a moment when I threw off all my closely held beliefs because the babysitter was attractive to me. Grown men don’t act like hormonal teenagers, especially when their daughter’s happiness and stability are at stake. I would not set my child up for another loss like the abandonment of her mother. I liked our life the way it was, far too much to tamper with it.
9 Rachel
The morning crowd bought their coffee and muffins and rolled out to work, a steady stream of business from seven on. At eight, almost on the dot, Max came into the diner. I finished serving the fried eggs and hash browns to the mayor and topped off his orange juice. Then I went to the other end of the counter and took Max’s order. This had to be the moment of truth.
“Morning,” I said. “What can I get you today?”
“Large coffee to go,” he said. “And a minute of your time if you have it.”
I nodded, told Tasha I was taking my break and got Max his coffee. We sat on the vacant stools at the end of the counter. He looked so handsome, and his hair was still wet from the shower.
“Well?” I asked. “Have you decided if you want my help with Sadie Cakes?”
“Yes. I do want your help. I’m here to offer you the job. Most days in summer I work eight to five, seven to six if it’s a long one with a big order to fill. Are those hours something that would work with your schedule here at the diner?”
“Yes. I’ve been managing this place for a few years and make the schedule myself. I can make that work. We’ll have high school and college students wanting the day shifts, and I can work here at night and on weekends. You work five days, not six, right?”
“Actually, I work four long days and take Fridays and the weekends off. I pay twenty an hour, for a ten-hour day. You’re on duty nine hours, but I like to have you there at least fifteen minutes before eight and in case I’m running a few minutes late in the evening, it’s covered.”
“You’re gonna pay me eight hundred dollars a week?” I was dumbfounded. I had hoped for fifteen an hour. I was going to be watching one kid. Not that I wanted to argue to be paid less, but still.
“Yes. If there’s overtime or a weekend day, I pay time and a half. I’m not paying just for you to babysit Sadie.”
“So do I need to clean the house? I can—”
“No, I’m paying for my daughter to have your undivided attention. I could put her in daycare, but she wouldn’t get the one-on-one time or the enrichment of having a dedicated caregiver only responsible for her. She’ll have swimming lessons in town twice a week, and there are certain things I want her to do.”
“You have a schedule?” I asked.
“We do,” he answered. “We go to the library every week. If you would do that and try to go when it’s story time because she likes that. Go to the park once a week. Things like that.”
“Oh. I just had this vision of having to blow a whistle and make her do calisthenics or something. I can take her on outings then, go feed the ducks and stuff, right?”
“Yes, I have an extra booster seat for your car, and I’ll need a copy of your license and your insurance.”
“Not a problem. What about restrictions? What don’t you want me to do?” I asked.
“No smoking or drinking while you’re on duty, no illicit drugs. Don’t let her juggle knives or get a tattoo” he grinned, and I grinned back. “This is probably a conversation for when we have more time. Could you come over to the cabin, have dinner with us tomorrow night around six? We can discuss the ins and outs then.”
I nodded, “I’ll be there. Can I bring anything?”
“Pie. Definitely pie.”
“Will do. See you then,” I said, “It’s going to be a great summer.”
“I hope so,” he said.
I was beaming, my face aching from smiling when he left. I had the job at a higher rate of pay than expected, and I’d be able to scrape together the rest of my
