Page 15 (1/2)

“Sounds great” I love her spicy tofu soup “I’ll fill you in at home”

Elegant bowls of stea brown soup sit in front of us, and the Asian Inquisition continues “A babysitting job?” Disgust permeates her tone

“A full-time nanny position” I have the contract out on the table besidethe list of duties It’s exactly what he said they would be “I’ll take care of his daughter, basically like her mother would”

“You are not herher eyes on mine “What about your work at the clinic?”

“I’ve been there alhten, and I say what I haven’t even told Drew yet “I?

?m not sure I like the work”

She accepts this, lifting her chin after she takes another bite “Still, childcare is a step down”

Nodding, I eat soree with you, but this is different, bigger than just babysitting, and he’s paying ain It makes me feel like I can’t breathe “I’ll actually be able to pay et my own place After all, I can’t live with you forever”

I add the last bit with a laugh, but Ma emphatically objects “Nonsense! I lived with my parents until I married your father”

“You were twenty-three when you married Dad”

“And we had a long and happy life together”

“Did you?” I can’t keep the skepticism out of my voice It’s hard to believe Dad was nice to anybody

“Ruby Banks Your father was a good h standards”

That’s one way of putting it “Well, I’ this job”

She shakes her head “Re man You cannot work for him”