The Assistant

CHAPTER 10: The Locket.....

《JAMES》

         Christmas was in several days and ever since Belle and I started this whole making Monica jealous thing, I couldn't help but think, what was really so bad between her and her sister that would make them hate one another? There has to be a reason, right?

          I mean, it's a given that Monica is a bitch, however, I am curious as to what happened between them. Though Josh had told me that it had to do with Rob.

         In which I haven't gotten a good vibe from Rob really since I met him. There was something about him that wasn't right.

          Doesn't matter. I tell myself as I finish getting ready to go out into town with Belle and her family as Belle wanted to get some gifts as well as I did too. For Belle.

           Belle and I rode in the rental car I got the other day, while her parents and Josh went in their car and Monica and James took their own car.

          After parking and getting out, we all decided to go off and do our own thing and to just meet up for lunch in a few hours.

          So I took a hold of Belle's hand and we began walking purposely in the opposite direction of where her sister and Rob were walking.

          As much as I enjoyed making her sister jealous and being with her family, it was really nice to be spending some alone time with Belle.

         It was a beautiful small town and the people here were genuinely nice and welcoming.

          We went into a few stores and I was lucky enough to find a jewelry shop next door to a girl's clothing store, to which I felt was the perfect opportunity to get Belle a gift that she has long deserved and that I know she will like.

           I told her I was going to grab us both some coffees and I would be right back.

          Which was the truth in a way. Since I really planned to grab us some coffee right after the jewelry place.

          When I walked inside, I was greeted by an older man who reminded me of an older John Goodman.

          "Why hello there Sir." The man said.

           "Hi." I replied with a smile.

           "What can I do ya for?" The man asks.

           "Do you by any chance sell lockets?" I asked him.

           "Of course. We have a good size selection right over here." The man replies while starting to walk over towards the counter that's a few feet to my right. Then gestures with his hand the couple of rows with lockets on them.

             I was very lucky. For I didn't have to look too hard to have a specific white gold Locket that had a silhouette cameo woman on the front of it.

            "I'd like to buy that one please." I pointed at the one I wanted as I told him.

            "Great choice Sir. Would you like me to wrap it for you?" He asks me as he removes the necklace from the case.

            "Yes please. Thanks." I reply as I begin taking out my wallet and paying for it.

           It didn't take him too long to wrap it, thank goodness. So after I left there, I quickly took a peek over into the store and noticed that Belle was still looking around.

          So I quickly turn around and head over towards the cafe that's just a few shops down.

         By the time I came back, I saw Belle come walking right out of the store with two big shopping bags and she turns and as soon as she see's me, she smiles.

         "Hey. Sorry it took me a while. There was a line." I said.

         "That's okay. Perfect timing actually." She smiles and gives me a kiss and tells me thank you after handing her her coffee.

           We then begin walking around a little more before we had to meet up with everyone for lunch.

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           Later on tonight, her dad was grilling. So Belle, her mom and sister were all in the kitchen, helping prepare a few side dishes while her dad, Rob and I were outside, grilling, talking and drinking some beers. Josh went to meet up with a few friends at one of the local bars.

            Me and her dad seemed to be talking and getting along with each other so much, that we both didn't realize that we weren't including Rob into our conversation. Which I was starting to get the feeling that Belle's dad didn't like Rob neither.

            "So, James?! Monica tells me that you help businesses?!" Rob says.

          "Yeah. When they're in trouble and need the help, I'm there to help promote and advertise them." I tell him.

          "That's pretty interesting." He says before taking a drink from his beer.

          There is a brief moment of awkward silence between all of us until finally, Belle, her mom and Monica came walking out, carrying a few side dishes.

          Which happened to be perfect timing, seeing as to how Ed just finished grilling.

          We then all sat down and ate while barely talking.

           Then right after dinner, as I was helping clear the table, I went inside the house and towards the kitchen to go and help Belle with the dishes.

           I walked up beside her and she smiled.

          "Thank you. You can just set those down over there and I will get to them in a minute" she says.

           "Why don't your parents have a dishwasher?" I asked while setting down the plates and glasses.

            "Cause they don't really like them that much." She chuckles.

           "Well at least let me dry them." I smiled at her while giving her a kiss on the cheek.

           "Okay. Thanks." She replies with a smile.

          "You're welcome." I replied.

          After washing dishes, we headed upstairs after spending a little time with everyone by the fireplace as a nice fire was going. It was so nice and welcoming as well as relaxing.

           Though it didn't take too long after we sat down and also played a game, that Belle was getting tired. So we both decided to say goodnight and go to bed.

Next chapter will be posted soon! :) Belle's POV and when she talks to Rob. :0