LITMIR.BIZ

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eyes narrowed, as if she could read his thoughts. She continued to question his capabilities until Jake came out with his duffel bag.

      “I’m ready.” His voice was glum.

      “Why the long face?” Audrey asked.

      “No reason. I just wanted to stay here with Royce. We played video games. You’d think he’d be really bad at it ’cause he only has one hand, but he’s pretty good. And he was going to play catch with me.”

      “Time to go, Jake. You can see Royce… another time. I’ll lock up, you can go ahead and leave.”

      Which he did, feeling as if he’d been dismissed in more ways than one.

      On Monday, Katy replaced the phone on the cradle and started to pace. What in the world was she going to do? Sally had called her at work and quit without notice.

      She’d hurried home to be there when Jake arrived. Then, she’d called the nanny agency and been placed on a waiting list. Apparently several high-tech firms had opened offices in the valley, their new employees creating a shortage of private nannies, especially those willing to work part-time. The story was the same at the second and third agencies she called.

      Katy started to panic. She would have called her friend Karen, but knew she was on vacation in Cancun.

      Flipping open her laptop, Katy started to check listings for nanny services.

      She heard the door open and Jake ran in the apartment. “Mom, you’re home.”

      Glancing at her watch, she tried to smile. “Hi, honey, I…got off work early. How was your—”

      “Look who I found downstairs.”

      Royce entered. His hair was windblown, his face tanned. It was good to see him looking so fit and healthy.

      “Jake insisted I come upstairs with him. For a snack. I figured I’d make sure Sally showed up.”

      “Thank you. That was very kind.”

      “No problem.”

      “I heard you on the phone with Grandma last night. About Sally taking so much time off.”

      “That’s something I need to talk to you about, honey. Later.”

      Jake had grown attached to Sally and Katy didn’t want to break the bad news with someone else here.

      “I know Sally needs to be with her mom a lot.” Jake’s expression was earnest. “So I figured out a way she can do that.”

      “Sally called a while ago. She had to quit to take care of her mom.” She held out her hand to him, determined to gloss over the very real challenges they faced. And the fact that Jake was losing another adult he’d come to count on. “I know it’s going to be hard, but we’ll get somebody new you like just as much as Sally.”

      “We don’t need nobody new. We’ve got Royce.”

      “Royce is a welder, not a babysitter.”

      “He said he can’t be a welder anymore, ’cause it takes two hands.”

      Katy couldn’t allow Jake to put Royce on the spot any more than he already had. The man had been very patient. “It’s out of the question, Jake. End of discussion. Now take your backpack to your room and start your homework.”

      “But—”

      “Now.”

      “Yes, Mom.” Jake slung his backpack over his shoulder and trudged to his room.

      “Wow, you’ve got that threatening voice down pat. I was ready to salute.”

      “I’ve probably been too easy on him. Mostly because I understand that he’s looking for a father figure. His dad’s really dropped out of his life the past couple years. But I can’t let him continue to put you on the spot. You’ve been great. Absolutely great.”

      Royce shifted. “So when will the new nanny start?”

      “Good question. The agencies are having problems finding enough qualified people because of the high-tech boom. I’ll figure something out, though.”

      I always do.

      But this time, she had the feeling her luck had run out.

      ROYCE STARED at the TV, but wasn’t paying attention. He kept thinking about Katy and the flash of panic in her eyes when she’d talked about finding a new nanny. He remembered how she’d said it was extra hard finding someone qualified who would work part-time and weekends.

      So why was he concerned? It wasn’t his problem. Yet he couldn’t help but feel a bit protective of Jake and Katy. He’d never gotten actively involved in his neighbors’ business before, and that had been the beauty of being an expat. Royce could be as involved as he chose, because he knew he’d be moving on soon.

      Royce resisted an idea begging to be explored. “No way. Not me.”

      If not him, then who? He’d learned that sentiment in one of his high school classes. Funny that it’d stuck with him all these years. Funnier still that he’d been able to ignore it. Until now.

      Katy had said Jake was looking for a father figure. Royce had failed his own son, but maybe, just maybe, he could step in and make a difference for Jake, if only in the short term.

      Royce grabbed his keys, locked the door and took the stairs to Katy’s place. He knocked immediately, afraid he might change his mind. His idea was totally out of the norm for him, but somehow right.

      Katy opened the door and motioned him inside. She was talking on the phone.

      “Yes, I understand,” she said. “There’s no way you can find a replacement on such short notice. I’ll be there Thursday evening as planned. But I’m going to need some comp time to spend with my son.”

      Her shoulders sagged as she clicked shut her phone. “Hi, Royce.”

      “Hi. Still no luck finding a nanny?”

      “No. I’ve called everyone I can think of. I tried to get out of the show this weekend, but no luck. That’s the problem working for a small house. I do several different jobs and can’t be replaced on a moment’s notice. We tend to have more auctions in the spring because the weather’s good.”

      “Job security.” He smiled to lighten her mood.

      “That’s one thing, I guess. Normally my mom could step in and take Jake for the weekend, but she’s working mandatory overtime because of a big sale at the store.”

      “I might have a solution for you.”

      “Really? Have a seat.” Katy gestured toward the couch and he complied. She sat in an easy chair.

      Royce plunged in before he could have second thoughts. Or thirds. “Actually, it was Jake’s idea. I’m not working right now and I can easily arrange my physical therapy around Jake’s school schedule.”

      “I didn’t think you’d seriously be interested.”

      “Only on a temporary basis, until you find another nanny. One who’s qualified and all that.”

      Her shoulders straightened. “I’d pay you, of course.”

      He grinned. “Of course. I have to admit, I could use the cash until I get my disability claim worked out. My investments are long- term and I can’t access my funds right now. But that’s not the reason I suggested the plan. Jake’s a great kid. I’d like to do it.”

      “It might just work. You’re right here in the building. Jake likes you. I…trust you.”

      Royce loved seeing hope spark in her eyes. He felt good that he’d been the one to help put it there.

      Katy placed her hand on his arm. His left arm, just below the elbow. “Are you sure

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