Unlikely

Chapter 1

Mila knew that it was a crazy idea- following Juan all the way to California- what was she thinking, California dreaming, right…They have been together for eight years, that’s a whole lifetime on its own. All he has ever talked about is being a navy man, California is where he is stationed and being here near him offers her more opportunities to see him. He has been here for a year now and she only got to see him once last year for only 10 days, he had 30 consecutive days of, but it took him 5 days to get home and he had to spend time with his family as well. He is from a divorced family, he had to divided his last 10 days between them and the last 5 days he travelled back. They had sat hours talking about the crazy unrealistic idea of moving out here, unfortunately she was bound by an employee contract up until a few weeks ago. It was hard saying goodbye, but this is her future.

She is 28 years old now, she should start thinking about her own family aspirations. The final deciding factor that made up her mind was when Juan mentioned that his family was coming down to California to visit, to get more of his time. She can’t afford, ‘just a visit’ it would cost all her savings and she wouldn’t have anything to show for it. Moving here and getting a job on the other hand -making a life for herself is a safer option. Juan was the only thing she had back home, being raised by only her mother who had died two years back with cancer limited all attachments she had for their small town.

Mila had landed the day before and spend the night in a nice bed and breakfast. Now she is on her way to an interview. She had told the agency she worked for of her plans to move to California and they arranged this interview in hopes that her quality services would spread the word and expand their services internationally, instead of just nationally. She has been a nanny for 10 years. She started her first nanny job straight out of school, taking care of a 10-year-old, she stayed on for 6 years, till Tyler was 16 and didn’t need her assistance anymore. Her second family had two kids only a year apart. She had signed a four-year contract, they only needed assistance in the baby stage, she started when the children were one and two and stayed till the youngest was 5.

Even with ten years of experience she felt nervous, the agency warned her to be cautious of herself, even though both families she worked for was rich - what type of family could afford a nanny 24/7 in this economy. This family she is interviewing for is on an entire different level they make the extremely rich look poor. That’s what the agency said at least, she hadn’t grasped the intensity of it until she did a google search of the infamous real estate developer tycoon, Sebastian Valdéz. Born into an influential family and raised in Buenos Aires he had an early start on success buying his first company when he turned 18, soon after that he studied business management, Law and Safety while running his small company. His company grew to two and then multiplied.

Now he owns over 50 companies world wide, two shopping malls and various apartment buildings. Through all that he maintained a family life getting married at 18, having his first child at 19, the second at 21 and his last born only three years ago in 2014- a year later he was divorced having been married for 16 years. He had moved to California in 2015 for a fresh start in a new place, “I moved to this place to enter a new market, Buenos Aires has proven to be a success and I want my success to grow.” He mentioned in an interview.

Even if all that hadn’t caused her to panic the fact that the taxi was driving up a hilltop – meaning his house occupies the entire hilltop- has her palms sweating. It’s said that his lot is 11 acres. The view of it is amazing and she isn’t even all that close yet. As far as the eyes can see it’s green wooded areas, ocean and the harbour. She got lost in it and before she knew they drove through the gate: 256 Eucalyptus hill was a sight of pure dreams, it was like nothing she has ever seen. The drive way circled a large square of green grass with a fountain right in the middle of it, the water gliding down the intervals catching the sunlight. The other side of the driveway lined with palm trees and to the left past the small fence was the downward view of the ocean.

She felt bewildered as the taxi stopped in front of the door, as routine she paid to much attention and got to taken up by it all to care about anything else. As the taxi left she turned slowly taking it all in again. Greener than green grass as far as the eye could see, fountains, fences, palm trees, statues and hedges all creating a naturally artistic entrance to a glorious estate. She almost had the urge to go explore when her senses came to her. She was here for an interview, not to get caught trespassing on private property. She pulled herself together and walked up the white steps to the door. Taking a deep breath, she rang the bell, of course by now they knew she was here, they had after all opened the gate for her.

A woman was the one to open the door, she looked strict and intimidating in her tight black pencil skirt and blazer.

