Chapter 10

Elise

"Yes. She did. That's why I'm here" She remarked playing with her long nails. I wonder how one does things with a massive long nails. Things like pressing the phone, with the long nails, how do I touch the screen. A knock sounded from the door and Elena walked in with the coffee. Settling them on the small glass table.

"Thank you" I ushered.

Before Elena could make her way out, Skylar was already drinking the coffee. I noticed the way Elena passed her a look. She clearly doesn't like the woman.

"So Miss Skylar, you stepping in my office, means you have agreed to the condition I stated to your"

"Yeah. I'm okay with that. In as much as it will suit my preference" Only if she knew. This time around, it will be based on my preference.

"I have a sketched out samples already. I will give you to go through them and choose. It wouldn't be out of it" I grabbed my sketching book that was resting on one side since yesterday and passed it to her.

"I will get on with my work while you go through them" She nodded her head as she began flipping the pages and I got myself to work.

**

I slowed down the car in our parking space letting out a sigh on the accord. Today was a hectic day. After contemplating for over thirty minutes, Skylar finally came to a decided. And I'm glad there were no disagreements. It was the final choice. It was funny that, she chooses one of the designs I drew yesterday. I lazily made my way inside the house letting out a sigh every now and then. My Mom was seated at the living room as usual reading on her tab. Come to think of it; maybe Aria got the stalking thingy from her. She's always on her phone. Checking on the latest gossips. And maybe looking for what to throw me into.

"Hello Mom" I said making my way towards her and squatted beside her. For some reason, I wanted to feel her warmth.

"You're back early today" She said patting my hair as I rested my hair on her shoulder.

"Yes Mom. Was exhausted so I decided to ditch the remaining work"

"You need the rest dear. Now go freshen up and come down for lunch. Your Dad should be on his way back. William asked for a one month leave. An emergency came up at his hometown"

The man I saw just this morning. "Hope all is well Mom?" I asked standing up.

"Yes. His mother had an heart attack so he had to rush there. You know he's an only son" I know Mr. Williams must be shocked. It's really unfortunate. I hope his mother is fine.

"How long will he stay?" I asked.

"One month"

"One month?" I repeated surprised. The sickness must be serious. Taking a one month leave. But then I can understand him. He wants to be there for his mother. Being the only family she got.

"Within that time, someone will take over his post. At least, the post shouldn't stay empty"

Today has been a busy day for me. As it is the fitting day for Skylar's dress. The expression on her face when everything fits to perfection. It gave me a sense of joy to know that, this is what I achieved so far. This is my passion. My profession.

"Oh my God Miss Elise. I'm speechless. Like, is this me? What..." She trailed off turning her body around to check herself more on the mirror.

A smirk of satisfaction appear at the corner of my lips. "You should know I don't disappoint my client. When I say I can do it, then trust me I can"

"I can see that. The dress is so beautiful and fits perfectly" I could see the happiness on her face. That's what I want to be seeing on my clients face. Everytime. The satisfaction.

She keeps twirling around which almost made me laugh. "You should change out of it before it get any stain. You can't afford to allow this beautiful piece to get ruined on the big day"

Her eye widened at my statement. "You're right"

The session ended with Skylar on a good note. I attended to the remaining clients before calling it day.

As I parked my car, I took my time to access it. For some reasons whenever I looked at the car, I feel this kind of joy. He did quite a good job. Maybe one day, I will take the car for polish. Though I know we may not meet again. I don't have any business with him.

I let out a smile, slipping the car keys inside my bag and made my way inside humming to a song on the accord. "Mom I'm back" I announced to my mother that was seated on the couch. By her side was an unfamiliar figure. Yet, I didn't put much thought into knowing who the person is.

"Welcome home dear. I was actually talking about you to Mr..." She trailed off.

My eye widened in shock coming face to face with Elijah. His lips was formed into a smirk. Much to my surprise, he doesn't look a bit surprised seeing me. As if he was expecting the reaction from me.

"What are you doing here?" I said moving forward towards the two.

Mom's eyes darted to me back to him. "Do you two know each other?" she asked pointing to us.

"Yes"

"No"

We both say at the same time. Mom looked more confused. "What is yes and what is no. Do you know him Elise" Mom question was now directed to me. The kind of look she gave me was of no backing out.

"Yes I do. He was the one that bumped into my car the other day" I said passing me a glare. Yet he didn't look bothered.

"I apologize for the unfortunate event Mrs. Jordan. Even though I'm not entirely at fault. But it's all in the past now"

Mom nodded her head in answer. "Yeah. Everything should be put in the past. What matters is the present"

"You already know each other. But I will still introduce him. Elise, meet Mr. Elijah, our new driver"

"Mr. Elijah, meet my daughter Elise" He nodded his head in understanding sparing me a glance.

So, he's the one that will replace Mr. Williams. Good.

"Excuse me. Let me take this call" Mom uttered walking away with her phone. A moment of silence fell between us. I was preparing to walk away when he spoke up.

"So, nice meeting you again. Mr. Elise Jordan" The way he say out my full name made me almost pissed.

"And it wasn't nice meeting you. Mr. Elijah. You working here doesn't mean I will be nice to you. You should mind your business" I exclaimed.

"There's no way I can do that. When I will be living here. In this house" I stared at him wide eyed. He'd be staying with us? Wow. Great.

I didn't answer him when I sprinted up. Straight to Mom's room. She was still on the phone. Laughing to some jokes the other party was giving. I don't know.

My inside was filled up with spite. Ready to get it out of me. "Excuse me Grace will call you back" And she ended the call.

"What's with the face?" She said looking at me from head down.