“Yeah, he’s definitely in love with you.” Brinley nods firmly.
“Material goods are not a true definition of love, especially not for a man with money,” I lecture. “That’s them treating you like a dumb child they can pay off. It’s the equivalent of Fitz buying me a Happy Meal.”
“Knox never gave me presents,” Kathy says softly. “And we dated for fifteen years.”
Brinley looks alarmed.
Knox is fuming.
“Is that dress even going to fit?” Shelby frowns.
“Winnie’s boyfriend has an eye for detail,” Kathy says gently, laying the dress on the couch.
“Even if it doesn’t fit, we’ll make it fit,” Mom says firmly. “Winnie, go shower. You smell like pastry cream.”
“No, don’t shower. A man likes a woman’s natural scent,” Gran demands.
“What does the card say?” my mom asks, holding out her hand.
“Ooh, it’s handwritten,” my dad says, impressed. “That’s impeccable penmanship. Fountain pen.”
I read the card upside down.
We’re going to date number 3.5 since last night was impromptu and didn’t seem like you had that much fun.
Wear this.
Pick you up at 8.
Tell your parents you won’t be back until morning.
“Well.” My mom clears her throat and hands me the note.
“Ooh!” Kathy jumps up and down, clapping her hands. “It’s likePretty Woman, except the porno version.”
Knox is unhappy, so the Pittsburgh troll is unhappy.
“You’re going to let your daughter stay out all night with some man?” Shelby demands.
Gran waves her hands. “He’s not some man—he’s rich!”
32
FITZ
“For the record,” Winnie says when her dad opens the door and I see her standing there, “I am not trying to one-up your gift. I was going to go to your office and give you these pastries.”
“Free desserts—”
“Don't!” Winnie holds the box away.
“Fine, free dessert.” I lean in and kiss her.
“No, I mean—”
I kiss her again.
“Fidget will want some.”
