We went up the elevator this time, and on our way to my office she insisted on greeting every employee along the way, and Gina explained that she was working with me today.
Once I got her settled in her section of the office, I called Allison in to brief me on my day.
“Did you like any of the nannies?” Allison asked.
“I’d like to make an appointment with two of them tomorrow, as soon as you can schedule it.”
I handed her two resumes.
“You don’t seem thrilled about it?” Allison said, looking at the paperwork.
“I wanted to take my time with the process, but I need someone now. I’d hate to settle for anyone, though. At this rate, I’ll have to give Gina a job here since finding a nanny seems unlikely.”
“It’s only been a few days,” Allison said. “I can put an ad out on some job websites if you’d like?”
“Thank you, Allison. Let’s do that if the candidates tomorrow don’t work out.”
She jotted something down on her notepad and stood up. “Is that all?”
“For now,” I said.
“I’ll come in shortly to get you for your first meeting.”
“Thank you.”
After the door had closed behind Allison, I got up from my chair and sat down next to Gina. She had half of a croissant in her mouth while she concentrated on coloring one of the pages from one of the many coloring books on the shelves next to her table.
I took a scone from the plate and munched on it while watching her intently concentrating on the page.
“I love her purple shoes,” I said.
“Thank you,” she mumbled through the croissant.
Three sharp knocks sounded on my door.
“Come in,” I said. Had ten minutes already gone by so quickly?
“Someone is here to see you.” Allison poked her head into the room.
I looked up to see a woman I’d never seen before walking into the office behind her. I stood up, my protective fatherly instinct flashing. “Great. Thanks.”
The woman tucked her long brown hair behind her ears and locked her hazel eyes with me. She tugged at the hem of her green sweater as I offered my hand to her.
“I’m Noah Stone.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone. My name is Jess. I’m here for the nanny position,” she said and offered her hand to me. I clasped it and shook.
“I’ll be out here if you need anything.” Allison gave me a slight wave and walked out.
“Did Allison schedule this interview for you?” I asked.
“No,” she said and smirked. “A friend of someone who works here told me about the job last night. I came by on a hunch and wanted to see if it was still available.” I couldn’t place her accent, but the more she spoke, the more I wanted her to keep talking.
She glanced at Gina, who was alert and interested in our visitor.
I stepped between my daughter and Jess. “Did you think to call before stopping at my office? I have a very busy day.”
My cold demeanor didn’t deter her. “I tried calling last night, but your answering service picked up. I can come by another time if you would like. Here’s my resume.” She reached into her bag.