Page 96 of The Protégé

ELENA

Orion droveto the shopping center in his Rivian SUV, an electric truck I hadn’t seen or heard of until now. Apparently, he had stock in this brand of high-tech cars that were better for the environment, and they gave him a prototype to drive.

He pulled into the shopping center, parked, and squeezed my hand. “What kind of flowers does your mom like? What about pastries? Cookies? Macaroons?”

“You don’t have to bring her anything,” I said.

He scrunched up his face. “First impressions matter. I’m dating her daughter, so I want to make sure she approves. Besides, my mother would be disappointed if I brought nothing. She taught me manners, you know.”

“Are you saying I should buy your family flowers and pastries when I meet them?”

He let out a laugh. “My father wouldn’t appreciate them. But if you offer him finance or political books, he’d appreciate those.”

“You and your father are different.”

“I like those too.” He lifted my hand to his lips. “But I like you more, so I’ll take whatever you give me.”

We browsed the plant section, and I helped him choose the right gift.

“Are you sure she’ll like this hibiscus plant more than a bouquet?” he asked, putting it in the trunk. He’d gotten a decorative ivory pot for it as well.

“Yes, because the plant will keep growing, unlike a bouquet that will last about a week.”

“What about you? Do you prefer plants over bouquets?”

“That depends. Sometimes I don’t mind a beautiful bouquet. But I can see why a long-lasting flower or plant would be more practical.”

After picking up a box filled with a variety of pastries, we drove over to my mother’s house. I checked my phone, and the reminder to pay Uncle Carlos popped.

I huffed out a stressed sigh. “Almost done,” I muttered to myself.

“What’s almost done?” Orion turned to me.

“Debt to my uncle,” I said, not wanting to discuss it.

“You never sent me the contract to review.”

“You have a lot going on. It can wait.”

“I’ll always have a lot going on. Send it.” He reached for my hand and intertwined his fingers with mine. “I’ll make time for my girlfriend.”

“Okay, I’ll send it later today.” My lips twisted into a smile. I had to inform the girls of what had transpired. They’d want details.

Though we were now an official couple, it still felt strange to me. Fear settled in the back of my mind, thinking that this relationship would end soon. I wasn’t being negative. I was being practical, seeing things from all sides. Orion and I didn’tlive in the same world. Our differences would catch up to us eventually. When that day arrived, would he still choose me?

Like those dandelion seeds you send out into the world, you need to give them a chance to grow. See what happens.

Orion approached my mom’s cape-style home, and nerves wrenched in my stomach as I spotted the black Mercedes.

“Oh no.” Sweat formed on my palms.

“What’s wrong?” Orion stared at me.

“He’s here.” I inhaled deeply.

“Who?”

“Uncle Carlos,” I muttered. Orion already knew Sam was my uncle’s business partner.

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