Operation: Normal Read Online Free

neck to open it.
    Sylvie still sat at the bar when I got back to the kitchen, watching Kayly bang her
spoons on her bowl. If early signs could be trusted, my sister was going to be a drummer
someday. I figured in an all-girl heavy metal band. Half her genes were Mom's, after all.
    Forcing a smile, I sat by Sylvie.
    "I just have a few questions to ask," I said, turning pages until I came to my list of
characteristics of a perfect babysitter. If Sylvie thought it odd that I referred to a red leather
diary, she didn't let on. "How old are you?"
    She hesitated. "Twenty-six."
    "And you've been a nanny how long?"
    Her gaze narrowed. "Five years."
    "How many other children have you kept during that time?"
    "I don't know. A lot. Um...are you interviewing me?"
    "Yes," I said.
    Her pale blue eyes widened. "But the agency told me I already had the job."
    "Really?" I acted all surprised. "We always interview several nannies before we make a
decision."
    Her cheeks grew a little pink at that point, and I could tell I'd upset her. "Janet Adams,
the manager, specifically told me that since your mom had to leave sooner than expected for
Europe, an interview would not be necessary."
    "And it wouldn't have been," I answered in my most grown-up voice, "if you weren't a
smoker. Since you are, I'm now doubting that the agency even knows what we want."
    "Is that what's bothering you? Don't worry. I quit smoking years ago."
    "How many years?"
    "Eight. It was a stupid habit I started in high school. Once I realized the risks, I stopped,
of course."
    Of course. It was so easy to do. "Smoking is not allowed around Kayly or in this
apartment."
    "Not a problem," said Sylvie through a tight smile, "Since I don't do that anymore."
    "Can you please excuse me for a second?" I asked, slipping off the bar stool, scooping
up my cell phone, and heading to Mom's room for privacy. Since I didn't have the yellow pages
with me and didn't want Sylvie to know what I was doing, I had to resort to digging in Mom's
file cabinet, tucked in the corner of her walk-in closet, to find a piece of paper with the Care Au
Pair number on it. As expected, I found one in the folder labeled "Nannies."
    I punched in the agency's number. When the secretary answered, I explained the
situation. She quickly assured me that Sylvie did not smoke anymore and then listed the woman's
references, all of which had been checked out. To her credit, she treated me like an adult, never
questioning my right to call. That, as much as anything, resulted in my agreeing to accept Sylvie
on a trial basis.
    Guessing that Kayly's temporary nanny must be missing me by now, I hurried back to
the den, where I found Sylvie on her knees next to the playpen, talking to my little sis.
    Kayly laughed and babbled, sweet sounds that always made me smile. That decided me,
I guess. If Kayly liked Sylvie, then I'd give the girl a chance. Kids and dogs were usually pretty
perceptive, or so I'd always heard.
    "Sorry about that," I said. Sylvie got up and joined me. She looked a little anxious, and
who could blame her? "Thanks for coming out today. I apologize if I came on a little strong. I
just want the best for my sister."
    "Of course you do," Sylvie said, obviously relieved.
    "You'll be sleeping in my mom's room with the baby. She emptied the coat closet in the
hall for you. I hope that will be okay."
    "Yeah. Sure. Whatever. Oh, and thanks."
    "No problem," I said, hoping I spoke the truth.
    I admit I stuck around the apartment all day and watched her closely. But she was great
with my sister and even made lunch for me, which was not really a requirement of the job. Of
course, it was only tomato soup, but I appreciated the gesture and started to feel a little better
about her. We even talked for a while about Mom's current assignment and Sylvie's current
boyfriend.
    By the time Minka and Heath got to the house around six that night, I felt pretty
comfortable with the whole situation. I didn't mention the phone call from