Maid in Ink [PUBLISHED]

Chapter Four

Early Saturday morning I go with my aunt Jade and James to the farmer's market. Penelope is cruising in her white and yellow stroller while we pass each vendor. Canopies covering people selling handmade jewelry, home-grown fruits and vegetables, hand-painted canvases, and freshly made food cover the main street.

I'd only been a couple times, all when I was younger. My parents used to buy fruit from an older man before he died. His children didn't continue the business so my parents stopped coming. It seems so much bigger than I remember. The street is packed with shoppers wearing floppy hats and shorts to cover from and embrace the summer sun.

I separate from my aunt and James and find a jewelry vendor selling beautiful hand-crafted silver pieces. While browsing I spot a necklace that looks similar to a necklace my mom owned and lost. She wore it all the time when I was in middle school. The summer before my freshman year of high school she lost it at work and never found it. It's not the exact necklace, but it definitely resembles my moms.

A woman with nearly white hair comes up to me. "Find something you like?"

"How much is that one right there? The one with the soft heart shape?" I ask her.

"Thirty-five."

Not bad considering it's handmade. "I'll take it," I tell her.

After buying the necklace I instantly put it on. I rejoin the others and we finish walking up main street until Penelope gets restless in the stroller.

Before we leave, I spot a vendor selling toys. One box catches my eye, a musical instrument set. It comes with a small guitar, drums, and a xylophone. It's priced down, and I didn't get Olivia anything for her birthday, so I take a chance and buy it. Hopefully she'll like it.

After we get back to the house from lunch, Casey texts me and tells me to meet her at her house at six o'clock again. She said to wear something dressy, so I brought one of my nicer dresses. It's a short, mauve-colored dress that's low-cut. The satin material makes it super comfortable, plus it has pockets which is one of the main reasons I bought it.

I play with Penelope after getting home from lunch until my joints give up on me. She ends up falling asleep in her room and I look after her while my aunt Jade and James sneak out to do some grocery shopping.

When it gets closer to four-thirty I take a shower to wash off the days grime. I let my hair air dry as I start my makeup. I don't want to go too heavy with my makeup. I do my usual makeup routine, only adding eyeliner and a dark mauve lip shade. When I finish with setting spray, I blow dry my hair into a decent blow out style.

I step into my dress and nude heels. The necklace I bought today goes really well with the dress and that's the only piece of jewelry I have on me.

My aunt Jade grins widely when she sees me. "Always stunning like your mom. I never told her that in person, but I wish I had."

I hug her and I say my goodbyes once again. I text Casey to tell her I'm on my way before driving to her apartment.

I'm at her doorstep soon enough and I knock before smoothing out my dress. The door opens revealing Levi.

"Lacey," he smiles, opening the door wider for me. "She's still getting ready."

I step inside and I hear commotion coming from down the small hallway. "I'm not surprised," I laugh.

Levi is dressed in a light blue button down that is almost white. He's paired it with navy dress pants, and some tan shoes. His blonde hair is slightly slicked back and I smell a faint hint of cologne.

"Any hints to where we're going?" I ask him, hoping he'll slip me some sliver of information.

"My lips are sealed," he laughs. "I've been given strict orders not to spoil where we're going."