When she gets to the door, I swing it open. “Where’s the rest of your things?” I don’t mean it to sound as rude as it does when it comes out.
Kiki shrugs. “I don’t have much.”
“I thought you were staying here on the island. You don’t have anything else?” I stop myself from asking if she’s destitute.
She blushes. “I’ve been traveling a lot these last few months.”
“Traveling…” I say, trying to get a good read on the woman. She doesn’t look like she slept in the park. And doesn’t smell like it, either. She smells good. Like lilacs and sunshine. She stares at me, and I wonder if she caught me sniffing her.
“Can I come in?” she finally asks, shifting her weight.
I move out of the doorway. “Please.”
She drags her suitcase inside and takes in the large entryway. “Wow,” she says under her breath. “This place is amazing. When was it built?”
“1890.”
Kiki slowly walks into the living room area. I understand why she’s impressed. The original crown molding is intricately carved out of a deep mahogany. The fixtures are almost all original to the house. The high ceilings give the house a grand look.
I pick up her suitcase. “Your room is up the stairs to the left. I’ll take your bag.”
“Thank you.” She follows me up the staircase, running her hand along the smooth banister. “Where’s Skyler?”
“In the kitchen with Violet.”
“Who’s Violet? I thought you only had brothers.”
“She helps around the house. She cleans and cooks.” I enter the bedroom at the top of the stairs. It was my parents’ room. No one has stayed in it since they passed. I had Violet get it ready two months ago when I put an ad in the paper for a nanny. It feels weird to be in here. “This is it,” I say, setting down her suitcase.
Kiki looks around the room. “This is massive. Are all the bedrooms this large?”
“Old houses have large bedrooms,” I mumble, not wanting to tell her it’s the master bedroom. I don’t want to have to explain why none of us use it.
She walks over to the bathroom and flicks on the light. “I love the old black and white tile.”
“Thanks.”
She opens the curtains. “Wow, you have a great view of the ocean.”
I’m growing uncomfortable in the room, so I back out. “Yes. Skyler loves the ocean. You can get situated, then come down to the kitchen. I’m sure Violet will be happy you’re here. She loves Sky, but taking care of her isn’t her job.”
Kiki nods. “No problem. I’ll unpack later. I want to see Skyler.”
“See her?” I’m not sure what she means. She sounds like she’s Skyler’s aunt and hasn’t seen her in years.
Her face flushes, and she twists her fingers together. “I mean, I want to get to work.”
“That’s fine. Can I get a photo of your driver’s license?”
Kiki frowns. “I don’t have one.”
“You don’t?” Red flags fly in front of my face.
“Is driving a requirement for this job?”
I study her, trying to figure out if she’s lying to me, or if she really doesn’t drive. She stares at me with wide eyes, and I can’t tell.
“No,” I finally say. “You can fill out a W-9 for me. I’ll get one printed out for you.” I want her information so Noah to do a background check on the woman. I also resolve to have Noah install some wireless cameras throughout the house, just in case. I tell myself it’s a simple precaution. I don’t know the woman.
