The taxi stops abruptly, making me wake up. I look out the window and see I'm home. I'm exhausted after the three days in London, and all the travelling, but I made sure I made it back in time to go to Jessica's show.
"Can I use your toilet?" Andy asks.
I turn my head, and give him a look.
"I'm desperate, and I have to wait another hour until I'm home." He frowns.
I sigh, and rub my eyes.
"Yeah, fine."
"Thanks." He smiles.
"We might as well look over the contracts if you're gonna come in." I say, opening the door.
"Sure."
We get out of the taxi, and take our luggage with us. I unlock the front door, and we walk inside.
"The bathroom is upstairs, to the left."
"Thanks." Andy nods, and walks off.
I walk through the house, and in to the kitchen. Vanessa isn't here. She must be seeing her mom or something.
I really need to wake myself up. I put the kettle on to boil, making myself a coffee.
"Your house is massive!" Andy says, walking in to the kitchen. "It's nice."
I ignore him. I can't be bothered with small talk.
"Do you want a coffee?"
"Uh, yeah, thanks." He nods.
I finish making the drinks, and we sit down to talk about the contracts.
An hour later, I hear footsteps walking through the hall. Vanessa is back. I suddenly have this excited feeling come over me, and I think I'm a bit nervous too.
She walks in to the kitchen, and smiles when she sees me. Her smile makes my heart race. Why does it feel like I've been away for longer than 3 days?
She's wearing a ripped, denim jacket, over a black polka dot dress, that shows off her legs, and a little bit of cleavage, and white trainers. Her wavy, honey brown hair is tied up in a high ponytail, with a few strands hanging loose. She looks good.
I notice Andy take a double look...
"Hey, you're back." She raises her eyebrows, as she puts a shopping bag on the kitchen counter.
"Hey." I smile.
She looks at Andy, and he smiles.
"Uh, this is Andy. We work together."
"Hey." He raises his hand.
"Hi, I'm Vanessa." She smiles.
"We were just going over some contracts." I say, clearing my throat.
"Oh, ok. I'll leave, and let you-"
"No, it's ok." I shake my head. "We're almost done, and Andy is leaving in a second."
"Ok." She nods, and takes off her denim jacket, before unpacking the shopping.
I look at Andy, and see his attention is no longer on the work we're doing. He quickly looks away from Vanessa, and we continue our conversation about the contracts.
Vanessa goes to leave the kitchen, and Andy turns his head, checking her out.
"What are you doing?" I give him a look.
"Huh?" He says, quickly looking back at me.
"You were staring at her. We've got work to do."
"Sorry..." He says, looking embarrassed. "Is she your girlfriend?"
"No." I lower my eyebrows. "She's my daughters nanny."
"Nanny?!" He raises his eyebrows.
"Yeah..."
"I wouldn't mind having her as my nanny." He smiles.
I raise my eyebrows and shake my head.
"I'm just saying." He shrugs. "That must be every dads dream, to have a good looking nanny-"
"Seriously, can you just focus on the contracts?" I make a face, beginning to get annoyed.
"Yeah..." He nods.
We get back to work, and Vanessa walks back in to the kitchen. She looks over at us as she turns on the kettle.
"I'm making tea, would you like any?" She asks.
"Andy is just le-"
Andy cuts me off.
"Yeah." He smiles. "That would be great."
I give him the side eye.
"Ok." Vanessa smiles. "Michael?"
"Yeah... thanks." I show a little smile.
Andy needs to fuck off now. Vanessa makes the tea, and brings it over to us.
"Thank you." Andy smiles, with his eyes checking her out as he looks up at her.
"No problem." Vanessa smiles, and then looks at me. "Jessica will be so happy when she sees you at the show."
"I didn't want to let her down." I shake my head.
"How long have you been a nanny for?" Andy asks.
He's really trying isn't he?
"Um, I've been working here for 6 weeks now."
He nods.
"How long have you been a consultant for?" She asks.
"About 7 months. No where near as long as Michael. He's been doing it for years."
"Yeah, you've got a lot of learning to do." I give him a look.
Andy laughs, but I wasn't joking.
"Well, I'm learning from the best."
I sip my tea, and Vanessa let's out a soft laugh.
"Ok, well, I'll let you get back to work." She says, walking away.
Andy sips his tea as his eyes follow her. I roll my eyes, and look down at the paper work.
Once we've finished the tea, I check the time and stand up.
"We can continue this another day. I've got to be somewhere soon."
"Ok." Andy nods, and stands up. "Thanks again for the tea." He says, looking over at Vanessa.
She's busy baking something, and looks over at him.
"That's ok." She smiles.
"It was nice meeting you."
I lock my jaw. Come on, cut the bullshit, and get out.
