Chapter one - Miss Merigold

My heels clicked away on the marble tiles. The floor manager who approached me with a hesitant look first glanced at my new designer heels before his eyes met mine. Brown eyes sparkling with joy since he knew I was here to make a big purchase again.

"Miss Merigold, how can I help you today?" He asked.

I kept moving, not paying him much attention as I made it to the dress shirts for men. He preferred a dress shirt which was a slim fit. He wanted a navy shirt which would match the tie he sent me a picture of this morning. I glanced at the floor manager who eyed me with an overly eager smile spread across his face.

"I need this one." I held the shirt to him which caught my eye, "I also need a silver tie clip which is subtle. Plain and simple. Cufflinks to match."

"Of course, Miss Merigold."

I smiled at him, "I'll be at the women's department." I let him know, "Put everything on Blackwood's account. As usual."

Flicking my blonde hair back, I turned on my heels and made my way to the escalator.

"How is Mr. Blackwood doing these days?" The floor manager asked.

I glanced over my shoulder, "You should be well informed about his wellbeing considering someone is addicted to page six of the papers." I called, smirking at the man who laughed, shaking his head at me.

Mr. Blackwood also needed an evening dress for his date tonight. A long formal dress which would go well with his grey tailored suit and navy shirt. Something which would catch everyone's attention but wouldn't make his date look trashy. I went through the options, ignoring the tags like he always asked of me. The staff knew me well since I shopped at this mall weekly. I was Mr. Blackwood's personal shopper for two years now. This mall I chose in the city had everything to the man's liking. When I couldn't find what I searched for at this mall at fifth I went through his favorite brand stores. I always tried this mall first since I was familiar with the staff. They were helpful, looking forward to suggesting their newest items to up the sales. I didn't care. Mr. Blackwood wanted only the best. Money wasn't a problem. I haven't disappointed him yet and I wasn't planning to either. I liked to think that I knew his personal style rather well now.

"Can I help you, Miss Merigold?"

The shop-assistant who approached me was a young woman. She looked about the same age as me, twenty-four or maybe a little older. Not yet in her thirties, it appeared. Her mocha skin glowed, any woman would envy her natural glow. Her dark hair was shining brightly in the lighting of the store. It was sleek and long. Her brown eyes kindly staring back at me.

"I would like some accessories to match this dress." I pulled out a long navy formal dress. It was an off the shoulder dress which was figure hugging. The skirt of the dress flowy which would make it easy for Mr. Blackwood's date to move in. The straps of the dress were covered in small diamonds, "No necklace. I think a pair of diamond earrings and a diamond bracelet. Strappy silver sandals in a size eight."

"I'll show the options." The shop-assistant carried the dress and showed me the accessories I asked for. When I made my decision I let them bag everything up and met up with the floor manager of the men's department right at the entrance of the mall.

"Will I be seeing you next week, Miss Merigold?" He asked, handing me the bag containing the items I needed for Mr. Blackwood.

"I suppose we will be seeing each other next week, Bradford." I giggled, leaving the mall, carrying all the items I selected for my employer.

"My name is actually Bradley!" He called after me.

I giggled louder, shaking my head at the man. Of course, I knew his name was Bradley, I just thought it was funny to mess with him. The driver of the car Mr. Blackwood appointed to me today helped me put the items in the trunk. He held the door open for me to the backseat. Once I was settled in he sat down in the driver's seat and met my gaze in the rear-view mirror.

"To the penthouse, Miss Merigold?"

"Yes, sir."

He chuckled, "Call me Joel." I could hear the smile in his smooth sounding voice.

I smiled, "If you call me Nina, I'll call you Joel."

He laughed, his shoulders shaking which told me it was a genuine laugh. He looked comfortable behind the steering wheel. His positive attitude making me smile too.

"Alright then, Nina."

We reached the penthouse within twenty minutes, traffic wasn't horrendous right now. Joel handed me the shopping bags and dress sleeve, eying me suspiciously.

"Are you going to be okay?" He asked, "Should I walk with you?"

"You know this is nothing compared to the bags I've carried before."

He agreed with me by simply nodding, "I'll be right here when you're done. Mr. Blackwood insisted I give you a ride home."

"Okay then." I smiled at him, "I won't be long."

