The Harder They Fall

Chapter 2: Meeting Them

Cole

''I need to go, like yesterday. I'd be surprised if she hasn't already left.'' I worried out loud, throwing on my jacket.

''Man, please. She can wait. Does she know who you are? Does she know your parents? You could practically buy her, '' Cooper said, following me to Gracie's room.

I hated how arrogant he was sometimes. When it was a random person or his people, parents, friends, I didn't mind. But when it came to potential nannies, I hated it. It was either Cooper that ran them off or Gracie.

''First, that's illegal, and second, she is my last and only chance. I was lucky to even get someone to apply for it. And speaking of that, I need to get going before she leaves... Gracie, come here, baby.'' I said, reaching her door. She was already sitting on her bed, ready for lunch.

''Daddy, what are we eating for lunch? Ice cream or cookies and sodas again?''

''That's what I wanted to talk to you about, actually. I have to go, but Cooper is going to take care of you. How's that sound?''

''Okay. When are you coming back?''

''Probably in a couple of days,'' I answered, trying to walk closer to the stairs.

''Aww,'' She said, with a pouty expression.

''Don't look at me like that, Gracie. You know I'll be back as soon as I can.''

Come on, Cole. You know you can't resist the pouty face.

Sighing, I gave in. ''Alright, fine. We will play catch when I come back.''

''Meh.''

''Cookies?''

''Meh.''

''Barbies?''

''Meh.''

''Okay, we'll do whatever you want, alright? Daddy has to go.'' I said, sprinting down the stairs.

''Cooper, don't do anything to my daughter! I'll probably be back after practice!'' I shouted and walked out of the house.

~~~

Dammit, Cole, you don't even know what she looks like. Dummy. I thought to myself, walking in the cafe. It was a good thing I chose a less crowded spot. If I were to have chosen for us to meet up somewhere uptown, I wouldn't have made it through the door without getting ambushed by desperate reporters, just waiting for me to do something wrong.

As I scanned the cafe, I saw there weren't many customers, so it wouldn't be hard to try to spot her. I glanced around the nearby tables but only saw an elder couple. Then looking on the more crowded side, I still only saw elder people. Choosing to accept that I was too late, I turned around, but was met with a stunning woman instead.

''Excuse me,'' she began, ''Sorry for disturbing you but, do you know where I could find a man by the name Cole Archer? He's supposed to interview me as a nanny here, about an hour ago.''

Well, smack me in the ass and call me Judy.

''No, sorry," I joked and smiled when she started to walk away.

''Oh, well, thank you anyway.''

''I'm kidding. I'm Cole Archer. ''

After I said this, I hadn't even noticed that I had grabbed her arm until she tried to remove it.

Great going, Cole. Now your potential nanny thinks you're a touchy clown.

Awkwardly removing my arm, I tilted my head towards the tables, signaling for us to sit down and thankfully, she followed.