"Scales are important," Lena said, mostly because it seemed like something an adult should say. "They're boring. Most important things are." They picked up Sophieie from Emma's house, a chaotic place with three kids and two dogs, and a mom who looked like she hadn't slept in a week. Sophieie chattered the whole drive home about Emma's new trampoline, and could they please get one, too?
Ask your dad, Lena said. He always says no. Then there's your answer. Back at the house, Adrien was still in his office, door closed. Lena could hear him on the phone, voice tense.
She got dinner started. chicken she found in the fridge, vegetables that needed using. Nothing fancy, just functional. Marcus appeared at 6:15, dropped off by a teammate's parent from basketball practice. He looked sweaty and exhausted. Shower before dinner, Lena said, "But I'm hungry.
Then shower fast," he grumbled, but obeyed. 20 minutes later, they were all sitting around the table except Adrien, who was still on that call. Lena had set his plate aside, covering it to keep it warm. The kids ate like they were starving, complaining about teachers and homework and the general unfairness of life. Lena listened and asked questions and felt that weird disconnect again.
This was someone else's life she was borrowing. These weren't her kids. This wasn't her table. Adrien finally emerged at 7:30, looking drained. "Sorry," he said, dropping into his chair.
"That was complicated. Your dinner's in the microwave. He looked surprised, like he'd expected to fend for himself. You didn't have to. I was already cooking.
He reheated his plate and ate while the kids did homework around the table. Sophieie was working on spelling words. Marcus on that book report he'd been avoiding. Thomas on math that looked painful. Need help?
Adrien asked Thomas. Lena already explained it. Adrien glanced at her. you know algebra barely, but I can read a textbook. Something shifted in his expression. Not quite gratitude, something deeper, like recognition.
The kids finished their homework and scattered Sophieie to watch TV, the boys to their rooms. Adrien helped Lena clean up the kitchen, working in comfortable silence. "You're good with them," he said finally. "They're good kids." "They are, but that doesn't make them easy."
He loaded the last plate into the dishwasher. The nannies we had before, they lasted a month, maybe two. The kids would get attached and then they'd leave and it would start all over again. Sophieie mentioned that. Of course she did.
He leaned against the counter. I stopped hiring people after the last one quit. Figured I'd manage on my own rather than keep putting them through that. So what changed? You.
He met her eyes. They like you. Actually like you, not just tolerate you because I'm paying you to be here. You're not paying me. Exactly.
Which makes it real. He paused. I know you said this was temporary and I'm not trying to pressure you into anything, but if you wanted to stay longer if you needed more time, the offer stands. Lena's throat tightened. I can't live here forever.