Chapter 2 Episode 2

Aria pov

My phone rang just as I got into bed.

I grunt. I've been looking for work all day. Even though I was tired, I got up to get my phone.

The caller ID showed that it was my best friend, Sarah.

"Hey, Al," I called out.

"Hi Ara. There's good news for you, but first things first. Have you been able to get a job?" She inquired.

I took a deep breath and said, "No." Every place I went told me the same thing: "Sorry, but we're not hiring right now, but we'll keep your resume on file." You know what I mean? I can't wait to have enough money to open my preschool or nursery. What's the good news, anyway? "I need one to make me feel better," I said.

"Well, my mom told me her boss needs a nanny for his three-year-old daughter." She may have told her boss, Max Maxwell, about you because she knew you were looking for a short-term job. It's likely to be good pay since my mum works for one of the wealthiest men in L.A. I mean, the guy is a billionaire, folks. His business is one of the biggest in the world, and his family owns hotels worldwide. Goodness, did I forget to tell you how hot he is! That person has the power to destroy a home..."

It made me laugh. "Stop, Al. "I'm not looking for a hot guy to drool over, but I know you're looking for one right now," I joked.

"You say that now, but wait until you see the guy. Anyhow, it's unfortunate. His wife died while giving birth to their daughter. But his kid is so sweet. Al said, "I've had to watch over her a few times, and she's a sweetheart."

"I guess it wouldn't hurt." Doesn't he know it's only for a short time? "Well, until I save up enough money," I explained.

Yes, and he wants you to come in tomorrow right on time at 9 a.m. She said, "I mean, you might not get the job, but he wants to interview you."

"OK. Don't worry about that, I guess. "Where should I go to see him?"

"At his house. I'll send you the address by text. "Oh, and wear something hot, babe," she laughed and said as she hung up the phone.

I laughed and shook my head.

After a moment, the address beeped on my phone.

An ex-husband and single dad with a three-year-old... That's so sad.

That was the last thing I thought before I fell asleep.

My alarm went off at 7 a.m. I planned to leave early in case I got lost, or there was traffic.

I quickly got out of bed and showered. Taking a shower, I chose a simple flower dress and my flats to wear. Like every day, I put on makeup and lip gloss.

Like always, I left my hair in a free wave. It was 7:45 a.m. when I was ready.

I quickly went to the kitchen to make a breakfast sandwich with peanut butter and jelly. A few minutes later, I was on my way.

I put the address into my GPS. It said it would take thirty minutes from here.

I turned on my car's engine and drove off.

I hope there isn't a lot of traffic.

When I got to the spot thirty minutes later, I couldn't speak. It wasn't a house! This was a big house. It's so beautiful, thank you.

I drove up to the gate and pushed the intercom button.

"Yes," a voice answers.

"Hello, my name is Aria Canzano. I should see Mr. Maxwell soon. I told him, "I have a meeting with him at 9 a.m."

He just said, "Yes, he's expecting you," I heard a buzzer go off. The gate then opened.

I went inside. You have to drive for a while before you reach the house. There were pretty flowers on both sides of the road. You have to drive around a small pond right before you get to the house.

Just above the stairs, there was a man in a suit who waved for me to pull up in front of him.

I turned off the car, got out, and gathered my things.

"Good morning, I'm here to see Mr. Maxwell," I told the suit-wearing man.

"Hello, Miss. He is waiting for you. He held up his metal detector and said, "I hope you don't mind."

I turned my head away. "No, not all."

He put the metal detector on my body, bag, and car.

That's it? Do I seem like a killer? I told myself. I guess safety is essential to rich people, though.

As soon as the man was happy, he nodded and gave me back my bag.

"Follow me, Miss," he said. I did, and Emma met me when I got inside.

She smiled and said, "Ara, it's great to see you again." Then she gave me a big hug.

I hugged her and said, "You too, Mrs. Jenna." Since my parents died, she's been like a second mother to me. She was the best friend of my mom. She took me in after my parents died and is the only family I have.