"Yeah, it was nice to meet you too." She nods.
I lead him over to the front door, and see him out.
"Is Vanessa single?" Andy asks.
I give him a look.
"I don't know."
"It's just, I'm single, and I thought you could-"
"I could what? Set you two up?" I scoff. "Could you act professional for once Andy? I allowed you in my home so we could work, not so you could eye up my daughters nanny."
"Ok. I was just curious..." He widens his eyes. "Sorry..."
I sigh, and shake my head.
"See you soon." He says, turning around.
I give him a look, and shut the door. Asshole.
I walk back in to the kitchen, and tidy up the paper work that's on the table.
"Andy didn't seem that bad." Vanessa says, as she mixes something in a bowl.
I look over at her, and see her smiling.
"You said you work with fucking idiots." She smirks.
"Yeah, he's one of them." I nod.
She giggles.
"He wanted to know if you were single." I shake my head.
"Seriously?" She raises her eyebrows.
"Yeah..."
She smiles slowly.
"He could have asked me himself." She shrugs. "Maybe I'd of given him my number."
I lower my eyebrows.
"Really?"
"Yeah." She nods. "He seemed nice."
She liked him? Why do I feel really bothered by this? I don't know what to say, so I keep quiet. I roughly take off my tie, feeling annoyed, and leave the kitchen. Am I jealous?
I go up to my room to take a shower, and get changed, ready for Jessica's show.
Once I'm ready, I walk back down to the kitchen to get myself a glass of water.
"Are you ok?" Vanessa asks, glancing over at me.
"Yeah."
She nods, and it goes silent between us.
"How was London?"
"Fine." I shrug. "But I'm exhausted after all the travelling. I left early, so I'd be back in time for Jessica's show, but I'm really feeling the jetlag now." I sigh, and sip my water.
"I bet." She frowns.
"What's that you're making?" I ask, looking at the oven.
"Carrot cake." She smiles. "And I got some ice cream for Jessie, for after the show."
"She will like that." I smile.
"She's been practicing, and working hard, so I think she deserves it."
I nod, and watch her take the cake out of the oven. I look her up and down before looking at the time, and clear my throat.
"We should probably get going." I say, taking out some chewing gum.
"Yeah, let me just grab my jacket."
I watch her, and put the gum in my mouth as she picks up her jacket.
"I'll drive. It's pointless taking two cars."
"Ok... I can drive us if you're feeling tired?" She lowers her eyebrows.
"That's ok. I'll be fine." I shake my head, chewing on my gum.
She nods and we leave the house.
****
The drive is quiet.
Every now and then, I feel Vanessa look over at me, and when she isn't looking I do the same to her. My eyes keep travelling down to her legs. I should have worn my sunglasses, so I wouldn't feel worried about her catching me out.
Just as I'm thinking that, she looks at me, and sees me checking her out. I look away, and focus back on the road, trying to act natural.
"I was joking about Andy, by the way." She says, breaking the silence.
Why did she joke about that? I chew my gum, not saying anything at first. Could she tell I was annoyed?
"He's single, you're single... it's got nothing to do with me if you're interested in him." I shake my head.
"I know, but I'm just saying..." She shrugs. "Don't go giving him my number. He isn't my type."
"No?" A little smile creeps over my face.
"No." She smirks.
What is her type?
Things go silent again, and she looks out the window.
****
I park the car, and as we get out, I see Janet standing by her car. She smiles, and walks over to us.
"Hey." She says, giving me a hug.
"Hey."
She pulls back, and frowns as she looks at me.
"Mike, are you ok? You look tired!"
"I was in London for a few days, and I flew back today."
"You look rough."
"Thanks, Janet." I roll my eyes.
She smiles, and looks at Vanessa.
"Hi Vanessa, how are you?"
"Hey, I'm good thank you, how are you?" She smiles.
"I'm good. It's nice to see you again."
"Yeah, you too." Vanessa nods.
"How's everything been with looking after Jessie?"
"It's been going really well." Vanessa smiles. "Me and Jessie have bonded a lot, and she's never any trouble."
"Yeah, it wasn't Jessie I was worried about, it was more so Michael. I wasn't sure if you would stick around, with the way he is sometimes." She laughs, and looks at me. "He's more work than Jessie."
I give Janet a look. Really?
"Oh, no." Vanessa laughs, and tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I love my job."
We glance at each other, and look away.
"Do you have anything nice to say about me, Janet, or shall we make our way inside?" I raise an eyebrow.
"I think we best make our way inside then." She giggles, which makes Vanessa laugh.
I shake my head. Vanessa probably agrees with Janet to be honest...
Janet walks next to Vanessa, and continues to talk to her as we make our way inside.
