Read Online Something Old by Dianne Christner - Free Book Online

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.”
    “So when do you want me to start?”
    “Tomorrow afternoon. Here.” Tammy scribbled the addresses of her children’s schools on a yellow sticky note. “Addison gets out of school at 2:30 p.m., and Tyler gets out at 3:00 p.m. Works out great.” She picked up her briefcase and left like a whirlwind, leaving Katy to ponder what had just transpired and to stew over the way Tammy had so effortlessly manipulated her.

    The Brooks’ home was located in the west side Columbus suburb of Old Arlington. The affluent neighborhood sprawled between two rivers, the Olentangy and the Scioto, giving it a parklike feel. Many of the houses were Tudor style. With Tammy’s yellow sticky note stuck to her steering wheel, Katy followed the street signs through meandering, tree-lined streets to a brick elementary charter school and eased into a slow-moving lineup. She noticed teachers lined along the walkway, helping the students into their cars. On Katy’s rearview mirror hung a yellow card with a number that would identify her as Addison’s ride.
    Addison stood in line on the sidewalk with her classmates. The blond second-grader wore a purple coat and pink boots and had a princess backpack slung over one shoulder. Katy pulled up to the curb, and a teacher opened the car’s back door. Addison started talking before she’d even buckled her seat belt.
    “I’m surprised to see you, Miss Yoder. Why are you picking me up?”
    “Didn’t your mommy tell you I’d be watching you for a while?”
    “Yes, but I forgot. I’ve got dance class today.”
    “You do?” Katy asked, easing the car back into the line of traffic.