How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie

by Gina Henning

  “What’s wrong?” Jack sits down in the chair in front of my desk.

  “Oh nothing, I just need to handle a few things really quickly.” I tap away on my keyboard.

  “Yes, busy weekend,” I send back to Trent and continue to close down the pages I had open.

  The messenger bings at me again.

  “Too bad, Marc was hoping we could all get together again. He really liked your friend Brianna.”

  Argh. This is not good. Jack is sitting across from me while Trent wants to set up a quasi-double date. I blink, bemused.

  “Sorry, can’t.”

  I sign out of my messenger program and check to make sure all my numbers have been recorded for the week. My entire team has turned in their reports early. This is good.

  Jack is watching me with an intense gaze. I hope he isn’t able to read my mind and knows what is going on, on the other side of my screen. From the angle he is sitting it wouldn’t be possible for him to see what is on my computer. But I can’t help but feel like I’m a kid caught with my hand in the cookie jar. How did I end up in this mess?

  A knock at the door breaks up my thoughts. I raise my eyebrows at Jack.

  “You’re a busy gal.” He laughs.

  “I guess.” I open the door. Trent leans against the doorframe.

  “Are you okay?” Trent asks.

  “Yes.” I hesitate on saying anything else that will prolong this conversation. Trent looks past me and sees Jack.

  “Hi, I’m Jack.” Jack reaches around me and offers Trent his hand. Trent stands up straight and takes a step back.

  “Hi, Trent.” They shake hands. It seemed to last longer than a normal friendly welcome. As if something more was exchanged between the hands of these two men than just a “nice to meet you”.

  “Trent, this is my fiancé, Jack.” I nod in Jack’s direction.

  “Fiancé. Oh I didn’t realize you were engaged.” He jerks his head back.

  Jack frowns slightly. “Hmm, a few people seem to be under that impression, yet—” Jack lifts my left hand and flashes my diamond at Trent “—here she is, still wearing her engagement ring.”

  Trent swallows and nods. “Yes, well there it is. Congratulations. You’re a lucky guy.” Trent somewhat playfully punches Jack’s shoulder. Jack doesn’t budge. His mouth forms the most polite smile possible. I’m sure it’s hiding a wealth of other emotions that he is not going to address at the moment.

  I laugh out of discomfort. Jack and Trent both eye me as if I’ve said I was an alien. “Okay, well, have a good weekend, Trent.” I nod.

  “Yeah, you too.” Trent turns and stalks down the hallway. I make my way back around to my desk and finish logging out. I need to get out of here before one more thing happens. If I were Jack, I would be boiling over with questions and concerns.

  I lock my computer and grab my purse. “Let’s get out of here. I could use a drink.” I reach for Jack’s hand and before we make it to my office door, he spins me round and presses me against it.

  “Lauren, I think you’ve got some explaining to do.” He breathes into my neck and his lips find their way to my ear. He bites at my lobe.

  “I don’t know what you mean. But I like where your mouth is going.” I finger my way through his soft sandy blond hair.

  “You’re going to see and hear a lot from my mouth.” Jack kisses me hard. Like a passion or thirst has overcome him and he can’t stop the intensity from his lips. His tongue whips around inside of my mouth, circling my own and pulling me in closer to him. My body is on fire. I can’t be on fire in my office.

  I lean back. “Let’s go.”

  “All right, but that was just the beginning.” Jack leans in once more and kisses me as if sealing a promise to my lips of a future moment in which I will be at the mercy of his mouth.

  Chapter Ten

  “So you’ve got your bag, right?” Jack opens up my car door for me. The passenger side. Since I lost our last bet, I’m not interested in going down that road again.

  “Yes, but you still haven’t told me why I need it.” I bite my lip. Last night before we hung up on the phone, he’d asked me to pack an overnight bag with anything I would need for a two-night getaway. I asked what for, and he said just to be ready.

  Jack slides into the driver seat. He’s in control of the steering of my car and apparently my weekend. What if I had planned something for us to do? I hadn’t…but what if I had? I purse my lips to the side. I guess I would have mentioned it if I had and then we’d have worked it out… I need to stop feeling so negative. Jack is here, with me. It’s the only thing I want. I take a deep breath and smile. This is going to be a great weekend. I’m determined.

  “Did you bring a dress?” Jack eyes me.

  “Yes and some killer heels.” I laugh.

  Jack raises an eyebrow at me.

  “So are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I rock back and forth.

  Jack glances at me and smiles. “Nope, just sit back and enjoy the ride.”

  I crinkle my eyebrows at him. “Okay, so how far is the place we’re going?”

  He chuckles. “You really don’t understand the concept of a surprise, do you?”

  I grimace. This is meant to be spontaneous and fun. “I get it…but maybe you could give me a hint?” I bat my eyelashes at him as if to persuade him to share.

  “It’s not too far. So how is work going? You seem to have a popular office.”

  I chortle. “Yeah, not really. Today was just weird.” I brush some hair off my face. This isn’t entirely true. Ever since I got my new position my office might as well have a revolving door. Everyone drops by at all moments during the day. It’s a wonder I’m able to get any work done.

