Later, while picking the kids up from school, the other nannies were abuzz.
“Did you read the email about the Smiths?” one asked. “Jane, are they really like that?”
I nodded. “They’re good parents, but horrible people,” I said, not revealing I sent the email.
“How long will you work for them?” another asked.
“I couldn’t live under those circumstances. Rich people need to learn respect is earned.”
I smiled. Through the chatter, I discovered Mrs.
Smith’s habit of “borrowing” items without returning them.
“An entire Gucci handbag, Jane,” Mina said. “Mrs. Smith borrowed it for a gala two months ago.”
“That’s ridiculous!” I exclaimed.
“I didn’t know she was capable of that.”
A few days later, Mrs. Smith hosted a ladies’ luncheon. “I need this to go well, Jane,” she said.
“Walk around and talk to the women. Make us seem human.”
I knew she was desperate. At the luncheon, I casually mentioned Mrs.
Smith’s collection to Eva, Mina’s employer. “Mrs. Smith has a stunning Gucci handbag like yours.
Did she lend it to you?”
Eva’s eyes narrowed. “Is that so, Jane?”
Whispers circulated. By the end of the luncheon, Mrs.
Smith’s borrowing habits were the hot topic.
The next morning, her friends demanded their items back. Mrs. Smith was mortified.
During dinner, Mr.
Smith asked me to join them. “It has come to my attention an anonymous email went out,” he said, cutting into his steak. “A disgusting email,” Mrs.
Smith added, sipping her wine. “Did you have anything to do with it?”
I shook my head. “Then that settles it,” he said.
“You’re dismissed. Pack up and leave tomorrow.”
I did as told and moved back home. A week later, Mrs.
Johnson called me. “Jane, can you come over for tea?”
“Of course,” I replied, curious.
In her luxurious living room, she looked at me with concern. “We’ve decided to cut ties with the Smiths.
We’d like to offer you a job. Better pay, better working conditions. We could use someone like you for our kids.”
I was stunned.
“Of course!” I exclaimed.
“You’ve earned it,” she smiled. “The boys loved having you watch them. And somehow, you got Jonathan to eat his peas!”
I don’t know how the Smiths reacted to me working for the Johnsons, but I hoped they felt betrayed.
What would you have done?
Share your thoughts.
