The Nanny

Chapter 5

I groan and pull my pillow tighter over my ears to block out Marie's shrill voice the best I can. It's so whiney and loud however that my pillow doesn't stand a chance.

Lia was over at a friends house tonight and I wouldn't be picking her up until the morning, which meant I should have been able to spend this evening relaxing. Marie however had been over every single day since we met for the first time, and she was hard to ignore. I had heard her try to argue with Declan multiple times about me living here and he had shut her down each time, giving me a bit of pleasure when I heard her pout.

Currently she was telling him a riveting story about her order of shoes that were darker in person than they were online, causing her to tear into a poor customer service representative over them being advertised as "strawberry not raspberry!". I can't understand why he's with her. He's so sweet and kind, it just doesn't make sense!

Irritated, I shoot out of bed and quickly pull on some thick black leggings and a chunky white sweater. I slip my feet into my dark red Doc Martens and pull my hair up on top of my head in a messy bun. A quick swipe of mascara and a moment of filling in my brows is all I do before grabbing my large bag, computer, phone, and wallet. I rush out of my room and slip out of the door, shutting it as quietly as possible.

I smile as I walk over to the elevator, feeling free. The quiet without Marie's voice is so wonderful. I pop in my headphones once in the elevator and hum along to Surf Curse. My mood is already brighter as I give Robert a smile and a wave before leaving the lobby and making my way down the street.

_________________

The coffee shop is busy as usual but once again I get lucky and manage to snag a table. I settle in with my tea latte and pull out my laptop. I haven't been here since meeting Declan! That seems like so long ago even though it's only been 2 weeks. I frown as I remember Marie and how things have progressed. Her presence is making the job less and less enjoyable, even though Lia is an angel. Shaking my head to dispel the thoughts, I switch my music over to lofi and begin to write.

The day seems to slip by easily and before I know it it's already 6pm. I stretch in my chair before slowly packing my things back up and switching my music back to Surf Curse. The coffee shop is almost entirely dead now, with only a few tables taken. I feel my stomach growl and realize I haven't eaten all day.

I mentally curse myself as I leave the shop, my stomach beginning to protest. I really don't want to cook with that evil woman around. Maybe I should pick something up? I begin to stroll down the street, reading all of the signs in hope of finding some good food.

Finally I find myself in front of a pub and restaurant, my mouth practically watering at the menu out front. Before I know it I'm sitting at the bar waiting for my corned beef and hash while sipping a beer. I close my eyes as I moan in my head at the taste, Mmmmmm.

"If you like that then you should try one of their ciders." I hear a voice say. I snap my eyes open to see a man sitting on the stool next to me. My face blushes as I realize I most likely had moaned out loud, and this beautiful man had heard me. His short light brown hair was loosely curled and rested just above his warm brown eyes. He was very tan with intricate tattoos trailing down both arms, and I felt my face grow even more red as I took him in.

"Maybe next time I will then." I say as calmly as possible, taking another sip of the beer.

"I don't think I've seen you here before. I'm Max." He says, shooting me a small smile. My heart melts a little at how sweet it looks.

"My name's Emily." I give him a small nod and mouth thank you to the bartender, noticing my food had appeared in front of me. I quickly shove some in my mouth and nearly moan again at how delicious it is.