“No, sweetie, remember Nanny Rosa is coming over. Mommy continues to work even though she doesn’t need to,” he says, adding in the snide remark.
What a chauvinistic, asshole thing to say.
Morgan had often complained that Noah has this idea in his head that women should stay home, especially if money isn’t a problem. Ever since he moved to LA years ago, he was fortunate enough to land himself a role as Marketing Director for Lantern Publishing, earning himself a decent salary. Enough so they can live comfortably.
This sore topic is the primary reason for their split. Morgan refuses for anyone else to be my assistant, explaining to Noah she owes this to our mother, and his response is that the kids should always come first. Not her spoiled sister.
“Cat got your tongue this morning. I was expecting a better comeback than a blank stare. Are you sure you’re okay?”
I nod again. “Just tired and a lot on my mind.”
“Okay.” Fixing his cuffs, he shifts his focus to his cell. “Don’t forget I’m flying to San Jose today, so I won’t be back until late. Rosa can only stay till five because of her second job, so you’ve got the kids.”
I’ve got the kids.
The strange thoughts are accelerating inside my head. I want them to slow down, so I can breathe but they won’t. My breaths seem to come in gasps, and I’m close to blacking out, again. My heart is hammering inside my chest beating like a drum at the thought of being alone with two kids.
What do I feed them? I don’t even know how to cook.
What if they cry?
What if they get hurt?
I forgot about Michael—Morgan’s stepson, or my stepson.
My head begins to hurt from the information overload.
“Michael…” I mouth.
Noah looks at me with a perplexed smile. “Yes, he’s here, remember? He’s the kid currently obsessed with Fortnite? Listen, just make sure he’s not chatting to weirdos. There was an online article I read about this game and child predators. Always watch him.”
What the hell is Fortnite? Just get rid of him so you can think.
“So, are you going now?”
“You’re eager to get rid of me,” he says, deadpan.
Dressed in a sharp, dark gray suit, he grabs his laptop, keys, and leans over to kiss my lips. Unwillingly, I close my eyes relishing the taste of him, if only for a second.
“I love you, see you tonight.”
“Love you, too,” I manage, caught in the fire of his kiss.
The second he leaves and the door shuts behind him, I breathe out a sigh of relief until I notice Jessa gawking at me. “Right, Jessa, so I guess you need breakfast. Cereal?”
She nods, her big eyes watching me cautiously.
I’ve been in Morgan’s kitchen a few times, but not once have I paid any attention to where things are placed. Thank God Jessa’s only three with no concept of what’s happening as I open each door in search for a bowl and cereal.
I didn’t know how to cook, nor really how to prepare food, since I’ve always been spoiled with hired help, but I know how to pour milk and cereal into a bowl. The box of Lucky Charms is in my hand as I show her.
Shaking her head, I place them back.
“No? Okay, then what else?”
“I want Cheerios.”
I search again, pulling each door to find no Cheerios. “But we don’t have any?”