Something Old - Dianne L. Christner [21]
“Of course not.” She hurried into her explanation so that she didn’t take up Tammy’s precious time. “I just wondered if you knew of anyone who was looking for a housekeeper? One of my employers moved to Florida, and I could use more work.”
Tammy smiled and plunked her purse back on the counter. Her briefcase, stuffed with real estate fliers, slid to the ground. “Why don’t I fix us a pot of coffee? We never get to chat. You drink coffee?”
Feeling apprehensive, Katy folded a size 7 sweater. “I’d love a cup.”
Tammy flung a wet coffee filter into the garbage, and some of the grounds splattered onto her suit skirt. “Ugh!” she moaned, tearing off a paper towel and blotting at the spot.
“Can I help?”
“Nope.” Tammy brushed the air with her hand. “I’ve got it. Good as new. See?” Then she bent over, and Katy cringed to see a cross nestled in her employer’s cleavage, accentuated by her immodest neckline. “What hours do you usually work?”
Slipping onto a bar stool, Katy explained, “I work for you on Mondays and Wednesdays. I clean for an elderly woman who lives in a retirement community every other Friday. The couple that moved to Florida I worked for on Tuesdays and Thursdays. That’s the job I need to replace.”
The aroma of a popular Starbucks blend filled the kitchen as coffee dripped into a carafe. Tammy moved into a bar stool and swiveled to face her. “I think we can help each other. I need a nanny.”
Instantly recoiling, Katy shook her head. “I don’t think so. I’ve never babysat before.”
Tammy swept off the stool and got the liquid creamer from the refrigerator. No wonder Tammy was treating her like a guest instead of a servant. The other woman returned with two steaming cups, placing one in front of Katy. “It’s not really babysitting. My kids are old enough to take care of themselves. But they need somebody to haul them around and help them with their homework, field problems. Mostly keep an eye on them.”
Katy took a sip of coffee, then asked, “What happened to their nanny?”
With a deep sigh, Tammy said. “She quit. Claims her classes are too full next semester. Look, she really left me in the lurch. That’s why I was late this morning, arranging for a ride for the kids this afternoon. Tanya didn’t even tell me to my face. She just called me last night. I was furious. I can tell you she won’t be getting any references from me. In fact, I’ve a mind to call one of her professors or something.” Tammy crossed her long slim legs and forced a smile. “Think about the benefits. A few hours every afternoon until their dad or I get home from work. You’ll end up with more hours that way and still have a couple of days off to sleep in, run errands, or read a book. I wish I had that luxury.”
Katy felt her face burn. Tammy assumed her life was luxurious? She seldom lounged around reading books. There was plenty of work to be done at home, helping her mom. Her mind raced, looking for a way to politely turn down the offer. When nothing came to mind, she stalled. “How old are they? It’s Addison and Tyler?”
“Yes. Addy is seven, and Tyler’s an eleven-year-old adult.”
Katy smiled. The children seemed well behaved the few times she’d met them. It was Mr. Brooks she didn’t care for. Most often, she’d encountered him on his way to the liquor cabinet or sprawled out watching television, both forbidden indulgences in Katy’s mind. His drinking reminded her too much of Jake, making her distrust the older man. Maybe he was the reason the nanny quit. She found herself tapping her fingers on the counter.
“Please say you’ll do it until I can find another nanny? I like you and know you’ll be great for the kids. You’ll help me out this once, won’t you? I’ve got several clients this week, and I can’t leave them hanging. And you admitted yourself, you need the money.”
“You’ll look for another nanny?”
“Yes. Oh thanks, so much.” Tammy flew out of her seat. “You’re such a sweet thing. And I’ll ask around and see if anyone needs a housekeeper. Thanks again, honey.”