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.

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. The children had made a banner that they were all holding, which read: “Thank you, Mr. Morgan!” I couldn’t help but smile as I saw all of the little handprints on the long strip of paper that they held between

down the

her eyes squinting in the

in a curt tone of voice, “Thank you.

squinted even harder.

Edrick said, looking around.

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

cell phone pictures to

looking back up 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

Edrick who looked over at me with a disappointed look on his face. He stepped away,

hire a photographer?” he

the message behind them. And I didn’t want to make the

the children, who looked like they were broiling in the summer heat. One little girl’s bangs were glued to her forehead with

him, he walked back over to Sophia. He said something to her that I couldn’t make out from where I stood. She nodded and they walked over to the stairs; Edrick waved

Sophia said, walking up the stairs to stand behind them while Edrick stood off to the side. “Mr. Morgan is

little girl with the

Edrick didn’t even look at her; he only stood off to the side with his

what’s Miss Moana doing here?” another

little boy said, his

practically begging me to just get the photo over with so she could bring the children back inside before they all had

to take the picture. “On the count of three, say cheese!

either unprepared, too hot and miserable to smile, and the ones

soon as I snapped the 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

you doing?”

to show him the picture.

complained.

indifference made me