532 Unconventional Perfection

(Jayden)

I'm trying not to feel like we're auditioning for the next season of Who Wants to Join the Brennan Circus. And I've already taken two calls from our afternoon shortlist saying they've taken other positions. That leaves two for this afternoon's session.

The first is Eric, a fresh-faced twenty-something with dreadlocks, wearing a tie-dye hoodie and Birkenstocks. He walks in like he's about to lead a yoga retreat, and I immediately have doubts. "Thanks for coming in, Eric," I say, extending a hand.

Eric gives me a two-handed shake and beams. "Namaste, Mr. Brennan. Your aura is very welcoming."

Winona shoots me a look, her eyebrow practically climbing into her hairline.

"I've worked as a live-in nanny for two families," Eric says, his voice calm and measured. "I focus on mindfulness practices for children-teaching them to ground themselves, manage their emotions, and find inner peace." Anne furrows her brow. "And how do you handle structure? Rules? Boundaries?"

Eric tilts his head, thoughtful. "Children don't need rules; they need understanding. I believe, given enough time, they will come to see what they've done wrong and adjust their behavior."

Winona leans back, lips twitching like she's holding back a laugh. "Interesting approach."

When Eric leaves, Winona lets out a long breath. "Inner peace? Adjust their approach? With our kids? He'll be eaten alive."

Anne laughs. "By breakfast time."

The next candidate glides in, and she's impossible to miss. Claudia is tall, curvy, with platinum blond hair. Her crimson dress hugs every inch of her body like it was painted on.

Her stilettos click against the wooden floor, and her smile is almost as dazzling as her cleavage, both aimed squarely at me.

"Mr. Brennan," Claudia purrs, extending a perfectly manicured hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Winona clears her throat loudly, drawing Claudia's attention. "And Mrs. Brennan. A pleasure, of course," Claudia adds with less enthusiasm.

As we dive into questions, Claudia leans forward, her gaze locked on mine, her voice oozing with charm. "I believe children thrive with a nurturing presence. And I'm excellent at providing... personal attention."

I can feel Winona's eyes burning into the side of my face, but I keep my expression neutral. "That's an important quality," I say seriously while waiting for Winona's slap up the side of my head.

a fitness trainer," she continues, brushing her hair over her shoulder. "Perhaps I

Winona. I shouldn't goad her, but this process is doing my

a tight

chair. "She's got a lot of assets to consider," I say,

the rest of her did. She's out," Winona says flatly,

Anne stifles a laugh.

another interview." I grin at her. "She clearly

not an audition for The Real Housewives of Brennan Acres. Now stop teasing me and let's get down to

make a new list for another day." I'm not sure I can do this again, but I will. For my

get to Brussels,

one on board?" Winona starts to clean

she says and heads for the

and stretching. "Well,

Anne

find

the dishwasher. "We'll

Might take

let

meantime,

as long as needed."

when we get

back, Henry squirming in her arms.

out the back door. "They

all rush out to the

Sarah!" Winona calls, her

No answer.

second of silence.

tree line, faint laughter

the sound, pushing through the brush until we get

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