*Vanessa's POV*
I sit one side of Michael, and Janet sits the other. We're sat third row from the front, so hopefully Jessica sees us. She's going to have such a nice surprise when she sees Michael here. She was so upset when he told her he might not be able to make it, so this will cheer her right up.
Once people are seated, the lights in the room dim down, and the stage lights turn on. I take out my phone, ready to start recording. I'm so excited to see Jessica perform! Michael glances at me, and smiles, seeing I've got my phone camera at the ready.
The song Sugar Plum Fairy begins to play, and all the little girls in their ballet outfits come dancing out on stage, followed by their teacher.
Me, Michael and Janet smile widely when we see Jessica. She's looking around the room, and around the audience, trying to find us. She shows a big smile when her eyes land on us, and she waves. I think she mouths daddy, which makes Michael laugh, and wave at her. Aww, she's so happy! I feel so proud seeing her up there.
I continue to record the show, while smiling the whole way through. I feel like the mom from the movie 'Mean Girls' right now. In my head I'm like: yaaas, Jessie, perform it girl! She's such a great dancer, and much better than the other girls, but I guess I'm slightly biased. She is very good though.
The show goes on for about 30 minutes, and as it comes to an end, everyone gives the girls a round of applause. They run off stage, and everyone stands up to leave.
"She was so adorable up there, Michael." Janet gushes. "She was looking at us the whole time."
"Yeah, she's made me so proud." Michael smiles.
"She was great." I smile. "I've got it all recorded too."
"Can you send me it later?" Michael asks.
"And me." Janet grins.
"Yeah, of course." I nod.
We leave the room, and wait a few minutes for Jessica to come out. We hear the children up ahead, and see them walk around the corner. Jessica smiles widely when she us, and runs towards us.
"Daddy! You came!" She says excitedly, holding her arms out.
"Of course I did!" Michael smiles and picks her up, giving her a hug. "I wouldn't have missed my baby girls performance, would I?" He says, kissing her cheek.
My ovaries just exploded.
"You were amazing!" Janet smiles, kissing her cheek.
"You really were. You're a great little dancer." I smile, and rub her back.
"I am soooo proud of you." Michael says, tucking her hair behind her ear. "You done so well."
"I was nervous, but after I saw you, Ness, and auntie Janet I felt good! I had fun."
"Good!" Michael laughs softly. "You shouldn't have been nervous at all because you were brilliant. You looked beautiful up on the stage."
"Thank you." She shows a shy smile, and wraps her arms around his neck, hugging him.
"How about we get something nice for dinner? I'll treat you to a happy meal."
She gasps and raises her eyebrows.
"Chicken nuggets!" She shouts, with a huge grin on her face.
We laugh at how excited she is.
"Ness has got some ice cream for you at home too." Michael raises his eyebrows.
"And I made a cake." I smile. "Janet, you should come back and eat with us?"
"McDonald's, cake, and ice cream? I'm definitely coming back to yours." She laughs.
As we leave, Michael tells Janet to meet us back at the house, while we get the McDonald's.
****
"Here you go, Jessie." Michael says, leaning back in his seat, passing her the happy meal.
"Yay! Thank you!" She smiles. "I haven't had one of these in aaaaaaages."
Michael hands me the McDonald's bag, so he can start driving again.
"Thanks. I'll pay you back." I smile.
"Don't worry." Michael shakes his head. "It's on me."
"Thank you."
That's kind of him. We glance at each other, and look away.
****
*Michael's POV*
After eating McDonald's, cake, and ice cream, I'm feeling really full, and even more tired. So tired, that I'm almost falling asleep at the table. Vanessa and Janet have been talking a lot, but I've paid no attention. Pretty sure I've heard my name being mentioned, but I'm too tired to care at this point.
I rest my elbow on the table, supporting my face with my hand. My eyes keep opening and closing, and my head keeps nodding forward.
"Daddy." I hear Jessica say.
She pulls on my arm, trying to get my attention.
"Mmm?" I hum.
"Can you colour with me?"
I yawn, and look at her.
"I think your dad needs to go to bed." Janet raises her eyebrows and laughs.
"Yeah, and Its time for your bath anyway." Vanessa smiles.
"Oooh." Jessie frowns.
"Come on." Vanessa laughs softly, and holds out her hand for Jessie to hold. "Let's leave your dad to get some rest."
"Ok." She sighs, holding Vanessa's hand.
I rub my face, and look Vanessa up and down as she leaves the room. I sigh as I look away, and see Janet staring at me.
"What?" I lower my eyebrows, and yawn.
"I saw you." She smirks.
"Saw me what?"
She raises an eyebrow, and sits next to me.
"Look Vanessa up and down."
I roll my eyes and shake my head.
"You like what you see, huh?" Janet grins.
