Nurse Or Nanny?

Chapter Twenty

Authors Note: 

Hello to everyone who stumbled upon this story, I hope you are enjoying it so far! The chapters seem to be getting a bit longer which I think is nice, I'm getting more comfortable writing. I just wanted to give a quick hello and remind you that I'm uploading as I go. The book is not written yet, so you are coming along on this journey with me! I'm excited to see where this book will go. Anyway, just thought I'd pop this in here in case you are cringing at the chapters haha.  Happy reading :)

Ashley/Laura's POV

Today has been an eventful day.  After picking the kids up from school I realized that David has raised some really good kids, if their teachers and principal have anything to say about it.  But talking to that one mom, it kind of threw me off my game.  I am not really sure why, I am normally very calm and collected when presented with, lets say 'difficult people', but Tamara really got under my skin.  The thought of David dating her made me so jealous, which is ridiculous because I don't even know the man, but the thought of him being with anyone else makes my blood boil.  I was very happy to get out of there. I put that out of my mind for the time being, I had other things I needed to focus on. After Jackson's basketball practice I gave the kids the rundown of what was going to happen for dinner, and if they wanted to help they could, but I wasn't expecting anything of them.
"I can help with the salad." Lauren said, which was really sweet.
"Of course, I would love your help." I say and give her a smile.
"Umm, is there anything I can help you with?" Joe asked a little nervously.
"I wouldn't mind having some help with setting the table, but I know you have a level to beat in your game, so if you beat it you can come and help out." I was looking at Joe in the rear view mirror and he looked as happy as can be.  This is how I think I'll be able to get him to do things.
"I guess since everyone is helping, is there anything you want me to do?" Jackson asked.
"I just would like you to get a jump start on your homework, shower," he gives me a side glare from the passenger seat and I laugh at him,
"Yeah, you stink Jackson!" Lauren says and pinches her nose shut.
"Okay, okay, he doesn't smell that bad." I say as I slowly open the car door window and everyone laughs.
"After your shower, if you could just come down and see if anything needs to be done I'll let you know." I smile over at him and he looks at me then down to his hands. I feel as though this may be the first time he is contributing to the family since he moved in a few weeks ago.

I hear Lauren running out of the kitchen and down the hall, I also hear the door open and I assume it's David home for dinner.  She yells aunty Chris and I totally forgot she was coming. I quickly grab another plate and cutlery for the table and pretend I totally remembered she was coming.  As I am pulling the lasagna out of the oven I hear everyone walk in and I don't turn around.  Why am I so nervous?
"Hey Ashley, smells great in here." I hear David say.  I know it smells good, this is my best dish.
"Thanks, I hope it tastes as good as it smells." I say kind of nervously, now I am second guessing myself, something I never do. 
"I'm sure it will be great." I hear Chris say, and I only know her name from when Lauren yelled it down the hallway.  David told me he was bringing his friend from work but didn't give me a name. I look over at Chris who is holding Lauren and Lauren seems in no hurry to be put down.  She called her aunty Chris, I wonder if this is Davids sister?  They don't really look alike, maybe they are together? All of a sudden I hear David spit out, 
"Oh, this is Chris.  We work together."  By the sounds of how he said it, I don't think they are an item, which shouldn't matter.  She puts down Lauren and walks around the island,
"Hey, it's nice to meet you.  Everything in here smells so good.  Can I help you with anything? Chris says.  Which is very sweet but I just need them out of the kitchen, and when I mean them, I mean David.  He is looking extra fine today and I need a minute to compose myself.
"No, thank you.  I think I have everything under control.  If you want to open the wine and pour a few glasses that would be great." As in, pour the wine, I need a glass now.
"That I can do." She says confidently. Good, a wine lover like myself. 
Now that I have them out of the kitchen and the kids in here to help me I am feeling a little more relaxed.  Dinner goes smoothly with the odd moments I catch David staring at me, but I try to ignore it.  Also how he wants to help with things, I thought he hired me to be a nanny/tutor/housekeeper of sorts, but he insists on helping clean up.  This is weird but I go with it.  After dessert is served and everyone has finished, David and Chris are helping with the cleanup.  I see Lauren and Joe are heading in the direction of the TV room and Jackson is going to the stairs, I call out,
"Hey Jackson, you still on for our one on one game tonight?" I say confidently.  I really want to help Jackson, I know this is something I am good at and I know I can help him.  He just needs to believe that I am capable. He smiles over at me,
"You sure you want to do this?" He asks with a cocky grin on his face.  I don't know why he is so cocky, I saw him in practice, I will wipe the floor with him. "I wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of everyone." He finished.
"If anyone is getting embarrassed tonight it's going to be you Jackson." I say with as much sass and confidence that I can muster. He laughs at me, 
"Okay, go get your shoes, let's get this game started." I nod my head and make my way past him and bump his shoulder on the way over, this causes him to laugh and for Chris to make a ooooo sound like something is about to go down. I am so excited for this, it's one thing I have actually looked forward to since everything back home happened.