The nanny who would stop at nothing(ch5)

In the previous chapter “Erin and the crazed nanny”, Lee was pondering the decision of whether to tell Erin about the romantic advances put upon him by Laci, the delusional live in nanny. He wondered whether she could be dangerous or whether it was just a harmless crush. He thought Erin might even laugh at him, or worse yet she may think that he may have initiated it. He felt he had been firm enough with her to hopefully put the idea out of her head, so perhaps it was just a fleeting moment, one that could be forgotten. Then he remembered her blazing eyes and how she was really convinced that he loved her in return. He couldn’t make up his mind and decided to give it some more thought before bringing it up to his wife.

“So why all the extra affection Lee? Is it our anniversary? Please tell me I didn’t forget something.” She asked humorously as Lee hugged her tighter.

“No, I just love you and am happy to see you. How was your day?” Lee answered as he loosened his grip and tried to keep calm.

“Well there is a three day long Botany convention in Pleasantview that I was just told about. It’s mandatory that I be there. We’ll be put up in a hotel since the hours are going to be so long.” She sighed.

“Wait, what do you mean? I have a sports event that I have to fly to this weekend. I have to cover it. We will both be gone?” He replied nervously realizing the situation just became more complicated.

“It’s fine. Laci won’t mind the longer hours. We’ll offer her extra wages this month.” Erin answered nonchalantly as she looked around for the children.

“Umm…that is an awful lot to ask isn’t it? Can’t you get someone else to take your place?”

“No, we all have to go. I can’t jeopardize my job. Why are you so concerned about this? It’s not like we haven’t left her before for the weekend.” She asked in a bothered manner.

Lee was more than concerned. If he told Erin what had happened that afternoon she may want to fire Laci and both their jobs could be in jeopardy and even worse, she may not be so understanding about how it all happened. If he decided to leave Laci with the kids he would be a nervous wreck all weekend and then she may even get the wrong idea. He couldn’t think fast enough.

“How about if we left the kids with your brother Tim? They’d love that.” He said happily.

“Gwen just left yesterday for her tour of duty. I am sure Tim is not in good enough spirits to handle so many kids all alone. Please don’t ask him.” She replied firmly. “What is going on? Why are you so nervous? Look at you…you are sweating! Lee, tell me what is going on now.”

Knowing he had no alternative but to tell her, he began to wring his hands nervously. He gathered his thoughts and began to explain.

“Well…a very weird thing happened today. I was outside raking the leaves and Laci for some strange reason started jumping in my leaf pile. Then out of no where she grabs my hand and starts to tell me that she has feelings for me.” He explained quickly.

“What?” Erin asked amusingly. “Is this a joke Lee?

“No, I am telling you what happened. At first I was really confused but then I realized she was serious. She was telling me that you and I don’t have a happy marriage and that I belong with her…really weird stuff! She made me very angry and I had to get firm with her.”

“You aren’t kidding. Where did this come from? Has she ever said anything like this before? Are you sure she wasn’t joking around?” Erin asked doubtfully with her head slightly cocked to the side.

Just as she finished her sentence they noticed the doorknob turning and in walked Laci looking rather melancholy. Needless to say they were both surprised to see her standing there at the door.

Laci knew right away that they had been discussing what had happened earlier between her and Lee. They made no attempt to hide the puzzled looks on their faces. She quickly rehearsed in her head what she had planned to say since this been one of the scenarios she imagined could be taking place in her absence. She was hoping more so that Lee had had a chance to think over her proposition and had come to the same conclusion. She knew instantly that it had gone the other way. He was too fearful to admit his feelings for her even to himself much less his wife. He would need more time she convinced herself. Laci knew what she had to do.

“Hi.” Laci said meekly. She didn’t want to lose her job and even more so the chance to see Lee everyday so she knew she would have to appear extremely remorseful.

“Hello Laci. I think we need to talk.” Erin said in a concerned manner as Lee stood there motionless, not knowing what to say.

“Yes, I know. I have to apologize for today. That was not me you have to know that.” Laci said with as much sincerity as she could muster.

“Then who was it Laci? It is extremely disturbing and I want to know why you would think my husband would have feelings for you. We have been good to you and felt like you were family. How can I trust you now?” Erin said sternly still confused about the whole situation.

“You still can trust me. I didn’t think…I was depressed about a boy I had been dating and Lee was there. I didn’t mean what I said, I just wanted to feel better. I have no excuse I know.” She said as she hung her head shamefully. “Please Erin, I am so sorry. This will never happen again. I am sorry to you also Lee for putting you in such a terrible position. I promise to do only my job and keep to myself.”

Erin felt slightly bad for Laci. She knew Laci had never really had many dates and worried from time to time about her being lonely. Maybe this was a misunderstanding or perhaps a harmless crush that was caught in time.

“Lee and I need to talk first before we make a decision. Can you check on the children and give us a few minutes?” Erin asked.

Of course. Thank you Erin.” Laci replied timidly as she walked into the other room.

“I think it was harmless Lee. Let’s give her another chance. She’s a sweet girl, I think she’s just lonely.” Erin explained.

“Are you sure? You weren’t here earlier, she made me very nervous.” Lee replied in a loud whisper.

“Yes, I am sure. I think it’s just a harmless crush. You should be flattered.” Erin said with a chuckle. “Seriously though, we’ll just keep a better eye on her now and the first sign of anything odd we will let her go.”

“Okay, but I am going to keep my distance from her if you don’t mind. She may be a sweet girl but I don’t want to have to deal with anything like that again.” He answered with a cautious grin.

When Erin told Laci that they would be keeping her on as their nanny, she was thrilled. They also informed her that they would be going out of town on business and Laci’s mind began to work quickly. She thought that this could be the perfect opportunity for her to get what she wanted.

As Lee left for the airport and Erin for her convention, Laci and the children said their goodbyes from the door. Once they were gone she immediately went to the phone and called Anthony and Monica, Erin’s brother and sister in law.

“Hi Monica, this is Laci, Lee and Erin’s nanny.” She said into the phone hoping for success.

“I was calling to ask a huge favor. Lee and Erin were called out of town at the last minute and I am supposed to be taking care of the children. However, I have a problem. I have a family emergency I need to tend to and was wondering if you could take care of the children until I get back.” Laci asked with a mischievous smile.

“Thank you so much Monica. I am sorry it is so last minute. Can I drop them off in an hour. I need to get to the airport as soon as I can.”