affair with him? I don’t blame you one bit if you are. He’s hot.”
Olivia ’s cheeks burned as Kelly studied her. As much as she shouldn’t care what others thought of her, she did. “He’s just a friend.”
“Oh darling, I don’t believe that. A man who looks that good could never be your friend, well, unless he’s gay.” Her face lit up. “He’s gay, isn’t he?”
Olivia knew she was going to regret this, but she nodded. It was bad enough people would know now that Eric left her, she didn’t want them to know she was also sleeping with the manny. She hoped like hell it never got back to Jamie. He would be heartbroken.
“Well, that makes sense. Any straight man would have a different job. I bet he’s coming over here helping you with a makeover too. Making you beautiful so you can get back out there. Listen, when he is finished with your makeover, maybe I can find a divorcee from John’s work to set you up with. One that’s loaded and you can continue with your current lifestyle. Shame though about Eric’s demotion, looks like you won’t get as much money.”
“Yeah, I know.” Olivia smiled, glad at least that rumor had stuck. “Listen, I’ve got to finish getting this place clean, as you can see.”
“Oh yes, let me get out of your wa y.” She headed toward the door. “Would you like the card to my cleaning service?”
Bitch. “No, I got it. Thanks though.”
“Anytime. Really, anything you need, just call. Bye.” Kelly gave her best Miss. America wave and trotted down the walk way.
Olivia shut the door and let out a sigh of relief that she was gone. Then the guilt came. Everyone was going to think Jamie was gay now and when she let him go, how was that going to come across? She was beginning to spin a web of lies all to keep herself looking good. It then dawned on her that she shouldn’t have to worry too much about Jamie finding out what she had agreed to. It wasn’t like anyone was going to come right out and talk about him being gay. On top of that, even though she was now concerned how it would look to let him go, she was getting a new nanny and he wouldn’t be around to hear any rumors.
****
Jamie waited patiently at the tiny take-out Japanese restaurant. When he called Olivia earlier, he told her he would be there at six and it was already almost six thirty. Being late was one pet peeve of his, so when he was late, he turned into an instant grouch.
Finally, the order was ready. Thanking the man for the food, he scooted out the door. On his drive to Olivia’s, he was lost in thought. She was amazing . He had only known her a short time, but she was someone he could see himself with. She just made him feel whole. He wasn’t really able to explain how. Just that, when he was with her, he knew he was where he belonged. Perhaps he finally found the one. She was genuine, real, honest, and sexy. An amazing mother. He could picture them having a huge family with lots of kids all around the tree on Christmas morning.
Shaking his head, he knew he was getting ahead of himself. He had no idea where she stood with what was going on with them. She had just been left by a long-term boyfriend and was juggling going back to work and being a single mother. He wanted to be there for her though. He could be patient.
As he pulled up to her house, he took note that the grass needed to be cut. Perhaps he could take care of that tomorrow before the girls got home. A grin crossed his face. Yard work. He currently lived in an apartment and he couldn’t wait for the day that he had his own lawn to tend to.
He lightly knocked on the door before entering. The house smell ed of lemon. There was a sparkle and he could see she had been busy all day cleaning. Kicking his shoes off, he made his way to the dining room. He called out to her and heard her mumble she would be out in a moment. He decided to grab plates and get everything set for dinner. As he finished with the table, Olivia came to
Learning to Kill: Stories