She Keeps Me Warm

3

If it weren't for her restless curiosity, Laura wouldn't be going on this stupid date. She would much rather spend her time catching up on Grey's Anatomy, but, no, she had to prepare for her date with her boss; granted she had spent 3 of the 5 extra hours she'd been given watching the series. You can never have too much Grey's, alright? If this wasn't a date to figure out just what they were going to do about this whole marriage debacle- and to uncover the mystery of Ms. Karnstein's first name- Laura knew she'd be in her pj's with a bowl of popcorn and M&Ms screaming at her TV right about now. Instead she was in a red dress in her bathroom putting the finishing touches on her makeup. She always found it funny that her makeup was harder to apply in heels. (It's technically a real date. Go big or go home).

Her doorbell rang just as she was checking herself out in the mirror. She made her way down the stairs and opened the door to find Ms. Karnstein. She was sporting the same up-do as always, and a white button down with a silver tie and glittered leather pants. Instead of heels, she opted for a more comfortable black (leather) shoe.

"Woah." Laura gasped.

"You look beautiful, Laura." Ms. Karnstein pulled a blazer over her shoulders, never taking her eyes off Laura. She adjusted the black fabric once before resting a hand against it. "Are you ready to go?"

"Yeah, sure." Laura grabbed her purse and keys as she locked her door and exited. "How'd you know where I live?"

"I'm your boss, remember?" Ms. Karnstein shrugged. "Also, Betty brought me a sticky note. That was handy."

Note to self: Murder Betty.

"Shall we?"

The ride was quiet and calming. Ms. Karnstein was such a gentlewoman. She'd held Laura's door open for her and allowed Laura the honor of music selection; but, once she realized that Laura's Top 20 Women Powerhouses playlist wasn't date appropriate, she quickly rectified the situation. So, they drove to their destination to the sounds of smooth piano and violin; a destination that turned out to be one of the exclusive restaurants downtown. You have to be pretty connected- or rich- to get in there. Good thing Ms. Karnstein was both.

She opened Laura's door and reached for her hand before helping her out of the car, handing the keys to the valet- who looked all too happy to take the black, glossy vehicle for a spin.

"Why didn't you just have someone drive us? You're rich enough to." Laura inquired. She would think that's how this worked.

"It's a date, not a gala. This is far more intimate and personal." Ms. Karnstein smirked, nodding towards the brightly lit building. "Let's go, Cupcake."

Laura scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"What?"

"More nicknames. Do you have a collection?" She answered, still planted in the same spot like a stubborn child. "Do I get to know your name since I'm being gifted with so many nicknames that you refuse to use my own?"

"Not yet, cutie. Don't jump the gun so soon. Besides, nicknames can be endless, first names are limited; and, I just so happen to think that these suit you." Ms. Karnstein used her finger to move a loose strand of blonde hair from Laura's face. "Now, unless you want your photo on the cover of tomorrow's paper, you'd better start walking, Cupcake."

Ugh. Something else she was going to need adjusting to. Paparazzi.

"Maybe they'll get my good side." Laura sighed.

"You have a bad side? Not so vanilla after all. I'm impressed. And intrigued." Ms. Karnstein grinned devilishly, relishing in Laura's reaction. Annoyance and slight anger. "I'm just teasing you, Hollis."