by Eliza Ellis
“You want her number?”
Bertie’s slick grin almost dragged the yes from his lips. “No. I don’t want to distract her. She has that audition coming up. She should focus on that.”
Bertie shrugged. “You’re probably right. Plus, you’ve got that meeting with Warp Entertainment. What do you plan on doing about Cornell?”
“I’m going to call the dean. Ask about maybe—” Bertie gasped and clasped her hands together. Pete chuckled. “Maybe, emphasis on maybe.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Maybe what?”
“Maybe taking a few courses online. Work on my degree in conjunction with my job at Warp—if I have enough time.”
“You got the job?” Bertie squealed and stood.
“Not yet, but I’m going to get it.” Pete relaxed in the chair and put his hands behind his head. His app was amazing. If he could kiss a girl, he could do anything, including selling the app to a bunch of suits.
“That’s the spirit. You get the cushy job with those rich snobs.”
Pete laughed. “I’m about to be one of those rich snobs.”
“And when I come visit, I expect lobster dinners every night.” She winked.
About two hours later, Pete and Bertie sat around their mother’s hospital bed. Her face had more color, and she sat up. Pete thought she had improved, but the doctor said some days would be more difficult than others.
When she was admitted yesterday, she was dehydrated. After a night of rest and fluids, her vitals had improved, and the doctor suspected she could be released to hospice care soon.
Titus Headley had joined them a few minutes after Pete and Bertie arrived. He didn’t acknowledge his children but did kiss his wife’s forehead.
“I’m so glad to see everyone. I’ve been watching soaps all day long.”
“At least you’ve been entertained,” Bertie said.
Judith chuckled. “That’s one way to describe it.” She squeezed Pete’s hand. “I’m going to miss you, but you promised to send pictures and video.”
“Where are you going?” Titus demanded. “We have a group of kids coming in next week.”
Pete and Bertie exchanged a worried look. Judith rolled her eyes. “Titus, we went over this yesterday. Were you not here?”
His expression blanked. Pete wondered if his father did actually forget.
“I’ve been…doing a lot of thinking. It’s been tough to handle everything with you in the hospital, Judith,” he grumbled.
“I’m going to California,” Pete stated flatly. “I will call the dean at Cornell and ask about distance learning.”
Titus’s expression darkened at the mention of California, but he said nothing. His head bobbed in a nod.
“Good. I’m glad that’s settled.” Judith smiled. “Now, Peter”—she looked him directly in the eyes—“Bertie’s told me you have a girlfriend.”
“What?” Pete and Titus said in unison. Pete glared at Bertie.
“I’m not…Lea is not my girlfriend,” Pete stuttered.
His mother blinked. “Lea? I’m talking about Keighly. She’s such a nice girl. Maybe a little headstrong, but Bertie said she’s going places. Peter, listen to me”—she leaned closer—“don’t let a girl like that go, do you hear me? The mark of a good man is the woman by his side. Do me a favor and choose wisely.”
Pete arched his back as sweat trickled down it. He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his hot neck. “Uh, sure, Mom.”
She reclined against her pillows. “You too, Bertie. Please don’t bring home some loser. Your father may be inclined to shoot him.”
Pete grinned while Bertie colored. “Mom! I’m not even thinking about that right now.”
“No, no, I guess you have some time. Well, I’m not dead yet, but I’m sleepy.”
“Milking this stay, aren’t you? It’s going to cost us a fortune,” Titus muttered.
Judith sent him a sharp look. “Take it out of my life insurance.”
Pete and Bertie exchanged another startled look. Never had they heard their mother speak so defiantly to their father—who cowered in his chair. Soon they smiled. Even though she had only weeks to live, their mother was going to rule the roost while she could.
* * *
A tear dropped onto Bertie’s phone as she stared at Keke’s number. She wanted desperately to call her friend, but Keke’s callback audition was today and it wouldn’t be fair to distract her. She’d been one of three chosen for a second round of auditioning.
Pete entered the hospital room. “I’ve called the funeral home.”
Bertie nodded. “The church is free on Tuesday, which is perfect since you have to be in California on Wednesday.”
“Bertie, I don’t have to go,” Pete insisted. “I can reschedule. Tell them what happened.” He sat on the edge of Mom’s bed and placed a hand on top of the sheets. She’d been moved to the morgue an hour ago.
“No. Mom wouldn’t want you to put this off any longer. You’re going to California. I have a bunch of interviews that’ll be pushed to later in the week, but everything is going to go ahead as normal.”
She slipped her phone into her back pocket. “I’ve already told Kat not to mention anything to Keke. I know she’ll want to come home for the funeral, but she’s got her second audition today.”
“That’s good. A second one means they haven’t cut her. That’s really good.”
His voice sounded thick, and Bertie knew he was still thinking about Keke. “Where’s Dad?”
“In the chapel. Didn’t think he believed in anything.”
“He probably does now.”
Pete came beside her on the other side of the bed and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. He kissed her head. “I believe in you, Bertie.”
She sighed and hugged him back. “I believe in you too, Peter. Same team…always.”
