it would have been like if Frankie had a best friend. The click between them was instant.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Lucas,” I finally said extending my hand. Light glinted off the crystal face of my Longines watch and drew her eyes down to my wrist.
“Nice to meet you, Senator Freeman.”
Her impeccable style appreciated meeting its equal.
“Please, have a seat. Let’s get this started.” I smiled at her and we all sat down. Frankie’s eyes never left Xari. It was like she’d already hung the moon. That was going to be hard to compete with. I wasn’t going into the interview with the intent to veto the girl, but I had to make sure she was the right fit. I had to check her resume and references. With her being so young I doubted she had the experience I was looking for.
“Where’s your resume?” I asked. She handed it over and I flipped through it while Frankie made small talk. “It says you went to college at sixteen and graduated from Julliard this year. That’s it other than your strengths and challenges.” I almost laughed but perhaps I was making a flash judgment.
“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. I graduated last year and I was hoping to find a place I could grow into and form genuine relationships in. I know I don’t come with stacks of references and experience but I’m dedicated and I already like Frankie. To be honest, Senator Freeman, I need the chance to do something responsible with myself.”
Her honesty was appreciated but I still looked at her like she had three heads. “You plan to watch my daughter full-time and you have no experience or references to back up your abilities?” My scoff slipped out even though I hadn’t meant for it to. It didn’t matter how attractive Xari was or how deep and dark brown her eyes were or how bad-as-fuck she looked in that dress, nothing could help me get past how inexperienced she was.
“Daddy, I like her. I didn’t like any of those other women. They’d never understand me.” I heard Frankie but I wasn’t listening. Navy told me her sister needed a job but I thought she’d at least have some experience.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart but she’s not going to work. I have to veto this one.”
“Oh…” Xari smiled then gave me a short nod before turning to Frankie. “It’s okay. Hopefully, I’ll see you around.”
Frankie’s face melted when Xari left. A wall erected around her in an instant. A piece of my little girl vanished behind stone and ice.
“Frankie,” I called out quietly. Her eyes lifted to mine but a part of her was still closed off. “I don’t even know if she can make a schedule. She’s a fine art major. She has no practice working with kids. She might not even know how to cook a whole meal. She’s only eight years older than you for crying out loud.”
“It’s fine, Dad. Whatever.” She shrugged her shoulders and dropped her eyes to the phone in her hand. I studied her while she scrolled.
Navy came in after a few minutes and knitted her brows together. “I’m sorry, Senator Freeman. I thought my sister would be a good fit. I know how much everyone loves her so I thought Frankie would like her too.” She offered me a polite smile but I saw the concern on her face.
“I did like her,” Frankie said without looking up from her phone. “What I like doesn’t matter though.” She stood up and walked into the hallway.
“First and last time I’m asking.” I heard Apollo’s gruff voice say to Frankie. “Wanna go on a snack run?” I didn’t hear another word, just the sound of them walking away.
“I’m sorry again, Senator Freeman,” Navy said before walking toward the door.
“Wait,” I heaved a sigh and waved my fingers at her. When she turned around and looked at me, I slid my index finger up and down the bridge of my nose. “Call her back.”
“Xari?” She quizzed, raising her brows.
“Yes.”
I watched Navy scurry out of the office and to her desk. Her sister must have gotten further than the lobby. I listened to her hushed but excited tone as she told Xari to come back. Before she hung up, I heard her beg her little sister not to act crazy. It made me wonder what kind of firecracker personality she was hiding.
I stood up when I heard hurried shuffling coming down the hall. Xari stopped in mid-motion when she