Temporary Nanny

“This arrangement seems to be working out. Jake is thrilled. You’re all he talked about on the phone. How do you feel about it?”

Royce grinned, setting her at ease. “Better than I even anticipated. We had a good time.”

“That’s great. I was afraid you might have had enough. Kids can be wearing when you’re not used to being around them twenty-four hours a day.”

“They’re definitely that. To be honest with you, Jake’s a welcome distraction. I’ve had too much of my own company since I’ve been back in Phoenix.” He leaned back. “Funny, when I was recovering at my sister’s house, all the activity drove me nuts. I just wanted peace and quiet. But now that I have it, I’m a little lost.”

“I know what you mean. My apartment seems really empty without Jake there. If my ex-husband insisted on his visitation rights, I’d probably be lost.”

“He’s not in the picture?”

“Not really. Eddie rarely asks to see him. Just often enough to confuse Jake. And my dad died when Jake was a baby. It’s mostly just me and my mom.”

“You’ve done a great job with him.”

His words meant more to her than he could ever know. She cleared her throat. “Thanks. I needed to hear that.”

“It’s the truth. I wasn’t around much to notice what a terrific job my ex did until Michael was a grown man. Now I see how hard you work and I can appreciate Tess more.”

“You, um, still have feelings for your ex?”

“Not the romantic kind. I admire her, admire what she’s done with her life. And owe her big-time for pretty much raising our son.”

“It takes a secure man to admit that. I don’t know if Eddie will ever understand all he’s missing. Maybe after the new baby is born… His girlfriend’s pregnant.”

“How’s Jake taking it?”

“Better than I thought. Telling him was one of the hardest things to do. I owed it to Jake to be tactful and nonjudgmental when all I wanted was to say, ‘Your daddy doesn’t give a damn about you, but he’s bringing another child into the world, anyway.’”

Royce shifted, glancing around the room.

Katy’s face warmed. “I’m sorry, Royce. I’ve made you uncomfortable when all I wanted to do was thank you for being so great with Jake.”

“No need to apologize. I’m just a little sensitive about the whole absentee dad issue.” His posture remained stiff. “Though I’m paying for it now.”

“How?”

“My son doesn’t return my calls. My fault for not being the kind of involved father I should have been. It still stings, though.”

“I’m sorry. I wouldn’t wish that kind of hurt on anybody. At least you’re trying now. Maybe he’ll come around.”

“Yeah, maybe.”

“Well, you have a new fan, anyway. My mom’s decided you might be okay. You won her over by teaching Jake to cook.”

“Just Rice Krispies Treats.”

“Still, she was impressed.”

“So that’s why she quit glaring daggers at me. I still get the feeling she’d rather Sally was back.”

“Not necessarily Sally. But another female would probably make her more comfortable.”

“She doesn’t see the importance of Jake having a guy for a role model?”

“She probably hasn’t given it much thought. Though she knows my spending time with my dad was important. He taught me the value of hard work, showed me what was what under the hood of a car and encouraged me to be involved in the auction business.”

“It is kind of an unusual occupation for a woman.”

“It’s been a man’s world for so long. But there are more and more women involved in the actual auction itself. My dream is to be a bona fide auctioneer. There’s something so exciting about being up there with all those people hanging on my every word, with things moving so fast most people can’t keep up. It’s such a rush.”

“I wouldn’t have you pegged as somebody who likes to be in front of an audience.”

“That’s just it. When I’m calling it’s like I’m a whole different person. I’m good at the preauction administrative duties, but it’s participating in the auction that I love most.”

“No college?”

Katy shrugged. “A two-year degree. After that, all I wanted to do was join my dad and learn the business. When he died five years ago, I was glad I had that time working side by side with him. He was a gifted man.”

“Sounds like it.”

“How about you? Did you always want to be a welder?”

“No, I fell into it by chance. I was in community college and took a welding class as an elective, just to see what it was like. After that, I was hooked. There’s something so organic about the process. It requires a special mind-set, a gift. And I have that gift.” He frowned, scrubbing his hand across his face. “Had that gift.”

For the first time, Katy clearly understood all he’d lost in the accident. Not only his hand and ability to do a lot of tasks, but also his identity.

Sadness washed over her as she searched for words of encouragement. There were none. So she simply reached out and squeezed his hand.

The silence grew awkward.

“Well, I better get going.”

Royce cleared his throat. “Thanks for the pay.”

Katy strove to get back on safe ground. “I’ll need you to work the same days next week, if that’s okay?”

“Sure.”

She made her way to the door, then stopped. “Jake said there was something you wanted to discuss with me?”

He frowned. “No. I wonder where he got—” Snapping his fingers he said, “I know what he’s talking about. He wanted me to put in a good word so you’d let him go to his friend’s birthday party.”

Katy swallowed hard, unable to meet his gaze. “We don’t do outside birthday parties.”

“Is it a religious thing? I know there are faiths that don’t celebrate birthdays.”

“No.” Though maybe she should have thought of joining one. It would have been easier than dodging an issue most people wouldn’t understand, even though many had phobias of their own. Some people were terrified of flying, some hated heights. Katy got nauseous at the very thought of children’s birthday parties. Though her reasons were logical in an illogical way, she was still embarrassed. And it wasn’t as though she was going to share that part of her history with just anyone.