We'll need to send her away for the day

I played it cool as Charissa sipped her coffee and joked with my kids over breakfast.

"Any ideas for the day, kids?" she asked them.

"Let's go to the movies!"

"I want pizza!"

"Can we play on a playground?"

"And get ice cream?"

"Pleeeeeease?!"

Charissa laughed, and I joined in. "Sounds like a busy day," I said. My kids stared at me with open mouths. "Sure, why not?" I said. "We should enjoy Charissa while she's here."

The kids cheered, and Charissa smiled at me. "What movie should we see?" she asked.

"Oh, don't ask me," I replied coolly. "I won't be able to join today. Got a project I need to work on."

The kids didn't blink. It warmed my heart that they loved their babysitter so much that they were perfectly happy to be with her instead of me. They chattered excitedly and then ran off to brush their teeth and get dressed.

"So, you're OK with all that stuff?" Charissa asked as she helped me clear the table and started washing the breakfast dishes. "The pizza and ice cream too?"

"Honestly," I said, "I'm fine with it. Today at least. I want them to have a good time, and actually I do need to work on this project all day."

"What are you working on?" she asked pleasantly.

"I'm doing some research on a contemporary figure," I said vaguely. "She's been a major influence in some corners but most scholars haven't even heard of her."

"Sounds interesting," Charissa said. "I can't wait to see what you come up with."

"I'll be sure to share when everything's ready!" I said with a smile. "Today's going to be a long one, though, so it'd be great if you could keep them out of the house all day. Just call me if you need anything or have any questions."

I went to my wallet and pulled out my credit card. "Here," I said. "You can use this for your expenses."

Charissa was still washing dishes and glanced over her shoulder. "Oh, thanks!" she said. She didn't stop washing, though. "Can you just slide it into my pocket?" I held my breath as gently placed my credit card in the back pocket of my babysitter's tight jeans. "Thanks!" she said again, and I managed a quick "no problem" before excusing myself to shower.

By the time I had dressed for the day, the kids and Charissa were on their way out the door. I bid them farewell, watched Charissa's car pull away from the house, and immediately went downstairs to commence with the snooping I'd been dreaming of for days.