Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 212 -

Весса.

"Oh, Becca, trust me, she's a doll, she's wonderful," Sophia said to me, giving me a bright smile. At the moment, we were sitting at a diner, sipping coffee and discussing things. There was dim lighting above us, not that they needed to be any brighter given the sun was out.

James was taking a day to spend with the kids while Sophia and I went out shopping and discussing her new replace. Last night had been a wonderful distraction from Allison, but she was admittedly on the back of my mind at all times now. I refocused, looking at Sophia with a careful smile. "That's good," I said, thinking things through. She was telling me about a lady she'd met at the market months ago and became friends with. Unfortunately, Sophia's break had to end soon, and she'd need to go back to running her business.

I'd need to make a decision, but after the last two problems, particularly Layla, I was having a hard time caving to the idea of a new nanny. I said, "You have a good sense of character, so I believe you, but I don't know yet." "When you do meet her, you'll know!" Sophia said, smiling brightly. "She is wonderful with kids. She's a middle-aged woman with only adult children now. We talk over tea a lot, and I mentioned knowing someone looking for a stay-at-home nanny. She seemed very excited."

"I suppose," I said, reaching up to rub the back of my neck. Soon, a sandwich was placed in front of me, something I grabbed for eagerly and began to munch at. Now, my stomach wouldn't be as relentless with annoying clawing hunger, and I could focus.

"I know you're hesitant, dear, but you deserve YOU time, as does James. You two are very busy people! Will you have the time to watch the kids at every waking moment?" she asked, causing me to slowly shake my head.

"I won't," I confessed, thinking through my many plans for the future. I needed elbow room, and a nanny had always given me that. The best plan was to hear her out. Certainly, I was starting to cave, and I let out a sigh. "Alright. When would I be able to meet her? Can she come talk with us now?" I asked.

"I was hoping you'd suggest that!" Sophia laughed. "I had her keep her schedule clear for today in case you'd be open to it. I can have her be here in ten minutes. How does that sound?"

"Sounds like a plan," I said, finishing up my sandwich in several bites and lapsing into chatter with Sophia in the meantime. I had a few things on my mind, one of them being charity. "You work with charity groups through your own business, right? Don't you have several projects?"

She nodded, raising a brow curiously. "I do!" she said, her voice dripping with happiness. "Beyond that, I make sure what I sell is sustainable and ethical. They're expensive, but for a good reason."

"That makes sense," I muttered. Then, I explained my concerns about the 'savior complex,' and what she thought about that. As she listened, she nodded, a smile widening on her face. She took a sip of her tea, contemplating a response before speaking.

"What a dilemma! The fact that you're thinking about these things is very important, Becca. Actually, the leather I use for my handbags is from families who work with the leather directly in various countries with many less fortunate people." I leaned forward, listening to what she had to say. That was intriguing. "That way," Sophia continued, "they get the money for their work, and the money from the company goes into their economy. Not only do I get a high-quality product, but they get paid for their work."

Her expression twisted into one of disgust. "Other companies look for cheap labor, but I pay my sources the price the high-quality leather is worth. Some of the money goes to a reputable charity, as well. I'm not really looking to get richer. Why? No point in having so much excess money."

That was true. I had so much of it now that I could live comfortably and still contribute to helping people in need. This charity research was very important to me for that reason. "That makes sense," I said softly. "How can you tell you're working with reliable sources?"

"I do a lot of research, just like you, but also phone the locals and discuss things. I'll visit where I get my leather too, the families who make it, and make sure they are being treated fairly. My money goes to charities that are local and not disruptive to cultures."

"That all makes sense," I said. I let out a sigh, then ran a hand through my hair. "Maybe going to Guatemala directly and settling there would be counterproductive? Perhaps I should start a charity that would work with the locals. Do you think me being there would be disruptive?"

"That would be up to you!" Sophia said with a gentle smile. "I would take a visit there first, get a feel, and talk to people. You have a good heart, Becca."

Touched, I smiled at Sophia with gratitude. I still didn't know the path I wanted to take, but things were looking up for me on that end. Plus, James may be coming around. Granted, this Allison issue could throw yet another wrench in all of our plans.

