A few days after my family dinner I received an email from Mr. Blackwood. He was going to attend a business dinner with an important client and he needed his date to look the part too. He didn't trust the woman to dress herself and considering her style before she dated the infamous Mr. Blackwood I could understand why. It was okay to wear whatever you liked but sometimes you also needed to play a part. Those were the rules of doing business and being successful. I scanned the email I received.

A formal dress appropriate to wear at a business dinner.

Something low key but still appealing to the eyes.

He didn't want his date to distract. A woman with her body type and her beautiful face would surely distract. He wanted his client to focus on him, not on his date. I decided it was best to pay my favorite mall a visit again. I was getting ready to head out when I received a call from my mother.

"Hello, mom." I greeted, tossing my shoes on the floor in front of my bed while I took a seat on the pale blue sheets, wandering my free hand over the silk sheets, "How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you for asking, hon." I smiled hearing how gentle she sounded. Mom was in a good mood today. Maybe things at the office weren't so hectic right now. Those moments were rare for Abby Merigold, "Do you have plans this weekend?"

"No, my schedule is free."

I heard shoveling in the background, mom was probably on the move. Walking while reading through some papers and calling her daughter. I was impressed.

"Want to go to a spa with me?" She asked.

"Yes, I'd love that." Grinning at the thought of having a mother-daughter day.

"Okay, I'll make the appointment. I'll text you the time, I'll pick you up so we can head there together."

"Okay, mom."

"What are you up to today?"

I stared at the shoes in front of my feet. I wanted a pedicure, French tips would be good. Slipping my feet into the black heels I stared at the digital clock on my bedside table. I still had time, maybe I could grab a coffee first before heading to the mall.

"I have an assignment from Mr. Blackwood," I informed her casually.

I got to my feet and walked up to the tall mirror placed by the door. Whenever I left to head out for the day I had the opportunity to make sure everything was in place. I wasn't involved in the Merigold business but being an heiress did get me to have my picture taken occasionally. I didn't want to find an embarrassing picture of me online. It would never disappear, forever lost on the internet.

"Hiring a personal shopper sounds pretty good to me right now as well."

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, making sure the burgundy sweater dress I was wearing still covered my ass. I wasn't flashing my panties so I was still good. I then ran my fingers through my blonde locks to straighten them out a little.

"Do you need me to do your shopping for you, mom?" I asked, "Since you're family I'll do it for free."

Mom laughed, she sounded tired but still happy.

"I do need a few things but I'll be late again today." She let me know, "If you can take care of this for me spa day will be on me."

"Send me a list of things you need and I'll get it done."

"Thanks, hon." Mom sounded relieved.

I grabbed my scarf and wrapped it around my neck, it covered half of my hair but I liked it that way. Kicking off my heels I walked back to my closet and took out a pair of black knee-high socks. Fall was a beautiful season with all the different colors, not to mention sweater weather really appealed to me. But it was so cold I needed to layer up so I wouldn't feel like dying every time I left the house. I took the socks with me into the room and sat down on the bed again.

"No need to thank me." I told her, "You can ask me for help anytime, mom."

"Same goes for you." I could hear the smile in her voice, "I need to go, hon."

"Bye."

I ended the call and tossed the phone beside me on the bed. I slipped the high knee socks on and felt a lot better. My feet covered in socks made me feel so much warmer. I switched my black high heels for a pair of strappy black high heels. Grabbing my bag I shoved my phone in and checked to make sure I had everything. Once I was sure I didn't forget anything at home I left the house and called a cab. I only needed to buy a dress so Mr. Blackwood didn't let me borrow his driver today. That was okay. Taking a cab was fine too.

I found the perfect dress for Mr. Blackwood's girlfriend within half an hour. The perfect dress, however, I found at one of the brand stores which appealed to Mr. Blackwood. It was a pity my favorite mall didn't have the dress I needed. While I was seated in the cab to deliver the dress at the penthouse I scrolled through the email I received from mom.

