She didn’t.
In any case, she certainly needed a shower. She undressed again and stepped into the refresher, trying not to overthink things.
The hot water felt so good that she was tempted to linger. But she forced herself to hurry, remembering that she would have all the time in the world to relax if she didn’t have a job.
She dried off and dressed in a blue dress that reminded her of the Ruler’s eyes.
Don’t be silly. He probably sleeps with dozens of women every rotation. He’s not thinking about your eyes this morning.
But she couldn’t bring herself to feel bad about what had happened.
And besides, there was… something between them. She was sure of it. Maybe not storybook true love, but a feeling. He had been drawn to her last night, even though she was crying and nearly in hysterics when she knocked on his door.
He felt sorry for you.
That might be true. But things had gone a little too far for it to be a pity session. Hadn’t they?
He wasn’t there when you woke up.
Well, if she didn’t get her act together, she wouldn’t be there when the kids woke up. Maybe she didn’t know what was going on with the Ruler, but at least she knew what his kids needed.
She took a deep breath and headed out to wake Jax and Pia. If they were already with another nanny, she had her answer. Although that would be a quick turnaround. Would she be expected to finish out the day? The week?
She pushed the thoughts aside and knocked on Jax’s door.
“No,” he groaned.
She smiled to herself. At least no one had tried to wake him yet.
“Sorry, bud,” she called to him. “Want to sleep for five more minutes and I’ll come back?”
“Mmmmph.” His answer sounded like it was coming through a pillow. She marked the time and moved on.
When she got to Pia’s room, she knocked gently. There was no answer, so she opened the door.
Pia was sitting on her bed in a superhero costume with pink, plastic, high-heeled shoes on her feet.
And she was crying.