I took the elevator to the penthouse. Putting the key Mr. Blackwood provided me with into the panel. When I reached the penthouse I needed to unlock the double doors with another key and entered the code which I memorized perfectly. The doors opened revealing to me the sleek modern looking living area of the penthouse. The white marble tiles were treacherous but I was used to it now. My heels clicked away at the tiles as I made my way to the stairs, reaching the second floor I made my way down the hall. The master bedroom was as big as my entire apartment. Some people lived the kind of life to envy. The tall windows let in so much light the room was bathed in beautiful golden light. I left the dress sleeve along with the accessories and shoes on the grey ottoman before grey upholstered fabric king sized bed. The bed looked so comfy. The white sheets would be cool to the couch. I'd love to jump on it but there would be none of that. I needed to be efficient, putting the items away the way Mr. Blackwood liked it. I put the shirt, tie clip and cufflinks on the chest of drawers in the center of the room. Grabbing my phone I emailed Mr. Blackwood to let him know I purchased the items he needed.

Mr. Blackwood,

The items are awaiting you at the penthouse.

Thank you for your request.

I'm looking forward to working with you again in the near future.

Kind Regards,

Miss Merigold.

I was about to put away my phone when a soft ring let me know I received an email. Maybe a response from Mr. Blackwood.

Sweetheart,

Let's have dinner tonight at seven at our usual place.

I want to share some good news with you.

Your brother will be present too.

Love,

Dad.

If Nick was going to show up for this dinner I had to be present too. I didn't mind though since the hotel we usually had family dinner at served amazing food. A little bit on the expensive side but CEO Merigold could afford it. Personal shopper Merigold could not, but daddy was paying so I might as well enjoy a free meal.

Hi dad,

I'll be there.

Love,

Nina

I eyed the small selection of female clothing hanging at the left side of the closet. All items I purchased for the latest woman Mr. Blackwood was dating. She was an average height woman with a curvy figure. She liked to show off her body, knowing she had tits and hips. The woman preferred musky scented perfumes, the scent still lingering in the closet from her spritzing it on early in the morning. She preferred doing yoga, I purchased a selection of work-out clothes which she would feel comfortable in while stretching. She had an expensive taste when it came to wines. The latest bottle of wine I purchased was around two-thousand dollars. Mr. Blackwood didn't care. Before dating Mr. Blackwood the woman probably bought wine from the supermarket. Now she was living the high life, enjoying every second of it. She wouldn't last though. Mr. Blackwood went through women the same way women went through a box of chocolates. Next month I'd be asked to donate the clothes I purchased and then we'd start all over again. Mr. Blackwood relationships meant I was never out of a job though. So I didn't judge. I headed downstairs and greeted the housekeeper with a bright smile.

"Hello Mrs. Quake, good afternoon."

"Oh, Nina!" The woman seemed delighted to see me, "Leaving already?" The older woman asked, "Won't you stay for some tea? That white jasmine tea you bought the other day is lovely."

"That one is just for you." I told her, "Don't be sharing it with the hairdresser."

Mrs. Quake snorted, "Please, Miss Fancy Pants only drinks detox tea which smells like old socks."

I laughed, "Miss Fancy Pants?" I asked, "She lived in a rundown apartment only four weeks ago. I've seen it since Mr. Blackwood asked me to deliver a dress to her."

Mrs. Quake made a face, "Well, at least we can't judge him for having a type. He dates just about everyone with a pretty face."

I pointed at her, "Yes, because that means pictures are going to spread like wildfire. There is no such thing as bad publicity, right?" I laughed, "Anyway, I have plans today. I can't stay for tea. We'll meet up soon though. I bet you have some great stories to tell me."

She nodded "Oh, hon, you have no idea."

I grinned at her, "Maybe next week?"

"We both know we'll run into each other next week."

With a smile, I left the penthouse and met up with Joel. He gave me a ride home just like he promised he would. Once I was home I took a shower and got ready for family dinner. Mom who was a hotshot lawyer preferred seeing me in designer dresses. She'd give me an earful if I showed up in jeans and a sweater. No doubt the staff at the hotel would also frown at me. I chose a royal blue cocktail dress and laid it out on my bed along with the accessories I'd be wearing with it. Going through my collection of shoes I chose a pair of nude colored heels. I left everything at my bed and shrugged on my fluffy white robe. Making myself some tea I got comfortable on my couch and turned on the TV. I could catch the latest episode of my favorite series of the moment and then I'd get ready for family dinner. Curious about what news dad wanted to share with me.