"I wasn't expecting you to still be awake." Lucia said to Olivia.
"Geneva quit, and Fitz is out of town working."
"She quit? Oh wow. Are you okay? You've had these babies since Greselda's shift ended?"
"Yeah."
"Ahh...well it looks like you're doing a good job. They're sleeping. Did you feed them?"
"Of course."
"Any tummy issues?"
"No."
"Great. I can take over while you get some sleep."
Olivia stood and stretched. Everly sat up and opened her eyes when she heard Lucia.
"Is Everly smiling?" Lucia cooed, lifting her off the blanket.
"Hello sweet girl. Did you miss your favorite nanny? I missed you."
Everly laughed and smiled wider. Olivia had never seen her so happy.
"Are we going to read your favorite book or practice colors?" Lucia cooed.
"How about we read." Lucia said, sitting on the sofa.
"Mamamamma." Everly said, hitting the book.
Lucia could feel the heat from Olivia's eyes. She quickly corrected Everly. "Nanny Lucia."
"What did she call you?" Olivia asked.
"She's babbling." Lucia said.
"She called you mama."
"She's too little for first words. It's babble."
Olivia didn't want to argue. She would look jealous. Lucia smiled at Olivia. She was used to reactions like this from moms. It came with the job.
"I can make you some tea when we finish the story."
"No thank you."
Olivia reached for Everly and she cried. Olivia tried to calm her and she cried louder.
Lucia got up when Blake and Carter whined. Now they were all up. It was going to be a long night getting them calm.
"Hello!" Lucia said, putting them on each shoulder. The whining slowed and they closed their eyes. Olivia was frustrated when Everly reached for Lucia still crying loudly.
"You can put her down. I can handle it Olivia." Lucia was trying to keep a smile, but this was a repeat of her last job. It ended with yelling and Lucia being fired.
"No. I can calm my own baby."