She distracts me

Time to go

Lacy McDaniels

Lacy woke to the soft warming of her face as rays of sun started pouring into her room. She groaned softly, yawning and stretching. She felt a small heavy lump pressed against her hip, her hand reaching down to stroke over Esteban’s silky black fur. 

“Mmmm…. Morning handsome. I could get used to sleeping in…”  Lacy mused. 

“Perhaps if Mr. Caldwell has a good enough job offer we can start dictating hours later like real doctors do Esteban!” She quirked. The cat yawned widely, his tiny little teeth standing out brightly in contrast to his black fur. He squinted with his golden green bright eyes and went back to sleep. 

“Fine.. Sorry to disturb you, your majesty.” 

Lacy swung her legs out of the bed and onto the soft rug by her bed. She yawned again, going through her morning routine, finally finding her way to the kitchen where a fresh brewed pot of coffee greeted her. She poured the nectar of the gods into her mug and sat down at the island, looking over the notepads strewn in front of her. 

“No time like the present Lace.” she mumbled to herself nervously. Why did this client rankle her so bad? It’s not like she was even dealing with Roman personally, it was his manager?

Lacy dialed the number she had wrote down, surprised as it was picked up on the first ring. 

“Paul Caldwell.” 

“Wow, Hi Mr. Caldwell. You are quite the prompt man, I didn’t expect you to pick up so fast!” Lacy laughed softly, trying to smoothe over the sound of her initial surprise. 

“Business never sleeps ma’am. I’m assuming this is Lacy McDaniels from your number?” Paul asked. 

“Oh gosh, yes. I’m sorry. Still on the first cup of coffee, I apologize. I had gotten home too late last night to call you back.” Lacy felt her cheeks flushing in embarassment. God, it’s not like he could see her? 

Paul chuckled, “Not to worry. I was actually hoping we could discuss details in person. Since you are still on the first cup of coffee, can I buy you another one at Papa’s near Bel-Air?” 

Lacy quirked a brow despite being alone. It almost sounded like a date, but she reminded herself that not everyone was comfortable revealing their homes to her. She was actually well known and gained many referrals because of her confidentiality but that didn’t always soothe everyone’s worries. 

“Um, yeah sure. How does 9:30 sound?” Lacy didn’t want to tell him she was still sitting in her pajamas in her kitchen, the man sounded like he had been up since the crack of dawn toiling away. 

“Perfect. I’ll see you there.” Paul thanked her and abruptly hung up. “You’re welcome…” she mumbled to herself and then set off to find something to wear. She needed to look too profesional without being too stuffy. Some people wanted to see her in business wear and others preferred a more casual approach. She had a feeling she needed to toe the line of both on this one. 

Gnawing on her bottom lip as she always does when thinking, or nervous, Lacy picked out a bright floral and white sundress. It had splashes of yellows from what seemed like sunflowers all over it. She paired it with a beautiful pair of yellow pumps and set to work on her hair.

She took a few pieces around the crown of her head and braided them together, it was simple, elegant but messy and polished off the look. After dressing and putting on a minimal amount of makeup she was satisfied. 

She twirled in front of the mirror, then smiled and grabbed a small white jacket with elbow length sleeves, sometimes businesses blasted the air conditioning to combat the muggy mornings and she would freeze without it. Time to go!