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.”
