The Substitute Wife

Chapter 3

Emma

“Okay, you’ve got this, Emma,” I whisper to myself as I push through the revolving hospital doors.

I cannot believe I’m actually interviewing to be a nanny. A nanny.

What I want to be is an interior designer. But in my head, I’ve rationalized this as a way to avoid moving back home. A temporary gig to keep me afloat while I figure out my next steps.

Inside the elevator, I glanced at my reflection in the mirrored wall, tugging at the hem of my button-down. What does someone even wear to a nanny interview? Hopefully, my Sambas, jeans, and untucked blue oxford shirt switch the sleeves rolled a bit say, I’m responsible, but I can also chase after kids!

When the doors slide open, Natasha is already waiting for me. “Emma!” she calls warmly. The waiting room is empty again. Does anyone even see this doctor?

“Hey, thanks again for setting this up,” I say as she leads me down the hall.

“Of course. I’m always here for ya, girl,” Natasha says, then lowers her voice conspiratorially. “Remember—don’t sell yourself short. This is a doctor, single dad, prep school family. And the daughter is legit sweet.”

As we approached the office, I caught sight of the doctor standing by a wall of windows, talking on the phone. He’s facing away from us, but even from behind, I can tell he’s tall, broad-shouldered, and very fit. Late 30s, maybe early 40s. The kind of man who looks effortlessly put together. And that hair—thick, dark brown, unfairly perfect.

Natasha gives a gentle knock. Without turning, he lifts a hand, motioning for me to come in.

“You’ll be great,” Natasha whispers before shoving me gently into the room and heading back to her desk.

I take a seat and glance around while I wait. It’s a standard office—dark wood desk, framed degrees on the wall—but the view is insane. The Chicago skyline stretches beyond the glass, the afternoon light bouncing off the buildings.

“I’m sorry, I really do have to go, Dr. Rodriguez,” the doctor says. His voice is deep and smooth, the kind that commands attention without trying. “My next meeting is here. Yes, Sophie is very excited to start school on Monday. We’re looking forward to it. Goodbye.”

He hangs up, turns—and wow.

His eyes are the most ridiculous shade of blue I’ve ever seen. For half a second, I forgot why I’m here.

“I’m so sorry to keep you waiting,” he says. Thankfully, my brain catches up, and instead of blurting “You’re stupidly attractive", I manage,

“Aren’t doctors known for being late?” I flashed what I hope was a playful smile. “Hi, I’m Emma. Thanks for meeting with me.”

Jack

I knew this interview would be… strange. Between getting stuck on the phone with Sophie’s new school and the fact that Natasha’s friend bears a resemblance to my ex, Emily, I’m already on edge.

But the moment I actually look at her, the knot in my chest loosens a fraction.

Yes, there’s a resemblance. But that’s all it is—a resemblance. Her dark chestnut hair is a little waiver, her eyes an unexpected green, and she has this warmth in her expression that Emily never had. And her smile? It’s easy. Unpracticed. I can’t remember the last time I saw that.

“I appreciate you stopping by. I’m Jack Greene.” I said, shaking her hand before motioning to the chair across from me.

She settles in, looking around the office like she’s sizing it up. “So, you need a nanny?”

I nod, leaning forward to rest my elbows on the desk between us. “Yes. My daughter Sophie and I just moved here from New York. My job can be demanding, and with no Mrs. Greene, I need someone who can take on the day-to-day with Sophie while I’m at work.”

Emma nods, listening intently. No reaction to the no Mrs. Greene part. Good.

“It’s a Monday-Friday position,” I continue. “Hours are generally 7:00 a.m. to 6 p.m., but I may need some evenings and early mornings as well. There will also be occasional weekends, though Sundays are always off. Light housekeeping is part of the job, but your primary focus will be Sophie.”

Emma tilts her head, considering. “And Sophie’s what, seven?”

“Seven, yes. She starts at her new school on Monday.”

“She must be nervous,” Emma says, more to herself than to me. “New city, new school…”

I study her. She gets it.

“She is,” I admit. “Which is why I need someone who’s patient. Someone she can trust.”

Emma nods, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “That makes sense. What’s she like?”

The question throws me again. The other candidates asked about pay, hours, logistics. No one asked about Sophie.

“She’s smart,” I say. “A little cautious at first, but once she warms up to you, she’s all in.”

Emma smiles. “Sounds like a great kid.”

“She is,” I say, and for some reason, I want to say more. She loves puzzles. She’s obsessed with space. She still calls grilled cheese ‘girl cheese’ even though she knows it’s wrong. But I don’t.

Instead, I shift back to business. “The salary is competitive, and I’m open to discussing adjustments if needed. There’s also an option for this to be a live-in position. We have a coach house apartment available. Does that sound like something you’d be interested in?”

Emma hesitates, then nods. “Yeah. It does.”

I extended my hand. “Then welcome aboard.”

She blinks. “Wait—that’s it? No background check?”

I smirk. “Natasha would have my head if I didn’t hire you. I trust her judgment. And I’d still like a background check.”

Emma lets out a laugh, shaking my hand. “Remind me to thank Natasha.”

I stand. “I’d like it if you could officially start Monday. Would you want to come by and see the possible living arrangements before then? Maybe we could go over pay details?”

“Yeah, that would be great. When is convenient for you?”

“I’ve got to go grab Sophie from my buddy Max. Maybe you could swing by in an hour? Meet Sophie and all that.”

“Works for me!” she flashes another one of those easy smiles and shakes my hand again, her grip steady.

“Thanks, Jack.”

Jack.

It’s been a while since someone outside of work called me that.

I think I might like the way she says it.