CHAPTER ONE
Mrs. Cliffe
"Daniel, hurry up. We're going to be late! The driver will be here in 10 minutes." I yell without looking away from my mirror.
I swear that man's going to be late to his own funeral. I step back to look myself over making sure everything is perfect. I walk over to my jewelry box and sort through it, selecting diamond ear studs. I put them on then check one last time in the mirror.
"Honey, I can't find my tie ..." Daniel says running into the room.
His shirt is untucked, his feet are bare, and his pants are unbuttoned.
He stops at my frown. "I know, I know," he says hurrying back into his closet.
"Amelie!" I yell.
Daniel runs out again, his shirt is buttoned now so he's making progress. He's carrying his shoes in one hand but stops in the middle of the room looking around like he's lost.
"Where are my socks?" he asks looking around ineffectively.
"Daniel," I sigh and shake my head.
"Yes Mrs. Cliffe?" Amelie says walking in.
"Can you assist Mr. Cliffe in putting himself together? He seems to have completely lost his mind."
Amelie suppresses her smile and walks over to help. She's been an absolute asset since we hired her. She's the au pair but she's become more like our live in maid and nanny rolled into one. A sweet, young British girl with long red hair, a winsome smile, and sharp blue eyes. I watch as she moves around the room, appearing from the closet with socks for Daniel then helps him with his bow tie.
"We'll be out late tonight Amelie," I say as she works and I put the finishing touches on my makeup.
"Yes Ma'am," she says.
"You have the number for the banquet hall?" I ask.
"Yes Ma'am, I've posted it on the refrigerator," Amelie says.
"Good." I smack my lips to set my lipstick and pick up a gem encrusted strand from my stand.
"Amelie would you mind assisting me with this?"
"Yes Ma'am," she says hurrying over.
I sweep my hair up off my shoulders and she fastens the necklace for me. Her hands rest on my bare shoulders for a moment longer than necessary. Our eyes meet in the mirror for an instant before she looks down demurely.
"You look very lovely Ma'am," she says.
"Thank you," I say smiling. "You'll be okay with Thomas tonight?"
"Oh yes, of course Ma'am. He sleeps most of the night already."
"And I've checked you have the number, is there anything else I'm forgetting?"
"I don't think so Ma'am. I have all the emergency numbers. I'm quite prepared."
"Good, good," I say. "Mr. Cliffe is being honored tonight for his work with the City Museum. Well his work being our donation for the new wing."
"Oh yes Ma'am. Quite the honor, you're both very generous."
"It's not generous. Just giving back some of what we've been fortunate enough to be given," Daniel says pulling his sleeves down under his tuxedo.
"Well sir, a lot of folks have been given a lot but they don't give back. I think it's very wonderful the two of you do so much," Amelie says.
Daniel walks over to stand next to me, takes me in his arms and dips me down, his lips hover just over mine. I slap his arm.
"Don't you dare mess up my lipstick!" I say sharply.
Amelie laughs from the side. "Oh you both look so lovely, may I take a picture?" She pulls her cell phone out. "I'd love to share it with my friends back home!"
"Of course dear," I say.
Daniel puts me back on my feet and we pose next to each other while she takes some photos. As she snaps the last shot the doorbell rings. The driver’s waiting for us.
"We have to go Daniel," I say pushing him out the door.
I grab my clutch off my bureau and turn to Amelie one last time.
"Now you're a very beautiful girl yourself, but no one over tonight while we're gone. You know I don't approve of you having guests when you're home alone."
"No Ma'am, no guests."
She smiles and walks us to the door, waving as we drive away.
Chapter two
Amelie
I watch as they drive away then pull out my phone and look at the pictures I took. They're both such beautiful people. I
Newt Gingrich, Pete Earley
Cara Shores, Thomas O'Malley