The Quiet Conspiracy

Hearing that I agreed to let Fiona work at our house as a nanny, Lara threw a little fit. After all, Fiona was young and easy on the eyes.

I comforted Lara and told her it was just temporary and that Fiona wouldn't be staying more than a few months.

At the same time, I secretly installed cameras around the house to make sure there were no blind spots.

After a week of getting ready, Fiona showed up at our place with Judy, dragging her suitcases and big bags along.

She stood in the living room, a little excited while looking the place over. I knew exactly what she wanted. Same as last time, she wanted to move right in.

"Which room will I stay in?" she asked.

I pretended to be clueless. "Stay? Who said anything about you staying here?"

Fiona went bright red because she still had her luggage with her.

Lara struggled to get up from the couch with her bump, and I rushed to help her.

I said to Judy, "Show Fiona around the house. We only need daytime help; nine to six will do."

Judy's face fell. Her pride was a little hurt, and she sounded annoyed. "Your place is a big three-bedroom. Don’t you have a spot for Fiona?"

Before, I had felt sorry for Judy. But now I only felt annoyed. Even Lara rolled her eyes at her a couple of times.

"Yeah," I said. "As you said, it's a three-bedroom: one for Lara, one for me, and one for Peter. There's no room for an extra person.

"Besides, I don't need a live-in nanny. I can take care of Lara and Peter after work. Fiona's staff dorm should be fixed up soon. She can just live there."

Judy was about to argue when Fiona stopped her.

"It's fine, Judy. I can manage. I'm already grateful that you got me such an amazing gig. I'll go back to the dorm and start tomorrow."

Fiona was ready to leave when I shoved a stack of printed pages into her hands.

"Take these home and read them carefully. They're our house rules—how we like our meals, food preferences, and other daily stuff."

Fiona froze, with hurt and confusion written all over her face.

Judy stared at me, baffled as to why I was being so strict with Fiona.

After Fiona left, Judy plopped down on the couch and confronted me.

But I shot back, "Come on! Lara's pregnant, and you bring home some 20-something to be our nanny. Did you even consider our feelings?"

Judy paused, realizing maybe she'd been thoughtless.

"Maybe I should tell her not to come to your house—"

I cut her off. "No. She should definitely come. Besides, she won't be here long."

And anyway, if she stayed away, how would I get my revenge?

After Judy left, I put Lara to bed and went back to my room.