Page 10 of Tiffanie

“I slept and read my book after coming home,” Tiffanie said, waving her paperback at him.

“Oh, you found a funny scene?” he asked.

“No. I mean, yes, the novel was awesome. That’s not what I was laughing about. I’m going to lunch with Phineas tomorrow.”

Ivan pulled out his phone to check his schedule. She guessed he was scrambling to figure out how to move things around to make time to take her.

“I’m going to drive myself,” she told him.

Surprise showed on his face as he studied her. “Really? Do you have the energy for that?”

“Yes.” Tiffanie didn’t know whether or not she would, but she was determined to go. Even if she was a bit nervous about driving, she wouldn’t miss spending time with Phineas. Crossing her fingers, she hoped Ivan wouldn’t point out all the possible problems with her plan.

“Okay. Call me if you need me.”

Relief cascaded over her. “Thanks, Ivan.”

“Frozen pizza for dinner?” he asked, offering one of their favorite meals.

“Extra cheese?” she asked.

“You got it, sis.”

The next day, Tiffanie refused to waste her energy by changing her clothes repeatedly to decide on the perfect outfit. After choosing one of her favorite combinations, she checked herself out in the mirror. The knee-length blue skirt and the floral T-shirt looked nice but not too dressy for the diner. And she could wear her comfortable flat sandals.

Her face was thinner than usual, but she had color in her cheeks today. Tiffanie dabbed on light pink lip gloss to give her mouth a hint of shine. “This is as good as it gets,” she whispered to her reflection.

She’d gone on lots of dates in her life. This would be fun. Tiffanie refused to allow herself to worry about Phineas deciding she was too much trouble. Or at least that’s what she told herself on repeat.

Collecting the purse she hadn’t carried for weeks, Tiffanie located her car keys and headed out the front door. Ivan had driven her car off and on to keep the battery charged and the fluids moving. Sliding in behind the wheel, she adjusted the mirrors and pressed the ignition button. She exhaled a sigh of relief as the engine turned over easily before rolling her eyes at the old rock station Ivan had listened to last.

A minute later, she headed down the driveway as popular music filled the car. Tiffanie had forgotten how freeing going on a fun excursion could feel. She was in total control and couldn’t wait to see Phineas. She would be a regular person today. That felt good.

Tiffanie turned into the parking lot of the town’s diner and found a parking space easily. She checked her watch. She was ten minutes before the time they’d set to meet. Was Phineas like her? Did he always want to be early? She always hated for someone to think she was rude.

As she debated whether to sit in her car or go inside, Tiffanie spotted a blue car pulling into the space next to hers. A soft car horn beep prompted her to check out the driver. Phineas. His broad smile made her heart beat faster. He’s so handsome.

When he opened his door, she quickly grabbed her purse and got out as well. Flustered, Tiffanie lost her balance slightly and teetered.

Instantly Phineas steadied her, bracketing her waist with his hands. “Whoa. Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Clumsy. Thank you.” Tiffanie struggled not to notice how strong his hands were. His heat penetrated her lightweight clothing. Quickly, she distracted herself and tried to cover her embarrassment. “Hi, Phineas.”

“Hey, Princess. Thank you for joining me for lunch,” Phineas said.

“Princess?” she repeated and laughed. She certainly wasn’t sixteen like the young teens coming to the fancy birthday party.

His smile disappeared, and worry lines appeared on his forehead. The delight in his eyes faded. “I’m sorry, Tiffanie. When I first saw you at the engagement party, that impression popped into my mind. The twinkling lights framed you from behind like a fairytale princess. I’m afraid the association stuck in my brain. I’ll use your beautiful name from now on.”

Tiffanie could have kicked herself for killing the attraction between them. Quickly, she smoothed over her words. “Oh. I thought maybe you named all your female friends princess.”

“Never. If you’ll forgive me, I’ll reward you with lunch and a princess-free conversation.”

Of course, Phineas wasn’t a player who called all women by the same pet name so he didn’t have to remember their real ones. She shouldn’t judge everyone by other guys’ lack of effort, like her uncle who flirted with all his babes. “Oh, you don’t have to do that. I reacted a bit strongly. The only person who ever gave me a nickname was my brother.”

When his mouth opened, Tiffanie guessed his next question. “No, I won’t tell you. Neither will Ivan. Mother taught him the error of his ways.”

“Ah, I love it. Sibling rivalry.”