“Stay here I’ll go and notify Mr. Valdéz of your arrival.” She was left standing in the foyer that was more like a room on its own, the walls a warm cream colour, the chandelier and multiple lights all over creating a warm glow to the entire room. Mila felt out of place, she straightened her blue summer dress and walked over to the mirror on the left wall to check her face. Her light red hair seemed to have gained more volume in the heat of California, her white skin looked flushed and her hazel eyes seemed frightened. She looked like a dear caught in the headlights, which is exactly how she felt now. She was caught off guard, which isn’t good at all. She adores surprises, adventures and living life to the fullest, but this is out of her comfort zone.

How does someone control something like this, something out of a fictional book? She took a deep settling breath and took one last look around when a man appeared on the lower level, which looks to be a sitting room leading to an indoor-outdoor garden that the house encloses.

Although that wasn’t what caught her of guard the most, but the man nearing her was tipping the balance of her equilibrium, the one thing she neglected to look for is a photo of her possible new employer, she didn’t think that it was important, because her sole purpose here is to take care of the kids…

oh but this man standing in front of her was worse than the house, in contrary he was exactly who you expected in such a house. He was built. You can see that fitness must be extremely important to him. Clearly shown by the crisp white tight long-sleeved button up shirt he was wearing…it just sat so perfectly tight. His skin had a golden glow that was only emphasized by his pitch-black hair and 5 o’clock shadow. His face has sculptured cheekbones with a deep set straight mouth and a jawline for days, but his most capturing features is his deep green eyes that looks cynical and sad captured by thick dark brows. He extended his hand to her and she took it in hers shaking it in welcome, whilst composing myself.

“My assistant tells me your, Miss Davis. The nanny I’m interviewing today.”

“Yes, I am, but please call me Mila.” He frowned which just made her analyse everything, requesting to use her name was far too familiar, to casual it’s not like she’d call him Sebastian of the bat or even ever.

“Let’s go to my study.” She followed slowly taking in her surroundings the walls surrounding the indoor-outdoor garden were mostly windows rimmed with black, the courtyard looked inviting and amazing with its two bending palm trees forming an arch capturing the image of the table and chairs right in the middle of it all.

Mila was falling behind so instead of admiring any further she quickened her pace. Her heels made to much sound for comfort against the wooden floors, it made her too aware of herself. They finally made it to his study, a very spacious room with white walls, dark wooden beams on the roof and dark wooden furniture, white sofa’s and a fireplace pulling it all together. The best part of it all was the multiple windows that allowed light to flood the room and allowed you a spectacular view of the ocean.

“You can take a seat Mila.” Her name coming from his mouth sounded alien and wrong, but she followed his command and sat down on the white sofa facing away from the window with the spectacular view towards his desk, where the view wasn’t all that better. She doesn’t need distractions. Sebastian took out a copy of her CV before sitting down behind his desk.

The girl before him was disarming with her big green eyes that seemed to innocent with a childlike enthusiasm even though she is trying to hide it behind a facade of seriousness, but to counter it all she has that thick kiss me lips that makes her seem all to alluring for a nanny post. Adding the thick long red hair falling over her left shoulder and her pale skin she turns out to be a very tempting subject in deed.

She is a breath of fresh air, a walking contradiction if you may. She is fidgeting, crossing her legs, straightening out her blue dress and folding-un-folding her hands repeatedly. Sebastian took his time going through her CV as he had done countless times since it was emailed to him, he knows every full stop and comma in it by now. He is a man that likes to be prepared. He never invests in anything till he knows every little detail about it.

“You have been a nanny since you finished with school?”

“I started before that. I used to babysit for the neighbour, family and friends all the time, but it became my vocation when I finished high school.” She was taking this seriously that small smile of hers disappearing as she tucks those glorious red locks behind her ears, clearing her face.

“What made you decide to be a nanny, surely there must have been many other things you could have done, if I look at your grades you could have done whatever you so desired?” She pinched her lips even tighter and it was in fact distracting.

“It is what I desired, as long as I can remember I’ve had a love for kids. I considered being a teacher, but that wasn’t enough. I want to be involved in all aspects of the child not just in teaching.”

“Basically, you want to be a parent?” She frowned at him. It wasn’t what she meant.

