NANNY FOR MENDES.

Seventy-one

Aaliyah's house is smaller than Shawn's, but it's so elegant. It just suits her.

When we walked inside her house, she greeted us warmly and lead us to her living room. Bear was in the living room and, as soon as he saw me, hugged me.

It's been thirty minutes since we got here, and Noah still isn't here.

"Call Noah." I tell Shawn.

"I already did. Like a million times."

"Always late. Always." Aaliyah rolls her eyes.

"You're so damn right."

"Ever since we were kids."

The bill rings.

"Finally!" I say.

Shawn walks toward the door to open it for Noah. I look at Aaliyah; she's nervous. She actually kind of dressed up, kind of. We don't want Shawn to be suspicious.

"About fucking time." I hear Shawn say.

"You okay?" I ask Aaliyah.

"Yeah. Okay, but nervous."

I nod.

"You're late." I say to Noah.

"I know. Sorry." He apologizes, not meaning it at all.

"Hey Aaliyah."

"Hey Noah."

Shawn reclaims his place next to me, and Noah sits next to him, on his other side. Aaliyah is in the recliner next to the couch, on the edge of her seat.

We spend the rest of the day together. And honestly, I feel better. We end up ordering Pizza, and we devour it.

"Stay with me tonight." Aaliyah tells us.

"Sure." Noah says, almost instantly. Aaliyah glares at him but doesn't say a word.

"Soph? You staying?" Shawn asks me.

"I'll have to tell Mom first. I told her I'd stay with her tonight."

They all nod.

I text Mom to inform her and she tells me to "go ahead. You need it."

I thank her and pay attention to the people around me.

Aaliyah is typing something on her phone and is smiling. So is Noah. They're texting each other?

"I'm getting blankets and pillows." Aaliyah announces. What?

"Take me with you. I want to sleep." Bear says sleepily. And they walk away.

"It's like a ritual for us. We put blankets and pillows on the floor and put on a movie with some drinks and popcorn. We also turn off the light. It's something we always do. You'll love it. I promise." Shawn explains.

I nod and smile.

"I need some help here!" Aaliyah yells from her bedroom.

"Got it." Noah says quickly and stands up to help Aaliyah.

Wait. They were texting each other. Did they plan this?

A few minutes later, Aaliyah and Noah aren't back yet. Shit.

"What is taking them so long? I'll go check on them." He stands up.