Kelsey made the transfer with only a fraction more confidence than she had the over-the-shoulder move and then sighed with relief at the feeling of empty arms. “So anyway, if you don’t want me to watch Oscar, why in the world did you call me over? I was right in the middle of a workout.”
“I figured. That’s why I called.”
“Because you’re bitter that I’m working out?” She grinned. “You can always come with me the next time I go for a run.”
Marie snorted. “Right. And then you’ll know it’s time to prepare for the apocalypse.”
Marie was of a similar height to Kelsey, but she was considerably more rounded. Not that anyone complained. Everyone, especially men, loved Marie’s hourglass shape. Everyone except Marie, who periodically started on the latest diet fad, juice cleanse, or exercise regimen, only to give it up a week later. Marie had a strong aversion to dieting. Or, heaven forbid—sweating.
“Because I need a nanny. For three kids. Eleven, eight, and six.”
Her? Take care of children? Three of them?
Kelsey’s mouth fell open. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I do your website, Marie, not take care of kids. You’ve clearly mistaken me for someone without baby-induced nausea.”
“They aren’t babies,” Marie pointed out. “These kids are old enough to be pretty self-sufficient. You just need to pack some lunches, take them to the park, and call the ambulance if anyone breaks an arm.”
Kelsey snorted, while her brain spun in a desperate attempt to think up a reasonable excuse. “Is that what you put on the brochure? At Gentle Hands, our nannies can call the ambulance if your child breaks something?”
Marie hoisted the baby on her shoulder and began to move around the kitchen, cleaning up bottles and wiping down counters. “Don’t sell yourself short—you’re not completely inexperienced. You were a camp counselor, remember?”
“That was sixteen years ago, and they fired me because I took the kids up a trail that was closed to hikers. In my defense, I will say that the sign was very small, and really, they hadn’t seen any bears for a couple of weeks.”
Marie’s face lost a hint of color and Kelsey gave a silent victory cheer. Still, it was a measure of how anxious her friend must have been that Marie cleared her throat and continued, “You were young. I’d never put a thirteen-year-old in charge of a cabin full of kids. Besides, you’re practically a doctor, and—other than your pathological need to climb excessively large mountains—one of the most responsible people I know. My clients would love that.”
Kelsey perched on a stool beside the kitchen island, trying to maintain her resolve in the face of Marie’s obvious desperation. “I’m an EMT, not a doctor, and I’m not pathological.”
Marie nodded solemnly. “Fine. You’re not a doctor. And you’re only marginally pathological. But you are good to have around in an emergency.”
Realizing she was unlikely to resist her irreverent friend, Kelsey slumped back with resignation. “So back to the kids—what’s their story?”
“I think they’ll be pretty easy, other than maybe being a little homesick.” Marie sorted through a pile of mail ten inches high. “Mom and the kids moved to Denver a couple of weeks ago because she got a new job working for a software company. She needs someone full-time over the summer, and then after school in the fall.”
“I’m leaving town in a month,” Kelsey reminded her.
“I only need you for a day or two, until Hope gets clearance to go back to work. She met the kids last week and it seemed like a great fit, especially since she’s planning to go back to school this fall and could keep the job on a part-time basis. I’d send in one of my usual temps to cover for her but everyone’s sick. I’ve gone through all my backups and no one is available on this short notice. I’m desperate.”
While her internal voice warned of dire consequences for any children unfortunate enough to fall under her care, Kelsey tried to project a note of calm logic. “What did the mom say? Maybe she can take a couple of days off work until Hope’s better.”
Marie shook her head. “I called Jenna this morning but she didn’t pick up. But I know she’ll love you. Oh—and I put a note in the file that shows you’ve passed the criminal background check and have a clean driving record.”
Kelsey clucked her tongue. “How do you know that?”
The tips of Marie’s cheeks turned a delicate pink. “I ran a check this morning. I figured you wouldn’t mind. Besides, I’ve been driving with you for years. You’re slower than my grandmother.”