Kathleen cleared her throat, this was a odd question and not a conversation she ever would have imagined having with her employer, "Well, I don't know you well enough to know if I like you or not. But I'll like to know why you chose me." Kathleen said, making Pete's lips twitch with laughter. She must truly be a decent girl for her to not be proclaiming undying love to him as most desperate Lagos babes would have done had they been in her shoes.
"I didn't choose you, Clara actually recommended you." Pete said as he watched her thoughtfully, waiting to see her reaction.
"Your secretary recommended me? Why?" Kathleen asked in surprise. Was it possible that a single lady like Clara would recommend her to be their boss' baby mama or wife, when almost all the single ladies in the company were vying for that position?
"She says you're the most qualified." Pete said with a shrug. He knew he should answer all her questions at once, but he wanted to enjoy messing with her some more. This was the most fun thing he had done all day and he didn't want it to end too quickly.
"What am I most qualified for?" Kathleen asked, looking at him in confusion.
"That brings us back to my question, do you like kids?"
"Yes I do."
"How well do you get along with them?" Pete asked again making it clear to Kathleen that he was probably talking about his daughter. Was he going to make her his daughter's new mother? Was this the answer to her prayer?
"I practically raised my younger ones myself, and they were pretty stubborn. If I could get along with those two, then I'm pretty sure I can get along with any other kid." Kathleen said, in a confident manner which greatly impressed Pete.
"Okay. I want you to be my daughter's part-time babysitter. I hope the fact that you don't know whether or not you like me, won't affect your decision?" he asked, trying not to laugh when he saw the embarassment on her face.
"I'm sorry... I assumed..."
"That I wanted you to be my baby mama or marry me." Pete finished for her, making her feel even more embarassed. What was wrong with her? What had she been thinking? It was Sharon's fault.
"I'm sorry for running my mouth and for jumping into conclusion." Kathleen said, unable to meet his eyes. And raised her head to look at him when it occured to her that he had actually been making fun of her, "If you knew it was a misunderstanding..."
"I should have stopped you? Nah. It's fine. So will you do it? I'm not asking you to quit your job, but being the boss I'll be able to let you off work when I need you to help me take care of her." Pete explained.
"Why not hire professional babysitters? There are companies that render such services." Kathleen pointed out to him.
"I don't need a professional. Besides she likes you, so it makes things much easier." Pete said with a shrug.
Kathleen considered it only for a minute before asking, "How much are you paying?" The money was more important than any other thing. If he didn't want a professional that was his business. She needed the extra money and less office hours. How difficult could taking care of a child that age be?
Pete was slightly taken aback by her question, "I'll pay you fifty thousand naira monthly, but you should also know it won't be so easy and you might also have to spend the night with her in my absence, or travel with us if it comes to that." Pete added.
Kathleen thought about it for a moment, this was what she had been thinking about before Clara's call came in. She had wanted a change in her usual routine, and this might just be the change she needed, but what about putting herself out? How was she going to ever get married if she did this? She was currently earning eighty thousand naira, and the fifty thousand naira would go a long way in settling some of her financial commitments.
"Is there a problem?" Pete asked when he saw the worry lines on her forehead, he liked that she had a very expressive face.
"No. Why don't I think about it and get back to you before the end of the week?" She asked in a pleading tone.
"If you can't do it, it's absolutely okay. I could always get someone else..."
"Fine. I'll do it." Kathleen decided. She didn't want to lose that extra money. And who knows? Maybe her prince charming could be among his circle of friends or family.