7. After Gym

8. Credit score

<< . Mikolaj . >>

I step out of shower and wrap a towel around my waist. Camilla steps in after me to take a bath. I glance at the clock and see it’s been an hour. After sex, we worked out. I am feeling much relaxed right now. I love Jessie to death but a bit of personal time without her feels refreshing.

Kids are hard.

Which reminds me I need to hire a new Nanny. I think to myself and grab my phone to check the profiles Emma had sent me a few days ago.

After a few minutes, Camilla steps out and says, “Jeez, Miko! Give yourself some slack.” I look up and see her taking a dress out of my closet. I shake my head in amusement.

When did she put her clothes here?

“I am not working!” I mutter. “Seriously, you sometimes nag me like a mother,” I say, and she laughs.

“So, what are you doing?“

“Jessica’s nanny has quit. I am trying hard to find a new one.”

It’s been two weeks and I haven't found anyone good enough yet. Maybe I am being too picky.

“Why? She was with your family for two years.”

I shrug. “No Idea… Maybe it’s her protest for cutting out Rose from custody.”

I don’t know, and I don’t care.

“I hope Jessie doesn’t miss her too much. She remembers things and people I don’t expect her to.” I don’t want her to.

She nods. “Kids are more intelligent than we consider them to be…. Should I help you find a new one?”

I put my phone down and think. “I should spend some quality time with her. I think I will skip it this month.”

Rose used to spend more time with Jessica. It feels like I have my daughter on the mercy of her nanny and daycare. It’s not fair to her.

I walk towards my closet to grab a suit for myself. That’s when my smart watch beeps. My head snaps towards it.

“Fuck!” I mutter and stride towards my office.

.

<< . Riley . >>

.

I am awfully excited today. I have been going to Josef Designs with Jonas and it’s been a thrilling adventure so far. Few undergraduates can say that they were permitted into that office. Thanks to Jonas, I got this chance. And it has been an enlightening experience. There is an enormous difference between learning something at college and working on it in real business. I am starting to admire Jonas. I can see how useful and focused he is at work . When he is at the office, he is not that goofy, careless rich boy anymore. He is someone entirely different. Even with our project, he has given me great insight. Overall, this project was a great learning experience.

After college, I walk into my room and quickly change the pair of clothes for the big day. Jonas will be here to pick me up soon. I am humming a song while getting ready.

“You look chirpy today and that outfit is nice!” Ira says and I tuck my hair behind my ear shyly.

“Is it appropriate for the office?”

I am wearing a green Maisie skirt with three cute buttons on the side, along with a white blouse. I hope it’s not odd for an office visit.

She glances at me and frowns. “You look fabulous, as always! Where are you going?” Ira knows I go to the office with Jonas after college hours. But today I am dressed differently.

“Head office for Josef Designs!” I turn towards her and cross my fingers.

”Wish me luck! I think I will get a chance to meet Mikolaj Josef.” I grin.

I haven’t met him yet. Because apparently he works at the head office.

Multiple offices in Single City! Rich people and their freaking properties!

I glance at my reflection in dressing mirror and ask “Don't you think blouse's cloth is too thin? Should I change?” I can see the outline of my bra.

Ira’s jaw slacks.

“It’s fine. You look good enough for the occasion.” She thinks then adds, “Now that you are finally meeting him today, ask him if he would be interested in adopting me?”

My cheeks burn and I turn away from her.

“He’s not that old,” I mumble.

This is a reminder why I shouldn’t fancy him. He is too old. Not my fault. All those magazines print his photographs like he is some super model. I mean supermodel with no naked chest pics. He looks so hot and classy in those suits. Sharp jawline, hair neatly set without a single stray hair. And his piercing blue gaze. Oh God! I have hots for him. This is bad.

“Who is not that old?” Natalie barges into the room and throws her bag on Ira’s bed.

“Mikolaj Josef. It looks like our little Riley dreams about him.”

“WHAT! No!!!” I exclaim. “I don’t fancy him.” I lie. My cheeks are turning pink and my ears are going hot.

Natalie picks up a magazine from the nightstand. It has his image on cover. She waves it at my face and says, “Yea, I can see that.”

“It’s a freaking business magazine!” I cry.

She shrugs and slumps into Ira’s bed. “But if it was up to me, I would prefer Jonas. Too bad for him I am taken.” She throws the magazine at Ira and says, ”Why don’t you take a chance?”

Ira laughs.

“No Thanks! I am fine as long as one of them adopts me. Not interested in dating.”

I stuff my laptop in my bag, thinking. Am I being weird?

"Although I admit your coach is hot," Ira says and I feel a little better.

Yea.. I am not being weird. Natalie’s coach is old too. Also, I think my fixation on Mikolaj Josef has more to do with his work than with his physique or personality.

I genuinely admire his work. He has been investing a good chunk of his money into research and development into inventions which can help people in developing countries. His security agency, Black Canopy, is equally impressive. He still has an evil reputation, which makes little sense. I think it’s just the media smearing his name. My grandfather is a news reporter too. So we are familiar with their ways. Mom never liked how my grand dad snoops into other people’s lives. He calls it an investigation. Mom calls it a privacy breach.

My phone buzzes and I check it to make sure it’s Jonas.

Almighty Jonas: ‘Waiting outside.’