Mr. Masters (Mr. 1)

Willow rises up on her toes looks down at herself.

“Put the black skirt and top with the high heels on.” I smile.

Will disappears back to the study to change into her next outfit.

We are at Frances’s house or should I say palace, having a fashion parade of Wills new clothes and I have never seen her so excited. This is so much fun.

“Put your hair up for this outfit,” I call from my position on the sofa.

I’ve been here a few times over the last week to visit Frances. It gets lonely in that big, old house of ours when everyone is at school and work. Julian’s mother is actually a really cool lady, and I enjoy her wit and sarcasm. We don’t discuss Julian at all when I’m here, but I have a sneaking suspicion that she’s reading between the lines and knows exactly what’s going on. She really is as sharp as a tack.

Willow appears before us again with her arms spread out. “Ta-dah.”

"Oh, my." Frances slaps her hands to her cheeks. "Lord have mercy, you are divine."

I laugh. “She is, isn’t she? Turn around and show us the back.”

Willow does a twirl, and we both gasp.

Willow laughs and disappears back into the changing room.

Frances’s eyes fall to me. “Thank you,” she whispers.

“What for?”

“For taking the time to get to know Willow.”

My eyes fill with tears. How many people actually take the time to see beneath her scars to admire the beautiful girl she really is?

“It’s been an honour to spend time with her.”

She smiles knowingly. “Have you thought any more about marrying my son yet?”

I giggle. “No.”

She sits beside me on the sofa and takes my hand in hers, staring at me with hopeful eyes.

“We’re just friends, Frances. Don’t get excited.”

She taps my hand in hers and smiles broadly. “Of course, dear. I believe you.”

Willow appears again in a blue fitted dress this time. “And I can wear this one if I ever go out.” She puts her hands onto her hips proudly. “Like… on a date.”

I clap my hands together. “Oh my God, Will, yes. This is a definite first date outfit.”

Frances stands and embraces Will in a hug. “I’m so proud of you, darling.”

My face nearly splits in two, I’m so happy.

It’s been a good day. The best, actually.

“You scrape it in, just like this.” I watch as Willow scrapes the last of the mixture into the bowl. “That’s it.” I smile. “Now pop it in the oven.”

Willow has developed a taste for being in the kitchen and I’m trying to do it with her as much as I can. Sammy is sitting on the bench watching us and Lady Gaga’s Poker Face is blaring through the house. It’s starting to turn dark outside, and dinner is in the oven.

I feel him before I see him.

I turn to find Julian standing in the doorway watching us. He's wearing a navy suit and holding his briefcase down by his side. I've never seen a man looking so damn divine. His big, brown eyes hold mine, and he gives me the best come fuck me look I have ever seen.