FOUR

I took a deep breath and savor the delicious aroma of the herb-encrusted salmon I prepared for Romina. She said she wouldn't be able to make dinner, but I've always liked to be prepared just in case. Jonas has sent her home without dinner on a few occasions after their quick roll in the sheets, and ever since the first time, I've made it my business to have something tasty on hand.

"Could you please have some more spinach, Andy?" I inquired.

He wrinkles his nose and spits out the green goo that I had just spooned into his mouth.

"Will you be a good boy and eat a few more carrots?"

I spoon some puree into his mouth, and he eats a small amount before blowing bubbles. I deeply regret the day I taught him how to do that, because blowing bubbles and spitting are now his favorite hobbies.

He laughs as I shield my face from the veggie onslaught he's unleashed on me. I clean him with a towel before attempting to wipe away the blended vegetables splattered across my apron. So much for his claim to not be a picky eater.

So far, vegetables do not appear to be his favorite foods, though he did eat more carrots than spinach. It's got to be the sweetness.

I leave him in his highchair while I wrap and store the leftovers in the fridge. After I give Andrew his bottle, I give him a few toys to play with while I clean up the kitchen and sweep the floor.

When I'm cooking, I always clean as I go, but once I'm finished, I like to make sure everything is back in its proper place. I couldn't continue working as a nanny if I didn't enjoy cooking and cleaning so much. I am infinitely happy when I am mixing ingredients and watching others enjoy my creations. Plus, I feel like I'd be doing myself and Romina a disservice if I didn't keep everything sparkling clean.

Romina has certain expectations, but I believe my standards are ten times higher than hers. Nothing is more inconvenient than cooking a meal and having to stop and search for something you require because you failed to return it to its proper location the last time you used it. Everything has a place, which I like. The front door opens just as I'm wiping down the stove.

Romina walks in, her eyes a little red and puffy, indicating she's been crying. She kicks off her heels and runs her fingers through her now slightly unkempt hair as she walks through the door. Unfortunately, this is another instance where Jonas has sent her on her way after he's finished with her.

He's a total jerk.

"Ma-ma ma-ma," Andrew exclaims, slamming his fists on the tray in front of him.

She pulls her lips into a smile before walking over to hug and kiss her son on the top of his head.

"Hello, honey, did you just finish your meal?" She inquires.

"Yes," I respond. "I made him some carrots and spinach." He did eat quite a bit of it."

She gives me a sad half-smile as she looks over at me.

"I also baked some cookies."

Romina wrinkles her brow. She's not a big fan of having sweets in the house, but a cookie every now and then isn't going to hurt anyone.

"Have a cookie," I suggest. "I used dark chocolate chips and made them with all organic ingredients."

As I continue to clean, she nods and leans against the kitchen counter.

"I think I'll have one or two cookies, but I should probably eat something first." "Did you make anything else?" she inquires.

"Sure thing," I say as I set the dish towel down on the counter. "Please take a seat, and I'll make you a plate."

Romina sits down at the table and burys her face in her hands. As I place the hot plate in front of her, I struggle to maintain a neutral expression. I sit in the chair across from her, waiting for Romina to take her first bite. While my first instinct is to inquire as to what is wrong, I decide against it. It doesn't really matter because nothing I say will make her happy, but hopefully a plate of good food will.

I really enjoy watching people's reactions to my food, especially Romina's, because her face always reveals her emotions. It is, in my opinion, the high point of the entire experience. I am convinced that the expression on their faces as they take their first bite sets the tone for the rest of the meal. The reaction of whoever is eating the food is the mark of a good chef.

Romina sighs as she bites into a piece of salmon. My mouth curved into a wide grin. Even though her expression says it all, I ask the most important question.

"Sooo... How was it?"

She finishes another forkful and motions for me to give her a break. "It's delectable," she says. "You know it's always like that. One of these days, you'll have to teach me a few things."

I wanted to burst out laughing. Romina has never entered the kitchen except to give me orders and look for the corkscrew, and I doubt she will ever do so. Domestic work isn't really her thing, based on what I've heard. However, a few cooking lessons here and there might help divert her attention away from Jonas and the constant heartache he brings.

I get up from the table and sweep the floor while I wait for her to finish her meal so I can wash the last dishes.

"Aliyah, you know what? You are free to relax for the rest of the day. "Because things didn't go quite as planned, I'm going to spend some quality time with Andrew," Romina says, handing me the dirty dishes.