(Disclaimer: This story is fiction unless otherwise stated. I do not own the rights to images in this story. This story also has no bearing on the real lives of anyone in this story. Again, it's all fiction. No character changes will be made.)
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~~Arianna's point of view~~
We've been going over these papers for hours; He still hasn't made a decision, He's been focused on one for a while.
Callen: "She's perfect, Ari. It has to be her."
Callen says, breaking my thoughts.
Arianna: "Out of all of these girls, she's the one?"
Callen: "Yes."
Arianna: "You're 100% sure?"
Callen: "Yes. She's perfect for Bria."
Arianna: "Is she perfect for everything else?"
Callen: "Yes."
Arianna: "Are you sure, Callen? We agreed it would be one and one only."
Callen: "I know that. I didn't want this to begin with Ari."
Arianna: "I know."
Callen: "I'm telling you. She's it."
Arianna: "Ok. I'll call Nancy."
Callen: "Nancy knows nothing, right?"
Arianna: "Right. She knows the contract will be done on our end."
Callen: "Ok."
~~Phone conversation~~
Nancy- "Kinder Care, this is Nancy; how can I help?"
Arianna- "Hey, Nancy, it's Arianna Bryant."
Nancy- "Hello, dear, have you made a choice?"
Arianna- "We have. Greenlee Anderson."
Nancy- "Fabulous choice. She's one of the best."
Arianna- "You do know this is permanent, right?"
Nancy - "I do. I'm sad to see her go, but I know she will do very well with Miss Bria."
Arianna- "We need her as soon as possible."
Nancy- "She's not on an assignment. The one she was on ended two days ago. I can have her there in two hours max."
Arianna- "Sounds good."
Nancy- "Have a great day."
~~End phone conversation~~
I don't really want to wait that long, but I will.
Arianna: "Two hours Callen."
Callen: "Ok."
This is this woman, I know it, I can feel it, I was hoping Callen would choose her. She's perfect.
~~Greenlee's point of view~~
I'm at home sitting on my couch reading. I've already done the cleaning and started laundry. My phone rings. It's my boss Nancy.
~~Phone conversation~~
Greenlee- "Hello, Nancy."
Nancy- "Hi, Dear. I have an assignment if you're interested."
Greenlee- "Absolutely."
Nancy- "Come by the office as soon as you can. It starts today."
Greenlee- "I'll head your way."
~~End phone conversation~~
I throw my hair in a messy bun and head to the office; I love my job. I'm a nanny; I have a degree in early childhood development; I've never taught, though; that was never my intention. I absolutely love kids. I've always wanted to be a mom. I'm only twenty-four, I have time. I'm not in any hurry. I can love other people's babies for now. I pull into the parking lot, grab my purse, and head inside.
Nancy: "Hello! I have some exciting news."
Greenlee: "You sound excited, Nancy."
Nancy: "I am."
Greenlee: "Please share it."
Nancy: "Have a seat."
I sit. She's awfully excited. I hope this is going to be good.
Nancy: "Do you know who Callen and Arianna Bryant are?"
Who doesn't?
Greenlee: "Yes."
They are the biggest lawyers in our small-town of 1500 people. Everyone knows their name even if they don't personally know them. They are a husband and wife team who single-handedly sued the largest corporation in the state for sexual harassment of employees. Male and female. That made their clients and them insanely rich.
Greenlee: "I've never met them, but I know who they are."
Nancy: "You will today if you want the job."
Greenlee: "Why do they need a nanny?"
Nancy: "They have a five-month-old daughter."
Greenlee: "Really?"
I didn't know they had a child.
Nancy: "Yes. This isn't a temporary job. They want you for the long hall. It's a live-in assignment."
Greenlee: "Seriously, Nancy?"
Nancy: "Yes, Greenlee. Are you comfortable with that?"
Greenlee: "Very. It would be my first."
This is very exciting. I am trying to remain professional.
Nancy: "I know, dear."
Greenlee: "Do you have the contract?"
Nancy: "This is a bit different. Kinder Care will no longer employ you. You will be employed by The Bryant's."
Greenlee: "Oh."
That's different. It's the first that I know of.
Nancy: "Do you still want to do this?"
Hell yeah, I want to do this.
Greenlee: "Absolutely!"
Nancy: "They are expecting you. I'd head over now if I were you."
Live ins are the preferred option in my career. One home. One family.
