The Proper Nanny

Chapter 3

Julienne's heart beat sped up as she waited for the Pierces to make an appearance. She listened from the table as Aaron let out a squeal.

A minute later, Mr. Pierce walked into the room with Aaron hanging like a monkey from his father's neck.

She took a moment to take in Mr. Pierce. Aidans tired eyes sparkled as he looked at Aaron. A small smile etched on his face. His hair is disheveled, like he'd been running his hands through it all day. The smile on his face faded as he turned to look at her.

"You didn't have to do all of this" he said.

Julienne smiled politely in greeting, "Mr. Pierce, it was no trouble at all. It seemed such a waste to cook just for one."

He cleared his throat, "Well, thank you. You'll have to stay of course."

Julienne balked, "Oh, No! I wouldn't intrude on your family time. I'll just prepare a plate and take it to my room if you would be so kind as to point it out."

"Don't be silly", Aidan said, "You won't be intruding. I insist that you stay."

Julienne acquienced with a nod and took a seat at the table. 

"Will it just be the two of you?" she asked as Aidan and Aaron took their seats at the table.

Aidan looked up with a frown and responded with a curt, "Yes."

Julienne frowned in return. "Okay, what was that about?", she thought. This conversation was heading no where fast! In an attempt to subtly get more information, she offered, "I can set a plate aside for Mrs. Abercrombie & Fitch if you'd like?"

"That will not be necessary, I assure you. Mrs. Abercrombie & Fitch will not be attending." Aidan quipped.

Julienne felt her face heat up at her slip of the tongue. She cleared her throat as an uncomfortable silence stretched. She mentally face palmed herself. Did she really just call his wife "Mrs. Abercrombie & Fitch!"?

She blushed harder; which made him laugh. Still chuckling he waved her off as she opened her mouth to apologize. Instead, he raised the pitcher and poured her a cup of lemonade. She gratefully took that as her cue to start dishing out the food that was now at a comfortable eatting temperature.

They dug in and for a few moments, all that could be heard was the sound of clinking utensils and Aaron's slurps of the long spaghetti straws. The bread let off a delicious smell of garlic butter. It melted instantly on her tongue.

"Uhmmm... well, ah... there, there wasn't much for tonight. Would, you mind if I did a little grocery shopping on Monday? Maybe get a few more items for the kitchen too?"

Aidan looked suprised. "Oh!" He shook his head. "No! Of course! I'll leave cash on the kitchen counter Monday morning. Just let me know if you'll need more."

Julienne smiled. "No need, I'll make do." To make up for the awkward moment, Julienne quickly turned the subject to Aidan, "I moved here not to long ago myself, did your business bring you to Atlanta?"

Aidan's smile slipped a little as he replied, "Yes and No." He paused with a furrow in his brow. Shaking his head, his eyes lit up again as he said, "Circumstances allowed me to focus more on our operations here in Atlanta. I get to spend time with my family as well, so that's a plus."

"Oh, so you have family in Atlanta?" Julienne asked intrigued on learning more.

"Yes, an older brother. He's married with two kids and my parents."

"That must be great for Aaron." said Julienne

Aidan replied, "Yes, it most definitely is. I try to see them as much as possible. So, what brought you to Atlanta?"