Chapter 3

Amy

I sat nervously in the plush waiting room of RC Enterprises, feeling the weight of anticipation bearing down on me. My hands were sweaty, and I couldn’t stop fumbling with the files in my lap. The interviews hadn’t even started yet, and I was already sweating like a pig. I glanced around at the grandeur of the lobby, utterly awestruck. I had never seen anything so grand in my life.

The top floor was vast, easily the size of two football fields, and it seemed to contain only two offices at the far end corner. Everything else appeared to be meeting rooms or additional waiting areas. I was sitting in the waiting room on a sofa that was so comfortable that I could just slide down and sleep on it. 

The decor of the whole floor was a soothing light beige, bathed in soft, inviting, and illuminating. It looked like something straight out of a magazine. I was so captivated by the surroundings that I didn’t even notice someone clearing their throat.

“The interviews will begin immediately. Miss. Melissa Smith, please proceed ahead,” a handsome man announced. I watched as a tall, striking blonde woman who could easily be mistaken for a model walked alongside him, her hips swaying confidently. Was she a model or a nanny? Everyone here exuded extreme professionalism, and I couldn’t help but wonder why nanny interviews were being held in an office rather than at home. But it wasn’t my place to question it.

In less than five minutes, Melissa, who had appeared to be the epitome of confidence before the interview, rushed back to the waiting area. Her face was flushed, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Was she the same woman who had walked in like she owned the world? What in the Kraken’s name happened? She dashed to the elevator and flipped a bird at the attractive guy whose name I’d learned was Caine.

This was certainly not a promising sign. My nervousness grew with each passing moment as Caine called in the next candidate sitting right next to me. He returned in a far worse state than the model. I couldn’t help but keep wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans as I waited for my turn.

Then, to my surprise, the sofa next to me dipped, and an incredibly good-looking man sat down. “Hello there. You appear jittery.“ He remarked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

I managed a tight-lipped smile. “Am I that transparent? This waiting phase is not something I’m very adept at.”

He shrugged and chuckled, “Hmm. Maybe I can distract you from the wait.”

“And how, pray tell, would you accomplish this, Mister?” I asked, raising my left brow.

“Mark Donovan. Nice to meet you, Miss?” he asked in the same tone as I.

“Amy Castello, Mr. Donovan. Nice to meet you as well,” I added.

He winced slightly and continued, “Oh, Mr. Donovan is my father. Call me Mark. A beautiful young lady like you should not be so formal with me.”

I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow at his flirty words. “So how many women have that line worked on, Mark?” I teased, emphasizing his name.

He looked momentarily perplexed, but then chuckled and said, “Almost every one of them. You, my dear, are the first to refuse my charm.”

“I did not know being charming was a requirement for a nanny job. If so, you might have a chance to get the job,” I retorted. Of course, it occurred to me that he, too, might be here for the interview. All the people here looked like they were here for some fashion week or something. Good for them... I however, like the way I am.

He chuckled and said, “Ah, I’m here for the interview, but not the end you are thinking.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, genuinely curious.

“You will learn shortly,” he remarked with a wink.

He then walked towards Caine and whispered something to him before walking down the corridor. I was left feeling puzzled, but I didn’t have much time to dwell on it because Caine summoned me for my interview.

As I knocked on the glass door, I heard a faint sound from inside, and I entered with a smile on my face. My attention was immediately captured by the most stunning man I had ever seen. Wow, all the men I am seeing today are smoking hot. But the gentleman in front of me was the embodiment of elegance. He radiated power and authority. It was evident by the way he sat on his chair that he had a commanding presence. His glasses made him look like a walking, wet dream.

I restrained my thoughts, chastising myself for thinking such things about a married man. He could potentially be my boss if I nail this interview. I need to get my hormones in check. “Mr. Crawford, good afternoon. My name is Amy Castello,” I introduced myself with a smile.

Mr. Crawford stared at me as if I were an alien, and for a moment, I wondered if something was wrong with my face. “Umm... Mr. Crawford?” I prompted.