Greenlee: "Address?"
She writes it down and hands it to me. I don't think twice; I head straight there.
When I pull up, I see the back of the house first. It is absolutely stunning. It's not what I thought they would have, but it's beautiful.
It's not the mansion that I was expecting, but I absolutely love it.
As I get out, I'm nervous as hell. I don't know why. I mean, I know who they are. I know for sure what she looks like. She's a blonde bombshell. I don't know if I've ever seen her husband. I walk to the door and ring the doorbell. Mrs. Bryant answers.
Arianna: "Greenlee?"
Greenlee: "Yes, ma'am."
Arianna: "Please call me Ari. Come in."
She steps aside and lets me in.
She seems really sweet. Different than what I've seen on TV.
Arianna: "Follow me."
She leads me downstairs to a room. The door opens, and I come face to face with the hottest man I've ever seen, holding the cutest baby I've ever seen.
Greenlee: "Aww."
It escapes my mouth before I could catch it.
Callen: "Well, thank you."
I feel the heat in my face.
Greenlee: "I.....I....I..meant the baby."
Mrs. Bryant laughs.
Arianna: "Good job Callen. You've embarrassed her."
As she says it, he hands the baby to her.
Callen: "Have a seat."
He sits in the chair at his desk.
Mrs. Bryant sits in a chair in the corner, then points to the seat next to her.
Arianna: "You can sit here."
I sit where she tells me to.
Callen: "Did Nancy explain that this would be a permanent situation?"
I don't think I've ever been so nervous in my life, especially with him controlling the conversation. He's intimidating.
Greenlee: "She did."
Callen: "We have a contract. It states everything that would be required. Bria would be the main concern. She is the main reason that you are here."
Yep. Definitely intimidating.
Greenlee: "Of course. May I hold her?"
Arianna: "Absolutely."
She hands me Bria, and my heart flutters. I want a baby so bad. Miss Bria will do just fine for now.
Greenlee: "She and I will get along, just fine."
Callen: "I think so too."
His voice sends chills through me.
Arianna: "She's a very good baby. She rarely cries."
Greenlee: "It wouldn't bother me if she did. I love kids. That's why I chose this path."
Callen: "You understand that you will be living here full time?"
He draws the conversation back to him.
Greenlee: "Nancy explained that."
Callen: "Sunday's will be the day you are free. You will be able to leave at six am, but you would be required to be back by seven pm."
Greenlee: "I'm ok with that."
Arianna: "Do you have family that you would need to discuss this with?"
Greenlee: "No. I'm an only child and was raised by my grandmother. She's been gone three years."
Callen: "Sorry to hear that."
Maybe he isn't so bad.
Greenlee: "Thank you."
Arianna: "Do you have a lease or anything that you would need to cancel?"
Mrs. Bryant seems to really care about my life before today.
He's focused on it here.
Greenlee: "No. I own my home."
Arianna: "Really?"
Greenlee: "It's my family home. I was raised there. My grandmother made sure it was paid off before I even made it to high school."
Arianna: "That's great."
I really like talking to her.
Callen: "Any boyfriends, girlfriends, or anything?"
Him not so much.
Greenlee: "Just a roommate."
Callen: "Perfect."
He seems satisfied with that.
I've never had a boyfriend, never wanted one. I want babies but don't need a man to do that. I'm not a lesbian either. I am definitely into men.
Arianna: "Nancy said that you are CPR trained."
Mrs. Bryant breaks my thought.
Greenlee: "I am."
Callen: "Ari, give us a few, please."
Great, I'm going to be alone with him. It's not that he's intimidating. I'm attracted to him.
Arianna: "Sure."
She takes Bria from me and leaves the room.
Callen: "I need upfront and honest answers."
Ok, maybe just a little intimidating as well.
Greenlee: "Ok."
Callen: "I need to know if there are any ghosts or skeletons in your closet? Any alcohol, drug problems, secret children, bad exes, anything at all?"
Greenlee: "Mr. Bryant, I've never had a boyfriend, definitely no children, no alcohol or drug problems. I'm not perfect, but I have absolutely nothing in my past that could interfere with your family."
Really not sure why it would matter.
Callen: "Can you step out and take Bria? Ask Ari to come in?"
Greenlee: "Sure."
Weirdest interview ever.