A few minutes later, the woman Sophia suggested arrived. Her hair was tied up in a bun, and she had a warm look to her. There was a softness to her that emanated off of her in waves, causing me to be intrigued. My first instinct was to give her a smile.

The one she gave back was incredibly friendly. "Sophia!" she said as she got to our table. Sophia stood up and gave her a hug in greeting before sitting down.

"Madeline! Sit, sit! I'm so glad you're able to meet Becca now," Sophia said, her tone a gushing one. I couldn't help but smile at this exchange. Madeline had long red hair that looked long enough to fall down her back if it weren't in a bun. She had some decent toning, indicating she worked out when she had time to herself.

Her eyes were a light green, and her bright smile never faded as she spoke. Her eyes fell upon me, and she dipped her head with respect. "Hello there! You must be Becca!" she said cheerfully. I nodded, holding out a hand, which she shook with a firm grip.

"I am," I said with a smile. "You were interested in being a nanny?"

"Yes, of course, darling!" Madeline said with a lot of excitement in her tone. Sophia's smile widened, and I couldn't help but notice how positive she sounded about this. She came across as a wonderful woman already!

"That's excellent. Now, Sophia said you were wonderful with kids, and yours have grown up. Alessandro can pull hair sometimes and needs some patience. He's sweet, though, and enjoys poking noses. Dahlia loves it when people play with her toy cars so she can join in," I said.

There was so much more to both children, but I'd wait to inform her of everything. She'd need to meet them first, after all. After I talked about the specifics of what the job would entail, as far as the schedule and pay range, I went into explaining their eating habits, when they went to sleep, and other little intricacies she'd need to know.

The entire time, she leaned forward, listening intently and nodding. If she had a notebook, she'd probably be taking notes! I was impressed. She asked a lot of important questions, as well, such as allergies, appointments, and the like. "I could take them to the park at some point if you wanted," Madeline suggested, giving a smile. "Kids play so many imaginative games on the playscapes, after all! And they make for good exercise."

"That sounds great," I said, giving a soft smile. "We'd need you to inform security and have them come along if you were to do that. High money family means high risk," I said. She didn't seem deterred by that and just nodded. "I bet. Money doesn't solve all problems!" Madeline said. "That won't bother me, though. I will only do it when we all are comfortable, anyway."

"I'll need to run a background check on you. Is that alright? If so, can I have your information?" I asked. She nodded and provided all the details, which I forwarded to James. This was around the time the kids would be given a nap, so he'd have ample time to run checks.

The conversation continued for a half hour before James got back to me. I read his text, then said, "Your background is very clean. I think, after talking to you today, I feel good. I need to think it over some more, though." I smiled at Madeline, who returned mine with a bright one.

"Great! Thank you Becca for considering me, and thank you Sophia for recommending me," she said politely, leaning back in her chair and seeming satisfied. With that, I was homeward bound, my heart actually warm.

I had just met Madeline, so I'd need to talk to her a few times and watch her interact with the kids before making my decision. However, my instincts told me she was a very good fit. Her general demeanor was incredibly positive. Not only that, but James knew how to replace hidden information that regular people would otherwise miss. Given she had none of that in her track record, I felt very confident.

The drive home was quiet and pleasant, but that energy changed when I got inside, with security by my side. Sophia arrived shortly after me, returning to go occupy the kids so I could talk things over with James. There was tension in the air, and I had no idea why.

I swallowed, entering another room to see James at the table, typing away at his laptop and frowning considerably. Three members of the security team were there with him, muttering back and forth.

"What's going on?" I asked nervously, taking a seat across from James. He met my gaze and let out a sigh, shaking his head. Running his fingers through his hair, he paused, probably trying to think of how to explain to me just that. "The security cameras showed someone trying to get over the gate last night."

My heart began to pound, and I widened my eyes. His expression turned grim, and he added, "It's hard to see who it was. The footage is unclear."

My breath caught, and I hugged myself, closing my eyes. There could be any number of things going on now. Could it be Allison or a new problem? I didn't know.

James said softly, "We're beefing up security. I have several people on call now. We'll be safe, Becca. Don't worry."

With everything that happened on a regular basis, I wasn't so sure.