Chapter 1
The house was quiet—too quiet.
“Seri, Derrick… Holly will be here soon. Are you ready?” Derrick asked, straightening his shirt.
Seri nodded. “Yes.”
A knock at the door.
“That must be her.”
Seri opened it with a polite smile. “Welcome. Would you like something to drink?”
Holly shook her head. “No, thank you.”
She stepped inside, taking in the home—clean, warm, lived in.
Derrick walked up behind Seri. “Hello. Welcome to our home. We loved your resume. Could you tell us more about yourself?”
Holly smiled softly. “Of course. I’ve always loved children. I was a camp counselor all through high school.”
Seri nodded approvingly. “You’re 24, right? Turning 25 soon?”
“Yes,” Holly said. “My birthday is coming up.”
“Do you live close?” Derrick asked.
“Sweethaven Road.”
Derrick smiled. “Nice.”
Suddenly, the back door flew open.
“Heyyy—oh! Company?” Dean laughed, stepping in. “Sorry about him.”
“Him?” Holly asked, confused.
“Oh, me,” Dean grinned. “Don’t worry, continue.”
Seri sighed. “Derrick… Dean. My office.”
“Dang, can I stay?” Dean joked.
“No,” Derrick said firmly.
Dean laughed as he walked off. “Alright, alright.”
Seri shook her head. “Sorry… that’s my husband’s best friend.”
Holly smiled. “It’s okay.”
Seri exchanged a glance with Derrick, then turned back to Holly.
“When can you start?”
Holly blinked. “Anytime.”
Seri smiled. “Tomorrow.”