  “Hmm…Elaine didn’t seem to think so.” Jack inspects my reaction.

  I know what he’s talking about. But I don’t want to address it. I definitely do not want to start off my trip with Jack discussing Elaine or any of her thoughts.

  I shake my head. “Elaine is something else. She is always insinuating things and she has no filter or really any sense of good judgment. I don’t know how she got into a management position.”

  “I see.” Jack’s eyes are back on the road.

  I don’t blame him for being bothered. Elaine bothers me on a daily basis and she definitely insinuated enough for him to question things. But I haven’t done anything wrong and I really don’t want to have this conversation right now.

  “How are things at Vintage Estates?” I peer at him.

  He nods. “Good—actually they are great. Corinne really has an amazing business sense and has been making huge advancements in the organization and details of our accounts.” A smile plasters across his face.

  I’m happy things are going well at Vintage Estates. But the way he says her name, it makes my chest tighten. He never offered up a reason as to why he couldn’t call me on Monday. I have tried to bring myself in off the ledge of doubt and insecurity, but I can’t help it. I care too much for him to not be surrounded by the fear of losing him.

  I know I shouldn’t, but I even doubted today whether he would show up at the airport. I know he promised he wouldn’t stand me up again, but what about the phone call? Doesn’t that count as standing me up? Or am I being too demanding and ridiculous? I don’t want to fail at being a fiancée… How will I continue on to wife status if I’m erratic and over-emotional? I slouch in my seat.

  Jack exits the highway and we drive down Clarksville Pike. Hmm…I know of a few bed and breakfasts along this route. Perhaps we are going to one of them. The car slows and Jack turns into a circle drive lined with huge oak and maple trees. Little white lights outline the cement. I glance up at the building. It’s an enormous Victorian-style mansion—white siding with two balconies and a large wraparound porch.

  “Wow, Jack, this is gorgeous.” My fingers rest on my lips. I glance at Jack. His eyes are on mine. His stare is one of concern. I can’t read him. Is he worried, angry…? Shouldn’t
I know this? Shouldn’t I be able to read my…my fiancé? I rub my lips together.

  “Lauren, welcome to the Inn at Pearl Lake.” He takes my hand and kisses each of my knuckles, sending little sparks of heat up past my wrist and reaching my shoulders.

  He releases my hand and steps out of the car, like he is the lord of the manor. I reach down and grab my purse. Jack is opening my door as I try and grab the handle. Our hands meet and he pulls me out of the car and into his arms.

  “Are you ready?” Jack stares down into my eyes. I’m glad he has his arms wrapped around me or I would fall from swooning so hard. This is incredible. The inn is amazing. It seems odd to say inn because when I think of an inn I think small and cozy, whereas the Inn at Pearl Lake is grand and statuesque. I’ve never stayed at a place this gorgeous and definitely not with a man this delicious. Jack leans down and kisses me softly.

  “Lauren, are you all right?”

  “Yes, I’m great. This is amazing.” I bite my lip. “A really nice surprise. Thank you, Jack.”

  “It’s nothing compared to you.” Jack kisses me deeply. “Let’s go…we don’t want to miss dinner…and especially not dessert.” Jack wiggles his eyebrows at me. He grabs our bags from the trunk and we walk up the path to the row of stairs. I blink several times taking it all in. We climb the steps and Jack pulls open one of the double doors.

  Inside is a grand entrance. A large sparkly crystal chandelier hangs from the ceiling and lit sconces line the walls. The floor is no doubt original hardwood and polished to show a nice gleam. Jack leads us to the reception area, which is a small table. Sitting behind it is an older woman. Almost old enough to make me question if she is the original owner. I internally laugh as this is not possible. This house, or rather inn, has to be at least two hundred years old. I gaze up at the wood beams on the ceiling. They, like the rest of this place, are gorgeous.

  “Ready?” Jack admires me appreciating the beams.

  I smile. “Yes.”

  Jack keeps asking me if I’m ready, almost as if he is triggering a memory of when he told me to let him know when I was ready for more. Now, this word is being used more frequently. Is he preparing me? For what? Is he questioning whether or not I am ready? Is he not ready for this or us or the future? My stomach twists into knots. I’m ready for a fun weekend; that’s for sure. But am I ready to be married? I don’t know… It’s such a big commitment and one I don’t want to mess up.

  “I’m definitely ready for a drink. It’s been a long week.” I laugh.

  Jack runs his seductive blue eyes over me. “Yes, Lauren, it definitely has.”

  Jack leads us down the hall and up a flight of stairs, the kind of stairs where a woman, walking down in a ball gown, would be able to make her big entrance. The type of entrance where all chatter would cease as the lady made her way into the room.

  We stop in front of room 301. Jack locks his eyes on mine. His mouth opens and then closes, like he wants to say something but doesn’t. He opens the door and we step into an illuminated room. He must have called ahead as a fire is flickering in the fireplace and beyond it I can see a balcony facing the lake. The water is dark, the sun is just beginning to set, and my heart is falling deeper than I ever thought possible.

