The Surrogate Nanny (The Nanny Series Book 1) by A. N. Boyden & Em Jay

Author:A. N. Boyden & Em Jay [Boyden, A. N. & Jay, Em]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-04T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eighteen

Simone

I adjusted my hair again, tucking a stray curl behind my ear as I touched up my lipstick at a red light. The upscale Italian restaurant wasn’t far from Anthony’s place, and after reading the glowing online reviews, I was ready to eat. The light turned green, and my phone rang. My stomach flopped at the sight of Jonathan’s name.

“Hey, Jonathan. I’m about five minutes away.”

“I’m sorry, Simone,” Jonathan greeted, his deep voice filling my car over the GPS instructions. “My ex brought the kids over at the last minute. It’s an emergency—her sister’s in the hospital and—”

“Okay, but how long have you known you needed to cancel?”

Jonathan sighed heavily. “Simone, I’m—”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Can we reschedule?” he asked hopefully.

I chewed my bottom lip, buying myself time to formulate my response.

Let him down easy, Simone.

“I’m sorry, but no. My time is valuable, and while I understand life happens, I think I deserve more than a five-minute head’s up that you have to cancel. I wish your sister-in-law a speedy recovery.”

I held my breath and waited for his response.

“That was my bad, but I respect your decision. I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, me too,” I replied, making a left at the next light. The restaurant’s sign shimmered under the streetlight. “I’ll see you around,” I said before hanging up and dialing Anthony without much thought.

“Everything okay?” he asked after the first ring. I smiled and rested my head against the headrest.

Why do I feel he’s been sitting by the phone since I left?

“I’m fine, but it looks like I’ll be going on a solo date. Jonathan had to cancel.”

Anthony was quiet for a moment. “Oh...that’s, I’m sorry. That...sucks.”

He does not sound sorry.

“Yeah,” I said casually as I watched satisfied diners filter out the restaurant’s busy entrance.

“You should still enjoy your night out. Don’t forget to try the Bella Italia. You’ll never look at alfredo the same.”

“Thanks for the recommendation. How’s Nori?”

“Being an absolute terror.”

“Really?”

“Not at all. Little Shark is about to get some warm milk and go down for the count. She’s been fighting it.”

“Oh. Is she doing that thing where she’s tugging on her hair?”

“She’ll be bald by the time you return home.”

“That’s reassuring. Maybe I should come home.”

“No, I got this, Simone. I’m getting off the phone now. Nori says she loves you and goodnight.”

The phone disconnected, and I sighed. Dining alone was an experience I mostly avoided if I could. The pitying looks from other patrons were too depressing. However, a night off was a night off, and I’d make the best of it.

I entered the dimly lit restaurant and was met by the aromatics of dough, fresh herbs, and wine. Soft, soothing jazz music played in the background, adding to the romantic motif. I felt out of place, but the welcoming smile from the hostess propelled me forward.

“Welcome to Rossellini’s. Do you have a reservation?”

“It should be under Baker,” I said confidently.

“Jonathan Baker?”

“Correct, but I’ll be dining alone tonight.”

She smiled gently. “That’s okay. Sometimes we are our best company. Please follow me.

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