Sugar Pie by Victoria Pinder

36

Warren

After work, I headed to the store. I wanted to get Kerry something nice, but outside the store, I paused. I needed to show her who I was.

Last time I’d suggested going out, I hadn’t gone about it well. So this time, I parked the car and called her. She answered, and we said our hellos quickly. My heart pounded. “I’m heading home, but I wanted to call first.”

“What’s going on?”

Right. My pulse zipped like I was fourteen again and asking the driver’s daughter out. Kerry was everything to me, so I squared my shoulders and asked, “Will you put on the red dress and come out with me?”

“Okay.”

My lips curled higher, and I nodded as I imagined my plan coming to fruition. “See you in a half an hour.”

She laughed. “Are you planning something?”

“Yes.” I opened the internet on my phone as I said goodbye.

The weekend needed something that would show her that I supported all her interests. An idea popped in, and I shot it down. She would never want to forget our business plan, and a week away wasn’t an option. So I found a smaller scale version.

I finalized the plan and hopped out of the car to get the flowers when my phone rang. As I walked through the grocery store’s electric doors, I answered. “Gerard, what’s going on?”

“She’s gone now.”

I shifted through the cut flowers and picked out roses as I asked, “For good?”

“She has no more keys, and I spoke to Mom.”

Perfect. My brother was free. I smelled the flowers and nodded as I chose a bouquet for Kerry. “I’m happy you straightened everything out.”

“Me too.”

I stopped in the checkout line and waited, though no one was in front of me. “I’m about to buy a bouquet.” I moved forward and smiled at the cashier.

“Flowers?”

I nodded then stuck my card in the reader. “I have a date tonight with Kerry. I want to show her what it’s like to be my girlfriend.” I’d almost said “to be in the Norouzi family.” I didn’t need the clerk to hear that, though.

Gerard said, “Have fun.”

Then I hung up and headed back to my truck. Soon, our driver would be at the apartment for our limo-driven weekend trip.

And that red dress would make Kerry delectable, which was why I’d bought it in the first place.

I went up the stairs two at a time and unlocked the door. She came out of the bedroom and twirled to show me her dress. My heart pounded, and I said, “You look beautiful.”

Her smile was bright. “Thank you.” She then took the flowers from me and said, “These are beautiful.”

I kissed her cheek. “Not nearly as beautiful as you.” My skin electrified from her nearness. She laughed as she put them in water.

I quickly changed into a white shirt and dress pants. I needed to look like my old self. As I finished, I looked out the window as the limo pulled into the parking lot.

She finished with the vase, came and joined me, and her eyes widened as she glanced out. The car showed up with the driver holding my name on a placard.

It was time to be Warren Norouzi.

She came to my side and placed her hand on her chest as she asked, “You ordered a limo?”

I offered my arm. It was time. She looped arms with me. “I did,” I said. “Are you ready?”

“I’m excited.” She bounced up and down and slipped on her sneakers.

We would stop for shoes, too, but she looked adorable, all dressy from the top up and in simple shoes. She then swallowed and said, “Me too.”

I helped her in, and five minutes later we took an unexpected turn. I glanced outside and rubbed the back of my head.

Kerry asked, “We’re at the airport?”

My phone beeped with a text from my mother: Impress on your date tonight and take the jet.

I laughed and put my phone away.

Kerry narrowed her gaze at me.

“It seems my family sent their regards and the plane,” I said. My intention had been a long drive and a weekend away.

She asked, “Where are we going?”

“Let’s ask the pilot,” I said, as I wasn’t sure what mother intended.

I guided her in, and her mouth opened as she saw the dinner prepared with champagne.

I left her to explore the living areas, where we could sit for dinner or just talk on sofas that doubled as plane seats. The pilot had options for me prepared, but I set him back on course toward what I intended. He cleared the flight path, and I rejoined Kerry.

She sorted through dresses and shoes my mother must have sent and pointed. I walked over, kissed her cheek and said, “We’re off to Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, and these are gifts for you from my family.”

She asked, “Why would they?”

Because my mother wanted me married with children and wanted to help me achieve that goal. If I told Kerry, she would panic, so I took her hand and said, “My family wants us to have a good time.”

We walked to the living area for takeoff as she asked, “And Pennsylvania?”

We started down the runway. She tensed.

“My pick for the weekend,” I said. “There is a cooking vacation to teach French cooking that I thought you’d enjoy.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

I nodded, and neither of us noticed takeoff. “I figured you’d like it, but we can do anything else if you don’t.”

She curled next to me and sighed. “I’m excited.”

I held her close. “I’ll do anything to make you happy. I originally wanted to take you to Italy for a cooking tour, but I figured you’d want to work next week, since we haven’t finalized our real estate deal.”

“Don’t apologize. This is amazing. Thank you.” She wiped her eyes.

I hoped so. I needed to convince her that our romance wasn’t only possible but the best thing for both of us.