Live-In Nanny Wanted! (Frerard)

Mikey and the Family Dinner

  When we arrive at the house, Gerard and I each take a twin inside and that's when I'm met with the smell of chicken alfredo and it's just delightful. I smile big at Gerard who gives me a small twitch of his lips. He's nervous and afraid of what his father will say. I put my hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Gerard. I'm here with you and so are the girls," I say. This makes him smile and I relax, not even aware of being tense in the first place.

"Thanks, Frank. Come on. I want you to meet Mikey. He's really awesome," he says, guiding me to the kitchen. His mother lights up completely at the sight of Gerard and it warms my heart. There's a tall, really skinny kid leaning against the counter next to the sink and I'm guessing that's Mikey. I drag my eyes over to the table where I'd seen a figure in my peripheral and I know that's his father. He's wearing a suit, tie hanging loosely around his neck and his eyes look tired. Like he just wants to go to the room and not deal with people. When his eyes reach Gerard, his lips curl into a small frown. When he and I make contact, he gives me a polite smile.

"Gerard, sweetheart, we missed you! Hello, Frank," she said after pinching Lily's cheeks. I give her a smile and say hello before walking over to his father and sticking my free hand out.

"Hello, sir. I'm Frank. This is my daughter Cherry and Lily is that little cute in Gerard's arms," I introduce my family. He stands as he shakes my hand, giving me a firm shake. I make sure to apply as much pressure as he does. He's sizing me up and I stand my ground.

"Nice to meet you, young man. How has Gerard been doing? Is he earning his keep around your home?" He asks. I make eye contact with Gerard and give him a smile before turning back to his father.

"Yes, sir. I'm very glad to have him around. He's been a big help," I say, making sure to stress my happiness with a toothy smile. He nods, humming his approval.

"That's good. You have very beautiful daughters. Will your wife be joining us tonight?" He asks. I shake my head.

"No, sir. I'm no longer married and their mother is currently working in the UK," I explained. I was surprised Donna hadn't mentioned my divorce to him, but I just let it go. It didn't matter.

"I'm sorry to hear that, son. Here, come meet my youngest, Mikey." He gestures to the boy with glasses and beckons him over.

"Hey, Frank. Gerard has told me a lot about you!" He greets. "Thanks for taking care of him." I shake his hand when he sticks it out.

"It's nice to meet you, and honestly, Gerard helps me a lot," I confess, giving a sheepish smile. We stand around awkwardly. Me smiling around at the family, Gerard looking at his feet, Mikey looking between his father and brother, Donna smiling as if nothing was wrong, and my girls cooing softly and staring around full of wonder. It was really fucking awkward and I kinda just wanted to look at my watch and make up some shit excuse to leave, but I promised Gerard I would stay to support him.

"Well," Donna exclaimed suddenly with a clap of her hands, catching all of us off guard. "Dinner is all ready so let's take a seat!" We all got into chairs, Gerard and I sitting next to each other so the twins could hold hands. It was the cutest thing ever when they did that, it showed they were attached to one another.

"Excuse me, Donna?" I said, looking at her and pulling my phone out. "Would you mind taking a quick picture of the twins with me and Gerard? I want to send it to my ex-wife," I said. She nodded happily and took my phone, quickly snapping a couple of photos of us. I couldn't wait to see them later. I bet we looked like a real family. After putting my phone up, I took the small jars of baby food out of the girls' diaper bag and handed one to Gerard.