“No not at all, well yes someday I would love to be a mom, but I want to be a help to parents, lending them that extra hand in times they need it. I want to be a friend to their kids, a trusted companion and an authority figure.” She is saying all the right things, she has a strong and decisive line that she follows, her rules and guidelines are set, but she shows compassion, if you have compassion for what you do you set yourself up for success, because it ensures time, confidence and a primal protection of it.

“You have been a nanny for 10 years and only worked for two families. That shows endurance you stuck by them through years, I talked to both families and they recommend you with the highest honors. If I do offer you the job your endurance will be tested to the limits. I work a lot, but I also so often do it from home, I do not wish to neglect my children, so not only will you have to deal with my kids, but also with me and a house full of servants. My kids are very involved in other activities. My eldest daughter, Alexis is a polo player, she has equestrian lessons twice a week and on other days she goes to groom her horse. My son, Matthew is an avid tennis player, he has just made it on the adult team and he practices hard to stay there. My youngest daughter, Ava has dance twice a week. I promise there will never be a dull minute. Do you know how to drive?”

“Yes, I have driven Tyler to all his after-school activities as well as attended and helped out. I assisted in all fundraisers at school and ensured that he participated. We can’t do everything for them or they’ll never learn. With a clear schedule, I’d be able to function and manage the kids time to the best of my abilities.”

"If you want the job, it is yours you show excellent promise, I feel it would be beneficial to entrust you with my children."

"Thank you for this opportunity. When do you want me to move in today or would you prefer that I move in on my first day?"

"This isn't a live-in position, I made it clear to your agency."

"I was informed that this was a live-in position, or I'd never have interviewed for it. I just moved to California...yesterday. I don't have the finances to afford to live here by myself, I’m currently living in a B & B and I will only be able to do so for a week."

"The fact is I do not have space for another live in my employee quarters are full and my guest house is under construction." Mila felt depleted, she got this job of a life time and now she must turn it down because of a communication fault, not even one of her own accord.

"Thank you for you offer sir and the time you dedicated to this, but because of unfavourable circumstance I regret that I will be turning it down."

"What are you going to do without my job offer you just admitted that you can't support yourself." Sebastian wasn't happy with the turn of circumstance, he wanted the best and Mila was certainly that, he was set on having her around, he felt positive that she would have a positive effect on his children and it wouldn’t be all that bad to look at her from time to time.

"The Agency will be able to find me an interview with another family." The idea of another family benefiting from her excellent background was not something Sebastian was willing to accept.

"Yes, I can imagine that they would, but would you receive as much money as this job offers and of course all the benefits." Mila couldn't wrap her mind around the situation he was tempting her to say yes, but she simply can't, what is this back and forth about then it's just a waste of time.

"It doesn't matter I have always worked according to a detailed summary of account. Each child cost a certain amount with add-ons according to difficulty and extra curriculum activities, sport and miles. You family would have been the first where I would have worked with three, but I've done well with two."

"You're telling me you're not tempted in the least?"

"Of course, I am, but the situation is unchangeable."

"Fine." Sebastian turned to his intercom system and called his housekeeper, Nadia Wilde. Mila sat there in frustrated awkward silence bruiting about it all until the housekeeper showed up probably to show her to the door.

"How can I assist you sir?" The housekeeper asked as she arrived at the office.

"Find Mila a place to stay here in the house." He ordered shocking Mila to her core.

"There isn't any space left sir." The housekeeper informed him respectfully.

"Make space." It sounded like he expected her to know this by know, like miracles should not be an impossible task, Mila was flabbergasted he was making space for her she got this dream job. She has a job in California! Mila got up and offered her new employer a smile before following the housekeeper out of the room.

"I have no idea of where I can possible push you in." Was all she said as she kept on walking, they ended up in the kitchen. The kitchen was just as beautiful as the rest of the house with two island counter in Hungarian mahogany wood, the first containing the stove and sink whereas the other one was made completely of drawers. above the one counter hung all the pots and pans in copper and on the counter, was bowls filled with fresh fruit. The left wall was lined with white cupboards and on the far end the entire wall was windows with sofas looking out at the view and a fireplace on the right-side wall, if you turned the comer to your left you found a small table covered in a white silk cloth with perfect red roses in a vase on the middle of the table.

