"Val, it's so good to see you! Come, come help me choose my wedding dress, said a young girl, pulling Verena inside her home.
""Look who's here!" she said excitedly, walking toward a group of women who were busy looking over bridal magazines."
"Val, thank you for coming. Can I get you a drink?"
""Apple juice would be nice, please and thank you," replied Verena, taking a seat near Sophia, her older stepsister."
When her mother passed years ago, it took her father three years to find love again. He did not want to start fresh with someone who didn't know the responsibilities of having children. So when he met his now-wife Jessica, he married her.
"Val, what will you be wearing?"
"Most importantly who will you be bringing?" Asked Mrs. Collins her stepmother.
"Maybe a green dress or something similar. And me, myself, and I," she replied, taking a sip of her apple juice. Verena was constantly asked about her love life, but she wasn't open to the idea of it.
Sure she wanted to find love again like her father but she was in no rush.
"Mm ok. I have a friend you might be interested in, not in a relationship type of way, I mean if that's what you want but he's looking for someone to cook for his ill mother. He's a horse trainer and doesn't get time to see or even cook for her. She has a nurse but there's only so much she can do" commented Sophia
""How sick are we talking about?" Verena asked. Not to be taken out of context, but she has at least four people working for her, some who have children, so she can't risk sending them where they might catch something.
"She is able to go about her day, but she cannot cook very well. I am unsure what she has, though. I will send you his contact number so you can get in touch with him."
Sequins shimmered under the warm shop lights as the group browsed. A tulle cloud of a gown caught one woman's eye. Another debated between ivory and champagne lace. Someone flipped through a thick binder of catering options.
Soft chatter filled the air, punctuated by the occasional excited squeal. Decisions, decisions, from floral arrangements to seating charts. The big day was fast approaching, and the to-do list seemed endless, yet wonderfully exciting. They clinked glasses of something bubbly, a toast to love and happily-ever-afters.
Even though Verena showed excitement for her stepsister her heart broke inside. Memories of her once planning her own wedding flooded her mind. She was so excited picking her own dress, looking over venues. Picking the flowers and every single detail of the celebration.
Her future mother in law helped with decorations making sure the bride to be had everything she wanted.
They had picked Oaxaca Mexico for their honeymoon, a state well known for it's rich culture and delicious food. They planned to stay for a whole month traveling the state enjoying every drop of "Agua ardiente" . The universe though had other plans.
After Omar's death she lost contact with his family. Not that she could blame them but she missed them.
Seeing her sister smiling with joy warmed her heart. Deep down she hoped she universe wasn't harsh on her.
After many hours later, Verena went home. As she was cooking she remembered what her older stepsister asked her. She looked over her coworkers plans deciding who would be a good fit.
'Let's see Dallas has three clients and workes four days, why again? Ah she has school...her schedule won't allow her another client. Caro has a child and she works at a hotel she can't, Mike has a whole family not to mention he usually does overtime with the Vazquez. That leaves me with Lisa she has two clients...she seems like a good fit."
"Hello? "
"Hey Lisa, I have a potential client for you. I sent you her information, she is willing to compromise on the pay. I know you're trying to earn a bit more so before I sent her over to the Cortez I wanted to know if you're interested?"
"...let me look over her documents and I'll call you back yeah?"
"Sounds good" Verena hoped Lisa would take the offer, after all she needs the extra cash. Lisa is unfortunately a victim of domestic violence. Verena has tried her best to get her out of the situation but Lisa refuses to leave due to the safety of her son.
She has agreed to allow Verena to gather evidence against her husband so she has a strong case against him, thus preventing him from seeing her son.
After a few minutes Verena received a message from Lisa agreeing to take Mrs. Winton. She took her phone dialing the number Sophia had given her.
"Hello?"
"Hello this is Verena Collins I got your number from Sophia about needing a chief for your mother"
"Yes, yes that's right. Do you have anyone by any chance?"
"Yes, I don't have someone who is available to start in three days. I need to fix her schedule and make a contract between the two of you and figure out her payment and what works best for you and your needs, does that sound good?" She asked looking over at her laptop figuring out the coast of everything.
"Yes that's fine. Now is the payment done by hours or is this a monthly weekly contract?"
"It can be done either way. Some clients are a one time only others have been serviced longer and they get a yearly contract. It will all depend on you and your needs"
"Is it alright if I call you later I'm currently driving -"
"Oh yes no problem I will send over some information to you. Have a good day Mr?"
"Emanuel Cortez"