The New Nanny

The Party

EMILY

Friday evening rolls around and I'm tucking Danny into bed. I hear a quiet cough and turn around to see Maria stood there.

"Night Danny." I kiss his forehead and go to walk out, before Maria stops me.

"Oh Emily. I'll have some friends over tonight, so if you could stay in your room, I would appreciate it." I decide not to argue the fact that it's such a large house that I could be in any other room and not end up disturbing them.

"Of course Mrs. Hawthorne. I'll just grab something to eat and be out of your way." She looks me up and down as if to suggest I have no need for any more food.

"Night Danny...have a nice night Mrs. Hawthorne." I give Maria a tight smile and walk out of the room.

*

A few hours later, I'm sat in my room on the phone to my sister.

"So, you're stuck in your room on house arrest?" She asked me unbelievingly.

"I don't mind, I'm sure I wouldn't fit in with her and her friends anyway."

"I don't see why you'd want to, she sounds like a right bitch." I chuckle at my sister's opinion, but based on my own behaviour, I don't feel too comfortable bitching about her.

"Anyway, enough about me. How's it going with William?" My sister laughs down the phone, perhaps a little louder than normal. She sounds nervous.

"Ah, he's okay. We tend to stay out of each other's way...he's got some good ideas though."

"Watch out, you're starting to sound like one of his fan girls."

"Shut up, you-" Her voice cuts off as I hear her doorbell in the background. "I'd better go sis. Speak to you later." Before I can even ask who might be at her door at 10pm or even wish her goodnight, she's already hung up.

"Bye then." I say quietly to my empty room.

The voices from downstairs begin to increase in volume and I roll my eyes. Apparently she's not too worried about waking up her son. Judging by the voices, I guess there's been a lot of alcohol consumed. In that moment, I swear I hear someone say my name. Curious, I creep over to my door and open it slightly, so I can listen in.

"...oh no, I'm not worried about John with her. Why do you think I hired such a dumpy little woman?" Their laughter rings out and I grit my teeth in frustration. I almost think about walking out there and telling her exactly what her husband thinks of me. Of course common sense stops me from doing any such thing. Before I close my door, I hear her sing song voice ring out. "Oh Brad, you're so naughty!"

In my anger I decide to do something very foolish and message the one man I really shouldn't.

JOHN

I'm sat in the hotel bar, nursing a whiskey when a tall slim blonde saunters up to me.

"Oh my god, aren't you John Hawthorne?!" I give her a tired smile.

"Yes ma'am, nice to meet you." She squeals and sits down on the stool beside me.

"I can't believe it, I'm such a big fan." I notice her place a hand on the bar, almost touching my own. "So, are you staying here?" I nod.

"Yup, just grabbing a drink before bed." She leans forward so that her ample cleavage is on full display to me.

Being hit on by beautiful women is a part of my job that I've always enjoyed in the past. However, I'm far too tired from filming and the only woman I've got on my mind right now is Emily.

"I'm staying here too...how about I come keep you company?" I hold up my left hand, flashing my wedding ring.

"As flattered as I am, I'm a married man."

"Your wife doesn't need to know." I stand and throw some money on the bar.

"Sorry, but I'm not interested. You have a great night." Without another word, I walk back to my room. On the way up, I feel my phone buzz. Taking it out of my pocket, I can't help the smile that spreads across my face when I see Emily's name come up.

**Hi John, just thought I'd message to see how you are. I hope filming is going well. Emily x**

The last thing I was expecting was a message from her, but I can't seem to get this stupid grin off my face as I type my reply.

**Hi Emily, it's nice to hear from you. It's all going well, all very rock and roll. I'm currently in my hotel room by myself at 10.30. John x** After sending the message I worry that I may have gone a little too far. Did I really need to tell her I was alone in a hotel room? I'm staring at my phone like a love sick teenager. I end up throwing it down on the bed and decide to take a shower.

EMILY

I read his message over and over again and smile. I was expecting him to be out partying and way too busy to message me back. Something about knowing he's all alone brings me some relief. I type out my reply.

**Apparently, we both know how to live. I'm reading in bed as I've been ordered to stay in my room tonight.**

I sit there staring at my phone for a moment, before moving it away. I pick my book back up to avoid watching and waiting for his reply.

I'm attempting to unsuccessfully lose myself in my book when my phone vibrates again. John is calling me this time. I take a deep breath before answering.

"Hi."

"Hey, I hope you don't mind me calling, I'm not much of a texter." I can't help the pleasant shiver that runs through me, hearing his deep southern drawl.

"Not at all, I was only reading."

"Why are you stuck in your room? Maria having another one of her parties?"

"Oh yeah, sounds like I've been a subject of conversation too." Shit, why did I just say that? I know why, it's because I want to hear him defend me.

"What has she been saying?" I can hear the annoyance creep into his voice and I suddenly feel like a fool.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything."

"Tell me, what did she say?" His tone is so commanding and I can't help but feel a little turned on.

"Nothing much, but I believe the term dumpy little woman was used." I laugh to try and lighten the situation. "It's fine though."

"No, it's not fine, it was cruel, not to mention untrue." My earlier excitement at telling him has turned to concern, he sounds really pissed. "You are perfect, Emily...she's just jealous."

"She shouldn't be, she's beautiful...and your wife." I hear him sigh down the phone.

"I know...fuck, I can't stop thinking about you Emily. I know it's wrong, but I can't stop."

"I can't stop thinking about you either, but-"

"I know we can't do anything about it...but that doesn't stop me being happy about what you just said." I smile. "Anyway, I had better go before I end up saying something I regret." I want to ask him what that might be, instead I decide on the safe choice.

"Goodnight John."

"Goodnight Emily."

I hang up and fall back on my bed, my head a mess.

What the hell do I do now?