Chapter 5

Amy

I sighed as I plopped down on my bed after returning to my small apartment from the interview. I found the experience to be somewhat strange. Nannying was never part of my career plan, but when Mara approached me about it a week ago, I couldn’t help but feel perplexed. I probed her for more information, wondering how she even got wind of this opportunity. It appeared like the kind of position that required exclusive connections. To enter the building for the interview, I had to provide a mysterious coded message that Mara had given me. It all felt rather clandestine.

I knew I should be grateful for the opportunity, but I couldn't shake the feeling that Mara was hiding something. Desperately needing a job, I reluctantly agreed to the interview after my efforts to find a teaching position elsewhere had failed because of budget cuts and layoffs. This decision meant a 40-minute drive to the imposing corporate building.

Stepping into the building, I immediately sensed that I didn’t belong there. I had no desire to be part of the corporate world, with its artificial smiles and elusive agendas. I might sound judgmental, but past experiences with such environments had left a bitter taste in my mouth.

For instance, during my interview visit to RC Enterprises, the impeccably dressed receptionist in a black pantsuit greeted me with an eye roll and condescendingly said, “How many times do I have to tell people like you that we don’t run a charity program here?”

I offered a tight smile. “Well, maybe people mistake your face for a charity case.”

“Excuse me?” she retorted, flustered, as I heard snickering from the two girls beside her.

“I’m here for an interview for the role of nanny,” I clarified. I was not interested in continuing this pointless conversation.

“You?” she asked, scrunching up her nose and casting a scornful gaze at me from head to toe.

“Yes, me. Any issues with that?” I shot back. The receptionist seemed taken aback by my response.

Fortunately, the situation was diffused by the kind colleague beside her, who stood up and intervened. “Kela, please stop. I’m sorry about my colleague’s behavior. Miss, would you mind sharing the interview message or code you received on your phone with me?”

I handed her the message, and she guided me to the top floor for the interview. My anger towards Kela’s behavior had clouded my judgment, and I had even forgotten to ask for the helpful colleague’s name.

The interview seemed to go well, but it's hard to tell. Securing the position would provide financial security, easing worries about hospital bills, and allow me to teach and witness a child's learning journey again—a joy I find difficult to express.

My stomach rumbled loudly, a reminder that I hadn’t eaten since morning. I felt a pang of sadness because I couldn't see my mother today. I missed her dearly.

With a heavy sigh, I washed up and made my way to the kitchen, only to find a solitary can of fish in the fridge. My nose wrinkled in distaste. It seemed there was no other option.

I ran out of money yesterday after getting an injection for my mum. With rent due next week, the thought of missing a payment was daunting. I hoped to land the nanny job, or else homelessness could become a reality. 

I groaned and went to bed. I’ve got a long day ahead of me. First, I needed to visit my mother in the morning, and then I had another job interview at the public library. I was unsure about that job, but I had no other option because of my finances.

As I lay in bed, on the brink of sleep, my phone suddenly rang. Seeing Mara’s name on the screen, I couldn’t help but smile.

“Hey, how did it go?” she asked.

“It was okay. I think I did well,” I replied.

“That’s great! I am sure you will get the job,” she said.

“I hope so. I really need it,” I sighed.

“I am confident that you will. Just stay positive,” she encouraged.

“I will. Thanks, Mara. For everything,” I said.

“Don’t mention it,” she quipped.

We said our goodbyes, and I hung up the phone. I placed my phone carefully on the bedside table. I couldn’t help but hope, even though it felt almost too good to be true. I truly needed this opportunity.

Just as I was beginning to drift off to sleep, my phone rang once more, and I groaned softly. What could Mara want now? With a mix of curiosity and annoyance, I answered the call without checking the caller ID.

“Hello,” I mumbled, trying to sound awake and composed.

“Hello, Ryan Crawford here. Am I talking to Miss Amy Castello?” The voice on the other end was commanding, and it sent a shiver down my spine. My blanket got tangled in my leg, and I ended up collapsing onto the floor in a clumsy mess. Great, just great!

“Yes, Mr. Crawford. How can I help you?” I replied, trying to regain my composure as I glanced around the room from my place on the floor.

“Ms. Castello, I have checked everything, and I would like to offer you the position as my son’s tutor and nanny,” he said, his tone stern and unwavering.

The words hung in the air for a moment, and then the reality hit me. I had received the job I so desperately needed. Without thinking, excitement bubbling over, I blurted out, “Really? Oh, my God. Thank you. I am so happy I could kiss you right now. Ahh!”

A brief, awkward silence followed my exclamation. Panic washed over me as I realized what I had just said. Did I just state that I wanted to kiss him? When will I learn? He is going to retract the offer if I don’t correct myself.

“Hmm. I am so sorry, Mr. Crawford. I just blabbed out in excitement. But thank you so much for the opportunity,” I quickly added, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. I desperately hoped I hadn’t ruined my chances with my unfiltered reaction.

