Page 61 of Sugar Pie
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.