~~Callen's point of view~~
She's fucking perfect. When Ari came up with this idea, I thought she was nuts. We've spent hours and hours going over everything. Just Greenlee's picture caught my attention. I then read the report Nancy sent, and I knew she was the one. I just knew it.
Arianna: "Hey, Babe. What do you think?"
Callen: "She's absolutely perfect, Ari."
Arianna: "You think so?"
Callen: "She's very innocent."
Arianna: "In what way?"
Callen: "In all way's Babe. I can guarantee she doesn't even read the contract. I bet she just signs it."
Arianna: "Do we let her do that?"
Callen: "I think so."
Arianna: "I trust her with Bria."
Callen: "I think she could handle the rest as well."
Arianna: "How do you want to play this?"
Callen: "I think we see if she catches anything. If she does, we explain it. If not, just let me do my thing."
Arianna: "Ok."
Callen: "Are you sure that this is the way that you want to do this, Arianna?"
Arianna: "I'm sure. We've wasted enough time. If you are sure she's the one, then she's the one."
Callen: "I'm certain, Babe. She's absolutely perfect in every way."
She sighs.
Arianna: "This is so unethical."
She's right; it is. This was all her idea.
Callen: "I know."
Arianna: "What happens if she wants to bail after she realizes what's happening?"
Callen: "We made sure that contract was ironclad, Arianna. You and I both know that."
Arianna: "Would you really force it, Callen?"
Callen: "I would, but I'm not going to have to."
I know that this is what Ari wants. I want her to be happy. How can I deny her in a situation like this?
Arianna: "Why are you nervous?"
She doesn't get it.
Callen: "I don't want to hurt you."
Arianna: "I wanted this. I have never asked you for anything, Callen. I need you to do this."
Callen: "You can't ever throw this in my face. You can't make me regret this. You can't have regrets."
That's my biggest fear in this.
Arianna: "I wouldn't do that. I know there's no other way. I'm secure in this."
I'm glad she is.
Callen: "I just need you to be sure, Ari. How do you feel about her?"
Arianna: "I really like her. I think she and I will get along great."
I see sadness in her eyes, and it breaks my heart.
Callen: "We don't have to do this, Ari. We can back out."
I won't do this if she doesn't want it.
Arianna: "No, we can't. You know we can't."
I take a deep breath.
Callen: "Ok. Ready to see how this goes?"
Arianna: "Ready as I'll ever be."
Callen: "Go get her."
Arianna: "Ok."
I watch her walk to the stairs.
Callen: "Arianna?"
Arianna: "Yeah?"
Callen: "I love you."
Arianna: "I love you too."
She gives me a smile then walks away.
I'm nervous. I don't know if I am trying to convince myself that this is right or if I'm hoping Greenlee doesn't catch it. If she does and bails, it's back to square one. That will break Arianna's heart.
I hear a knock on the door.
Callen: "Come in."
She comes in. She seems timid maybe timid isn't the right word. Shy may be more like it.
Callen: "Welcome back."
I can't help but stare a little as she stands at the door.
This is going to be fun. Fuck, Callen, you can't think like that. This isn't supposed to be fun.
Greenlee: "Mrs. Bryant said that you wanted to see me?"
Callen: "I did. Have a seat."
She walks across the room; She sits down, I see the rips in her jeans. This is really going to be fucking fabulous. Fuck, Callen, you really can't think that. This isn't supposed to be fun or fabulous. It's a commitment to your wife.
Callen: "How do you think you'll fit in?"
Greenlee: "I already love Bria. She's easy to love. Mrs. Bryant seems really sweet."
Callen: "If you accept the job, she isn't going to let you call her that."
Greenlee: "She's already told me. It's a habit."
Callen: "I understand. You'll learn quickly. Are you interested?"
Greenlee: "Absolutely."
Callen: "It starts immediately."
Greenlee: "Nancy said that it did."
I hand the contract to her.
Callen: "I'm going to go out. Let me know if you have any questions."
Greenlee: "Thank you."
I pray this goes how we need it too. I hope she's as innocent as I think she is.
~~Greenlee's point of view ~~
I watch him walkout. At least I'll have eye candy. He's hotter than hell. I don't even read the contract. I know what's in them. They are all the same. Not to mention I'm super excited to work for them. Especially long term that usually means until the child starts school. The contract normally reads......
Your pay is XXXX.
The child comes first.
You only address the adults if it has something to do with the child.
Calendars will be synced.
You will eat separately from the family.