"Shut up." I laugh softly.
"I've seen the little looks you and her have been giving each other today."
"Ugh, don't Janet. I'm too tired." I shake my head, putting my hands to my face.
"Something's happened hasn't it?"
"What?" I make a face.
"Have you had sex?" She raises her eyebrows.
"No!" I widen my eyes. "She's Jessica's nanny for God sake."
"Ok... but, do you want to have sex with her?"
"Oh, God." I shake my head, and look down. "I'm not discussing that, especially with my sister."
"Come on! I can tell something is up. I've seen her check you out, and I've seen you check her out. I feel a weird vibe... possibly tension? Sexual, tension."
"She's Jessica's nanny, and that's that. Nothing is going on. Yeah, she's good looking, but she works for me. There's no weird vibe between us..."
"Mmm..." She gives me a look.
"A guy can look, can't he? That's not a crime."
"No, but I could just see something between you both." She shrugs. "I sense it."
"Yeah, well, your spidey sense is wrong. Now can you leave me alone? I'm tired."
"Well, get your lyin ass to bed then!"
"Lying?" I lower my eyebrows.
"Yeah, cause I know you lyin about you and Ness."
I roll my eyes and chuckle.
"Will you keep your voice down?"
"So, there is something?" She raises her eyebrows.
"Fucking hell." I sigh, and rub my forehead. "No. What you gotta be so nosy for anyway?"
"I'm your sister, it's my job."
"Oh, yeah." I roll my eyes.
"And I like Ness. I think she's a really nice girl, and Jessie really likes her too." Janet smiles.
"Yeah..." I show a little smile.
"You definitely got lucky with her."
"Mmm..." I look down. "She's good at her job."
I did get lucky. She's great with Jessica.
"Do you like her?"
"Janet." I moan, laying my head down on my arms, and closing my eyes.
"That's a yes." She giggles.
I take in a deep breath.
"It's ok Michael... it's ok to like someone again." She says softly.
I lower my eyebrows.
"I do like her, but in a professional manner."
"Hmm." Janet laughs softly.
"Can you leave me in peace?" I yawn.
*Vanessa's POV*
After I've bathed Jessica, I leave her playing with her dolls for five minutes.
I walk in to the kitchen, and see Michael with his head down on the table. I laugh softly, and look at Janet.
"He hasn't gone up to bed yet?"
"Nope. I think he's too tired to move." She chuckles. "Hey, Mike." She raises her voice. "Get up."
"Mmm." He groans.
I know he's extremely tired, but it's kind of cute and sexy. He looks all sleepy and cuddly. I'd happily lay in bed with him and cuddle him all night. He should really go to bed though. I walk over to him, and touch his arm.
"Michael." I say, shaking him gently.
He manages to pull his head up, and look at me. His eyes are a bit red, and he can barely keep them open. I really want to touch his face, and stroke through his hair... but I know I can't... I can feel Janet watching me too.
"Why don't you say goodnight to Jessica, and get some sleep?" I say, rubbing his arm.
"Mmm, yeah." He nods.
I show a little smile, and watch him pull himself up from the chair.
"Goodnight Michael." Janet smiles, watching him walk off.
"Goodnight." He yawns. "I'll see you soon. Thanks for coming tonight."
"That's ok."
Michael looks at me and shows a little smile.
"Goodnight."
"Night." I smile.
Once Michael has left the room, Janet stands up and has a little stretch.
"I should probably get going."
"Sure." I nod.
I walk with her over to the front door, and see her out.
"Thanks for the cake and ice cream."
"That's ok." I smile. "Do you want any cake to take away with you?"
"No, I shouldn't." She laughs softly. "Thanks, though."
"I'll send you over that video of Jessie."
"Oh, yes. I'd love that." She nods. "You're doing a great job, Ness."
"Thank you." I smile.
"I told Michael how lucky he is, so he better not be giving you any more crap."
I raise my eyebrows and laugh softly.
"Aw, thanks, that was kind of you."
"He might come across as cold, but that's just a front." She smirks, and shakes her head. "He has a big heart."
I know he definitely always has his guard up, and I know underneath it all there's a kind, caring, sweet man. I've seen that for myself a few times already. He's kind of like an onion; he has a lot of layers to him.
"Anyway, I'll see you soon." She smiles.
We say goodbye, and I shut and lock the door. I yawn and rub my face before going in to the kitchen. I'm going to head to bed too, but I'll clean up the kitchen first.
Once that's done, I take myself upstairs. As I'm walking to my room, I see Jessica's door wide open. I look in, and see Michael laying on the bed with her. He's holding her in his arms, and they're both fast asleep. They both have their mouths open slightly too, which makes me smile. They look so cute.
I quietly close the door over, and walk to my room.