Temporary Nanny

Chapter 20

It's a relaxed day of no work for Michael and I. I haven't had one of these in what feels like forever. At least not one that also included both of us staying in together.

Usually he'll have other things to do like go out with Beatrice or have a 'play date' for Stella but really it's just an excuse for he and his former bandmates to play video games all day and have a beer or two.

Not today though. Today it was just me, Stella, Michael and of course the cat.

I'm trying not to seem over the top with my enthusiasm about the day but Michael mentions the stupid smile I can't seem to get off my face more than once and the way I seem weirdly happy.

I can't help it really. It's not my fault. It's just that I love days like this. Days where neither of us are bothered to change into actual clothes - even Stella crawling around in just her diaper - and lay out on the sofa doing nothing.

Just flipping through channels and watching movies together. If I could, I'd have every day just like this.

But they've become few and far between ever since Michael's been busy being a boyfriend and having a love life that didn't involve me or Stella.

Which I definitely wasn't bitter about.

"Are you sure we're doing this right?" Michael asks unsure as we sit on the ground across from each other. "For the last time, this is how you do it. I'm telling you. I've seen it first hand." I insist. "Sure, whatever you say Charlie." He replies sarcastically.

"I did! She'll catch on okay she already stands and wobbles!" I defend my 100 percent proven method of baby walking. "We've been doing this for 15 minutes already, I don't think she's gonna do it." He all but whines.

"Obviously it's going to take time so shut up and call her over." I groan. He rolls his eyes, his lips pursed together. "5 more minutes then we break." I offer. He gives an exaggerated sigh and agrees with a dramatic fine.

"Stop being such a drama queen." I muse, supporting Stella as she stands on her feet. She babbles a little with a punctuated ending that's louder than the rest. "I know right, tell daddy to stop being such a drag. We're trying to learn to walk here." I eye Michael pointedly.

He bites back a smile despite himself. "Alright, hurry up then, lets prove me wrong." He sticks his hands out for Stella.

She grips my fingers tight and starts kicking her legs up and down so she looks like she's dancing. "What are you doing?" I laugh. "What is that?" Michael can't help but join at the sight which of course sets off her own giggles.

"Maybe we're all wrong. Maybe she'll be a dancer," Michael hums soft and fond. "Or a comedian maybe." I make a face at the baby that turns her head to look at me.

I wouldn't be surprised if she did turn out a comedian, it'd make sense. She loves to get a laugh out of people, even cracking herself up along the way.

The door bell rings then and Michael gives me a look like a kid asking if they're allowed to leave the table at dinner.

"Go on then, are you expecting someone?" I nod toward the door. "No, you?" He gets to his feet, looking down at me. "No? Maybe it's one of the boys." I suggest. "Nah, they're all busy today, I checked." He replies matter-of-fact.

"Gee, that makes me feel good." I pout up at the black haired man. His eyebrows scrunch up in confusion. "What was I, fourth choice?"