Ria

Episode 28

THEME: HE IS NICE!

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♠ RIA APARTMENT ♠

RIA POV ?♀
“Will you come in and have tea..or coffee or soda?” I asked when Ian pulled up in front of my home. I think inviting him in for a drink is fair enough to make it up to him.

Our visit to the store went well..I was able to pick out good materials to make the Sample for Amber Foundation Dress. Ian was there with me and he was even the one that picked the ivory colored silk at the store. We went to the workplace after buying the necessary materials. Ramsey introduced the designers to us and we were able to discuss on how the place should be.
On our way back home I told Ian my plans of using whatever I make from the Amber Deal to pay the designers. But Ian insisted that i save it up and use it to purchase the equipments I will be needing. He just wants to pay to the setting Up!
So we agreed that he would pay for the setting up cause I don’t have any money to set up such place.

And I simply don’t know how to thank Ian for everything he’s done!
Ian checked his wristwatch

“We can do that some other time” he replied
Did he just say No?! I never expected him to reject my offer for a drink!
He went on studying me with those eyes that were so intense.

“I need to see someone before calling it a day”
See someone again?

And who is he seeing this time?
I shouldn’t be bothered about it! We are just business Partners – whoever he’s seeing is none of my business!

“All right” I said to him
“Just give me a call if you need anything”
I nodded even if I won’t be calling him for anything .

Ian started the car and drove away.
I met Cassidy when I stepped into the house.
“Hello Miss Ria” she said with a bright smile
“How’re you Cassidy?”
“I’m fine”

“Oh Cassidy..I’m really sorry for not calling -”
“I understand. Mrs Elise told me that you’ve been busy”

“Yeah”
“What do you have in there?”
Mrs Elise pointed to the bag I was holding
“It’s the materials for the Sample”

She collected it and set it down on the couch
“Mrs Elise told me about your contract with Mrs Perla”

“Yes Cassidy…I planned to call you to ask if you would be chanced to help Me”

“Oh yes! I’d love to Miss Ria”
“But what about school?”
“We’re on break now”
“Really?”

“Yeah 2weeks break”
So that means Cassidy will join me and Mrs Elise to make those Dresses!

“And..Miss Ria remember that my Aunt I told you about? The one in Denver”
“Uhmmm..your Aunt that taught you how to sew”

“Yes..yes..she’s moving in with us tomorrow. I can talk to her to help you with Work”
“Is she a seamstress?”
Mrs Elise
“Yes”

“That’s a good idea Miss Ria! We don’t need to place an advert on the site anymore. Cassidy can talk to her Aunt to work with us!” She clapped excitedly

“Yes”
“Well..you’re right, But will your Aunt agree to work with us?..you know she’s An experienced seamstress. She might just decide to work on her own here”

“No my mom didn’t mention it that She’s going to start her sewing business here in Chicago. And Miss Ria..your designs are amazing! I’m sure my Aunt will be glad to work with you!”

“Okay..then talk to her about it”
“Should I bring her over if she agrees?”
“Sure Cassidy”

“Okay”
“This color of silk is pretty..” Mrs Elise said
“Ian picked that Color”
“Really?!” They gasped
“The lace and color of silk fits in perfectly”
Cassidy said

“And I’m sure the kids will like when it’s done!” She added

“No..not just the kids but Mrs Perla, Madam Charity and everyone at the Event!” Mrs Elise answered

“And when Miss Ria’s place is ready..people will patronize us…rich and classy people” she clapped

“Celebrities too” Mrs Elise added and we all laughed

“So what was the outcome of the meeting with the designers?”

“They said the place will be ready in a month time if they get paid soon”

“About the payment.. We can’t pay them yet because we’re still yet to discuss price with Mrs Perla..and I wish I had the money so i can pay them and they can start work soon”
She said soberly

“Ian promised to pay them”
“Really?!” Her eyes widened
“Yes”

“Oh! That so kind of him!”
Her face brightened
“We both agreed that he would pay for setting up while i take care of the equipments”
“That’s how he is..I mean Mr Ian..” Cassidy said

“He is really kind..and nice” she completed
“Cassidy..how are you related to Ian? Cause I found out that Mr Griffin is not your dad”
She and Mrs Elise exchanged glances
“I’m sorry Miss Ria”

“It okay Cassidy..you don’t have to feel bad about it” she nodded

“I’m not related to Mr Ian or Mr Griffin. Mr Ian used to be friends with my late brother. After my elder brother died Mr Ian took on our responsibility. He’s the one paying for our college fees,he gives us monthly allowances and also paying bills too”

“He’s doing all that for your family?” Mrs Elise asked

“Yes. He said that his making it up to my brother for being a good friend to him”
Making things up to people must be part of Ian. I thought he was only doing it with me.. But I was wrong!

being nice and kind must be part of him too!
“Miss Ria don’t be surprise if Mr Ian insists on doing everything for you..that the way he is. And i want you to know that He is not pretending to you! He really wants to help”

She is right! I realized that a long time ago. Ian isn’t a pretender!

Everything Cassidy said about Ian proves a lot about him which I’ve seen but refuse to acknowledge it.

I still doubted him,

But not anymore!

I accept that Ian is the nicest Man on earth!
Surprise that’s coming from me? Yea I am too!
But maybe there are still good men in the world.
Men like Ian and not the type of men I knew.

