Mackenzie

My time with Richard was flying by with a blur. I found myself exhausted in the mornings from our nightly love marathons.

I reminded myself to give Sally a call and let her know how I was doing. I had talked to her at the end of my first week here and she was genuinely happy for me that things were working out.

I familiarized myself with the town and check out the local church. They had a variety of activities. One included group grief counselling for anyone who suffered the loss of a loved one. My one and one with a therapist did nothing for me. Perhaps group counselling was what I needed. If I truly wanted a future with Richard, I had to let go of some of the grief I continue to carry.

It helped that Katie was a part of that group. I connected with her immediately. It was eerie how much our lives mirrored each other. If I had a little sister, I would want her to be exactly like Katie.

I had been spending some of my time in town. dropping in on Richard to bring him lunch twice last week.

He explained this project was going to take up a lot of his time and did not want me to feel neglected. I sensed from his tone that he did not want to repeat his father’s mistakes.

I still did not have the nerve to accept his invitation to christen the sofa in his office.

I had been creative in the bedroom, thanks to my book. I was not ready to be that wanton in what I considered public.

I might have to ask Haley how to get past my hesitance where this was concerned.

I choose to remain in bed a little longer this morning and let Richard fend for himself.

When I finally got myself organized, I descended into the kitchen and heard the doorbell.

I opened the door to find a petite brunette smiling ear to ear.

“Good morning, Haley, would you like to come in for coffee?” I offered, stepping aside to allow Haley in. “What brings you by?”

“I thought we could go shopping for the big event.” She rubbed her hand across her stomach. “No coffee, I’m weaning myself off caffeine. Do you have some herbal tea?”

That was when I registered, Haley was pregnant.

“I didn’t want to buy anything until I was sure I could still fit into it,” she laughed.

“However, it would be an honor if you would let me fit you for shoes fitting the occasion,” she smiled. “Can I assume you have never had the Van de Graaf Boutique experience?” Then she giggled, “Mackenzie, are you a shoe virgin?”

I couldn’t help but fall in love with the petite brunette that was the wife of Richard’s best friend and business partner. It would be only natural that we would also become friends. A shopping trip sounded like a good place to start.

I had the invitation pinned to the fridge door. I pulled it off and handed it to Haley. “I thought this was a casual affair?”

“It was, but I convinced Richard it might be the last big event I would attend before I was too big to fit into anything sexy. I plan on going into the city next week for that task.

As it is I’m pushing it, twins,” she announced. “Aleksander tells me I am carrying an heir and a spare. Just like a man,” she scoffs.

I wondered if this sudden turn of events had anything to do with Richard suddenly deciding he was fine with having children. If his business partner’s wife was pregnant, with twins, it made sense they would be as much entitled to run the company as any child Richard would have.

Was it possible it had nothing to do with me?

My lack of sleep was putting my imagination in overdrive. I had been here a little over week and I couldn't remember a time I wasn't happy being here.

Was I reverting to my old habits of finding fault? Thinking I had my chance at happily ever after and didn't deserve it again?

I would put the negativity at the back recesses of my mind and just enjoy a day shopping with a new friend.

Haley coyly eyed me from above her tea cup. “Before we get started, I want you to know that this is my treat, and before you can object, you should know it is not a good idea to upset a pregnant lady.”

“That’s blackmail,” I put a hand to my chest feigning outrage.

“Is it? Oh well,” Haley shrugged her shoulders and picked up her handbag. “Do you feel better knowing I am at your mercy to take us? I don’t drive.”

I grabbed my handbag and keys. “Lead the way.”

I entered The Boutique and was in awe of the beauty that surrounded me.

I was never one of those girls. The ones who spent hours at the mall with her friends. This was like no place I had ever shopped. No place I could ever afford to shop.

“I manage the men’s line upstairs, but I trained down here with Leona. How about a tour? You can meet Katie, she is going to be my replacement when I go on maternity leave. She also fills in for me when I need a personal day, like today.”

“Wow, you said that all in one breath,” I blurted out and wished I could take it back.

Haley laughed. “I do that a lot, babble I mean, a lot.” Then she gave me the brightest smile that let me know she was not offended by my comment.