"Oh, sweetheart, why so formal all of a sudden?" She inquired.

I laughed. "Everything here seems so important." "The security guard and the guy in the suit make me feel like I'm in a dangerous place," I said.

She was amused. "Oh no, Mr. Maxwell is being careful. His life is well known, and he has a daughter. He wants to make sure that no one, especially his daughter, ever comes near his house and does any harm.

I nodded to show that I understood.

"Well, have you had breakfast?"

I smiled at Emma and said, "Yes, thank you."

"Don't be scared. She smiled at me and said, "I'm sure he'll like you."

I laughed.

"Let me check to see if he's ready for you." She led me to the living room and said, "Why don't you come in and sit for a minute?"

I took a seat and looked around the room. That house is so pretty. I could tell that people were sad in the house, but I think it was because his wife had died.

On one of the tables for looks, I saw some pictures. I went over to check them out. One shot isn't of a little girl, which I think is his daughter. In the middle is a picture of a pretty woman.

He must be married to her. She looked very pretty. She looks a lot like the little girl. I gave a sad smile.

I understand how hard it is to lose a parent. But poor girl, she has never even met her mum.

It made me cry to think about it.

"He'll see you now, Ara."

Emma's voice shocked me and made me gasp.

She laughed. "Sorry, dear, I didn't mean to startle you," she stated.

It made me laugh. "it's okay."

"Well, if you'll follow me," she said, and I did.

We went up the steps and then out the door on the left.

The second door on the left is where we stopped.

"Go right in, dear," she said with a smile.

I moved out of the way as she walked by to return downstairs.

I stood outside the door and tried to calm down. I'm terrified for some reason. I've never been this scared before.

I think my life will never be the same after I walk through this door.

I sat down and knocked on the door. A weak "come in" sound came from the other side of the door.

I slowly opened the door and went inside.

The man is Mr Maxwell because he stands by the window with his back to me. He stood at least 6 feet 2 inches tall and had broad shoulders. He is wearing a jumper that fits close to his body and shows off his strong muscles. He has pushed the sleeves up to his elbows. He's dressed in pants that have been washed dark.

When I saw the man, my heart was beating very fast for some reason.

Do not do that! I told myself off.

He didn't turn around and asked, "Would you like some coffee?"

His voice is scorching.

Aria! Stop this now! I told myself off again.

Then he turned around right then, and my breath caught.

I took a deep breath. He is beautiful; Al was right. It's so hot and sexy with him...

"Miss? Do you want some coffee?" He asked again, this time looking annoyed. Then I saw that I wasn't answering his question and staring at him.

"Sorry," I said after clearing my throat. I mean... "No thanks," I said in a shaky voice. That's it, and he now thinks I'm naive. Saying, "Sorry, I'm just nervous,"

He raised an eyebrow and nodded to show that he got it. Let's wait for Ms. Canzano to sit down. I think you have something for me." He inquired.

I gave him a stupid nod, and then I understood what he wanted from me.

I shook my head and took my resume out of my bag.

He took it from my hand after I gave it to him.

After considering it, he looked up and said, "Well, Ms. Canzano, I'm impressed." "You graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and I see you also have a degree in Psychology," he said, not looking at me.

"Thank you, and please call me Ara." I've always loved being around kids. I feel like I missed out on some things because I'm an only child. I was a friendly kid, though, so I guess it wasn't so bad. I knew as a child that I wanted to work with kids, so that's what I did. "Teenagers and kids with special needs are what I do best." Taking psychology classes would greatly benefit me because they would teach me more about how people behave and how to better deal with children. It seemed like I could learn how to deal with challenging situations better if I knew why a particular child acts or behaves the way they do..." I got off track when I saw him just looking at me. My face is getting hot. I saw that I was talking too much and possibly not making sense.

Wow, this is something I do a lot when I'm scared.

"Sorry, I'm talking too much," I stated.

