Shonee's POV
The next day
I shuffled through numerous clothing racks as Taylor Swift's 'You Need to Calm Down' wafted out of the boutique speakers.
"Oh, what about this one?" Jordin held out a form-fitting red dress with some stylish flare sleeves and a huge belt buckle in the middle. "Tres chic, huh?"
My lips immediately scrunched up in disapproval. "Jordin, in case you forgot, I'm attending an engagement party, not a fashion show."
"What are you talking about?" She frowned. "This outfit is great for the engagement party. It will help you make a statement—a really bold statement."
"Yeah, and that's why I don't want it." I snatched the dress from her and put it back on the rack. "This is Avril and Vincent's night. I don't want to wear anything that would draw attention to me."
"Whoa, what's with the bitchy attitude?" Jordin put her hands up in surrender. "I was only helping. Isn't that why you asked me to come with you?"
Realizing I was being a bit harsh, I took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension that had been building up since yesterday's chaotic events. "You're right; I'm sorry, Jordin. I just... I don't want to complicate things more than they already are."
Jordin's eyes softened, understanding dawning in them. "Does this have anything to do with the conversation you and Vincent had yesterday?"
"Yeah," I nodded while finding a bench to sit on at the shoe section. "After giving it enough thought...I think it would be best if Vincent and I both went our separate ways."
"Really?" Jordin settled down beside me.
"Yep." My shoulders sagged. "Yesterday was a real eye-opener. The whole nanny-boss secret affair was a huge mistake, and it's all my fault. I shouldn't have kissed him in the first place, and I shouldn't have told him how I felt about him. We were both caught up in the heat of the moment, and now it's causing more problems than I can handle."
My best friend placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Oh, Shonee, look, you can't blame yourself entirely. Emotions are complicated, and sometimes things just happen. Besides, Vincent is not entirely innocent in all of this. He kissed you back, remember? On two different occasions."
I sighed, appreciating Jordin's support. "Yeah, I remember. But I think it's best if I don't dwell on it. Because if I do, it's only going to make me think that he feels something for me, and then it's going to be hard for me to give it all up. I need to prioritize Mirasol and maintain a stable environment for her. After all, she's the reason why I'm in that house."
"Right." Jordin nodded in agreement. "Breaking things off with Vincent is probably the best decision for now. But have you thought about talking to him about it? Maybe finding a way to handle things amicably, especially considering you both live in the same house together."
"I haven't figured out how to approach him yet," I admitted. "But I do want to have that conversation. It's just a matter of timing and making sure we can both move on from this...mess I got us into."
"Oh, Shonee, come here." Jordin clobbered me in a hug. "Don't you worry, ok? Everything is going to be fine. You'll see."
"I hope so," I mumbled as I rubbed her back in return.
"C'mon." She pulled away and grabbed my arm. "It's time to splurge and get your mind off everything. Plus, I'm not letting you leave until we find the right party outfit for you."
"Fine." Reluctantly, I followed after her. The two of us getting lost in the mesmerizing world of fashion.
*****
A few hours later
"Thanks, Dean." I stepped out of the car with all my bags.
After a well-deserved shopping spree to get my mind off everything, I arrived home, feeling less tense. Like a load had been lifted off my shoulders. I guess what I needed was time for myself.
"Shoneee!" Mirasol dashed into my arms the moment I made it into the living room. "You're back!"
"Yeah and look what I got you at the mall." Digging one hand into one of my bags, I pulled out a snow globe with a rainbow hovering over a small town.
"Oooo." She took the globe, shaking it with all the might her little arms could produce. "I love it!"
"Of course you do," I chuckled and got on my feet. "Thanks for keeping an eye on Mirasol, Gerta. I hope she didn't cause you much trouble."
"Oh, not at all." The elderly woman beamed as she drew closer. "She was actually a great help in the kitchen. All those new cooking classes are paying off."
"Yeah," Mirasol cheerily joined. "Gerta and I made fried rice for dinner. Wanna try it?"
"Are you kidding? I'd love to!" I replied enthusiastically, and Mirasol whisked me over to the kitchen.
Since the soon-to-be-wed couple sent in messages that they'd be staying late at work, me, Gerta, and Mirasol enjoyed our dinner at the kitchen island. It was filled with laughs, jokes, and a few Frozen songs, but I loved every second of it. Mirasol was a complete joy to be around. Over the past few weeks, her attitude and everything about her had changed. Now she smiled more often and was so bright and lively. Honestly, if there was anything preventing me from quitting this job, it was this cute, little five-year-old girl right here.
By the time we finished dinner, it was about thirty minutes to 8 pm. I helped Mirasol have her bath, then sat next to her in bed as she watched My Little Pony on Nickelodeon.
I had no idea when I drifted off, but by the time my eyes fluttered open, it was 10:23 pm on Mirasol's Dora the Explorer alarm clock. The TV was still on, and Mirasol had tucked herself under my arm, sleeping soundly.
Careful not to wake her up, I slowly picked myself up from the bed and pulled the comforter over her small frame. After laying a dainty kiss on her forehead, I turned the TV off and silently creeped out of her room.
"You're still up?"
"Jesus!" My heart nearly jumped out of my chest.
When I turned around, Vincent stood a few feet away, necktie in hand and the first three buttons of his shirt open.
"Sorry," he quickly apologized. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Heaving out a breath, I let go of the door handle. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you." His eyes, though tired, remained fixed on me. "We need to talk."
I scowled. "About what?"
"About yesterday."
It was a simple response, but it carried a bucket load of tension—tension that coiled up my spine. My immediate reaction was to say no, but then I remembered the extensive talk I had with Jordin at the boutique today. If I was going to end things with him, this was the best time to let him know.
So slowly, I nodded.
"Come with me," he instructed, leading the way out of the corridor. I trailed behind, moving at a sluggish pace.