normal. I have to work, and I need someone to look after Jamie—what’s wrong with that?”
He was prepared to hear that he made the kind of money that separated him from the masses, but she said something else instead—something that touched on that painful area of his soul no one else knew about or understood.
“In the short time I’ve worked for you, I’ve learned that Jamie is a Hirst and a Wainwright, two blue-blooded American families.”
“You mean we only breathe the rarified atmosphere of the elite upper class from England going back several hundred years? You’re right, Ms. Chamberlain. Someone put it much better than I could. ‘In our world men were better than women, horses better than dogs, and Harvard better than anything.’”
Her cheeks turned to flame, but she held his gaze. “I should never have brought this up.”
“Why not? It’s the truth. Did you know the Wainwrights have had horses on Long Island going back at least two hundred years? Nothing’s more important than pedigree and belonging to the right clubs. Not even marriages have as much significance as long as the principles belong to that exclusive world where the women provide the decoration.
“Everyone has rank, some higher than others. One is aware of his social placement at all times. That’s only the outer shell we’re talking about. Unlike the soft meat of the crab, their inner stuffing is even harder. It blinds them to the loving and understanding of their own children.”
As he spoke, emotion darkened her eyes.
“Erica’s and my family share an ancestry that has been in love with itself for generations. They’ve continued to hone the ‘right’ way to do things to a fine art while at the same time distancing their offspring by their criticism and lack of affection.”
He heard Reese’s sharp intake of breath before she said, “For that very reason certain things aren’t done, like hiring an unsuitable nanny, someone like me.”
“Correct. The way you hug and kiss Jamie all the time, you’re probably the most unsuitable nanny in existence, which makes you perfect for the job.”
Her delicately arched brows knit together. “That sounded like a declaration of war.”
“War…divorce…Ultimately they’re the same thing. It’s time the cycle of neglect ended, starting with Jamie.”
“So you’re using me for a guinea pig?”
Nick nodded without shame.
“Mrs. Tribe mentioned that you’d be hiring another nanny in the fall. What about her?”
“Since my mother-in-law was the one who arranged for her in the first place, I’ll let her fix the mistake. Barbara Cosgriff’s another blue blood. She and Anne make up part of a very elite circle. The Cosgriffs won’t be in need of their nanny by September, therefore, they’re delighted to do this favor for my mother-in-law, who spoke for me without my permission, something she’s good at doing.”
“So whom do you plan to hire?”
“I’m not sure of anything yet, but it goes without saying that whoever she is, she’ll be entirely unsuitable.”
A small sad smile broke the corner of Reese’s wide mouth. “You’re a clever man gaining my sympathy so I’ll be a willing accomplice.”
“Let’s just say that for Jamie’s sake, I’d like your help. Are you with me on this?”
Her gaze darted to the baby, who was just starting to wake up. She let out a troubled sigh. “You’re my employer. I need this job and I love Jamie, so I’ll do my best for you.”
Nick ignored the little dart he felt when she referred to him as her employer. He hoped she might be inclined to do it for him. Shaking this off, he pulled out his wallet and put some bills on the table. “You have another full week before I force you to face the dragon. Put the thought away until you have to deal with her.”
“That’s not so easy to do.”
“But possible. Remember I’ve had longer practice at this than you.” He stood up. “If you’ll push the stroller, I’ll carry Jamie back to the car. He loves his bath so much, I think I’ll take him for a little swim and see how he does. Have you been swimming yet?”
She hurried to keep up with him. “I don’t have a suit.”
“But you can swim?”
“Yes.”
“In my teens I did a lot of sailing. It’s a sport I’d like to do with my son. If he’s going to share that love with me, then he needs to start getting used to the water. Already he feels safe with you. The next time you go out with Jamie, buy yourself one. Consider it your uniform and put it on my account.”
If she wanted to squirm her way out of that, too bad.
ON SATURDAY, Reese tried to study, but finally gave up. With Nick and Jamie gone from the penthouse, she was at a totally loose end. After fixing herself a sandwich for lunch, she took off for Macy’s at Herald Square.
The crowded ten-story department store contained everything including the unimaginable. One would have to be here days to see it all. She ended up spending hours walking around. Eventually she found some swimsuits on sale for her and Jamie.
With Father’s Day coming up, she shipped her dad a small framed picture of New York showing Park Avenue. She slipped in a note telling him to hang it in his office.
While she was looking at the toys, she discovered a wooden hand-painted toy sailboat in sky-blue with a white canvas sail Jamie could give his father. It was the perfect size to fit on a desk or a dresser. The artist on hand personalized it on the keel for her with quickdrying black paint. The Flying NJ. When it was finished, she asked the salesgirl to gift wrap it.
Since she was in the right place, she purchased some doughnut toys and a colorful octopus that played classical music when you touched the tentacles. By the time she got back to the apartment, it was after seven.
As she turned down the hall to her bedroom, she almost bumped into Nick. “Oh—I didn’t realize you were home.” Her pulse raced out of control to see him standing there in tan trousers and a midnight-blue silk shirt. He looked and smelled marvelous.
His dark eyes took swift inventory of her in her jeans and layered top. “Looks like you’ve been having fun. Is there a bikini inside one of those bags?”
Her cheeks grew warm for no reason. “Yes, among other things.”
“I hope you put everything on my account.”
Reese shook her head. “Not today. Excuse me while I put them away.”
He rubbed his hard jaw. “I don’t know about you, but I haven’t had dinner yet. Paul is going to drive us to Nolia’s in Greenwich Village. The salmon and sea bass are to die for.”