"Would you like a cup of coffee?" Mila's attention was pulled away from the view for a second time since she arrived.

"Yes, that would be lovely, thank you." Mila looked out to the patio that held another table, a house with dinning of your choice - In the kitchen for quick breakfast, outside for fresh air she imagined for leisure lunches in the sun with a breath-taking view of the ocean and somewhere there must be a formal dining room.  

"Here you go." She handed Mila her cup of coffee.

"I don't know what to do here altogether there is 37 rooms, 7 of which is part of the main house. 4 bedrooms for the family and 3 for guests, none of which I can use for you. Let's just have our coffee an idea will come to me this is a house where impossibilities become possible."

"I’m sorry for being such  trouble, but I do feel I understand what you mean. This place seems so surreal, but in fact it's very real." She smiled at Mila before sipping at her coffee. Mila took the time just staring at the ocean her mind drifting to Juan, she can't wait to write him and tell him all about this place, her job and her intimidating boss.

“Any ideas coming to mind yet?” Mila asked since her cup has been empty for a while now and staring out at the view isn’t distracting her from the fact that she have a job, but no place to sleep.

“Well I know this house like the back of my hand and so far, I can only come to one suggestion, but I’m leaning away from it since it isn’t all that appealing.”

 “Look I’m not picky at all I just need a simple place to sleep.” Mila expressed her thought on the matter. She needs this to work out, because even if she played the confident girl that could get another interview with one phone call she is almost 100% sure it wouldn’t be that easy as this is the agencies opportunity to step into the international market.

“The thing is that it won’t be permanent as it’s an area of renovation.” Renovation making images of dust and dangerously stalked up beams coming to mind.

“That look on your face causes me stress, you should relax, it’s basically done the hardwood floors has been redone and the walls has been painted, the stair has been varnished. It’s a complete room it’s empty that’s all. He planned to redo the room for the kids to make it an entertainment lounge. Like they’d need more entertainment in this house.” Mila nodded not really knowing what entertainment is featured in the house.

“What room are you talking about?” Any room would do even if it is an empty one.

“The basement.” Every scary movie she ever watched playing in her head, a no window no furnished basement.

“It really isn’t bad I promise it’s quite beautiful all we need to do is get a bed in there for you. There are cupboards. The only real problem would be the lack of a bathroom, but the house has 12 full bathrooms and 8 halves so you’d really have your choice just don’t go running around naked from the bathroom to the basement.” It would be the strangest place that she has lived and it would make an exceptional story, she was basically already writing the letter to Juan in her mind.

“I have no problem with it as long as you clear it with Mr. Valdéz” Suddenly a male voice boomed from behind her.

“I’m fine with it, it actually a very inspired idea. I’ll have it furnished for you before tomorrow morning. Here I printed your work schedule. As well as your employment contract.” Mila slightly jumped, how it was possible for such a big man to move so slowly goes beyond her ability to grasp. He is a very intimidating man she thought to herself once again frowning up at him. All the feature that makes him so pleasing to the eyes also seems to make him seem dangerous. The set eyes and tight jaw particularly.

“Thank you very much for this opportunity.” Mila said politely.

“The introduction will take place tomorrow bring all your things with, I already contacted a cab to come and fetch you. Miss Wilde will escort you out.” A strange feeling rushed over her, she had never been excused quit so formally it almost felt like he was expelling her from the grounds.

“It has been a pleasure to make you acquaintance.” Mila tried once again to be polite and establish an open communication platform with her new employer, but he turned and left.

“Don’t take him to mind it takes him awhile to warm up to people. Come on let me show you out I’d rather you not get lost just yet. I’ll probably be the one to show you around tomorrow and when we’re done you’ll meet the kids.” Mila couldn’t imagine not getting lost in this house. She grabbed the papers from the counter where he left them and followed Mrs. Wilde out. The papers felt warm in her hand, he must have just printed it out, he probably had to make a few changes now that she is going to be a live-in nanny. As he had ensured her, but the time they got to the front door the cab was already waiting.

Chapter 2