“Yeah. Report at my house at 9 am sharp. My assistant will send you my address and the rest of the details. Don't be late or you will be fired,” he said curtly.

“Thank...” I began, but before I could finish my sentence, the line went dead. Rude!

I squealed as I glared at the phone. I got the job. I will finally be able to pay my mother’s hospital bills and my necessities. I gathered myself and texted Mara to express my gratitude. She had played a significant role in this opportunity, and I owed her immensely.

As I placed my phone back on the nightstand, I couldn’t help but reflect on the magnitude of what had just transpired. I was going to be the nanny and tutor for the son of one of the most renowned and private men in New York City. The significance of the duty and the doubt became evident.

I couldn’t sleep all night, filled with excitement about the job and curious about Ryan Crawford. Rarely seen in the media, he’s a private genius rumored to alter history. His company, RC Enterprises, is a global IT powerhouse, yet he remains mostly hidden from the public eye despite his fame and fortune. 

I tried to research him online, hoping to glean some information, but the search yielded little more than a few images and vague references. It seemed that Mr. Crawford valued his privacy.

Unable to contain my excitement and anxiety, I finally gave up on sleep and decided on a cold shower. The shock of the cold water helped clear my mind, and I emerged feeling more alert. I dressed in my most comfortable yet presentable clothes, added a touch of lip gloss and mascara, and nodded at my reflection with a hint of satisfaction.

I checked my phone and saw the text. I grimaced as I realized it would take me about an hour to get there. I jammed to Beyoncé songs while driving towards the richest part of town. Singing loudly in the car is like therapy for me.

I double-checked the address when I got there to be sure that I was where I was supposed to be. I moved toward the massive black gates, where a guard was standing. 

“Please give your name and the reason you are at Crawford Residence,” the guard demanded, his tone matching his stern demeanor.

“I am Amy Castello. I am the nanny to Mr. Ryan Crawford’s son,” I replied, mustering a polite smile.

The guard uttered a few words into his walkie-talkie, and the gates slowly opened, granting me entry into a world of opulence and grandeur.

I gasped in awe as I beheld the modern castle that was the Crawford Residence, nestled amidst acres of pristine land with no neighbors in sight. A meticulously trimmed row of miniature trees lined the long driveway, leading up to the entrance, where a magnificent fountain stood as a welcoming guardian.

Wow! I felt as if I had walked into a movie.

It was a stark contrast to my modest home, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nervousness. What had I gotten myself into?

With sweaty palms and a racing heart, I approached the massive front door. After ringing the doorbell and receiving no immediate response, I rang it again.

The door finally swung open, revealing a little boy with light brown hair, a round, cherubic face, and mischievous brown eyes. He stood there, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Hi, I am Amy,” I said with a smile.

“Yes. You must be my new nanny. I am Liam,” he replied, his smile widening.

The mischievous smile on the adorable face threw me off. Nice to meet you,” I replied, extending my hand. Liam shook my hand enthusiastically, his chuckles filling the air.

“May I know where your father is?" I asked, worried about the safety of the boy opening doors for strangers.

“Oh, he is busy. Come, I will show you my room,” he said, trying to hide his smile.

“Are you alone?” I asked, worried. How could someone leave such a young child unattended?

“Nah, Jim is in the bathroom. Come fast, catch me!” he giggled mischievously and darted towards the stairs, inviting me to chase after him.

My heart raced as I chased after Liam, trying to catch up with his energy. I called out to him, my voice filled with concern, “Liam, stop running. It’s not safe!”

He giggled and sped up his pace. I puffed out a breath, ready to give chase, but soon, my lack of physical activity became clear as I struggled to keep up with Liam’s energetic sprint. I huffed, trying to catch my breath. I definitely needed to exercise if I was going to keep up with this little whirlwind.

Bending over slightly, I tried to calm my racing heart, but when I finally looked up, I found myself in an empty hallway. Panic crept in as I called out, “Liam?” but received no response.

Surveying the hallway, I noticed a few visible rooms, but one in particular had its door slightly ajar. A smirk crossed my face as I thought I had finally caught Liam.

With a triumphant squeal," I caught you," I swung the door open, fully expecting to find the little boy on the other side. However, what met my eyes halted me in my tracks.

My throat went dry, taking in the sight before me. There stood a man, tall and extraordinarily handsome, with only a towel around his waist. Water droplets clung to his bare chest, forming rivulets that flowed gracefully along the contours of his well-defined six-pack abs. His dark, wet hair contrasted sharply with his skin as he vigorously rubbed it with another towel.

Unable to tear my gaze away, I felt a lump form in my throat. I had never seen a man this attractive in my life, and my cheeks flushed. My heart pounded erratically, like a drumbeat of excitement. Such a fine piece of.....

“Miss Castello?”