The category of men in met were monstrous in Nature. I saw men as Beasts!

But maybe things would have been different if I didn’t go through what i went through Six years ago.

♦•••♦•••♦•••♦•••♦
FOUR DAYS LATER
RIA APARTMENT

RIA POV ?♀
“Good Morning Miss Ria!”
Cassidy greeted cheerfully and we exchanged pleasantries before she introduced the woman she brought along.

“Miss Ria meet my Aunt”
“Loretta” the woman said
“Ria Robert”
I shook hands with her.

She should be about the same age with Mrs Elise..or probably in her 40’s.

“Nice to meet you Miss Ria”
“Please take your seat” i led her to the couch
“Where is Mrs Elise?” Cassidy asked
“She went to pick an old lady’s dress down the street. She should be back soon”
“Okay….so what are you doing?”
“Still on Amber’s work”
“What do i need to do?”
“Just relax a bit. Mrs Elise already shared our works.. You will start work when she comes” Cassidy rolled her eyes
“Just show it to me..”

“We have a visitor Cassidy”
“Oh! Sorry Aunt Loretta”
“Please get juice for her”
“Okay” she walked into the kitchen
“She can be very naughty” Loretta said
“And sweet at the same time”
She nodded in agreement
“Cassidy told me about you… and the Amber’s work”
I nodded

“You can just tell me more..and what I need to do”

I explained in details.

Yes..I made a sample of the dress. I finished it the day before and sent it to Mrs Perla. She liked it! And she called to tell me that she want the dress for the kids!

I went to her store and We agreed on a price which is for her to pay $200 for a dress. But Mrs Perla said the dress was worth than that..so she paid $300 for a dress. The pay was good! Enough to buy more machines and do some other things like paying Mrs Elise and Cassidy and now Mrs Loretta. Mrs Perla even gave me the option of buying materials from their textile branch at a lower price. She gave me the number of her daughter in charge of the branch but I was directed to the manager by her Secretary.
It pays well buying from the Textile branch than the Store!

“They will deliver the rest of the materials soon so we’ll start work fully”

“Have you taken the kids measurement?”
“Yes..we went there yesterday..didn’t Cassidy’s tell you We went there yesterday”
“We didn’t talk much.. I’ve been busy with my sister”

“Okay”
“Can I see the design?”

Cassidy gave her a glass of lemon juice

“Yes”
I went to the large table and took the sample I made.

“It nice” she complimented after checking the dress out

“I told you Aunt!” Cassidy exclaimed
“I said she’s good” she added
Loretta nodded

The door opened and Mrs Elise stepped in.
“Hi Mrs Elise” Cassidy greeted her
“Hello Cas -” her voice trailed when her gaze fell on Loretta who also arched her brows
“Loretta…Hill?” She said

That sounded like she knows Mrs Loretta
“Elise” She stood up from the couch
“Do you know each other?” Cassidy asked

And we exchanged confused looks
“Perhaps are you Loretta Hill?”
“Yes..”

“Oh my God!” She placed her palm on her mouth

“Elise!” They both hugged
Oh yeah they know each other.. but how?
Oh my God! I know the connection!

Mrs Elise used to live in Denver with her Foster mom before she moved to study in the College in Chicago!

“It so good to see you again Elise!”
“What a small world” Cassidy Muttered
“Where have you been all this while Elise?! You just disappeared in Denver without any trace!” Loretta said

“Oh no come on Loretta..I was in Denver three years ago when Mrs Hope died”

“Can someone please explain the connection?” Cassidy whispered
“We used to classmate in high school..” Elise said

“sit partners..until she left Denver to study in Chicago” Loretta added

“Oh! Now I understand!” Cassidy responded
These few words explains it all!

They both sank onto the couch
“And..don’t I get a reward for bring you guys back together?” Cassidy pouted
“Of course!” Elise said

“A token for you when we get back home” Loretta added and we all laughed
“Are you into sewing too?” She asked Mrs Elise
“Yes..she taught me. And I’m working with her”

“That’s good Elise”
Hmm Now I think this two needs some space.
There’s a lot of catching up to do!

And I don’t see us talking business now!

“Uhmmm Cassidy let’s get down to the store quickly”

“Want to buy something?”

“Yes..yes..I’m yet to buy the zips and buttons. And I also wanna withdraw some cash at the machine”

“Okay”
I grabbed my purse from the table

“Mrs Elise I will be right back. Mrs Loretta please feel at home”

“Thanks”
“See you later!” Cassidy said before we walked out of the House

“Hmm you’re actually leaving because them” she said when we stood on the porch
“Yes..they need to chat..and catch up”
“Yeah you are Right Miss Ria”
I nodded before we bounced down the small stairs.

♪♪♪♪

“Cause you make me feel like I’m the only girl in this world..”

Thanks for Reading!

Someone actually sensed a connection between Elise and Loretta! And yes she was right!

Well i just wanted some familiarity..so they will all be able to get along well..so I figured Elise knowing Loretta was the best option. Now she won’t feel like a stranger among them!

And again she and Elise even have the same story.. Sad Marital tale so they will comfort and understand each other pains and both learn to strong!

She would roll with Elise and Cassidy with Ria.
Sound good right?