You're also expected to be a housekeeper for everyone.
Blah, blah, blah...
Same old shit in every contract. They are lawyers, so I take a while. Make them think I read it, but all I did was flip to the back and sign. They will give me a copy. I'll read it eventually. The door opens, and Mr. Sexy walks in.
Shit Greenlee.
You can't look at him in that light.
Callen: "Did you have a chance to review it?"
Greenlee: "I did. It's signed."
Callen: "Perfect. How far is your home from here?"
Greenlee: "Ten minutes."
Callen: "So, you can go and get your things and be back in an hour?"
Greenlee: "I can. I do have to let my roommate know."
Callen: "That's fine. Be back here by four."
I look at my phone. 2:55. I got this.
Greenlee: "I'll be here."
Callen: "Let me give you a copy of the contract."
Greenlee: "Ok."
He hands me the copy. I stand up to leave.
Callen: "Before you go, leave your number with Arianna, please."
Greenlee: "I will, sir. Thank you."
I leave and make it home.
Aubrey isn't in the living room.
Greenlee: "AUBREY!"
Callen: "KITCHEN!"
I walk into the kitchen.
Aubrey: "Someone looks happy."
She knows me so well.
Greenlee: "I got a long term."
Aubrey: "Really?!"
Greenlee: "I did."
Aubrey: "Does that mean I have to leave?"
Greenlee: "Why would you think that?"
Aubrey: "I didn't know if you would trust me here alone."
Greenlee: "Really, Aubrey?"
Aubrey: "It's your home."
Greenlee: "It's yours too. You know Grandma wouldn't want that."
Aubrey has been my best friend since sixth grade. She moved in with us when Grandma got sick. She and I took care of her. She's been here for five years. I'd never make her leave.
Aubrey: "Who is it for?"
Greenlee: "The Bryant's."
Aubrey: "I didn't know they had a kid."
Greenlee: "I didn't either. They have the cutest baby girl ever."
Aubrey: "Aww. Do you have any days?"
Greenlee: "Sunday's. Six am to seven pm."
Aubrey: "Sunday lunch?"
This will be the longest we've been apart in five years.
Greenlee: "Every Sunday."
Aubrey: "I'm really happy for you. Did you meet Mr. Bryant?"
Greenlee: "I did. I spent more time with him."
Aubrey: "He's sexy."
Greenlee: "Very."
Aubrey: "Too bad, he's married."
Greenlee: "Nice eye candy, though."
Aubrey: "Exactly."
She says with a wicked grin.
Greenlee: "I'll need you to text me or call me about my part of the bills."
Aubrey: "I can do that. If not, we'll discuss it on Sundays."
Greenlee: "I gotta get packed. I have to be back at four."
Aubrey: "You start immediately?"
Greenlee: "Yeah."
Aubrey: "Please tell me you read the contract."
Greenlee: "Nope, they are all the same."
Aubrey: "Typical Greenlee."
She laughs as I walk away.
I go to my room; I pack all my clothes. I grab a picture of my Grandma and one of Aubrey. I go to my bathroom and pack all of my personal items. I pack my car. I head back in to say goodbye to Aubrey.
Aubrey: "I'm going to miss having you home."
This is going to be hard for both of us.
Greenlee: "I'm just down the street."
Aubrey: "I know."
Greenlee: "I have to go. I don't want to be late."
Aubrey: "Let me know how it goes, Babes."
Greenlee: "Of course."
We hug, and I leave.
I pull into the Bryant's driveway with ten minutes to spare. I grab my suitcase. It's on wheels. I set the bag with the clothes that didn't fit on top. Then my bag of personal stuff on top of that. I've perfected this over the years; I make my way to the door and ring the doorbell; Mr. Bryant answered the door.
Callen: "You came back..."
He seemed shocked that I did.
Greenlee: "I do have a contract. That normally means doing what the family tells you. You gave me a time. I made sure I beat it. I still have four minutes."
Callen: "You do."
Arianna: "Are you going to make her stand on the porch for four minutes?"
Callen: "Oh, oh, no."
He moves and lets me in. I love this house.
Arianna: "I'll show you to your room."
She leads me through the living room and down the hall. She shows me the bathroom attached. She then leads me back to the bedroom and opens the door to the outside. It's breathtaking. That's why I love this town. No matter where you are, you have a Lakeview.
Arianna: "I hope you like it."
