A Bride for a Merger

Bryan was really frustrated by the time I had finished trying on multiple dresses and decided which one I would d get. In the end, I ended up just buying three different dresses. Bryan kept telling me that I owed him for sticking throughout with me doing this. I told him I was extremely grateful for him being such a great friend. Which in fact I was, I mean how many guys would be willing to do this for a girl who wasn't his girlfriend or anythin? I think he was really a great guy doing this for me. And I was determined to really try to get him and Tori together-- even though they already had a little chemistry, I think they both need a little pushing.

Bryan had stayed with me for hours as I tried on different dresses and getting his options on each and every one of them. Since I fell in love with three specific dresses, I just got all three of them, although I already knew which one I was going to wear to the business event. I had bought two strapless turquoise floor length sequin dresses. They were both almost the same thing but the differences was that one had a long split coming up to my thigh and a open in the back while the other didn't have any openings.

The other dress was a black and gold floor length dress. The top half was black and strapless while the bottom half was gold with sequins. What I loved about all three dresses was that they hugged my figure well. I had however decided I would wear the blue turquoise one without the split since Bryan had told me he liked that one most and that it matches my eyes.

After my long afternoon of shopping, Bryan had also dropped me home being the kind friend he was. I made a mental note to buy a new car soon since I had been in New York for months now and was a bit more familiar with the place. I also didn't like bothering Nathan to drive me around everywhere-- even though it was his job. Back in Chicago, I had my own cars-- two of them. One that Dad had bought me as a gift and the other that I had bought myself after I had just started working. I wanted something bought with my own earned money. It felt great knowing that I had been able to buy something using my own money since I was so used to my daddy's money.

After saying goodbye to Bryan, I made my way inside the house. The minute I entered the house, I knew I wasn't alone there because I could smell food cooking. I made my way to the kitchen with my dress bags still in hand. I knew only one person could be in this house cooking right at that moment.

"Oh hey Marilyn." I greeted her with a smile.

Marilyn was Christopher's housekeeper. She was about in her mid-fifties, and she was the one who took care of his house and keep it clean. She was also the one who did the grocery shopping. She is also the one who cooks for him, and took care of Pluto by feeding him whenever she came here. I had met her when I just came here but I hardly ever see her much as before since I was usually at work and she would stop by the house, do her job then left before I returned from work. "Allison hi, I didn't hear you come in." She looked up at me smiling.

"I didn't startled you did I?" I asked apologetically.

"Oh no, no dear, not at all. You didn't." she smiled.

"I didn't expect too see you here." I smile at her.

"I know. I'm usually done by this and gone already but I had to spend some time with Dean this morning. He has the flu." she told me.

Dean was Marilyn's six year old grandson that lived with her and her daughter. I only met the little guy two times when Marilyn had took him over here with her twice. He seemed to be a good, well behaved kid even though I didn't know much about kids.

"I hope he's feeling better now." I said to her.

"Yeah, he is. I gave him some medicine twice before until his mom came home." she replied.

"Well it's good to know that he is feeling better because it sucks being sick." I told her.

"It does. It is the worst thing ever."

"I'm going to head up to my room now Marilyn." I said to her turning to leave.

"Was there anything you wanted me to do?" Marilyn asked before I left.

"No, I'm all good but thanks." I smiled at her.

"Do you want some dinner or for me to make you something? You must be hungry." Marilyn said concerned.

"Really I'm fine Marilyn. I had a bite before I came home. I'm really just tired right now, I've been shopping." I said to her showing her the bags.

Bryan and I had gotten take outs after we had finished shopping and I had ate mine on my way home, so I really wasn't hungry.

"I'm just going to head upstairs and try to catch some sleep. It was nice seeing you and I hope your grandson feels better soon." I told her.

"Okay, it's nice seeing you too have a good rest then okay." she replied.

"Thanks, and I will." I smiled before heading out and upstairs

****

I was awakened in the evening some minutes after seven and decided to go get something to eat. When I went into the kitchen I saw Christopher. A part of me wanted to turn back the way I had came from just to avoid any encounter with him but before I could even do that, Christopher saw me.

"Hey," he greeted with a smile.

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"Oh hi," I replied, "You're home early."

"Yeah, I usually finished working before six." he replied.

"Oh, I didn't know since you're hardly ever here that early." I said to him.

"I know. I haven't been around much and I'm usually hanging out at Starlight with the guys but I've decided to try spending more time at home." Christopher replied. "Hmm, the guys." I said in a sarcastic manner although Christopher didn't seem to catch on.

"Yeah, you remember Jake? He owns it." he said to me.

"Your buddy Jake owns that club? I had no idea, it's quite impressive. I've been there twice." I responded.

"Yeah I know, I saw you there once... dancing with that guy." Christopher mumbled.

"I had a lot of fun that night, Tori and Bryan was there. It was a great night." I smiled remembering that night when I had gotten drunk. I did however enjoyed myself very much. "I could tell." Christopher nodded.

"Yeah." I cleared my throat before heading to the fridge taking out some ingredients to make dinner.

"What are you doing?" Christopher asked like it wasn't quite obvious.

"I'm going to make dinner." I replied in a 'duh' tone.

"You know Marilyn already did that right?" He asked.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Yeah, that's for you. I always made my own meals." I replied.

"But you don't have to. I mean she's paid to do that. And she always made enough for both of us I just don't understand why you never take any." Christopher said to me.

"Because you pay her to do things like that for you, not me. Besides I'm here most times and capable of making my own dinner." I replied proceeding to the cupboard to take out the pots.

"Well she's made enough, and I just reheated what she cooked earlier, so why don't you join me?" Christopher asked.

"No it's fine, I don't think that is such a good idea." I said to him.

"Please Allison, just this once. You don't have to worry about cooking tonight. Just have dinner with me... Please." Christopher asked looking at me pleadingly.

"Okay fine." I sighed.

"Great, I'll also share you a plate." Christopher smiled jumping up to go share us food.

"So tomorrow, I'm going to give you my card so you can go shopping for a nice dress for the function on Saturday night. That is if you don't have one. Or I could get my secretary to pick up a dress for you if..." Christopher started to say but I cut him off.

"Christopher, I already have a dress. In fact, I have three new dresses which I'm going to decide from." I told him. " Oh and by the way, you wouldn't need to give me your card alright, I got my own money."

"Yeah I know, but it is my job to take care of you and get you anything you need." Christopher said to me.

"You already do enough and put enough cash into my account each month. In addition to that I work, and I get paid well so it is cool okay? I can buy my own stuff." I replied.

"But you are entitled to it Allison".

"Maybe so but I'm fine right now. In case I need help with cash or stuff like that-which I doubt will ever happen- I'll let you know okay." I replied before putting a forkful of food into my mouth.