His Nanny Mate By Eve Above Story

Chapter 31: Photo Op
Moana

The very next morning, I called Sophia as soon as I awoke.

“Sophia, it’s Moana,” I said into the phone. “Do you have a minute to talk?”

Sophia was quiet for a moment. I could tell that she was hesitant; I had just informed her only a couple of weeks prior that I was working for the very man who frightened the orphans, and she no doubt had a suspicion that I was going to ask for something after how he acted.

“Yes,” she finally replied. “It’s good to hear your voice.”

I smiled, relieved that she was at least willing to talk to me. “You, too,” I said. “I know this might seem a bit contrived, but I wanted to ask if Mr. Morgan and I could come to the orphanage today. He wants to speak to you and the children after what happened yesterday.”

“Really?” Sophia responded, sounding a little surprised. “He doesn’t seem like the type to talk much.”

“Really. He wants to apologize.” Sophia was silent again. I grew desperate. “Please,” I said. “I’d really appreciate it if you gave him another chance.”

“Alright,” Sophia finally agreed. “When will you be coming?”

I glanced at the clock. “We’ll be there by noon.”

…

At noon, almost on the dot, Edrick and I pulled up to the orphanage. He was wearing a gray suit and tie that was almost as stiff as his demeanor, which was a sharp contrast from my light blue sundress. It was a scorching hot day; I was surprised that he was even breathing dressed like that.

image seemed to wiggle a bit behind the heat haze coming off of the black car. He took a deep breath and straightened his tie before brusquely turning on his heel and storming up to the entrance of the orphanage as if he was on a mission, where Sophia stood with the children as they waited for him.

down the

her eyes squinting in

nodded and replied in a curt tone of voice,

even harder.

a photo op,” Edrick said, looking around. “Didn’t you hire

placing my hand on Edrick’s arm before he could say anything else that was offensive. “I

cell phone pictures to make it on the

at Edrick. “Perhaps you’re not here for the right reasons, Mr. Morgan,” she said. “While we appreciate your donation, all of the funds have been allocated toward taking care of the children. We don’t have the money to be hiring

over at me with a disappointed look on his face. He stepped away, waving me over to him, and I threw an apologetic glance at Sophia before

hire a photographer?” he

my head. “It’s not about the quality of the photos,” I responded, keeping my voice low. “It’s about the message behind them.

broiling in the summer heat. One little girl’s bangs were glued to her forehead with sweat. “Fine,” he said, his tone of voice cold as he straightened his

I stood. She nodded and they walked over to the stairs; Edrick waved for me to follow again, and

stand behind them while Edrick stood off

Morgan,” the little girl with the sweat-soaked

didn’t even look at her; he only stood off to the side with his arms folded, impatiently waiting for the picture

Moana doing here?” another

thirsty,” one little boy said, his face

finished,” Sophia replied. She shot me a pleading look, practically begging me to just get the photo over with so she could bring the

phone to take the picture. “On

the children smiled at the very most. The other half of the children were either unprepared, too hot and miserable to smile, and the ones that were closest to Edrick appeared as if they were

picture, Sophia ushered the children inside. Edrick, without a word, stormed back off in the direction of the car. I mouthed an apology to Sophia, who glared at me angrily from the doorway, before I ran after

are you doing?” he

show him the picture. “The children look miserable,” I replied. “You have to

complained. “I did what I

indifference made me