Page 14 of Say You'll Stay
“Today?” Roberta nearly screeches in shock.
“What is the age requirement at The Academy?” Ware asks.
“Fifteen and up.”
“Jasmine is only twelve.” His gaze shifts to Vasey, who hasn’t said a word yet. I can see him compiling the facts. “Vasey won’t leave her.”
“No. I won’t,” Vasey admits.
I clench my teeth.
“Jasmine? What does she have to do with this?” Roberta turns in her seat. “I’ve already applied for Gideon. When will you send out the acceptances?”
“I don’t know. I don’t have anything to do with the admin aspects of the school.”
“I’m not interested in this fu—” Gideon cuts himself off at a pointed look from Ware, “—school. I’m fine where I am.”
“How come it’s only high school students?” Jasmine pokes her head out from where she had been hiding behind Vasey’s arm.
“That’s a good question, but I don’t know the answer. You should come by and ask the headmistress about it,” I invite.
“She’s too young.” Ware closes the door on that.
Jasmine frowns. I give her a wink. “When Vasey comes to visit me, you can at least tag along and see if you’re interested.”
“Vasey? How do you know our nanny?” Roberta demands.
“It’s obvious, isn’t it? The two are lovers.” Ware points toward me with his steak knife. “Evers here bought the Sampson residence to be close to her. You two are serious, then?”
“Yes,” I say.
“No,” Vasey says.
Ware smirks. Roberta stares at the two of us in distress. She knows Gideon is never getting into my school. That disappointment doesn’t make up for hitting Vasey. Roberta’s going to have to pay.
“We’re getting married,” I follow up so that it’s clear to everyone what my intentions are.
“No!” a youthful voice shouts. I swing my attention from Roberta to Jasmine, who has stood up, her little hands fisted by her side. “Vasey is mine. You can't have her. I won’t let you! If you let Vasey get married, I’ll never speak to you again!” This last part is screamed at her dad before she runs off. Ware blinks in astonishment at the rapidly disappearing figure.
“Jasmine, honey, I’m not leaving you.” Vasey casts me an apologetic but frustrated glance and then chases after Jasmine.
I fork another piece of steak into my mouth. Honestly can’t believe I’m getting cock-blocked by a twelve-year-old. Ware settles back in his seat, having won this round—or so he thinks.
“Vasey is a big fan of Gideon. I know she would want him to attend your school.” Roberta makes a last-ditch effort.
“I’d be careful making assumptions about other people’s feelings. You never know when they might strike back.” I push back my chair. “Your steak was excellent, Ware. I’ll say my goodbyes to Vasey and then leave your family to enjoy the rest of your evening.”
“Make sure it’s a goodbye,” he says.
“You should be prepared to find a new nanny, Ware, because I will never change my mind about Vasey.”
Vasey meets me at the base of the stairs. “Come here.” She grabs me and drags me into a small room smelling of cigars and leather. The walls are filled with wine racks, and there is a single chair in the middle of the room. Ware must drink in here…alone. The relationship he has with Roberta is curious.
“You can’t be running around telling people that we’re getting married.”
I drop all thoughts of the Ware family and draw Vasey into my arms. “I agree you deserve a proper proposal, but I think we both know I’m going to marry you. Why hide that?”
“Jasmine isn’t ready, and she isn’t safe either.”