He just gave a nod. "Well, Ms. Canzano, I don't believe you're qualified for this job. I mean that you're too qualified. It doesn't make sense for you to waste your time going to school when I only need someone to watch my daughter. Do what kids her age do and play with her. She's only three years old. "She just needs to be watched," he said. "She has someone come in and teach her at home." Not the heavy stuff, just things for preschoolers."

Please forgive me, Mr. Maxwell, but shouldn't that make me your top choice for the job? I really could help your kid more. I won't just watch her, and I'll also be her friend and guide. Anyway, I could teach her basic stuff instead of the hard stuff, which would save you money, too, I said, using his words. "She must be interested in many things at her age." She likely wants to learn more about fun things like flowers, animals, reading, drawing, etc. With firm resolve, I told her, "I can help her with all those things." I want this job very much. I have to have this job. If that's true, then why aren't you teaching?" Then he answered. He said with pride, "Your skills will be better used."

Ok. I'm now getting past it! What the hell does he think he is?

I took a deep breath and told him, "Mr. Maxwell, so you know, I've been trying to do that for the past few weeks." Do you think I would be here if I had a job?" I inquired.

"So you mean to say you don't want to be here and that you're just here because you had no choice?" He inquired.

"What? No! No, of course not. I didn't mean that. "I lied; I would take any job that lets me help other people and make a difference," I said. "Look, it's clear that you don't think I'm not qualified for the job, so I'll leave you now." "I hope you find what you're looking for," I told them as I left.

I thought to myself, "That went well."

Just as I shut the door behind me, my legs hit something... When I looked down, it wasn't something... Someone was there. The girl in the shot was it. With her big brown eyes, she stood before me and looked up at me.

I smiled at her. "Hello, pretty. I told her, "I'm sorry I didn't see you, little lady."

She smiled and laughed. "You think I'm a lady?" She inquired.

"Of course!" I seriously yelled.

"I like your dress," she told him.

I told her, "Thank you, I love your dress too."

She laughed. "You're foolish. "This is my jam!" she yelled.

"Sorry, I made a mistake. "I didn't notice how beautiful you look in it," I told her with a smile.

"Why are you alone in the hallway?" I told her.

"I woke up just now." She said, "I want to see my dad."

"Oh, I see."

"You? "Why are you here?" She asked me as she looked up at me with her big, beautiful brown eyes.

"I had a job interview with your dad," I stated.

"What's that?" She inquired.

"It's where you go and talk to someone, and you talk about yourself so the person can get to know you, to see if they like you and if you're right for the job," I explained.

"Oh. Do you mean like my dad? He always amazes me!" I softly laughed at what she said.

"Yes, like your dad." But he's in charge. I haven't found a job yet. I told her, "That was me in there, trying to get a job."

She said sweetly, "I hope you get the job."

I hoped so too, but I guess I'm not what your dad is looking for, I told myself.

I looked down at the little girl and smiled. She had won my heart so quickly that I wished I could have spent more time with her.

Then, someone opened the door behind us, making the little girl squeal and run to her dad.

"Daddy!"

"Good morning, lady principal. How did your sleep go?" He asked his daughter, I heard. I could tell they had a strong connection. The thought of it made my heart melt.

He said, "Ms. Canzano, I see you've met my daughter."

For some reason, I was scared to face the guy who had made me feel things I had never felt before.

I took a big breath, turned around, and gave him a nod. "I guess I should go now." Again, thanks for your time, Mr. Maxwell. I told you. "And it was nice to meet you..." I have no idea what her name is yet.

"Lia," the girl answered.

I smiled at her. "Hi Lia, it's nice to meet you. I said, "My name is Ara, and I'd like to shake your hand."

I put out my hand, and she took it right away. We shook hands. "Well, have a good day!" I quickly said.

I quickly nodded at Mr. Maxwell and turned to leave. While my heart was racing, all I could think about was his broad shoulders, beautiful face, and cute little girl.

I felt sad and thought, "I guess it's just not meant to be."

Every time I move, I feel like they've taken a piece of my heart...