Chapter 23

"I don't understand why no one wants this job," I drag a hand down my face in exasperation. "We've called so many people and no one is available. Are you sure you don't know anyone who might be available, Mom? You have so many clients who might have worked with a nanny or two."

"The family isn't well versed in nannies. Most of my clients live in New York or Los Angeles. I doubt they'll be giving up their childcare arrangements for me," Mom replies apologetically.

She's standing by the kitchen counter preparing herself some tea latte.

I'm perched tensely on one of the stools at the large kitchen island, hands wrapped around a mug of hot tea, while Harper sits beside me with her scrutinizing gaze, clearly not ready to let my issues go until she can figure out what's my damage.

Well, she can speculate all she wants. My past remains locked down tight.

Just then Dad enters, Rigby trotting at his heels while he carries Dave's pet carrier. "Did you forget something at my office, Indie?" He gives me a shrewd look that reminds me too much of Harper's probing one. "You left the grandcat and granddog with me, promising to pick them up after you picked up or dropped off something for Myra. Yet, you never came back."

"She was flustered," Harper responds with some satisfaction. She gives me a smug look. "So, he kissed you and you came running to our parents' home. Interesting."

My eyes open wide. She didn't just say that out loud. What is wrong with my sister? We used to cover for each other when we were young. And now . . .

"Who the fuck was kissing you?" Dad frowns deeply. "I don't understand why no one is following my rules."

Before I can deflect, Mom glides over, slipping her arms around Dad's neck to plant a kiss on his scowling lips."And what ridiculous rule are we talking about now, Jacob."

"Hello, my beautiful twinkle," he mumbles, snaking his free arm around her waist and pulling Mom to him.

"Umm, excuse me. We have impressionable young adults here," I say before this becomes a rated R show. "Can you stop or take this to your bedroom?"

Don't get me wrong, it's amazing to know that my parents still adore each other. However, they should keep their PDA to themselves—go to your room, people.

Mom just laughs while Dad releases her and sets Dave's carrier down, although reluctantly.

I, on the other hand, let Rigby out of the back door. "Don't go too far, boy."

"Woof," he barks and trots away.

Dad clears his throat. "Seriously Indie, are you alright? When you didn't return for them, I almost called your Uncle Mason and had his entire security team search for you."

I press my lips. "Sorry, Dad. Didn't mean to worry you."

His sharp eyes assess me. "No need to apologize, just tell me what happened."

Before I can formulate a response, Mom chimes in. "She's trying to find a nanny for that hockey player."

Dad looks between us. "Let me get this straight, you were going to his house and ended up here frantically trying to line up someone new to watch his kid."

I flush. "I wouldn't call this frantic . . ." But my voice trails off under his scrutinizing gaze, glancing at my notebooks filled with names and laptops pulled up to nanny search sites. Okay, yeah, desperate is written all over this impromptu setup.

Harper grabs Dave's carrier off the counter. "We'll be in the den. As I told you before, call me when you're ready."

I avert my eyes as she heads out of the kitchen, Mom looking curiously between us. "Is everything alright with you two?"

I nod. "Yeah. Perfectly fine."

"Not really. She's hiding something and doesn't want to confide in me or anyone," Harper responds. "Hence why I'm not very happy with her."

I grimace. "Seriously, Harp?"

"Hey, it's part of my recovery," she claims from somewhere in the house. "I can't keep secrets from those I love. If they ask, I need to respond honestly—no lies."

"So, you know why she's trying to quit this job," Dad presses.

"I already told you. Hockey guy kissed her, and it was so good, she doesn't want to see him again. It has to do with something that happened to her before," she says and then I hear the door shut.

"Bitch," I mutter under my breath.

Dad's blue eyes stare at me. "You want to talk about it? We're here to help you, Indie."

"Sweetie, what happened to you?" Mom's concerned voice makes my chest constrict. I hate it when they worry about me.

"Nothing happened then or now. I'm totally fine," I say, heading out because I don't think I can handle their interrogation. The past is in the past and this stupid kiss is nothing.

I wave. "I'll see you guys later."

"Please don't shut us out," Mom pleads. "Don't do what Gabe did. Look what happened to him, his silence almost broke him."

"This is nothing like that," I insist walking away.

I make it three steps before Dad calls out, "You forgot the dog, the cat . . . Oh, and your laptop."

I halt in my tracks, cursing internally. After a few seconds of trying to think of what to do I choose the most logical thing. "Have Jude bring them to my place. He owes me."

With that I leave and don't look back.