Louise Rose

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I felt exhausted after that first date attendee. I'm not sure if I can manage the second one, but I hope the second one is not as dramatic as Vivian's.

I've been observing Hendrix. Never once did he say or state about his ideal woman. So, it's up to me to observe the qualities he prefers when choosing a bride. This may contribute to my research on the remaining girls. I'm confident that one of them will stand out according to his standards.

After Hendrix left the Findlaech-Crinain household, I didn't hear any news about him. No one knew what had happened to him for those years, and I lost the news about him after I moved to Asia to work.

He didn't know me personally, and we haven't met either. It just happened that I became one of his fans because he was famous. But those were the days. We are living in a different era now, where everyone can blend into our society. And one thing, I'm no longer interested in him. All I want now is to excel in this job and ensure everyone's satisfaction.

"How's everything, my dear?"

I gave Rosy a tight hug and a kiss on her cheek before answering. She smells so good. It's nice to see her early today before I go to the flower shop.

"All good, Rosy. I picked your favorites." I widely smiled as I put all the flowers in an empty vase. "I baked some bread last night. I hope you like it."

I removed three containers from the basket. I baked cheese bread, scones, and lamingtons—my new way of releasing my stress.

"Oh, they're my favorite! Thank you, my dear."

The excitement in Rosy's eyes when she looked at the scones was already a winner. I know she loves scones, and I made the scones perfectly according to her wishes.

"I was having fun in the kitchen last night before going to bed. I hope my scones are good, Rosy... Have a taste." I put two scones on a little plate for her with strawberry jam and cream on the side. She can add as much filling as she prefers.

Rosy tasted the scones, and I stood nervously, waiting for her judgment. I hope they're okay because I'm preparing another batch to take to the lake tomorrow. It would be lovely to eat it by the lake.

"Delicious. It's soft and fluffy. And if you add the strawberry jam and cream, it will make it all perfect. Thank you, my dear."

Thank goodness for that! I trust Rosy's taste judgment. If she says it's good, then it's excellent.

"I believe I've inherited your talent for making scones perfectly," I said with a wink. She was my sole mentor in baking. I love her recipes, and these are from her. Rosy's got the best scones around. She's the best.

"You are my granddaughter, and you inherit my talent." She smiles as she continues eating.

I agree with that. I wonder if my mother loves baking, too? Who knows? Rosy never once talked to me about her.

"And I'm thankful for that, Rosy." I gave her a thumbs-up while putting the rest of the food inside the fridge.

I told Rosy about what happened to Hendrix and Vivian's date. She laughed at that, especially in the part where Hendrix and I played throwing a golf ball, and I lost. Surely, it was hilarious, Rosy said. She thinks Hendrix is a good person and is clever in every situation. Rosy said that Hendrix is the type of person who doesn't want to waste his time on the wrong one.

"I think he is just being a jerk, Rosy," I twisted my lips, getting ready to go now because I had to open the flower stall.

"He is too old to act like a jerk, Louise. He knew what he was doing. Keep an eye on it. And also, distance yourself if you don't want to fall for him. He is your client, remember?"

I chuckled slightly. Rosy was right. Hendrix is our client, and I'm his matchmaker. And for the record, I will never fall for him. Not in a million seconds.

"No way, Rosy. Hendrix is just a jerk—a grumpy bachelor who's looking for a bride to take to his boring world. I'm not interested." I shook my head, feeling disgusted.

Rosy laughed.

The thought of liking Hendrix never once crossed my mind. I am only doing this for financial reasons. I need the money to ensure our financial stability.

"I'm working as Rosy, Rosy," I reminded her. "I'm not Louise, right?" I raise a brow with a crooked smile. She laughed a little bit.

"Okay, okay. See you, my dear. And please take care."

"No. You take care," I said, hugging her and heading back to the flower stall.

It's finally the second date today, and the sun shines brightly.

It's a good day to go fishing. I hope today's first impression last!

Before I entered the car, I checked everything first, making sure that I had everything I needed. I'm wearing faded skinny jeans and a white T-shirt with a floral logo on my top chest. I have some flowers and a picnic basket with scones and strawberry jam that I also made. I also have my fishing gear at the back of the car. I'm thankful that Rosy still keeps my old stuff. I used to love fishing. I love catching fish!

I hope today's day will go well, and I hope that Hendrix will grow an attraction to our second candidate.

 The drive to Lake Bolton was smooth, and I was filled with anticipation. I've heard that the Hendrix family owned the place, and it's good that some parts of it are still open to the public. However, unlike before, you have to book a spot now. But knowing it was me, I didn't need to book a spot anymore because Hendrix provided the date's location. He wants it right in the middle of the property, where it's more private and romantic.

I smiled widely the moment I reached the beautiful spot by the lake. I'm not too far from Hendrix and Cristelle's location, but I've decided to keep my distance a little bit to give them some privacy.

I found my spot beneath the willow tree. The way it stands is not just majestic and beautiful, but it's almost as if it's reaching out to kiss the clear water, a sight that fills me with awe.

I shut my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to feel everything around me. This place is breathtaking. It took all my worries and stress away. So amazing!

I settled in by laying out my picnic mat, basket, and everything else. I even cast the rod and put it on standby, waiting for a fish to take the bait.

Oh, this is perfect! I could easily lose track of time and stay here all day, basking in the serenity of this place.

I sat down on the picnic mat, humming a song I had created while pouring the fresh-squeezed orange juice I had made this morning. The birds were chirping, and the breeze was refreshing. I miss having a picnic like this. I can't remember the last time I had one.

As I was about to take a sip of the freshly squeezed orange juice, I was startled by a sudden clearing of the throat behind me. I turned halfway, expecting to see a stranger, but to my surprise, it was Hendrix.

"Having fun? Can I join?" He smiles widely while looking at me with perfection.

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c.m. louden

PS: This story is ongoing on my GoodNovel page. Meaning, much slower updates here.