Bedsheets in a neutral color.

Scented candles. The scent subtle but still present. Fruity but not too sweet.

New dress shirts for Jim, all neutral colors. Jewelry to match the burgundy colored dress for the launch party.

I opened the picture of the dress mom was going to wore. It was the same deep burgundy color as my dress so it would be a lot easier to find matching jewelry. Dress shirts for dad was also an easy task since the man wasn't picky. He also didn't wear slim fit shirts like Mr. Blackwood. It was a pretty fun task mom gave me. I was eager to complete it.

"We're here, Miss."

I pocketed my phone and paid the driver. Climbing out of the cab I held onto the dress sleeve and entered the apartment building. I took the elevator to the penthouse, shoving the key in the panel as always. I let myself through the double doors and was greeted by the sight of Mr. Quake. She met my gaze but looked out of sorts. Not her like usual cheerful self.

"Mrs. Quake?"

"Good afternoon, sweetheart."

I eyed her suspiciously, "Are you okay?"

She smiled, the smile not quite reaching her eyes, "I'm perfectly fine. Just a little busy today."

"Margaret!"

That voice made me cringe, it was loud and quite high pitched. The hairdresser who smelled like she bathed in her perfume came running down the stairs. Her eyes landed on me, a smile spreading across her face as her eyes flickered to the dress sleeve I was holding.

"Oh, you have my dress ready." She reached for it.

I gave it to her quickly, meeting Mrs. Quake's eyes. The woman didn't like Mr. Blackwood's girlfriend. Mrs. Quake referred to her as Miss Fancy Pants, said woman was unzipping the protective sleeve. The smile on her face dropped as she took in the simple black dress.

"What is this?" She asked.

"Mr. Blackwood wanted the dress to be simple and elegant. You can never go wrong with a signature black dress. It will also match the suit he'll be wearing, which will be a simple black suit with a white dress shirt. Silver cufflinks and a silver tie clip. It might be a good idea to wear silver jewelry with your dress."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, whatever."

Mrs. Quake flashed me a pointed look.

"You have a key to the penthouse?" The hairdresser asked.

"Yes." She didn't need the details of my professional relationship with Mr. Blackwood. If she wanted to know she could ask him, "Now if you excuse me I have other things to take care of." I trailed my eyes to Mrs. Quake, "We'll reschedule tea time?"

She finally flashed me her usual warm smile, "Yes, we definitely will."

"Jacob will be here soon." The hairdresser called after me, "Don't you need to stick around to finish this deal?" She asked, her eyes narrowed at me.

I didn't quite understand why she wanted me to stick around but I really didn't have the time. I wanted to get the things mom needed before the stores would close. Mom mentioned staying for dinner at the family house so I would. I'd give me another opportunity to spend some time with mom and dad. I was looking forward to it. Mr. Blackwood and I had our own arrangement. I never had to stick around to close a deal or whatever Miss Fancy Pants called it.

"That's okay. Mr. Blackwood and I have our own arrangement. I never stick around to meet the guy."

"What?" She asked confused, tilting her head to the side as a confused little puppy, "Then how do you know if he likes something or not?"

"I have been working for Mr. Blackwood for two years now. So I do have an indication of what he likes. We rarely have to meet up these days."

The hairdresser nodded, "I see, you have an awesome job then." I pushed the button to the elevator, ready to leave when she called after me again, "My name is Kristen by the way."

"Nina." I called over my shoulder and then stepped into the elevator, "It was nice to meet you." I pushed the button to the ground floor and stepped back, watching the doors close. I wouldn't try and remember her name. I knew she'd be replaced soon. There was no point in getting to know them.

I was seated on the living room couch in my parents' house. Mom was in the kitchen plating up takeout. Indian food which was spicy and definitely something I craved right now. Dad was coming home late today. A lot of things he needed to do before the launch party. So it was just me and mom for the night. Mom was pleased with the items I bought her. She kept repeating that her friends would also love to hire me, but I didn't dare to take up her offer. I grabbed my phone, hoping Mr. Blackwood responded to my email about the dress I delivered to his girlfriend. I smiled when I did notice a response to my email.

