Pia eyes Charlotte skeptically. “Do you work for an agency?” she asks. “Is that where Lucio foundyou?”
“Through a personal contact.” I step in with the lie. “Charlotte had two years of experience withanother family. They migrated to Canada a few months ago, leaving her free to come and take care ofEvie.”
Charlotte glances at me, but her expression gives nothing away.
“Hmm. Two years of experience,” Pia continues. “Am I right in assuming you have no formaleducation in childcare?”
“I have common sense and empathy,” Charlotte replies curtly. “Degrees don’t teach you everything.”
One of Pia’s perfectly plucked eyebrows rises.
But before she can shoot off with another question, Dante pushes past me. The smile on his face istelling.
“It’s nice to meet yo
