Chapter Forty-Two

"Diane, may I have a word with you?" Elsbeth knocked on Diane's door which was always open, she wanted to show her employees that they could turn to her anytime.

"Of course, come in," she said and closed down her laptop while Elsbeth took a seat.

Diane had been trying to find some baby-sitter candidates to interview. After listening to both sides about the fight Emma had had with her aunt the other night and talking to her daughter, she decided that probably Will had been right. They should try to find someone else to look after the kids when they were both away from home. Someone they could trust with this task.

"You said you have a five-year-old boy, right?" Diane could see that her question caught Elsbeth off guard, even though they'd already talked about personal matters during the few weeks they'd been working together right from their very first meeting.

"Yes," she replied, waiting for an explanation behind the question.

"I just thought I ask if you happen to know someone responsible who I could trust to look after my kids, at least once a week," she thought it couldn't hurt to ask someone who might have had experience on this field, rather than pick a stranger online.

"As a matter of fact I do," she sounded relieved and Diane also felt relief hearing her words, "My sister, Eve. She's in college, she always needs some extra cash and my son loves spending time with her."

"Really?" Diane replied with a smile, it was almost too easy. Looks like Elsbeth arrived just at the right time, "Can I meet her?"

"Sure, she can come in next week, I'll talk to her tonight."

"Wonderful! Thank you! You've saved my day."

"Good to hear that, especially because I also need some help."

o-o-o

Diane was reading in bed when Will arrived home that night. It was Friday, so she'd chosen a novel instead of work. The kids were already asleep so she finally had some time for herself, which she really needed.

"Hey," Will approached her for a kiss.

"Hey, long day again?" she put the book aside as he sat down on the side of the bed and he looked very tired.

"Tell me about it. I swear I'm turning off my phone for the weekend," he took the phone out of his pocket and tossed it on the nightstand to give emphasis to his words.

"Sometimes I really wish we could do that," she sighed.

"We should have chosen another profession. Is it too late already?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"I don't know. Writer? I could stay home all day."

She couldn't help the chuckle escaping her lips, imagining him as a writer was a funny thought.

"What?"

"Nothing. Maybe in another life."

"You're a bundle of joy tonight."

"Am I? Well, I have some good news that might cheer you up. I may have found a sitter and your sister's coming to visit."

"Damn, I forgot to call Sarah back," he looked at his phone again, but didn't reach for it, "When is she coming?"

"On Sunday."

"So she'll be the sitter?"

"No, I have no idea how long she's staying, but I got recommended someone who might be fit to look after the kids. I'm meeting her next week in my office. I hope you can be there too."

"I'll make the time, it's important," he replied without any hesitation.

"Thank you," she rewarded his answer with a kiss, it made her really happy that she could count on him in such decision, "Have you had dinner yet?"

"No, I'm starving."

"Why don't we go down to the kitchen and find you something to eat?"

"You just stay here and read, I'll find something."

"No, I'm coming with you," she wanted to take care of him now, like he'd taken care of her when she'd been the one coming home late almost each night.

He looked at her for a few seconds, probably considering if he should keep arguing with her, then he leaned forward for another kiss, accepting her terms.