Falling for the Babysitter

“Remy is going to ruin your life,” he says. “It’s already started.”

There’s no sense in denying my feelings for Remy any longer. I’m obviously not hiding them very well.

“Remy is nothing like Karen. You don’t know her. You’ve never bothered to try,” I say.

He glares at me. “Neither have you until recently.”

His voice is heated, rising loud enough to call attention to our argument. The longer I stand out here, the later I will be for work and the more trouble I’ll be in with my boss. I’m on a probation period for the next couple of months. Though being late to be with Remy was well worth it, I can’t afford to lose this job. Even if it means being stuck most of the day with Sam.

“Keep your voice down,” I hiss. “Not everyone needs to know our business.”

“Well, it’s true,” he says, quieter this time.

I never really tried to get to know Remy when I lived next door to her. She was just a kid back then. It would’ve been inappropriate. But I do know she’s nothing like Karen. I’ve watched her grow up. She was the neighborhood sweetheart. All the neighbors used to say what a good kid she was. Like how she used to mow Mrs. Holister’s lawn without being asked and without expecting to be paid for it. She did it because she saw an old woman who was

animals and bring them back home, nursing them back to health. Birds, possums, and even a baby skunk. She’s motherly and nurturing. Two things what were never built into Karen’s DNA. I saw that from the very beginning of our marriage, but I didn’t want it to be true, so I ignored the signs. My eyes are wide open now, and I see Remy for who she really is, and

with Karen. I’m glad I was because of Bailey, but if I could’ve had Bailey with Remy instead, I would’ve been better off. Karen was rude, hot tempered, and just not a good person

than you think I do,”

but I push him away. “I need to get inside before I get fired,” I say and

one seemed to notice. All day, the only thing I can think about is

the driveway and see a car parked in front I’ve never seen before. I go inside and Sam is standing next to an older woman

Remy must

says. He has a look on his face I don’t quite trust.

taking two steps at a time in a rush to see my daughter and Remy. But when I go into the office, Remy isn’t there. Just Bailey, standing