“Someone is here to see you.” Allison poked her head into the room.
I looked up to see a woman I’d never seen before walking into the office behind her. I stood up, my protective fatherly instinct flashing. “Great. Thanks.”
The woman tucked her long brown hair behind her ears and locked her hazel eyes with me. She tugged at the hem of her green sweater as I offered my hand to her.
“I’m Noah Stone.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Stone. My name is Jess. I’m here for the nanny position,” she said and offered her hand to me. I clasped it and shook.
“I’ll be out here if you need anything.” Allison gave me a slight wave and walked out.
“Did Allison schedule this interview for you?” I asked.
“No,” she said and smirked. “A friend of someone who works here told me about the job last night. I came by on a hunch and wanted to see if it was still available.” I couldn’t place her accent, but the more she spoke, the more I wanted her to keep talking.
She glanced at Gina, who was alert and interested in our visitor.
I stepped between my daughter and Jess. “Did you think to call before stopping at my office? I have a very busy day.”
My cold demeanor didn’t deter her. “I tried calling last night, but your answering service picked up. I can come by another time if you would like. Here’s my resume.” She reached into her bag.
“I like your bracelet,” Gina said, stepping around me and going over to Jess.
I started to lunge forward but held back. I was in a safe space, and this woman clearly was here to interview for a position to be around my daughter.
Jess looked at me before kneeling down next to Gina and offering her wrist. “It’s made of kangaroo leather. My mom got it for me when I was younger.”
“You talk funny,” Gina said.
I opened my mouth to say something, but Jess was first.
“I’m from Australia,” Jess said.
“Where’s that?”
“It’s in the deep south,” Jess said with a smile. “What’s your name?”
“Gina.”
“I love that name.”
“Really?” Gina asked.
“Yep. I’ve never met a Gina before.”
“Me neither!” Gina said. “Want to color with me?”
“If it’s okay with your dad?”
“Daddy can color too,” Gina said.
Gina pulled out a chair for Jess and I and then sat. She gave us each a coloring page and continued with hers.
Jess picked a blue crayon and rolled it around in her hands.
“I suppose I have a few minutes for an interview,” I said. Clearly, Gina liked Jess, which was a big priority for me. And I had to admit that I was charmed by Jess as well. Within seconds, she had my little girl’s full attention. That was hard to come by with anyone, including Layla.
“I’ve been watching children since I was sixteen. I have my degree in early childhood education. When I came over here, I got several short-term jobs before landing a long-term one with a lovely family. I was with them for two years until I was no longer needed. All of my certifications are current as well.”