Miss Merigold,

The dress was perfect.

Thank you for your assistance once again.

The money has been transferred to your account.

Regards,

Mr. Blackwood.

It was beyond me why I always looked forward to his emails. They weren't even personal. Just a few words to tell me I did a good job and until we meet again. Sort of. Maybe it was best if I took the offer mom made me. Said woman walked into the living room.

"Come on, dinner is served."

I pocketed my phone and followed her to the dining room, "It smells amazing."

"Right." She sounded in a good mood, good food would do that to you.

We sat at the dining table. I plated up some rice and butter chicken. Mom made sure I ate enough, giving me a look when I was being modest.

"Hon, your dad is coming home late. We can eat his share too."

So we stopped being modest and just filled up our plates. Dinner was amazing, I really liked the different spices, so flavourful. I couldn't remember the last time I ate mom's cooking but that was okay. She was on top of her career, I respected that. If you could afford to buy takeout almost every day that would work too. The fun part was that you never had to make a meal plan and go out and buy groceries and then coming home and throwing that meal plan away because you feel too lazy. That was kind of my life. I made fun meal plans, looking stuff up online but then deciding it was too much effort and end up with pasta and some tomato sauce. I needed to get motivated to do more cooking. I couldn't afford to buy takeout every day.

"Dad's party is next week." I helped mom take care of the dishes.

I rinsed them and put them in the dishwasher while mom poured us some red wine. It was nice to just sit back with mom and sip wine. Talking about casual things like the weather. It might not seem like much but when you rarely had time to do it those little moments were like a blessing.

"Yes, I remember." I told mom, "You want me to wear something special?"

She grabbed the wine glasses and gestured for me to follow her once I was done with my task. We settled on the couch. Mom handed me my glass and I quickly sipped it, loving the rich taste of it.

"You know what to wear at these kinds of events, I'm not worried." She brushed off, "I wanted to ask if you have a date to the party."

I was confused, I rarely took a date with me whenever we had to attend social events. No one expected of me to bring a guy with me. Nick sometimes took a girl with him to these events but those moments became rarer these days. He became true to himself and that was being in a relationship with himself.

"I don't have a date," I answered.

"A friend of mine mentioned that she thinks you should meet her son, you don't have to if you don't want to." Mom quickly added, "But I thought the event would the perfect place for you to meet him. That way if things don't go well between you two there is so much going on in the background you won't even notice you have a date with you."

"Mom!" I laughed, surprised she came up with such a cunning plan, "Am I seeing your true personality right now?"

She smirked, "No, hon. They call me a cold-hearted bitch at the office."

"Assholes," I muttered.

Instead of correcting me and telling me I should watch my language she laughed with me. It was like I was hanging out with a friend. I decided it was time I stepped out of my comfort zone so I told mom it was fine to let the guy know I'd go with him to the event. Mom looked excited about my decision. I guess she truly did long for one of her kids to start with the family life. I wasn't going to dive right into it but meeting someone and getting to know them was fine by me. Maybe things would work out or maybe they didn't. I wouldn't know unless I tried.

"Oh, and I also like to take the job if your friend still needs a personal shopper?"

I stared at my mom in shock when it looked like she was ready to cry.

"I'll let her know." She whispered.

"Are you okay?" I asked warily.

Mom reached out to me, placing her hand on my cheek, "I'm just so proud of you." She told me with a straight face which made me feel a little awkward. I didn't know how to take her praises since she rarely said them out loud. She wasn't the type of person who shared her feelings like that, "I love you, honey. You know that, right?"

"Y-Yeah, of course, I know that."

"Just wanted to let you know." Mom then pulled away and sipped her wine again.

It might be best not to drink wine with mom again, she made things awkward.