I glanced down at Charlie. “I like frogs. They eat flies, and flies are annoying.”
He grinned up at me. “Lizards?”
“My brother had a bearded dragon growing up.”
“No way! I got to pet one when the reptile guy came to class last month. It was the best. It would be so amazing to have one every single day.”
Charlie kept chattering on as Lawson sent me an apologetic smile, but I didn’t mind in the slightest. I let the little boy tug me toward the living space as more of my nervousness slipped away.
I came up short when I was met with a glare. The teen I knew had to be Luke looked up from the sandwich he’d been eating at the kitchen island. Unlike his younger brothers, there was nothing warm or welcoming in his demeanor.
He shoved back his stool, leaving the half-eaten sandwich on the counter. His eyes narrowed on me. “What is she? Barely out of college? Didn’t want to spring for a nanny who actually had experience?”
“Luke,” Lawson barked.
My hands balled at my sides as I tried to hide the shaking. I’d only get this moment once, and if I let Luke steamroll me, he’d do it every time.
“Actually, I nannied for a family for three years before this and have taken several child development classes.” I didn’t think you could hear the tremble in my voice, but I could feel it.
Luke snapped his mouth closed, but his glare only intensified. “I don’t need a fuckin’ nanny.”
Charlie sucked in a breath at my side. “That’s a bad one.”
Lawson’s expression hardened to granite. “Go to your room. I’ll come talk to you in a minute.”
Luke didn’t say a word; he simply stalked off.
“I’m so sorry, Hallie. I knew he wasn’t crazy about this, but I didn’t think he’d be that rude.” Worry creased Lawson’s brow as he waited for my reaction.
“It’s okay,” I assured him. “I’d rather know how he really feels than have him hide it.”
“Well, he certainly shouldn’t be using that language,” Lawson said.
Drew sent his dad a worried look. “You taking his gear?”
A muscle beneath Lawson’s eye fluttered. “Actions have consequences.”
Drew kicked at the floor. “He’s gonna be a nightmare.”
Charlie bobbed his head. “Super grouchy.”
I looked at Lawson in question, unsure if I had a right to ask, but at the same time, needing to know if I had to be his backup.
He ran a hand through his dark hair. “I warned Luke I was taking his electronics if he used the f-word again.”
I winced. It wasn’t that I thought Lawson was doing the wrong thing; it was just that I knew how much teenagers loved their devices. One of the two girls I’d nannied for previously was only twelve and already had a cell phone permanently attached to her hand.
“I need to talk to him,” Lawson said softly. “Make yourself at home. Drew, get Hallie something to drink.”
Lawson headed out of the living area, tension evident in his shoulders as he went. I didn’t envy him for that conversation. Luke had been out of line, but this was a huge change for them, especially if their mother hadn’t been around for a while.
I wondered for the countless time what the story was there. Lawson hadn’t said she’d passed away, so I assumed it was a separation. But I couldn’t imagine not seeing my kids at all.
“Soda, juice, water?” Drew asked as he pulled open the fridge. He’d lost the cocky charm from earlier. His brother’s actions clearly weighed on him.
“Water would be great. Thanks, Drew.”
Charlie grabbed my hand. “Can I stir the pasta sauce?”
