Blame it on Paris

Chapter 2

Anelise was making notes for the thesis proposal that she would be writing over summer and had to have it turned into her professor after the final, and she just wasn't pleased with what she had. She wanted more, but didn't know what. When she was explaining it to Professor Andrews, she felt it was lacking something, some excitement or passion, some spark to really light her soul on fire. Professor Andrews said what she had was really good and would make a good final project, but Anelise just didn't want good. She wanted amazing and awe inspiring. She sighed again as she went and got a glass of sweet tea, the one she allowed herself per day. If she didn't limit herself, the weight loss she had worked so hard for would be doomed.

She took a long drink from her glass and was thankful that her room mate and best friend, Leslie, was out having Sunday Brunch with her ridiculously wealthy family for some Great Aunt's birthday and the apartment was quiet so she could stew in peace. She walked around the room, trying to clear her head and buckle back down to study for the rest of her finals when her phone rang. She didn't recognize the number, but saw it was Chicago based and thought it could be the neighbor that her parents said might call with an interesting proposal and decided to answer it.

"Hello?" She answered.

"Um Hello. May I speak with Anelise please?" She heard a deep baritone voice ask, making goosebumps pop out all over her body.

"This is, how can I help you?"

"My name is Michael Whitlock. Your parents gave me your number, I am their neighbor," the deep voice explained.

"Oh yes, they mentioned that you might be calling with a proposal. What can I do for you?" She said, trying not to think about how his voice was affecting her..

"Well, here it is. I know this is completely out of left field, but I am in one hell of a bind. Your parents mentioned that you liked kids and this might be something you are interested in. My nanny quit yesterday and is eloping," he started.

"Well that's awfully romantic," she said with a smile.

He chuckled, "I agree, but the problem is I am leaving for three months for work and she was supposed to come with us and watch my son, Ollie, while I work. Is that something you might be interested in? I will pay you really well."

She bit her lip, thinking that the money might be good, depending on the pay. She really enjoyed shopping with Leslie now that she lost so much weight.

"Well, I'm not sure...I'm going to be writing my Master's thesis..." She started.

"I know. Your parents explained that to me, but this might be of interest to you. My work is sending me to London for the summer. You would get days off to explore and do research for your paper," Michael explained.

Analise took a sharp breath when hearing the news, "Seriously?!"

"Yes, we leave in 13 days and I will be paying you $1500 per week. All room and food will be covered by my company, but I'm not going to sugar coat it. I will be working A LOT and you would be responsible for Ollie well into the night some days," he explained, hoping that he was enticing her and not turning her off to the idea.

Being in London for three months? Earning a shit ton of money while watching one child? She would be making so much, she could quit the coffee shop and not go back next semester!

"Are you still there?" She heard him ask, not realizing how long she had been silent for.

"Oh my gosh, I'm sorry! Yes, I'm still here and yes I'll do it!" She replied excitedly.

"Really?!" Michael gasped, feeling a huge weight being lifted off his shoulders.

"Yes. I know it's not ideal that I can't really meet you or your son before we go. But this really sounds like a good arrangement for us both, especially if my parents gave you my number. And I could quit my current job with the money you are offering," she said, feeling giddy.