Hi everyone. Thank you for being patient with me. I'm really busy right now, but I really am trying to update as often as possible. Keep reading and reviewing! I heart you all!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There was a knock at the front door. Melina was coming out of the shower with her robe on. She looked at the clock on the wall to figure out the time.
"Who is it?" Melina thought that Reno would be at his office by now, but maybe she was wrong. She hoped that she was wrong.
"Ms. Melina, this is Caroline. Reno called and told me that you were in need of a baby sitter." The voice was soothing. This Caroline didn't seem like a harmful person. Melina decided to give her a chance and opened the door.
"Hi, how are you?" Melina greeted her. "Did you say that Reno sent you?"
"Sure did, hon. Reno and I know each other from way back. He told me that you needed help with a baby girl."
"Well, yes. Will you excuse me? I have to go change."
"Sure. Take your time." Caroline sat down on the sofa. She looked to be about 29 years of age, although you can never really be sure of a person's age based on their appearance.
Melina returned a few minutes later in a white blouse and gray pencil skirt. Gray wasn't exactly the best color for her, but she didn't own a huge array of clothing to choose from. She spent the next few minutes explaining where everything was to Caroline and thanking her for coming over. Then she headed off to work.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Did you like Caroline?" Reno leaned over Melina's chair and spoke directly into her ear.
"She's okay so far." Melina replied. "Thank you so much. I really appreciate it and the pay adjustment."
"Aw, you don't have to thank me. I'm just looking out for a friend."
"Sir, I have the reports you wanted." One of Reno's employees handed him a folder full of papers. Reno took them and thumbed through the pages. He sighed deeply and gave a sharp look to the young man.
"What is this junk? I didn't ask for this!" Reno began to raise his voice. Melina sensed his anger and cleared her throat loudly. Reno's eyes met her eyes. "Uh…just get me the report on Lexar. That'll be all." The man took the folder and walked away. He felt like he had just miraculously escaped a natural disaster. Melina tried to hide her smile.
"Hnh. You think you own me, don't you? I just felt bad for the kid, that's all." Reno asserted himself.
"I believe you." Melina spoke very unconvincingly.
"Hey, isn't it time for you to clock out?" Reno eyed a wall clock.
"Yes, but I have work to do, so I'll be going home a little late today." She was shuffling papers around on her desk and typing vigorously.
"Well, I guess I'm staying right here then."
"What do you mean?"
"I wanted to walk you home again. I enjoyed it last time. Sort of."
"Sort of?"
"You know. You kinda left me hanging last time. But I liked coming to your house. Besides, I wanna see Caroline."
"Fine. Then you can wait for me to finish.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Reno! How are ya, babe?" Caroline threw her arms around his neck and gave him a squeeze.
"I'm doing fine, Caroline. Haven't seen you in a while." They broke apart and Reno took her hands in his. "Listen, I want to thank you so much for watching Elsie on such short notice." Melina nodded.
"You know I'd do anything for you, babycake." Caroline brushed against him. Melina watched the two of them.
"So, Caroline. How do you know Reno again?" she had to ask.
"Oh we're family friends, I guess. Back when I had a family." Reno answered. Caroline looked too old to be someone Reno would be interested in. Melina reassured herself.
"I guess I should get going." Caroline started to leave.
"Oh but, your pay!" Melina stopped her.
"Don't worry about it, hun. Reno said he'd take care of it. See you both soon then." Reno watched her leave, but Melina couldn't take her eyes off of Reno. Reno finally noticed this.
"Why are you doing all of this?" Melina was thankful, but curious. Reno put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side.
"Because I want to."
"Reno, don't get me wrong. But I don't like being thought of as a charity case."
"I don't think of you like that." The look in his eyes was sincere. "Can I see Elsie?"
"Go ahead." Melina stayed to lock the front door as Reno made his way into the bedroom. Just as Melina was about to bolt the door, there was a knock.
"Who is it?" She figured that it was probably Caroline. Maybe she had forgotten something. "Who is it?" There was no answer. She was trying to decide whether to open the door or let it be. "Who is it!"