Page 13 of One Weekend in Seattle

“No worries. Their cooking classes look very interesting. I’ll have to remember that. What’s next?”

“Right around the corner.” They made their way to the next stop, and her eyes lit up once again.

“This is great,” she commented as they entered the kitchen store. “I’m going to go look around.”

Sawyer released her hand. The store wasn’t that big. There were multitude of shelves with all sorts of items on them. Gabby was like a kid in a candy shop. He could only smile at her happiness.

Forty-minutes later, they were on to their next stop. The pasta shop. Gabby’s reaction didn’t disappoint.

“I love pasta.” She started going around to see what she could find. Sawyer followed her and made note of everything she picked up. These were all great ideas for future gifts. He froze at the thought of a future with Gabby. It wasn’t like him to have thoughts like this, but Gabby made him feel… He couldn’t find the right word.

She did pick out two oil sauces. “Why those two?” he asked.

“They are the two I want to try the most.” She picked up the sample bottle. “Smell this one.”

“I’m getting garlic.”

“Yes, roasted garlic avocado oil. It would go good with pasta. Now this one.” She held up a second sample bottle.

He wrinkled his nose.

Gabby laughed. “Mission fig balsamic, a little strong but would go great on a salad.”

He nodded. When he went to pull out his credit card for her purchases, she stopped him. “No, Sawyer.” She handed her credit card to the clerk. “I can pay for myself.”

“But…”

“No buts.” She stared at him. “I will pay for what I want.”

He nodded but knew later today she was going to have a big surprise. He’d already texted his driver to pick up his bag and hers from the nut place. Of course, the purchase was before he knew she was so insistent about paying for her own stuff. Sawyerfought against having her pick out more for him to buy. He wanted to spoil her with every fiber in his body.

Patience, he reminded himself. “Our next stop is across the street. Why don’t you head on over. I forgot to buy something.”

“All right.” She put her credit card away and took her bag from the clerk before leaving the shop.

“Can I help you, sir?”

“Yes. Do you have gift certificates I can buy online?”

“Of course.” The clerk handed him a card. “You can also order anything from the store.”

“Great.” Sawyer took the card and left.

Across the street, he found Gabby chatting with one of the employees in the next shop.

“There you are,” she said, motioning him over. “Try this wine and tell me what you think.” Gabby handed him the wine glass.

Sawyer took a sip. “Nice Syrah.”

The worker’s mouth dropped open, and Gabby stared at him. “How did you know that?”

“Remember, I run a nightclub; I know wine. This has a berry flavor, along with savory notes. Syrah also tends to be darker than normal red wine. Quite good.”

“Thank you, sir. We buy it from a winery in Eastern Washington.”

“Lots of good wines here in Washington.” Sawyer put the glass on the table. “We showcase several Washington wines at the club.”

He turned to Gabby. “Have you looked around yet?”

---