The Better Woman and Her Boss.

Butterflies..

Kate POV

I woke up with a spring in my step, I had the most restful nights sleep I'd had in; who knows how long and waking with the sun streaming through the window felt like a sign.

I grabbed some clothes and headed for a shower, humming Jump in the fire by Metallica as I went.

The water felt amazing on my skin, I lathered and rinsed, throughly washing my hair, I couldn't help but smile each time, I closed my eyes.

The day ahead held so many possibilities for me, the evening..well even more I hoped.

I bit my lip as I stood thinking, snapping back to reality with the water turned cold.

"Ohh!" I squealed, jumping out from under the water, and turning the taps off.

I dried, dressed, did my hair and gather my things ready to leave when I heard my phone ping.

I headed to the kitchen where it sat on charge, unplugging it I read the message, with embarrassment and pleasant surprise.

' Hello Kate, It's Maree from The Vintage Mistress; hoping you can swing by and see me later today involving a photo shoot I'd like to organise for our new clothing line, next week. See you soon.'

I texted a quick reply, smiling to myself that I'd be in, as I locked my door and headed out, I bumped into someone.

"Oh I'm sorry!" I apologised, raising a hand I looked up, only to choke on my words and stare.

Tom stood there sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck, his mouth opening and closing as if trying to say something but I didn't let him, I had places to be, specifically away from him.

"Sorry again, place to be and all that.." I threw offhandedly over my shoulder as I sauntered towards the elevator.

Whatever Tom had to say, no longer interested me, I would move on, I'd wasted too much time on him and not enough on myself and what I wanted.

Waiting until the elevator doors closed, I let my face fall a little, taking a few deep breathes, I shook off the unease I'd felt seeing Tom again.

I headed out, no work this morning meant time to shop for something to wear, something I usually hated doing but for a change I was excited.

I past many dress shops, searching through each that interest me, I had little luck finding anything that interested me.

Finally I headed to find some lunch and regroup.

Settling on a Cafe, I ordered some pita bread and dip, a coffee and followed the host to an unoccupied table.

I leaned back in my seat, scrolling through my phone, I opened my game apps, playing scrabble, a glint caught my eye.

I looked up, following the glint, to a shop window, where a mannequin stood in a black dress, from here I couldn't see what the cause of the glinting way but I would investigate after my coffee and lunch.

I strode across the now quiet street, to the shop front an expressionless mannequin looked up and away from my position in front of her.

The dress she wore was simple, straight black dress,at first glance it was ankle length, on closer inspection it had splits that ran above the knee, halfway up the thigh, simple watch band like links encrusted with diamonds adorned the sides ever 3 inches or so, 5 in total.

It was elegant, sophisticated and sexy, I smirked at the window, then headed for the entrance, no more searching to be done, I'd found my dress.

Jack Worths POV

I could not wait for tonight, I'd slept peacefully and awoken cheerfully with the dawn, despite my late night.

I'd restrained myself from singing but only just, after coffee and some cereal, I'd rang in the exclusive smiling as I chatted as if with an old friend and not a ruthless editor.

Hanging up, I had felt lighter, how long since I'd fel like this? I didn't know...so maybe never.

I gelled my hair back today, choosing some slacks and a dress shirt, I left the tie and jacket at home as I headed out.

My driver held the door as I reached the car, smiling I thanked him, he had looked taken aback but simply nodded.

Now heading for the riverside Cafe, I smiled out the window, yes I knew it wasn't a real date, that this was an arrangement and yet Kate just saying yes, had myself feeling bold and confident.

The car slowed to a halt, I waited as the driver Owen jogged around upon opening the door, I thanked him once again and then dismissed him for the day. 

He thanked me gratefully, informing me he'd be able to go to his grandsons basketball game, I wished him well, waving as he left, I headed for the restaurants doors.

I sighed in with the hostess and she guided me to the booked table, where I found my mother waiting, I pouted as I took in her tense posture, hands clasped in front of her she sat deep in thought.

As I approached the last few steps, my hands in my pocket, I realised the reason, as my brother, pulled out a chair across from her and sat, I realised this may not be a peaceful or eventless brunch as usual.

Kate's POV

I had cationously exited the elevator upon my return but felt myself relax as I found no Tom, waiting in my hallway.

Headed straight for my apartment, I'd let myself in turning the tv on for background noise, re-runs of last nights supernatural played.

I sat my bags on the couch, rummaging through them I pulled out the dress I'd bought, heading straight for the bedroom, I just had to try it on.

What a mistake that had been.