There really was no use in complaining too much about the state of the economy to somebody that wasn't significantly much better off, as at least she was getting some work at all. Because of her previous status, she had found it even more difficult to be demanding about payment, but sometimes she suspected not everyone was being completely honest with their sob story of the week. She was hardly the only woman in Paris willing to take her clothing off for cash (even in the middle of a particularly bitter winter), and though Dorian had provided her the connections it was just as easy to lose the job. So it was nice that she wouldn't have to worry about paying him back for the dress when there were so many other expenses she was barely managing. However, it had been a long time since anybody had given her a gift, and Mabelle didn't know if his generosity was genuine or a drunken blip of judgment. He never seemed an overly giving man, so it felt like it meant more coming from him... if it actually meant anything at all. But she wouldn't push the issue unless he changed his mind, as she had just given him the book of music and maybe he was trying to make things even between them.
Only a few short steps behind Michel on the way up to his apartment, she took the stairs a bit slower as not to trip on the hem of the new dress. Once inside she readily closed the door and quietly slid the deadbolt in place, not sure if she was wanting to keep him or other people out. He was far more inebriated than her judging by his continued stumbling, her own buzz fading a bit during the walk although aware she was still well under the influence.
Navigating through the dark room by familiarity of the layout and following the sound of his voice, Mabelle lit a candle and held it in the small amount of space between them. "I don't know," she responded dismissively, not particularly concerned about the matter of sheet music at the moment, only vaguely remembering that was the excuse why she was even following him back. "You... look," licking her lips almost nervously, she lightly bumped her foot against his. "Cold."