Chapter 23
Two Months Later
K eke’s throat had gone dry. Her mouth had been open the entire time she read the article in today’s paper about gaming app genius Peter Headley headlining Warp Entertainment’s app division with the creation of not one but three new applications set to hit the market this week. Tech gurus predicted he’d be on a Forbes list at some point as the next person to watch, as well as his bank account. Overnight, he became a millionaire and was projected to make tens of millions more.
Keke grinned. She always had faith in him. Now he was settled in Silicon Valley—about five hours from where she was in Los Angeles—living a life he probably only dreamed of.
Bertie Told her she’d programmed Keke’s number into his phone but didn’t tell him. Peter hadn’t called. Keke thought he was either too busy to talk or probably didn’t want to see her again. She understood. Rejection was a tough emotion to overcome.
She folded the paper and set it down on the table. When she looked up, she gasped.
“Hi, Keke.”
Dressed in a business suit with his hair slicked back stood Peter Headley. He looked older than her now.
“Petey?”
He chuckled. “I saw you in the window. Heard this was the best bakery this close to the studio.”
She missed her sister Kat’s sweets and sought this bakery out as soon as she landed in L.A. “You’re working at Warner Brothers?” she asked, confused. Had she missed something in the article? “We’re a long way from Silicon Valley.”
He grinned like he held a secret. “Can I sit?” He gestured to the chair across from her.
“Of course!”
He took a seat at the tiny table made for two. “Not exactly,” he answered her question. “I’m here to talk to some executives about a movie deal.”
Her jaw dropped again. “A movie deal? Are you serious?”
“For one of my apps. The story is compelling enough that Warp Entertainment sent it to a producer contact at Warner Brothers. They want to meet with me in”—he looked at his watch—“an hour. Talk about possibilities.”
Keke grinned as her
eyes remained on the watch. “Is that a Rolex?” she implied, somewhat cheekily.
Pete blushed. “One of the first things I purchased when the check cleared.”
She laughed softly. “Hope you bought a new car. That other one was a wreck.”
He laughed with her. “Are you kidding? I loved that car. Drove it all the way out here.” His lips slanted. “Then it died, so…yeah, I bought a new car.”
“Ha! And how do you like being rich?”
The red color ran down his cheeks to his neck. “To tell you the truth, it’s been scary. One of the first things I did was talk to a financial advisor. I threw a bunch of money into mutual funds.”
“Smart. Of course, you were always that.” She took his hand that rested on the table. “I don’t think I breathed the entire time I read the article. It’s so impressive, Petey, just like you.”
He slipped a finger between his neck and collar. “Oh, you saw that, huh?”
“Aren’t you proud?”
“It’s embarrassing.”
“Well, I’m proud for you.” She squeezed his hand and drew back. “It’s amazing. And Warner Brothers is going to offer you a huge deal.”
His eyes grew intense for a moment. He broke the connection and cleared his throat. “I heard from Bertie that you got the part. Congratulations. I’m sure you’re the best dancer.”
Keke laughed. “I don’t know about that. Good enough to get the part, though. We’ve only been filming for a couple of weeks. Should be finished in another month or two. I’m supposed to be on set in an hour.”
“At Warner Brothers?”
She nodded.
“Want a ride?”
She arched a brow. “Sure. Although it’s just down the street.”
“Please, let me drive.”
“You just want to show off your new car.” She grinned.
He stood and reached for her hand. She allowed him to lead her out to a silver BMW parked at the curb. “It’s custom. Was never much of a Maserati kind of guy.”
“It’s perfect. Definitely an upgrade from the Honda.”
Pete bellowed. “Yeah, I gave that to the Salvation Army. They said they’ll get it running.”
He opened the front passenger door for her, and she slid across the leather seat. Keke inhaled. Still had the new car smell. “How long have you been in California?”
“For about a month. Went back and forth after Mom…”
Keke laid a hand on his arm. “I heard. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there for the funeral. I didn’t even know—”
“Bertie wanted it that way. She died the morning of your audition. Bertie didn’t want you to be distracted.”
“You know I would’ve come back for the funeral. I’m on good terms with Mom now, and it wouldn’t have been an issue.”
“I know. Bertie told me.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s okay. Mom was comfortable at the end. Really good spirits.” He laughed. “You should’ve heard the backtalk she gave our father the night before.”
“Really? I definitely would’ve enjoyed that.”
He sobered. “He’s mellowed out…a lot. I think he’s taking Mom’s death pretty hard. He’s talking about selling the campground and doing something else, but he doesn’t know what yet.”
“He’s still young. He could start a business or even go back to school.”
Pete’s lips edged up. “I mentioned school. Told him there are a few Ivy Leagues he could apply to.”
“No more grief over Cornell?”
“None. I spoke to the dean. I think I can fit in a few classes here and there. But I’m going to be incredibly busy if this deal with Warner Brothers goes through. I’m already working a lot of hours for Warp as one of their lead developers.”
“Lead developer!” Keke squealed. “Peter Headley, you are…”
He glanced at her. “What am I?”
She bit her lip and shrugged. “There are no words. A phenom. A superhero.”
Pete blushed and shook his head.
