The Substitute Wife

Chapter 2

Emma

“Ya know,” Natasha said thoughtfully before pausing to take a bite of her frozen yogurt, “maybe you could work for Dr. Greene.”

We were walking back to her office after lunch, eating our mandatory “you just lost your job” fro-yo as we strolled. Natasha had already insisted I crash on her and her husband's couch for a few weeks after my lease was up. Just to give me enough time to find a job and a new apartment.

I raised a skeptical eyebrow. “I have no medical experience, Tash.”

“Oh no, I know. But he needs a nanny. You’re good with kids!”

I nearly choked on my spoon. “I’ve never nannied before!”

“No,” Natasha was serious now, her problem-solving gears already turning. She hated seeing anyone she loved struggle. “But you have like a million nieces and nephews. That’s great experience. I bet you’re even CPR certified from when you worked for your dad.”

“Well…” I took a bite of my frozen yogurt, stalling. I wasn't sure I wanted to be a nanny. I was sure that I needed a job. “You’re not wrong. You think he’d be open to it?”

“I’ll feel it out this afternoon,” She replied confidently as we reached the hospital’s side entrance. “Leave your box here and come get it tomorrow. It’ll be a good excuse to run into him!”

“Yeah, yeah, okay,” I said, hugging her quickly. “See ya tomorrow.”

Jack

My third prospective nanny left my office with a friendly wave. Once I heard the elevator ding closed, I leaned back, rubbing my temple. None of the candidates were bad. They had the right credentials, the proper experience—on paper, they were perfect. But none of them felt like the right fit for me and Sophie.

If I was being honest with myself, I was still thrown from earlier today. That woman in the waiting room looked so much like Emily, my ex-wife, that I had done a double take. It wasn’t just a passing resemblance; it was close enough to unnerve me. The same high cheekbones, dark chestnut hair, the way she carried herself. But where Emily had been all calculated elegance, this woman had an easy warmth about her. I couldn’t shake her from my thoughts.

A knock on my office door snapped me back to the present.

“Hey, Dr. Greene!” Natasha popped her head in, all smiles. “Got a sec?”

“Sure, Natasha. What can I do for you?” I straightened up. In just the few days since I had started my new role at Northwestern Memorial, I’d come to appreciate Natasha. She was efficient, sharp, and great with Sophie—which automatically earned anyone points in my book.

“Well, I hope I’m not overstepping, but I was wondering if you had found a nanny yet? My friend is looking for a new job, and she’s great with kids. If you haven’t found anyone yet, I was wondering if you’d consider giving her a chance to interview.”

“Oh,” I said, slightly caught off guard. “I’m assuming she’s qualified?”

“Absolutely!” Natasha beamed. “She’s never officially nannied before, but she practically raised her nieces and nephews. Plus, she’s CPR certified and a Chicago native—knows the city inside and out. She’s got street smarts, common sense, and, most importantly, she’s a genuinely great person. I wouldn’t recommend her if I didn’t think she could handle it.”

I hesitated, running a hand through my hair. I had only known Natasha a short time, but I trusted her. And I needed someone soon. I could only impose on Max's flexible afternoons for so long.

“Okay,” I finally said. “I’m game. When can she come in?”

“I can have her here in twenty minutes!” Natasha grinned, already pulling out her phone. “You’re clear for the rest of the day anyway.”

“Set it up. Thanks, Natasha.”

“You’re welcome, Dr. Greene.” She turned to leave but then paused at the door, “Oh, and her name is Emma.”

I stiffened.

Emma.

Basically the same name as my ex. And if she was the woman I had seen earlier in the waiting room—the one who looked so much like Emily…

I exhaled slowly.

This was either a cosmic joke, or my life was about to get a lot more complicated.