It was meant to be

5 - First Day

Tessa

"I really like you, Tessa. And I want you to work for me." I hear what he says and I'm speechless. My eyes widen as I process his words.

"Are you being serious?" I stammer, my heart pounding.

"Of course." Hardin leans back in his chair, crossing his arms with a confident smile. "You have all the qualities for a babysitter for my son. So, if you want the job, it's yours."

"Oh... Yes." I nod eagerly, feeling a surge of excitement. "I want the job. Auden is a really nice kid."

"Good." He stands up and walks around the desk, extending his hand for a shake. "Then, it's settled. I'll talk to the agency to send the papers and we'll sign them."

"Perfect." I shake his hand firmly, feeling the warmth of his grip. "Thank you for offering me this job."

"Will you stay with Auden while I talk at the agency?" He asks, heading toward the door.

"Sure." I glance at Auden, who is absorbed in playing with his cars. He looks up and smiles at me, making me feel more confident.

"Auden, will you be nice for Tessa? She's going to spend some time with you, alright?" Hardin kneels to his son's level, ruffling his hair.

"Yeah." Auden says, nodding enthusiastically as he continues playing with his cars.

"If he gets thirsty, buy some water." Hardin adds, looking back at me.

"Alright." I nod, watching Hardin leave the room.

I sit down next to Auden and play with his cars, making engine noises to entertain him. After a few minutes, he's bored and looks up at me with a smile.

"What's up, little guy? Are you thirsty?" I ask, mimicking drinking water with my hand.

He nods his head vigorously. "Yes."

"Let's buy you some water." I help him get off of the chair, and he takes my hand as we walk to the cafeteria. The cafeteria is buzzing with activity, and the smell of fresh coffee fills the air. I buy him a bottle of water and kneel down to help him drink it.

"Dada?" Auden asks, looking around.

"Let's go see daddy." I say, wiping a drop of water from his chin. We walk to the elevators and ride up to Hardin's office. The receptionist looks at me with a warm smile.

"Mr. Scott is in his office."

"Thank you." I say, returning the smile. We walk into Hardin's office just as he hangs up the phone.

"They are going to send me the paperwork in the next few days, but I really need you to start from tomorrow." Hardin says, looking relieved.

"That's alright for me, mister Scott." I reply, straightening up.

"Hardin, please." He corrects me with a gentle smile.

"Hardin." I say, smiling back. "Excuse me."

"Perfect." He says, looking down at Auden, who is playing with a paperweight on the desk.

"Thank you, again. I'll promise to be the best nanny for your son." I say sincerely.

"I must thank you. I really needed someone to take care of Auden as my mother is starting work soon." Hardin replies, glancing at his watch.

"I don't want to be nosy, but... what about your wife?" I ask hesitantly.

"Uhm... I lost her when Auden was born." Hardin says quietly, looking away.