Chapter 21

Lori took the baby for a walk in the gardens. It was quite a sunny day but it also wasn’t too hot.

She thought it would be good for her and the baby to get some well deserved fresh air.

Her day had been pretty much mundane. She had been occupied with Emilia all day, she wasn’t complaining though, she loved her job. It was very rewarding and it kept all the bad thoughts away. After what had happened the night before, Lori was determined to get it over with and not think about it again.

She knew she would inevitably have to talk about it, but she didn’t think she was quite ready yet.

Occupying herself with Emilia kept her busy, it kept all those thoughts away.

She also really loved spending time with Emilia too. It made her very happy and at peace with herself.

She wandered towards the pool area and was surprised to see someone was inside the pool. As far as she knew the staff didn’t swim in the pool. She didn’t know if it was because they weren’t allowed to but they certainly didn’t.

It must be someone else then.

Elliot.

She didn’t realize Elliot was back in the house.

He popped his head out of the water and smiled at her like they were old friends. His wet dark hair plastered all over his forehead.

Lori shifted uncomfortably in the flip flops she was wearing. She was wearing flip flops and shorts, she looked about as ordinary as she could ever look.

“Hello.”

She said shyly as she waved at him.

“Hi.”

He answered as he swam towards her.

Lori took several steps back with the stroller as he got out of the pool, dripping wet and half naked except for the beach shorts he was wearing that was clinging to him like a second skin. She glanced at him and reminded how ripped he was. She also reminded that she had seen him three times without him having a shirt on.

He wiped the excess water from his face and looked into the stroller and waved at Emilia.

“She looks good.”

He commented as he looked up to Lori.

“Thanks?”

Lori answered and he nodded.

“So how have you been?”

“Fine.”

“I should go.”

She added as he took a towel and started drying off.

She gently turned the stroller around and went back into the house. She had things to do in the house anyways.

She was barely in the house for a few minutes when Elliot walked in, wearing dry clothes. Another beach shorts and a large yellow T-shirt with a band on it.

His hair was still dripping wet.

“I figured you might have been uncomfortable since I just came out of the pool.”

“I have that effect on women.”

He assed as he winked and Lori’s eyes widened.

Was he? Was he trying to flirt with her?

“Oh?! Really?’”

She scoffed and he nodded.

“It’s true. You don’t have to explain yourself though. Happens to the best of us.”

Lori rolled her eyes. He was a smooth talker, quite charming looking too.

“Okay.”

She answered and went back to folding the basket of Emilia’s clothes and blankets that had recently been washed.

She had volunteered to help with putting them away.

“So, tell me about you Lori. I’m curious.”

Lori shrugged.

“To be honest there’s not much to know.”

She confessed and Elliot shrugged.

“I find that hard to believe.”

“Well, it’s the truth.”

“What did you do before you before you became a nanny?”

Lori shrugged.

“I was a waitress.”

“Woah? Really? What restaurant?”

“At a diner.”

“Well, you’re lucky I didn’t see you then. Because I would have definitely hit on you.”

Lori’s cheek blushed red as she turned to Elliot with wide eyes.

“I think I’m older than you.”

She said and he raised his eyebrows. It was true, Elliot did look young, she didn’t think much about it when they first met but the second time they met he definitely looked and sounded young.

“How old?”

“Well… I’m twenty two..”

Lori said and Elliot shrugged.

“Big deal! We’re almost the same age.”

“Well how old are you?”

She asked and Elliot shrugged.

“Twenty one. But in eight months I’ll be twenty two.”

“But I’m older than you.”

Lori deadpanned and Elliot shrugged.

“Only with a year.”

Lori stood up from the couch, she was done with the clothes and wanted to take them upstairs, Elliot rushed towards her and took the basket from her.

“Let me help with that.”

He said and Lori let him, only because he was getting way too close for her liking.

“Where do you want me to put it?”

“The nursery.”

“Do you know where that is?”

She asked and he nodded.

“Of course. I’ve been there like twice.”

He said as he rolled his eyes and strutted out of the room.

Lori picked up Emilia from her bassinet, it was time for her bottle.

She just had to heat it up.

She thought as she went to the kitchen. She picked up a bowl from one of the shelves and left it under the sink, then filled it with water.

“What are you doing?”

Elliot said as he walked in and Lori shrugged.

“Heating up the baby’s bottle.”

“Let me hold her for you.”

He offered and Lori shrugged. She was fine, she had done it a thousand times while
holding the baby. She really didn’t need any help.

“No. It’s fine.”

She said but he persisted. When she refused again, he walked up to her and simply grabbed the baby from her.

“I said no twice.”

She said snd Elliot shrugged.

“You didn’t have to. Besides, I haven’t held her in so long.”

“You were hogging her.”

Her jaw dropped, she turned back to him sharply.

“I was not!”

“Oh you definitely were!”


“Lori.”

Gabriel said the minute he walked in. Lori was startled. She didn't hear him come in. He had also come home early, which was quite unsual, seeing as he always came home at least three hours later. She had not seen him leave for work, but he looked quite tired, she hoped she didn't keep him up at night with the whole nightmare saga. He glanced at Elliot and narrowed his eyes at him, swiftly walking towards him and taking the baby from his arms.

"What are you doing here?"
Elliot laughed nervously.
"I actually came to see you..."

"I find that very hard to believe."
Gabriel mused as he turned to Lori, there was seriousness in his eyes and the way he was staring at her intensely made Lori self conscious.

"We need to talk Lori."