He seemed to jolt awake from his reverie and cleared his throat. “Ms. Castello. Please have a seat.” Just as I was about to take a seat, the office door swung open, and Mark strolled in, wearing a mischievous grin as if he owned the place.

“Sorry for the delay. Let’s get to the interview,” Mark said, addressing Mr. Crawford. Oh damn, he is at the other end of the interview table.

“Mark, what are you doing here?” Mr. Crawford asked, his tone somewhat irritated.

“How can I leave such a significant decision on your shoulders alone? Liam is my godson,” he smirked. “Hello. Amy, it’s a pleasure to see you again,” he added, winking in my direction.

“Mr. Donovan,” I said politely. This is an interview, and I should act accordingly.

“Come on Amy,” he chuckled, “I told you to call me Mark, and...”

“Are you done?” Mr. Crawford snapped. “I need to conduct interviews so that my son can have a nanny. If you can’t help yourself, get out.” He pointed towards the door, clearly annoyed by the distraction. Rude! Mark, on the other hand, simply chuckled and zipped his lips.

Mr. Crawford sighed and gazed at me with his stunning chocolate eyes. Damn! I need to keep my cool. “So, Ms. Castello. Is this what you wear to an interview?”

While I was somewhat offended, I understood what he was trying to do. Because children lack filters, they will say and do things that irritate us, so I controlled my emotions and responded, “Sir, I work with children and must dress for their comfort. Tight skirts and high heels will make it difficult to run around with a child, wouldn’t it?” I couldn’t help adding a dash of sarcasm to my reply. Why can’t I keep my mouth in control?

“Hmm... What was your last job? Why did you leave your previous job?” he inquired.

I felt a knot form in my throat as I recalled the circumstances of my departure. “I was an elementary school teacher. I did not leave, sir. They had to let me go due to district budget restrictions. You can find the letter as well as the principal’s recommendation in my documents,” I explained, providing context to my situation.

He nodded and inquired, “What are the ages of the children you’ve cared for?”

“I worked with children aged 4 to 11 as a teacher and as a part-time babysitter during my studies,” I elaborated, offering a glimpse into my experience.

“What about the age of the men you worked with?” Mark mused, wriggling his brows.

“Do you mean a child trapped in the body of an adult? Please pardon me; it is not my department.” I sassed. I instantly regretted it when I saw Mark’s startled eyes. Suddenly, he began to laugh, and I relaxed. I thought I saw Mr. Crawford’s lip curve, but he quickly returned to his stoic self. Did I just dream that?

“I like you,” Mark laughed.

“Mark,” Mr. Crawford growled at him, reminding us both of the formal settings.

“Why do you believe you are qualified for the post, Ms. Castello?” he inquired.

“Since I’ve been both a teacher and a nanny, I believe I’ve gained the essential experience of being a reliable person for the position,” I explained confidently. “I know what to expect. My education included a minor in child psychology, which enables me to support the growth of a child better. I still take child development classes now and then,” I added.

Mark gave a soft damn. “As you know, this position comprises not just nanny duties, but also tutoring, so how would you approach discipline with my child?” Mr. Crawford inquired.

“The first step in disciplining a child is to become acquainted with him or her. I don’t want to make any assumptions or take any actions that could hinder their development. Setting expectations and recognizing the positive is what I believe in.” I replied. Okay, I think I have nailed that one! I didn’t even take a breather.

“Hmm...” he said, displaying his stoic tone once more. This man is incomprehensible to me. Nevertheless, I continued to respond as needed, occasionally with examples and, at other times, with direct answers.

“Okay. I got what I needed. My office will contact you regarding the position,” Mr. Crawford said.

With a polite nod and a thank you, I exited the office, feeling a mixture of relief and hope. However, I need to wait again for their answer. Ah! I need to relax. I had given it my all during the interview and believed that I had made a positive impression.

“Amy,” Mark’s voice called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

“Yes?” I asked, confused.

He grinned and said, “It’s nice to meet you,” and walked away.

Weird! I hope it isn’t typical for him. I scrunch up my nose, thinking. Anyway, I walked to my car and drove home, hoping to get an answer as soon as possible. Ugh! I am so bad at waiting.