Month: October 2021

Read Part 1 here.

Read Part 2 here.

“Iris.” Mason’s voice echoed down the hall, catching her before she could disappear out onto the patio. “I haven’t seen you all day. Have you settled in?”

Iris glanced quickly around, relaxing just a little when she did not see Mrs. Lathome nearby. “I’m sorry. I was trying to stay out of the way.”

“Nonsense. Iris, you’re a guest. My guest. Feel free to wander about and entertain yourself whenever I have work, however you want. I’d hate to have you feel like you had to sit in your room until summoned for an appearance or performance.” 

She shook her head, trying to smile. “I was informed otherwise.”

Mason gave her an odd look. “By whom?” He pulled her out onto the patio and to a nearby bench. “What happened? Nobody should know anything about your circumstances.”

“Your mother informed me of her expectations and my place in this household as soon as we reached my new room.”

“No.” Mason shook his head with absolute certainty. “She was the one who wanted you here. She has been telling everyone who will listen that you are coming to town for a visit.There is no way that my mother would then turn around and hide you away in your room.”

Iris couldn’t think of a response. Her brain through the contradiction. In the end, she had figured that she didn’t know the woman well enough to worry so much. With a year long contract and even if she was shipped off to an empty estate she would still get paid and could still go home afterward. So she left her room.

He was still shaking his head as if he could shake away the confusion. “What did she say? I know she wasn’t gushy and unbelievably happy to have you here but she should have at least been pleased that you look even better than your picture.”

After a moment of hesitation, Iris sighed. “I am starting to think that maybe she was simply setting up the story well for everyone else. For me, I am to stay out of the way unless needed and under no circumstances am I to fall in love with you. So, not only am I supposed to do my job and convince everyone else that we are dating and falling in love, I also have to make sure your mother is convinced of the complete opposite. I haven’t quite figured out how to manage that one yet.”

Mason chuckled. “It’s not so much of a lost cause as you make it sound. It just means we don’t get to hang out when we are at home.”

Iris leaned over to lay her head on his shoulder and groaned. “Sounds lonely. Besides, won’t the people who work for you wonder, and talk?”

“I’ll sneak some hangout time in. And you can always make some friends at the events we attend and invite them over.”

They sat there for several minutes in silence, companionably being together. The faint breeze wafted over them, carrying the light floral scents of the nearby rose garden.

With a resigned sigh, Iris sat up. “I can’t imagine what your mother would say if she saw us out here, I should go.”

Mason stood and offered her his hand. “I think you and I need to have a strategy meeting tomorrow morning. Our first event is tomorrow night and we have lots to go over.”

“We do?”

“We do.” He nodded decisively. “I’ll see you in my office at 9. Be prepared to discuss your favorite snack foods and to defend your favorite movie.”

Iris laughed but stifled it with a cough. “Yes, sir.”

“And, in case my mother asks, we will be having a weekly meeting for the sake of appearances that may look like dates of a sort to quell in-house gossip. The staff will be informed it is to find time in my busy work schedule to get reacquainted with you.” Mason turned to leave.

As if his mother knew she was spoken about, Mrs Lathome stepped out onto the patio. She gave Iris a long look before smiling up at her son. 

“Mason darling, I’ve been looking everywhere for you. Have you been out here with Iris all this time?” 

His easy going laugh warmed Iris’ shaky nerves. “I just found her a few minutes ago. However, I’m glad I did. It saved me the time of tracking her down. I have a small business mixer tomorrow night that would be a perfect opportunity to get her introduced as a family friend and we haven’t talked strategy yet. The sooner we can establish her as a friend the quicker we can go about this whole girlfriend deal.”

“Oh, of course.” His mother gushed, smiling up at him. “Why didn’t I think of that? Shall we all meet in the parlor after dinner and talk through our expectations and maybe what dress would be most appropriate.”

Iris jumped in. “I would love to hear your thoughts about which of my dresses would work best for tomorrow night.” She had to fight not to cringe at the self-satisfied smile that Mrs Lathome directed at her before turning to face Mason.

“Will you be joining us?”

Mason rolled his eyes. “Of course I’ll be there. It’s my meeting and she is my date to the event.”

“I am glad you are showing such interest. This will help you stand out amongst your peers.” Mrs Lathome glowed as she patted his arms. “Now come, dear. I promised the cook that you would come help with the menu this time.”

“Why? She already knows what I like.” Mason held out his arm to Iris. “However, now that you mention it, as our guest, we should make sure that any preferences Iris have are presented to the cook.”

Mrs Lathome didn’t smile. “Son, that seems unnecessary given the fact that she is being paid to be here.”

Mason leaned closer to his mother with a satisfied smile. “The staff doesn’t know that. And I didn’t think you wanted them to know.”

In case you missed it, read Part 1 here

Exiting the drab and rather inconspicuous building, I glanced over at the man who had hired me to be some sort of companion and debated whether I should tell him the truth of my application upfront. After all, I was going to be working for him for a year. I shuddered. That was a long time to be away from home for the first time.

