Cherry || Andy Barber x Babysitter OC

1.

"But the damage was done the moment our eyes met"

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BEATRICE's POV

My room has never looked so messy. It's like a war zone, with a pile of clothes forming the trench that I could use to hide from my responsabilities.
I spent the past hour trying to figure out what to wear to my interview with the Barbers: my first option was pencil skirt and white shirt but I looked like one of those fake secretaries in porn, so no.
I know I'm gonna end up wearing my favourite pair of jeans, but since the heat is unbearable today I was hoping I could find something short but professional. Seems like I will need to stop by the store to buy something appropriate if I get the job.

After what feels like a lifetime, I set for jeans and a white t-shirt with my classic blue converse. Some might call me basic, but I feel like simplicity always wins. I apply a thin layer of concealer, blush and mascara to end the look. I don't want it to seem like I'm trying too hard for the Barbers. They're known across town to be one of the most respectable families. They have the picture-perfect life: great jobs, a nice kid and the biggest house in the neighborhood. I can't help but wish I'll be as lucky one day.

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As soon as I close the entrance door I start dreaming of my Dunkin' Donuts Iced coffee. I deserve it before getting to the Barbers and put my all in making a good first impression.
Once collected my coffee and a brownie for Jacob I make my way towards their house. I park my car right in front but wait a few minutes in the driver's seat since I'm a bit early.

Then anxiety kicks in.
What if they don't like me? What if they think I'm not good enough? What if I say something stupid? It seems to be a problem of mine when I'm nervous; I just spit out the first thing that crosses my mind. Let's hope this is not the case today.

After collecting some courage I get to the front door and knock on the door. Why did I do that? I should've just rang the bell.My train of thoughts is interrupted by the door being opened by no less than Mr.Barber himself.

Oh lord.

I remember seeing interviews of him on Tv after some trial that he won, and I also remember thinking he was handsome, just like every other woman in this town did. But this...this is beyond .
He towers over me with his 6'2" persona, against my 5'3" height. His perfectly trimmed beard adornes his face and reinforces his dominating aura. He exudes confidence wearing his blue tailored elegant suit and looks at me with piercing blue eyes, exploring every inch of my body with his  intense gaze. I feel like I'm dreaming.

"Hi. You must be Beatrice." He says while extending his hand for me to shake.

After a couple seconds I manage to answer. "I am. It's so nice to meet you Mr.Barber." I hope the smile I give him doesn't tell how nervous I am.

"Come on in. My wife should be here soon. Can I offer you something to drink?" He asks while we enter the living room with the open adjoining kitchen. Tequila would be good with the nerves that I'm sporting right now, but I probably shouldn't ask him alcohol at 4 pm.

"I just had coffee, thank you. I actually also brought a brownie for Jacob. I don't know if he's allowed to eat sweets or if he has allergies but I thought it would be nice to bring him something." Great, I'm already talking too much. He doesn't look bothered by it though, a gentle smile grazes his lips as I'm finishing my sentence.

"That's very thoughtful. I'm sure he will love it. You can sit on the chair, I'll be right with you." While I take a seat I can see him getting two glasses of water from the kitchen, that is in front of me. One for him and one for me, even though I told him I didn't want anything to drink. He's so polite. And calm. He feels very calm, while I'm the complete opposite right now. Somehow his presence makes me feel safe but under severe scrutiny all at the same time, is that even possible?

He sits on the couch that is right in front of the chair that I'm sitting on and we look at each other in complete silence for what feels like a long time, but is probably just 20 seconds. He clears his throat and I smile at him because I'm not sure what to do.
Where is his wife? And Jacob?

"So, how old are you?" He finally breaks the silence.

"I'm 22." I say with a smile. He looks surprised for a second. His eyes are gentle but he doesn't really smile much. I feel tense. How old could he be? He looks to be in his late thirties. He looks much better than most guys my age though. Or maybe I just have a thing for older men. Ugh.

"And you study in Boston right?" He continues with his questions.

"Yes, I study English Literature. I really like it." He finally smiles as I finish my statement.

"Glad to hear that. So you're only available for the summer right?"

"That's right. I'm back in my childhood home here in Newton till the beginning of September and then I'll go back to college." He nods. As soon as I finish talking the front door opens and a brunette woman with a boy walk in. When me and Mrs.Barber talked on the phone she told me the basic requirements they had for the job, they also told me that Jacob was a 12 year old kid that loved videogames. She expressed her concern about him being too closed off and told me she hoped I could get to help him open up more.

"Oh my God I'm so sorry for being so late! There was a problem at the school. You must be Beatrice, it is so nice to meet you!" Her voice is very chippery but sounds fake at the same time.

"Nice to meet you too Mrs.Barber. Don't worry about the time, I've only been here for 10 minutes." I say, even though it felt like much longer. Her husband was intimidating.

She glances at Mr.Barber and than back at me and says "I'm glad Andy was here to get you settled. Jacob, this is Beatrice. She might be your new babysitter." The kid was so engrossed in his phone that he looked up for the first time. The moment our eyes met he smiled lightly and then went back to his game. I took the paper bag with the sweet that I bought for him and brought it close to his face.

"I brought you a brownie. I hope you like brownies." I say nervously while looking at Mrs.Barber  for approval. She warmly smiles my way before thanking me. Jacob looks taken aback by my offer and a smile wider than the previous one grazes his face.

"I love brownies. Thank you." I already like the kid. Sure, he seems a bit shy, but honestly I am too.

"Jake go in your room while we discuss a few things with Beatrice. I'll call you when dinner is ready."

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During about an hour, the Barbers where able to discuss about requirements, wages, allergies and some rules. I wasn't allowed to invite people over while babysitting Jacob, but I could use the pool with him anytime I wanted, as long as he completed all his homework. Ice-cream no more than once a week. I wasn't really sure why. The only real thing I was worried about was the cooking. I was required to cook all his lunches and the dinners when they didn't make it in time to eat with him.

I consider myself a good cook, but kids are very hard to please sometimes. My mom taught me some very tasty dishes but I feel like if I cook Jacob salmon with asparagus he's gonna throw it in my face. I will figure something out. I always do.