Mallorcan Magic – Episode 12
“I’d be thrilled to have you living out here, Eira. But, working for Danny Carpenter? Would you be his secretary? His housekeeper?” Helen said.
“He’s asked me to take over from his children’s nanny, so it would be child care, taking them places and preparing meals in the apartment. I’d have my own self-contained accommodation.”
“Are you going to accept this job?”
“I’m supposed to sleep on it and meet him tomorrow at eleven.”
“Crikey. That soon?”
“To be fair, he’s shortlisted two other girls, but for some reason, he seems to have taken a liking to me.”
“Did he interview you over dinner?”
“Not really. He was very entertaining and kept off the subject until we’d eaten the most sumptuous paella, then it was more about him describing what he’d expect if I accepted his offer.”
“Hmm – I’m wondering that, too.”
“I’m convinced he’s got his children’s welfare at heart. He’s already made enquiries into my background but as to how, I’ve no idea.”
“He must have lots of contacts in the UK. This is a high-flying businessman we’re talking about, also one who’s obviously looking for someone to replace his former wife. Difficult territory, I’d say.”
“I’m trying not to mention the pot calling the kettle black.”
“I may have fallen for a man from a different culture and different religion, but Antonio’s never been married.”
“Also, you’ve been seeing him regularly over the last six months. Well, I haven’t exactly fallen for Danny and I certainly have no designs on marrying him.”
“You haven’t exactly fallen for him,” Helen echoed, “but you find him attractive, don’t you?”
“If I’m honest, yes I do.”
“I can only repeat what Antonio said. Carpenter has a reputation where his romantic life’s concerned. And while he’s a successful entrepreneur, I know Antonio and his father have certain concerns.”
“What kind of concerns?”
“Maybe that Danny Carpenter’s cut lots of corners. It could be that the rumours Antonio has heard are pure gossip. Or, he could be a bit of a wide boy.”
“Possibly. No-one knows for sure. Danny warned me some people would enjoy seeing him get his comeuppance.” Helen frowned.
“You sound like you’re defending him, lovey. I reckon you’ve got it bad.”
“I’ve known him a short time but it feels much longer. He certainly didn’t lay a finger on me tonight and he’s made it clear he’s looking for a nanny, not a girlfriend, whatever anyone thinks. Anyway, I wouldn’t be sophisticated enough for him!”
“He must have chatted you up in the first place, though. He didn’t just appear, saying he needed a nanny and you looked like his ideal Mary Poppins.”
Eira groaned.
“I told you we noticed each other in that café – I can’t believe it was only this morning. Of course I was flattered when he approached me later, though I did wonder whether he had an ulterior motive. Oh, this is difficult, Helen.”
“You’re attracted to him. Fair enough, but if you decide to accept this job and you want to make it work, you need to put romantic thoughts out of your head.” Eira looked down at her hands.
“You’re right. I want this job for several reasons but I can’t deny I enjoy being around Danny.”
Helen stood up.
“Maybe all will be clear tomorrow. I appreciate this job means you’d be earning, while also taking time to think about what you want to do once you return home.
“But, if you accept and then have problems with His Nibs, remember you can always come back here to Auntie Helen!”
****
Eira pushed herself hard in the pool next morning. The early cleaning operation was only just completed when she plunged in to swim her lengths.
Although the morning was breathtakingly beautiful, dewdrops on the shrubs shimmering like sequins, she didn’t linger. Eira returned to the apartment probably before most other residents were brewing their morning coffee.
She hadn’t wanted to bump into Danny. She’d lain awake until three o’clock, mithering, as her gran would say, over Helen’s sensible advice against coming into the children’s lives, only to flit away again.
Eira knew she could not, must not, let the little family down.
But she still felt confused. One part of her yearned to seize an opportunity no-one, even herself, could have anticipated. She wasn’t signing her life away and the more she thought about Danny’s offer, the more positive she felt.