“Mr Lathome.” I cringed when I heard my voice. I sounded scared and timid, a frightened little girl. Thankfully he didn’t hear me. I cleared my throat and spoke louder. “Excuse me, Mr Lathome. There is something I must tell you.”

 He glanced over at her for a moment and then gestured toward a sleek white car. “We can comfortably chat over what this next year will be looking like once we are in the car and headed home.”

With a nod, I followed him over. I was surprised when he opened the back door himself and waited for me to go in first. He gave a slow nod towards the waiting car and smiled. Only then did I have the courage to walk over and climb in. He followed me in and sat right next to me, nearly touching but not.

“Now, Ms Donau. I gather you are nervous since you immediately returned back to not calling me Mason. May I ask what is wrong?”

A blush briefly flushed my cheeks as I glanced at my hands. “Sorry.”

“Will it help if I admit that I am a little nervous about this whole arrangement? My parents set this up because they think that my not having a serious relationship is hindering my business startup. My mother is convinced that I would have more investors if I were able to bring a beautiful woman along to my lunch meetings.”

“And you picked me?” I laughed. “I think that makes this worse, what I have to tell you.”

He frowned. “I did not pick you. My mother did. I came to pick you up because I was hoping to figure a way out. Does that help?”

“There wasn’t?” I gulped. “A way out, I mean.”

Mason looked long and hard at me. “Why?”

“I find myself in a somewhat similar position because I didn’t fill out the application. I found out about it when my acceptance letter came in the mail.”

Silence filled the car. Mason simply stared at me, as if his brain couldn’t process my confession.

And since he didn’t say anything, I continued. “My mother filled it out without telling me.”

He finally nodded. “And you were bound by the acceptance.”

“Why would your mother choose me?”

Mason shrugged. “She did not deign to favor me with an explanation. It was more of a demand to make room in my life for you. After all, she insists that she knows best.”

“I’m confused.”

When Mason started laughing I joined in. The whole thing seemed a little ridiculous now that I knew neither of us was invested in it. 

“So…” I ventured after our laughter faded. “You’re not expecting me to act like I’m in love with you or anything?”

“I convinced my mother to introduce you as a family friend and in a month or two we will start dating. That way any affection we choose to show will appear natural.” He settled back into his plush seat. “This will work out well. We can be friends and I won’t have to hide from you or my mother when I’m home.”

I copied him, leaning my head back into the comfy seat. “I’ll do my best to keep your mother out of your hair.”

They sat in easy silence for a bit until Mason stirred, placing a hand on my arm. 

“We are almost home.” He straightened his suit jacket. “Oh and before I forget, the contract is a secret. You have luggage in the trunk with appropriate clothes that will fit you and I have just picked you up at the station for a month-long visit. Once we begin dating, you will be asked to stay longer and accept.”

“No one is to know?” I didn’t know what to do with my hands. “What if I do something I shouldn’t or break some rule I don’t know exists?”

He shrugged. “Everyone has their quirks. Just be confident in everything you do and no one will think to question it.”

I gave a nod. “I can do that.”

“Hopefully you will be able to do so for longer than you said you would call me Mason.” He winked.

“Your name is a tricky one. I will not forget again.” Sitting up straight I motioned to the door next to him. “You may open the door for me now, Mason.”

“As you wish, Iris.” 

His smile combined with hearing him speak my name sent a sharp shiver down my spine. Exiting the car and entering the mansion-sized home went smoothly, with Mason leading me along with a hand on my back. And even though Mrs Lathome eyed me with a flash of disdain before gushing over how delightful it was that I had finally come for a visit, I think it all went over well.

However, I nearly fainted as I caught a glimpse of ‘my’ luggage being brought in. 

“Now Iris dear, let’s see you settled in the guest room.” Mrs Lathome beamed from where she stood in the entryway, leading me away from Mason.

I glanced back at him and felt a little more reassured when he smiled and nodded. She didn’t say anything more until we were alone in my new room.

It was only then that Mrs Lathome turned on me with a scowl. “Now Iris, let us get one thing clear so that we don’t have any misunderstandings and get along smashingly over the course of this year. Though this was my idea, I did not pick the woman. My husband insisted on you. So under no circumstances are you to fall in love with my son. This is a job. You will study and perform when needed and stay out of the way unless called upon. After this year is over, I will decide if your presence is still necessary. If you cause problems before then I will ‘send you home’ by moving you to our country estate to finish out the contracted year alone and away from Mason. Understood?”

I blinked. “Yes. I understand and I will not forget.” I added in a curtsy for good measure.

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Click here to read Part 3 of Iris’ Story!

Having never applied to the Upper Echelon Employment Agency, I’d never expected to ever receive the letter I was currently holding. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stop staring. It was an official letter of summons.

Eventually my brother pinching me broke me out of my stupor. Without saying a word, I handed the letter to my mom who was busily chatting with our neighbor. She did one of those double takes at it when she realized what it was.

