Perfect Pitch

Dr. Deanne Robinson turned to face her. “Ms. Renee Mitchell. Wow! Fancy meeting you here.” Deanne's mother looked back and forth between the two women and said, “I'm guessing you two know each other?” “M-hm”, Deanne nodded. “She's been a patient of mine for a few years.” “Oh, my gosh!” exclaimed Edith. “I had no idea it was you,” said Renee. “Your last name was never mentioned.” “That's okay. We can still chat about things.” That was when Melanie eagerly informed her mom that she had been chosen. The three women giggled, and her mother said that nothing was definite just yet. Renee assumed this was her way of letting her daughter down gently, and that because she was her doctor, she would tell her it would be unethical for her to work for her. “It smells good in here,” Deanne said, taking off her sweater and throwing it on the back of a chair. “I've got beef stew in the slow cooker that’s just about ready,” Deanne's mother announced. Then she turned to her and said, “There's plenty for all of us if Deanne wouldn't mind you staying for dinner.” “I wouldn't at all,” Deanne said as she headed into her bedroom and out of view. “Are you sure? I don't want to impose or anything,” Renee said. “No, not at all. You're welcome to stay.” “Can I help you set the table or serve anything?” “Sure. You can set the table as I get everything ready.” Edith showed her where the plates, glasses, and silverware were kept. Renee had just finished setting the table when Deanne emerged from the bedroom in shorts and a T-shirt. It was weird seeing her doctor dressed so casually and her straight glossy brown hair hanging loose nearly to the middle of her back instead of her long white coat, hair back in a bun or a ponytail. During the meal, which was delicious, they kept the conversation casual. They spoke mainly of the weather, local stores, and entertainment. Afterward, Melanie went to play in her room as the adults finished their dinner with coffee. Renee offered to rinse the dishes and place them in the dishwasher, but Edith insisted she would do that and then head out. When she was gone, Renee joined the doctor on the couch as they finished their coffee. “Okay, now we finally have a moment alone,” said the doctor. Renee smiled, even though she expected to be told what she didn’t want to hear. “So why in the world would you want a job as a live-in nanny when you've got a husband?” asked Deanne. “Because I don't have one anymore. He decided I was getting much too old and experienced in his opinion, and decided I would be better off traded in for a much younger and slightly thinner co-worker of his.” “Ouch,” Deanne said softly. It's okay. I mean, at first it wasn't okay, but then you realize you can't make people feel things they no longer feel.” Deanne nodded dubiously and rolled her eyes. “I getcha. Once I got pregnant, I learned this as well. “Yeah,” Renee also said dubiously. “Been staying with a close friend in the meantime.” “Well, my mother seems to think you're qualified, and my daughter seems to like you, so as long as you let me refer you to another ENT, we can give it a try.” Renee was surprised. She really thought the doctor would turn her down. “Wow, that would be great! When would I start?” “Well, today is Friday, but if you come back Monday morning, we can take the week to see how it goes before you actually move in.” “Oh, that would be great, and thank you so much.” “Yeah, Melanie's at that age that now that she’s started school and I can't have her coming home to an empty apartment since school lets out before I get out of work. I need to know I can count on someone being there for her until I get out of work.” “I understand.” “My mom would gladly hang out here more often, but she owns a jewelry store and can only take so much time off.” “I'm not surprised. I mean, one of the first things I noticed was all the beautiful jewelry she was wearing.” Deanne laughed. “Yeah, that's Mom for you. Anything shiny and colorful.” “She has great taste.” “So how much experience do you have with kids since I'm pretty sure you once said you didn't have any of your own.” “No, none of my own, but plenty of experience with not only my much younger siblings but some neighbors as well as others. I brought a list of references that I have in my purse that I can give you. I didn’t have a chance to show your mother before you came in.” “That's okay. I'll go over it later. Any other interesting facts you can tell me about yourself?” “I can also be your housekeeper, and I'm still open to doing laundry and cooking as well.” The doctor’s eyebrows shot upward. “You just may be my miracle.” Renee chuckled. “So, is there anything I should know about Melanie? Does she have any kind of special needs or any particular problem I should be aware of?” “Nope. She's actually a very ordinary little girl. So much so that she even hates the hell out of spinach.”