I was impressed with the floating museum on the top floor. I was pleased to get a glimpse into Richard’s world.

“Let’s head downstairs, I want you to meet Leona. She has been a friend of the Van de Graafs since she and Evonne were kids. She is also one of my closest friends, even when she was my boss.” Haley sounded proud of that fact.

I was led to the office where a beautiful, statuesque, refined-looking woman stood to greet me. Like Haley had done on our first meeting, Leona greeted me with hug.

“You’re not a hugger, are you? That’s okay, it won’t last once you meet Richard’s family.” Leona snickered.

“The shop is beautiful,” I uttered. “I’ve never seen anything so elegantly placed as in the showroom.”

“You have a good eye, now let’s show you what we do best,” Leona ushered me to the VIP section.

I entered wide-eyed in amazement. “This must be what Cinderella felt like getting ready for the ball.”

Never had I ever imagined I would be surrounded with the most beautiful shoes in the world at my disposal.

I walked around the room and took my time analyzing each one.

“Nice lines,” I picked up a pair of black low heeled pumps. “Quite practical, Sindy, for the sexy librarian in all of us,” I giggled.

Next came a pair of four inch stilettos, gold in color that sparkled in the light. “Amanda, for the diva in all of us.”

I continued going from shoe to shoe. “Who names the shoes?”

“It was Mrs. Van de Graaf’s idea,” Leona informed me. “The designer who inspires the shoe gets to name it.”

“Wait here,” Haley instructed, “I think I have exactly what you need.” She left and returned with a box. Inside was a pair of beautiful low heeled pump in nude. “These are called Cindy, with a C, not an S. It was supposed to be the sister of the black ones. They were not as successful, so we only carry them during wedding season. Try them on.”

I slipped them on and looked at my feet in the mirror.

I always hated my feet, they were big for a woman and made me feel awkward. These pumps accentuated my calf and did not give me too much height. I was tall enough and did not need it.

“This is why I’m good at what I do, I know what the customer wants before they even know they wanted it.” Then she shrugged and handed Leona a credit card.

“The usual add on’s,” Leona snickered.

“Add on’s?” I queried.

“You know, clutch, protector spray, storage bag,” Leona explained.

“Storage bag?”

“Fine shoes like this need to be taken care of, so yes, you need the storage bag.” Haley was matter of fact about it.

“I need a few minutes to tie up a few loose ends with Leona. Would you mind waiting for me upstairs? Katie can make you an expresso from the VIP room.” She quickly added, if you’re a timeline I can come back.”

“No I have no other plans today. Take you time,” I told her.

I headed upstairs noticing the displays and well placed everything was. Katie was waiting for me at the top of the stairs.

“Haley called up, I’ve got the expresso machine primed and ready for action,” she giggled.

Katie looked young. I thought she should still be in school. I didn’t mean to stare, but I must not have hidden my curiosity well.

“How old do you think I am?” She asked.

I stammered, “oh no I’m didn’t mean to offend you. It just you appear quite young for the responsibility you seem to have around here.”

“I know,” she smiled. She proceeded to explain how she came about working in the boutique. I found I was enjoying Katie’s company. I learned a lot about the exuberant redhead in such a short time. We had a lot in common and I had no doubt she too would become someone I could call a friend.

I heard Haley tap on the door to the VIP room where Katie and I were held up. “Now that business is taken care of, let’s pick up lunch and take it to our boys, shall we?”

On the way to the main office, Haley informed me that she would take a taxi home. She had some personal business she and Aleksander needed to take care of.

“Are you blushing?” Haley asked. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to be so forward. It’s just that Aleksander and I are still in the honeymoon stage and we can’t keep our hands off each other. I have a five year son at home and sometimes it’s nice to have time alone. Mondays and Wednesdays are Peyton’s full days at school. Sindy clears Aleksander’s calendar for a couple of hours and I bring him lunch.”

“I’m not judging,” I honestly tell her, “I’m jealous. I still feel exposed when I go into that building. Like I don’t belong there. Like I’m a visitor.”

“Are you a visitor, Mackenzie? Is that how you want to define yourself in Richard’s life?”

Haley’s questions threw me. After a week with Richard, did I still believe I was just a visitor?