The surprise on her face was not the same as mine.

“You knew!” 

Mom turned back to our neighbor instead of answering me. “Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Awling.”

Hooking my arm in hers, she hurried me up our stairs and into the house. As soon as Trevor was through the door she shut it.

“Yes I knew, Iris. I’m the one who applied for you. You are so talented and those talents are wasted down here.” Her smile was confident and beseeching all at the same time. Don’t ask me how because it seems contradictory and yet I was looking right at it on her face.

“What sort of position did you apply for me?” I hesitated. That letter she was holding wasn’t an optional request. It was a summons.

Applying was optional but once you received a letter of acceptance you were expected to show up on the appointed day. Let’s just say that the consequence for not showing up was not the most pleasant.

I cut her off with another question before she could answer my first one. “How long do I have?”

“Breathe baby. I didn’t sign you up for something you wouldn’t be comfortable with.” She hedged.

I huffed. “Mom, I would have been comfortable not going at all. I’ve heard that people in the Golden City are cruel and some of us normal town dwellers are considered expendable. I don’t want to end up dead in some forgotten storm drain because you thought I had talent.”

“How morbid sweetheart. You aren’t going to die.” Mom started walking up the stairs, forcing me to follow if I wanted to continue this conversation.

“What am I going to be expected to do? You still haven’t answered me.” I followed her into my room where she started to pack.

I watched for a full minute before I snatched the letter from where she had dropped it on my desk. Scanning it, I found what I was looking for and my heart stalled.

“Tomorrow?” I slumped onto my bed. “I report to the employment office tomorrow?”

Mom raised her hand. “Tomorrow morning. With a job now, you are going to have to learn to be more precise so you aren’t late.”

“Where will I be living?” I whispered as I watched her pack all of my nicest things. “Why doesn’t it say what I will be doing?”

That stopped Mom. “Iris, I applied for several different positions for you. I wanted to give you a better chance at being approved for one of them.” 

“But what did you put in applications for?” I pushed.

“Medical assistant. Server. Platonic companion. Nanny. Singer.” Mom started listing them off but paused when she couldn’t remember any more.

“You sent in applications for all of these? What if I received more than one letter? I wouldn’t be able to do both without working myself to death.” Then it hit me. “Companion?”

She nodded. “I read the description quite thoroughly. The only thing expected from you is to accompany your employer to events and look pretty. It was the only one that required your picture but it sounded so easy I had to apply.” She got a stern look in her eye. “Now Iris, I know what you are thinking young lady and I did not sign you up for anything salacious. I am not that kind of mother. Now help me pack.”

It seemed like we didn’t have time for much more than packing before she was walking with me to the employment office the next morning. Entering the small dreary building was more depressing than the ache I had felt all night laying in my bed for the last time.

“Name.” The receptionist asked, looking me over.

“Iris Donau.”

The woman nodded sharply. “Report to room #7, down the hall on your right.”

I went straight to room 7 and knocked. 

“Come in.”

Opening the door I straightened my shoulders and did my best to walk in with confidence.

I was greeted by the sight of two men staring at me. The man behind the desk looked bored and decidedly uninterested. It was the man who looked only a year or two older than me who broke into a smile when I came in. He bowed and motioned for me to sit.

The door closed and I hid the gulp that came.

“Miss Donau.” The man behind the desk spoke as I continued to look at the man next to me. “My name is Mr Lauer. I will be your representative while you begin your employment. Over the next year if you have any problems or concerns you will come to me.”

“Year?” I felt like an echo. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember the details.”

“Be sure to remember this time.” He glowered over at me. “One year as a companion to Mr Lathome. Meals, boarding, and attire are all provided for. You will be expected to represent the Lathome family at all times. It is up to Mr Lathome whether you are to be seen as a family friend, girlfriend, or hired companion.”

I glanced again at Mr. Lathome and his smile nearly melted my insides to complete mush.

“Sign here.” Mr Lauer shoved a piece of paper at me.

Once all the paperwork was complete, Mr Lathome stood and held out his hand. I took it.

His deep rich voice surprised me, as did the strength of his grip. “A pleasure to meet you Miss Donau. I look forward to working with you.”

I curtsied and put on my most pleasant smile.

“Shall we?” He motioned to the door.

Hand in his, we walked out the door as if we had known each other for ages. At the sight of my mother sitting in one for the chairs across from me I halted. 

“Mom.” I threw my arms around her.

“I love you baby.” She whispered into my hair as she held me tight.

After a few moments I pulled away and gestured back to Mr. Lathome. “Mr Lathome, this is my mother. Mom, this is my new employer Mr Lathome.”

“Take care of my girl.” Mom shook his hand.

He nodded kindly. “I assure you she will be treated with the utmost care.” He held out his hand to me again. “Shall we?”

With a nod I once again took his hand. As we neared the door, he leaned down to whisper with a smile. “Please call me Mason.”

“Mason. I can do that.”

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Read Part 2 of Iris’ story here!