Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

There was just one thing. I couldn’t bring Dad home for good without someone to watch over him.

With Jean’s help, I’d found an agency to connect me with qualified candidates. I’d reviewed several resumes and had a meeting scheduled this morning with one candidate. Since we were ahead of schedule, I’d given the crew the morning off so I could have this meeting uninterrupted.

When the doorbell rang, I stood there for a second. It was one of those video deals and it sounded completely different from the doorbell we’d had growing up.

To test, I clicked a few buttons on my phone and the app opened with a clear picture of my visitor. Cute. I opened the door. “Sunshine?”

Her smile was as pretty as the picture she made. She looked like her name; her skin was as sun-kissed as her hair. She held out a hand. “That’s me. Nathaniel Bowmen?”

I took her hand. “Just call me Nate. Come in.” I walked her through to the kitchen, since the furniture I’d ordered for the front room had not arrived.

We stood around a newly constructed island with its quartz countertop.

“Forgive me. We are nearing the end of the remodel, but everything isn’t quite ready yet.”

Her smile was pleasant. “No problem.”

She was a little soft-spoken, and that worried me. I hoped it was because of nerves or just being polite. I needed someone who could handle my dad and not take any shit he might dish out.

I folded my arms and said, “I’ve reviewed your resume. You’re well qualified. What I want to know from you is why you want this job.”

“I enjoy working with older people and a nursing home setting is not for me.”

“Why not?” I asked, curious, as it was an important factor for me hiring her.

“The older generation paved the way for us. I feel as though oftentimes they aren’t given the dignity and honor they deserve. Nursing homes try to fit everyone in one box. But we are all unique and have different needs. Some need more care than others, but no one should be treated like a child, even if they have more needs than someone else.”

I nodded. I’d already liked her credentials, and she came with stellar references. This was more informal to see if we could get along. “You are aware this is a twenty-four-hour job? My father can get around on his own well enough, but he is suffering from the early effects of dementia. He’s prone to forget things or places. At first, you are more a guardian to make sure he takes his meds, he’s fed, clothed, et cetera. The biggest concern is that he doesn’t wander off. In fact, I’ve wired this floor and the outside with cameras in case we need to locate him.” I watched for her expression when I mentioned the cameras, but she didn’t bat an eye. “The upstairs where your room would be located does not have cameras. They aren’t meant to invade anyone’s privacy, just protect my father.”

“Not a problem.”

It was looking more like a done deed. There were just a few more things I had to share. “You’re young and this job might not offer the life you’re looking for.” She was in her mid-twenties, I’d wager.

“I’m not looking for a life.” When I raised a brow, she blushed. “Not in the way you’re thinking.”

“Because of my father’s condition, you wouldn’t be allowed to bring guests into the home. It could be confusing. Also, when I’m not here, you would be the primary caregiver. If this goes well, I could hire a part-time nurse to come a couple of days to give you time off, but every night you would be responsible for him. It could interfere with any dating life you may have or may want.”

Her blush deepened. “No worries there.”

“Also, my dad is a big guy.” The top of Sunshine’s head reached my shoulder. Dad and I were around the same height.

She quickly jumped in. “I’m stronger than I look.”

I nodded and let my arms fall to my sides. “I would need you to start next week. But there’s one caveat.” I paused. “My dad has to like you. If you need to give notice at your job, I suggest waiting.”

“I have vacation time I could use. Then if everything goes well, I could work out a schedule with you so I could give notice at my job.”

“That sounds good. Why don’t I show you around? Then you could move in next week, a day or two before Christmas. I would offer sooner, but I have crews here day and night and it wouldn’t be comfortable for you to be here with all the noise. They should be done before you move in.”

Not long after she left, I got a call from Aiden.

“What’s up? Getting any sleep?” I joked.