Babysitting

ChapterSeventeen

I looked down at the invitation in my hands for the third time before looking up at Nathaniel's face.
"Are you sure about this?" I asked.
"Positive, Lucy," he sat down next to me on my bed. "I want you at this work function. It says to bring a partner with me anyway."
"Don't you normally take Kerrie with to these things? Won't she see us and get mad or something?" I blurted out.
I saw him frown but it had to be said. The business he built up for himself could all crumble down because of her seeing us together.
"I do normally take her but we're together now, I think, and that means I have to take you. And you'd be a lot more entertaining at these things. And yes, if she sees us together, it could mean I lose a lot more investors from her dad's company but that just allows new investors that don't know him to come in," he told me.
"What exactly is this for?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Just for employees to meet the shareholders and clients to mingle and such," he shrugged.
"Did you come up with the idea?" I asked.
"Of course not," he huffed out. "Kerrie's dad, because he is just such a people pleaser."
His voice was sarcastic as he flopped backwards onto my bed and it shook.
"I'll go with you," I said slowly. "I don't really have anything formal to wear though."
"Go shopping with Alex," he waved his hand. "She's excellent at shopping and last time I went with, she maxed out her credit card."
I laughed slightly and stretched out next to him. His hand came around my waist and we were face to face.
"It's this Friday so we better go shopping today," I pouted. "Any specific color?"
"I'll just be wearing a black suit and a white shirt," he cupped my cheek. "I'll match my tie with your dress."
He kissed me then sat up.
"I have to get to a meeting with a few shareholders now," he turned to face me. "Send me a picture if you find something?"
"Of course I will," I grabbed his hand. "You need to match your tie, duh."
He gave me a dumb look before standing up, still holding my hand.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" I asked.
"We'll see," he smiled, showcasing his straight, white teeth.
I rolled my eyes at him and let go of his hand then moved further up my bed, laying my head on my pillow.
"Send the girls up," I told him as he walked to the door.
"I'll be waiting for your picture," he nodded then walked out.
I heard the faint sound of the elevator doors closing and I sighed. I stretched out my arms and got up as I heard the elevator opening again. The sound of the girls talking filled the passage.
"Natie said you needed us," Kira stopped in front of me.
"He invited me to a work function," I looked up to Sasha and Alex. "It's on Friday so I should find an outfit today."
"Yes! Shopping," Alex squealed. "Oh my god, finally."
"What do you mean 'finally?' We went shopping the other day," Sasha spoke up.
"Well today is a new day and shopping is nice," Alex snapped back.
"Don't fight or I won't take you with," I threatened. "Is everyone ready to go?"
"We all look fine but really Ciana? Sweatpants?" Alex asked and Kira nodded.
"Sweatpants are comfortable," I shrugged.
"You should change," Sasha said.
"I'm going to be changing at the mall anyway," I groaned.
Kira pointed to the cupboard and I reluctantly trudged there, swiftly taking off the sweatpants and pulling on black jeans. I looked down at my black sweater then to the girls.
"You rock the all black look so let's go," Alex said.
I pulled black sneakers onto my feet then followed them out. Once we got to the car, Alex immediately claimed the front seat as I strapped Kira in.
The ride to the mall was mostly silent and soon we were walking into a dress store.
"Macy's is one of the best dress boutiques," Alex said, directing us to the formal dresses. "I buy most of mine here. She's expensive but it's good quality and original items."
I raised an eyebrow at her before searching through the racks. I pulled out two dresses that caught my eye. They were both halter necks but one was black and the other a deep blue.
"This is what I like," Kira walked up to me, yellow fabric draped across her shoulder.
I took it from her and held it up.
"A yellow sundress with spaghetti straps," I mused. "I think it needs to be more formal, Kira."
I laughed slightly at her, walking back to the rack where she got it from and placing it back.
Kira followed me as I looked around and I saw her looking at a pink ball gown in the children's section.
"Give that here," I asked her.
She frowned and gave one to me and I placed it on my pile of dresses that I had.
"Okay, we have more dresses," Alex announced as her and Sasha walked up to us, different colored dresses in their hands. "Let's go to the changing room."
As we got to the changing rooms, Sasha and Alex hung all the dresses up on a mobile rack. There were six. My black one and blue one, and then Sasha and Alex's pick, red, pink, white and a colorful one.
I grabbed the pink one and walked into the changing room, putting it on before going back out for the girls to see.