She is super sweet. I love it.
Greenlee: "It's perfect. Thank you."
Arianna: "Take some time to put your stuff away. Meet us in the kitchen when you are done."
Greenlee: "Thank you."
She leaves with a smile.
I put all my stuff in the dresser in the room; I set all my personal items on the counter in the bathroom, I make my way up to the kitchen.
This house is phenomenal.
(Lower Level)
(Upper level)
All the bedrooms and his office are on the middle floor.
Greenlee: "I absolutely love this house."
Arianna: "Thank you."
Callen: "You thought it would be different, didn't you?"
Greenlee: "I did."
Arianna: "People always think that. We aren't those types of people."
I know she is telling the truth. They are very different than what people think.
Greenlee: "This is a small town. Everyone has their ideas of what they want people to be. I'm guilty of it as well. I fully expected a lavish mansion. I was pleasantly surprised."
Callen: "Everyone knows our name, but did you know who we were?"
Greenlee: "I knew Mrs. Bryant. I had seen her on tv. I had never seen you until I saw you today. Do you want me to take Bria?"
Arianna: "No, I have her."
Greenlee: "Are you sure? She is the reason I'm here."
This is weird.
Arianna: "I'm very sure. This arrangement is a little different."
I already see that it is.
~~Callen's point of view~~
I knew she didn't read the contract. She wouldn't be so calm. She also would know that Arianna will be there for Bria as much as she can. Greenlee is here to assist her on bad days. She will also be the one to get up with her at night. She will do some nanny thing, not all. She's going to be more like a personal assistant to me. Now that I know she didn't read the contract, I wish she would have.
Callen: "Greenlee, do you mind taking Bria for a bit? I need a minute with Ari."
Greenlee: "Not at all. It's a beautiful day. We will go sit outside."
She takes Bria and heads down the steps; I watch her ass; she has a good one.
Arianna speaks as soon as she's gone.
Arianna: "She didn't read the contract."
Callen: "No, she didn't."
Arianna: "Do you think that it's going to be a problem?"
Callen: "No. It has its pros and cons. I can do what I need to do. On the flip side, she's going to have the natural need to want to be hands-on with Bria."
I don't dislike that.
Arianna: "She's going to be everything I want for her, Callen."
Callen: "She is."
Arianna: "Do we explain it now that she has signed it?"
Hell no.
Callen: "I think that we let it play out. I need to know that you are ok with this. I need to know this is what you really want."
I know that this is hard for her.
Arianna: "We've discussed this for years. We knew we would get to this point. I didn't tell you this when you picked her, but she is the one I wanted you to choose."
That makes me feel a little better.
Callen: "Why?"
Arianna: "Based on what I read, she's everything I wanted for Bria.........."
Callen: "You hesitated?"
Arianna: "Because I don't know if she's perfect for you."
I wonder why?
Callen: "Based on?"
She thinks before she speaks.
Arianna: "Age, looks, experience...."
Callen: "That's why I like her, Ari. She's not tainted."
Arianna: "Physically?"
I knew that's what she was getting at.
Callen: "Do you really want me to go there?"
Arianna: "I do."
I'm not going there with her.
Callen: "Why, Ari?"
Arianna: "Because I need to know."
Callen: "Ari, we've discussed this."
Arianna: "Then, you should know why I need to know."
How do you tell your wife that you wanted to fuck someone the moment you laid eyes on them?
How do I tell her that I'm insanely attracted to Greenlee?
Arianna: "Callen....."
Callen: "She's going to be perfect, Arianna."
~~Arianna's point of view~~
That's all I needed to hear him say. I know what he means by just those words.
Arianna: "I need you to start now."
Callen: "Like right now?"
Arianna: "Yes. I can't pretend much longer."
Callen: "I know, Babe. I fucking hate this."
Arianna: "We knew this was coming, Callen."
Callen: "We did."
Arianna: "Then you know what you need to do."
~~Aubrey's point of view~~
It's the middle of the night, and I can't sleep. I make my way to the kitchen to get a water. I see something on the counter I didn't notice earlier. I pick it up and sit at the table. I read the top.
It's Greenlee's contract.
I sit and read it.
Aubrey: "Oh, Greenlee Louise Anderson, what have you gotten yourself into?"
___________
~Characters~
Greenlee Anderson
Callen Bryant
Arianna Byrant
Aubrey Powell
Nancy