Breakfast ended the way it usually did. Amy was at the sink beside the cook, drying plates while Elizabeth supervised with a half-smile, occasionally shooing her away from anything too heavy.
"You're a guest," Elizabeth reminded her for the third time.
Amy laughed. "I know. But I don't know how to just stand there."
Elizabeth glanced at her, amused. "You'll learn."
When the last dish was set aside, Elizabeth clapped her hands once, decisive and bright-eyed.
"Alright," she said. "You have one hour."
Amy blinked. "For what?"
"To dress up," Elizabeth replied easily. "I'm taking you out today. Properly. To the places I promised you last time you were here."
Amy's face changed instantly, surprise melting into excitement.
"You're serious?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Very."
Amy smiled wide. "I'll be ready."
"You'll enjoy yourself," Elizabeth added, already heading out of the kitchen.
From the doorway, Jace watched the exchange, arms folded loosely across his chest, affection written all over his face. As Amy slipped on her cardigan, he stepped forward and kissed her cheek.
"Bring my girlfriend back in one piece," he said lightly.
Elizabeth scoffed. "Please. She's mine today."
Amy laughed. "You sound threatening."
Elizabeth grinned. "Only to him."
She paused, then added casually, "It's a shame Rebecca couldn't join us. She had to go back to Nick, he just returned from Germany."
Amy nodded. "She sounded excited when she mentioned it yesterday."
"She was," Elizabeth said. "We'll tell her everything."
Outside, the driver opened the door. Amy turned to wave at Jace, who stood on the steps, hands in his pockets.
"Bye," she called.
"Have fun," he replied. "And don't let her bully you."
Elizabeth leaned into the car. "Too late."
The car pulled away, leaving Jace smiling long after they disappeared down the drive.
...
The bakery smelled like warmth and was very indulging.
Butter. Sugar. Vanilla. Something citrusy in the air.
Amy slowed instinctively as they stepped inside, eyes wide, taking in the tall windows, the marble counters, the elegant displays.
A staff member straightened immediately.
"Good morning, Mrs. Prescott."
"Good morning," Elizabeth replied pleasantly.
They were led to a quiet corner table before Amy could even ask.
Once seated, Amy leaned closer. "Why did they greet you like that?"
Elizabeth chuckled softly. "Because I bought the place."
Amy froze. "You.....what?"
Elizabeth waved it off. "Years ago. It's nothing much,I handed it over to someone else to run. I prefer being an invisible owner."
Amy glanced around again, this time with new eyes.
"This place is… stunning."
Elizabeth smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
The baker appeared moments later, placing a tray down gently.
"Shall we begin?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes."
The tray held layered pistachio pastries dusted with gold flakes, vanilla bean éclairs glazed to perfection, and warm almond croissants that still released steam when broken open.
Amy took one bite and gasped. "Oh.....oh wow."
Elizabeth laughed. "That good?"
"This shouldn't be allowed," Amy said, eyes closing as she chewed. "I feel like I've been lied to my whole life about pastries."
The baker smiled proudly. "The pistachios are imported from Sicily. The butter is cultured."
Amy pointed. "That explains everything."
They tasted another dark chocolate and raspberry.
Amy sighed dramatically. "I might cry."
Elizabeth teased, "You're very expressive with food."
"I respect good craftsmanship," Amy replied solemnly.
"This is very nice Elizabeth" Amy commended.
"That's why I wanted you to have a taste of it yourself"
"Oh my God, I could eat this forever" Amy said putting some more into her mouth.
They laughed, made comments, debated favorites.
"We should totally get some for Jace, he'd love it" Amy said.
"Yh, we could leave some for Rebecca too incase she comes tomorrow" Elizabeth added as Amy nodded.
Elizabeth gave a sign to the baker and he came.
"Can you pack to pieces of everything you served?" Elizabeth asked cleaning her hand with the available napkin.
"Alright ma'am" The baker said and left.
Few minutes later, he came back and handed the box over.
"Thank you" Amy said and the baker smiled and left.
"Alright, that'll do" Elizabeth said as they start to leave.
"I'd definitely want to learn the recipe, I could have this all day" Amy said as they walked out.
Elizabeth laughed heartily as the driver opened the car for them.
Their next stop was the boutique. It was quieter, softer, luxury wrapped in understatement.
An attendant looked up and smiled warmly.
"Mrs. Prescott. It's been a while."
Elizabeth returned the smile. "Hi Celine, I'm not here for myself today."
She gestured to Amy. "This is my son's girlfriend, we are shopping for her today"
The attendant's expression softened immediately.
"Then we have just the thing."
Amy whispered, "You really don't have to....."
"I want to," Elizabeth interrupted gently.
Dresses were brought out one by one.
"This piece is Italian silk," the attendant explained. "Designed by a small atelier in Milan."
Amy touched the fabric. "It feels unreal."
"Go try it on" Elizabeth nudged her lightly.
When she stepped out wearing it, Elizabeth inhaled sharply.
"Oh my!!."
The attendant smiled. "It complements her hourglass shape beautifully."
Elizabeth nodded. "We'll take it."
Another dress followed, French linen, hand-stitched.
"This one was shipped from Paris just last month."
Amy turned slowly, shy. "You think it looks okay?"
Elizabeth stood. "Amy, you look stunning."
Amy swallowed. "Thank you."
As she changed again, Elizabeth sat back, watching her with something soft and reflective in her eyes.
"You know," Elizabeth said gently, "this feels like mother and daughter shopping for a prom dress."
Amy's smile faltered.
Elizabeth noticed immediately. "How is your mother?" she asked quietly.
Amy hesitated. "It's… complicated. I'd rather not talk about her."
Elizabeth nodded without pressing. She stood, wrapped her arms around Amy, and held her close.
"You can always come to me," she said softly. "Whenever you want, whatever it is."
Amy's voice wavered. "Thank you."
They finished shopping with laughter returning, bags stacking higher.
In the car, Amy sighed contentedly. "That was perfect."
Elizabeth smiled knowingly. "Oh no. We're not done."
Amy blinked. "We're not?"
"You can't buy clothes without accessories."
Amy laughed. "I forgot I went out with a stylish woman."
"Now you know" Elizabeth added and they laughed.
The jewelry store glowed softly.
An attendant greeted them warmly showing them their finest pieces.
"These pieces are crafted with eighteen-carat gold," she explained. "This one includes sterling silver accents, sleek, timeless."
Amy held one delicately. "It's beautiful."
Elizabeth nodded. "It suits you."
Another piece sparkled.
"This design is minimalist," the attendant added. "Elegant, not overpowering."
Amy looked at Elizabeth. "I love it."
"We'll take it," Elizabeth said simply.
Amy didn't utter a word out of surprise and astonishment. She just watched as the attendant packaged the necklace into a jewellery box and handed it to them as Elizabeth simply made the payment.
Back in the car, Amy turned to her, overwhelmed.
"Thank you. Truly."
Elizabeth squeezed her hand. "Don't worry about it at all."
And Amy believed her.
For more than once, she felt not like a guest but like someone who belonged.