Sugar Pie by Victoria Pinder

35

Warren

Working on that kitchen installation for the last time meant I’d done the same every day for a month. It was much shorter than my gap year, but I’d learned a lot. I tightened the last bolt and checked to be sure that the caulk held against the counters. The job was done. I had my answers, and I had Kerry.

I finished, snapped photos to send to the owner, and cleaned up after myself. The job was complete. I waved goodbye to the guys and headed back to my truck. The next day, I would return to being Warren Norouzi.

Kerry was never far from my mind. I needed to stop pushing her so hard and so quickly.

I hadn’t meant to tell her I loved her. I knew she wasn’t ready. I just wish I could stop.

To stop myself from replaying last night, I called my brother. He answered and after hello, I asked, “Jeff, how would I know if she’s the one?”

“You’re calling the wrong brother.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. Fair enough, but she’d stopped talking about her ex after she’d explained her story. So I rubbed my neck and said, “Cyrus, Joel, and Arman always seem happy, and they never seem to have problems.”

“Maddie was also divorced when Arman met her.”

“They were high school sweethearts, though. It’s not the same thing.”

“True. Look, if you want her, go for her, but bring her home to meet the family before you propose. You know how Maman gets.”

My eyes went to the blue sky, and I shook my head. Then I got in my truck and said, “She’s not ready to meet our parents.” I needed to back off.

Jeff asked, “Why not?”

I loved her, and I wasn’t at all sure what to do about it. I started the truck and said, “We’re not there yet. Hopefully soon.”

“Well, don’t let another man get in the way.”

If anyone jumped in the way, I would push hard. I stilled as the thought raced through me. “Talk to you later, Jeff.”

I took a few minutes for me to breathe and realize I needed to hold on. She needed time, no matter how much I wished we were on the same page, I understood that. So I would wait.