They were let in the gate, and Pete parked in the lot closest to Keke’s set.
“Keke…” His intense stare returned. The same look he gave her right before their lips met for the one and only time. Keke’s chest rose and fell rapidly.
She had never forgotten their kiss. Her subconscious tortured her over and over as she dreamed about it almost nightly.
“Petey…”
“Look, I know you think I’m too young, but look at me in this suit! I’m doing my own deals now.”
Keke laughed. “You’re very impressive.” She ran a hand down his front lapel. “I like the suit, but I like the man in the suit more.”
“For real this time?”
“It was never fake.”
Together, they leaned across the console, their lips meeting in a sweet, tender kiss. When they parted, Pete cupped her cheek in his hand. “Do you want to be my girlfriend?”
Giddy. Keke hadn’t felt this way since her first kiss with some guy she couldn’t remember behind the bleachers in middle school. Only this time, it wasn’t a jock who slobbered all over her mouth and moved on to another girl by first period the next day.
Petey was hers alone.
A man she could trust with the good and the bad…and her heart.
“Who are you?” she breathed. “How did I land such a handsome, intelligent man with good taste? And yes…of course!”
“And a good kisser?” He arched a brow.
“Definitely.” Keke drew his face in and claimed his mouth. “A really good kisser.”
“I had a great teacher,” he said between kisses.
She kissed him again, long and slow. “You were a good student, Petey…”
He smiled against her lips. “If you only knew how long I’ve been waiting to hear you whisper my name.”
She leaned back slightly. “Ready for the collegiate-level course?” She wagged her brows and bit her lip.
They shared a laugh before their lips met again.
His fingers brushed tendrils of curly hair away from her face, leaving a hot trail on her skin that made her shiver. “As long as you’re the only one I have to kiss.”
“You’re all mine.”
Epilogue
Eight Months Later
Nothing about this day made any sense. Keke dialed her agents number for the third time since she read the email.
Were her eyes playing tricks on her? Did she get the part? Usually her agent called ahead with the news. This time, a producer sent a congratulatory email.
She wouldn’t believe it was official until she heard it from her agent.
What’s more, Petey wasn’t answering either her calls or her text messages. It was nearly six o’clock and traffic was already going to be a nightmare leaving L.A. They were supposed to go to dinner, but Pete never confirmed their reservations.
That wasn’t like her diligent, attention-to-detail boyfriend at all.
However, the biggest surprise was Katrina. Something about a bakery and a man? Keke couldn’t quite make out her mother’s voice text. It autocorrected words into a complete mess. But her mom wanted Keke to come home for a visit as soon as she could, which Keke would happily do.
Keke pressed the button to lock her phone’s screen and shoved the device into her yellow clutch, matching a bright yellow sun dress she paired with lime green pumps. She folded her arms and scanned the studio lot for any sign of Pete’s car.
“Ms. Kaye! Ms. Kaye!”
A familiar intern ran up to her and grabbed her arm.
“Ms. Kaye, he’s waiting for you on the roof.”
“What? The roof? Who’s waiting for me?”
“Mr. Headley!”
Pete’s on the roof? How did he get past me? Keke followed the intern back into the studio building and they both took the elevator to the roof.
When she opened the door, air whipped her skirt up high, her hair whirling around her face. The blades of the chopper spun, but the helicopter remained
on the roof.
With one hand, Keke held the side of her dress and the other snagged her hair back. She tentatively walked toward the helicopter, her heart beating erratically. It was only when the side door opened and she saw Peter’s grin, did she relax.
“There you are. Sorry I’m late. Figured we could beat the traffic by flying over it.”
“You are so rich,” Keke said with a laugh.
“You rather sit in traffic?”
“No, sir!”
She clasped his hand and he helped her into the helicopter. They waved goodbye to a forlorn-looking intern before Pete shut the door. After they secured their seat belts, the helicopter lifted into the air.
Keke splayed her hands across the premium leather seat. “Is this yours?” she said into the microphone attached to the headset she wore.
“Not yet. I’m borrowing it, like a test drive. It’s great though, right? I think I might buy it.”
“What about your plane?”
“What about it? I’m not getting rid of that. We’ll need it to fly to Fuji next month.”
“Fuji!” Keke’s mind instantly transported her to paradise. And then she remembered the email. “I think I got the part. I haven’t heard from my agent, but it’s supposed to start filming next month.”
“Keighly, that’s incredible!” Pete reached across the space between their seats and clasped her hands.
Keke gaze him a slitted stare. “Are you sure you didn’t have anything to do with it?”
He crossed his heart with one hand. “Swear I didn’t. Your agent got you that audition for the role and it was all you. I purposely gave them another actress’s name so they wouldn’t be influenced.”
Keke wanted to be cast in the pilot episode for the action-adventure series based on Pete’s phone application since she read the script. Instead of a movie, Pete’s agent negotiated a thirteen-episode series to run for at least two seasons.
Although she no longer fought to prove her father wrong about her merit, now she had to contend with her boyfriend’s financial influence. He was a power player that discovered early on that people subjected themselves to his will without objection. It unnerved them both, and they sought accountability in each other.
