Blessing in Disguise (MM)

Chapter Two

NICK'S POV

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"Luca's friend?"

"Yes."

"Who works with him at Chessman's?"

"Yes."

I sigh and turn away, letting my hand run over my face. "You've got to be kidding me."

My brother, Declan, steps into my view again as I glance up at him. He's got a brow curved and I can only assume what he's about to unleash on me. "You can't judge him already, Nick. You've not even met him. Don't be an asshole. He's kind, he's punctual, he puts one hundred and ten percent into the cafe everyday. He's got experience with kids, he's got a clear DBS. For one, Luca is good friends with him. What more could you want?"

"No experience in one on one with children though," I lean into my counter and fold my arms over my chest.

Declan throws his hands up in defeat. "I can't cope with you anymore. You asked me to help you and I've found someone perfect. He's local, has a car, he's got the time, Nick. Think about this. Give him a damn chance. If you keep this up, Elodie will be eighteen by the time you think anyone is worthy of her."

I twist my head to the window in the kitchen. I know he's right. I've been stupidly fussy over the last few months. I want the best for my daughter, I want to know that she's in safe hands and that the person who takes care of her, I can truly trust.

Declan nudges my side with his shoulder, bringing my attention back to him. He might be older but he doesn't always know best–which he seems to think more than often. "Give him a chance," he drops his tone which I appreciate. "Meet him, ask him the questions you want to know but don't turn this down before you've even met him. You're smarter than this."

"How long has Luca known him?"

My brother shrugs. "I dunno. Since school."

I nod once and release a sigh. "Where is his resume and DBS?"

"Here," he steps away to retrieve all the paper documents from a folder in his bag. "He gave me everything I needed. He seems interested and I can promise you now, he will go above and beyond for Elodie."

A snort falls from my nose quietly. "That's if Elodie doesn't eat him alive first."

"I'm sure Aris can handle a five year old." Declan smirks at me.

"A sassy five year old." I correct him. "Don't forget that."

He rests his hand on my shoulder. "You asked me to help. You've been looking for months, Nick. If you don't even give him a chance, then you're an idiot."

I stare back at my brother and his dark eyes, he's a couple inches shorter than me but he definitely makes up for it in the broadness of his body. He hits the gym a few times a week and I've always been envious of his body shape but I barely have time to eat my own dinner whilst being a single father and trying to start my own company.

The last few months have been a whirlwind from hell. And God, I despise that Declan is speaking the truth. I need to drop my guard and accept the help when it's right in front of me. If I had it my way, no one would be good enough for Elodie, but I need to start letting go. I can't be this controlling father forever, she'll end up hating me when she's a teenager.

"Alright," I let my voice echo around the kitchen. "I'll give him a shot. I'll interview him first and see if he lives up to my expectations."

Declan taps the folder. "All of his documents and contact information are in here. Don't second guess this. Just send him a damn text and hope for the best. Sometimes I hate how much of a grumpy perfectionist you are."