  How could this be, this amazing moment? In this spectacular, romantic inn? I imagine the memories that have been made here, all the different people who have stayed and lived in this incredible place. I let out a deep breath.

  “Wow, I’m literally breathless.” I stride to the window and stare out at the water. I’m sure it’s cold. But it’s like I’m in it, going under. Jack’s warm hand brushes my hair away from my neck and he leans down and kisses me. Little shivers pop up along my collarbone and send tingles of warmth and love down my back.

  “Lauren, I love you and I want you to take all of this in while I’m taking in every inch of you. But we can’t be late for dinner.” He turns me around and kisses my lips.

  I laugh. “Okay, so we have to be prompt here or what?”

  “Exactly. I’ll wait for you at the bottom of the stairs. You can find your way back, right?” Jack pinches my side.

  I grab his hand. “Of course I can find my way back.” I roll my eyes.

  “I just don’t want you to get lost while you are looking out a window or something.” Jack laughs and turns to walk out the door.

  I swat his behind. He turns around and raises an eyebrow at me. “All right, two can play at that game.” He raises his hand to his lips and blows me a kiss as if he is sealing his promise to return my swat.

  I stick my tongue out at him. And he nods and closes the door behind him. Okay, so now I’ve got to get ready. I grab my book bag from the bed and dig through it to find my dress. I’ve got it rolled up. I always roll my clothes when packing; it helps to avoid wrinkles and I can fit in so many more clothes.

  The navy silk of the dress unrolls. This is one of my favorite dresses. It’s perfect for the winter. The shoulders and sleeves are an ivory chambre embroidery with the pattern running underneath my breasts and a bit down my stomach. It’s like a piece of art. I got it on sale one weekend when Brianna and I were shopping in New York City. It’s vintage. I’m sure some really famous actress probably owned it before me. Ha!

  I slide into the dress and button up my back, which takes some acrobatic work on my part as the buttons are a bit difficult. I’m sure whichever Hollywood starlet wore this before me had some hunky Hollywoodesque man to button it for her. Maybe the next time I wear this dress, Jack will be in the room.

  My shoes are not used. That is one place I draw the line as far as vintage goes. They are a pair of Betsey Johnson cream pumps with sequins over the top. They match this dress perfectly. I knew when I saw them they had to be mine, and now they are. I step into them. Boom—instant height!

  I make my way to the bathroom. It’s huge. This place has obviously undergone some major renovations. There is a large marble Jacuzzi tub and above it is a crystal chandelier. Behind the tub is a fireplace. I want to take off my dress and hop into the tub. While the fire crackles next to me. Heaven.

  I place my makeup bag down on the marble counter and stare in the mirror. A little touching up is definitely necessary and I’m going to take my office eye shadow up to dramatic nighttime look. I take out my makeup brush and dip it in the sparkly gold shadow. I run it along my lids and then take out a larger eye-shadow brush and swipe on a darker brown in my crease. I use my highlighter along my brow and a bit in the corner of my eye.

  My Bare Minerals Cupcake gloss pairs well with my eye shadow. Now, to make my entrance. I hope I don’t get lost staring out the windows…hmph.

  I grab my small cream clutch and toss in my phone, lip gloss, hair pick, and powder. Hmm, I don’t have a key to the room. I search the tops of the desks to see if Jack left me one. But I find nothing. My stomach growls. I pat it. Time for dinner indeed.

  At the door I take in one final view of the gorgeous suite before I let it shut behind me. In the hallways I saunter through the empty corridor as if I’m the lady of the mansion waiting to be received by my guests. The railing is cold in my hands as I make my way down the stairs. We are on the third floor. Being careful in heels while walking down the stairs is an arduous task. I suppose the real ladies of this mansion wore flats when this place was built.

  As I round the corner of the last row of stairs, my eyes meet a pair of forever blues. They’re calling my name without speaking a word. The sides of Jack’s mouth pull up and his grin is warm and happy.

  My Betsey Johnson crème shoes hit the floor and my hands are woven into Jack’s. Instantly all woes and worries are swiped from my mind when our fingers lace together. It’s as if Jack has some sort of magic spell over me and when he touches me…I lose all sense of doubt and insecurities. I need to bottle this emotion and douse myself in it anytime I step away from the idea of being with Jack forever. I swallow.

  “Wow, Ms. Soon-to-be-Walker, you definitely know how to make
an entrance.” Jack bites his lip. “That dress is…scandalous.” He blinks and stands back, taking me in. Jack twirls me around. His eyes make their way up my legs and over my curves until finally meeting mine. We stare at each other for a moment longer than what would seem natural to any bystanders, but it doesn’t matter. We are in our own world; a soft melody is playing in the background reminding me of Lloyd Dobler in that famous scene from Say Anything…standing outside a window with a boom box above his head. Jack is standing before me and my stomach flips. My heart is beating fast. Is this real? I’m so complete with him.

  “Thanks,” I manage to say. I’m so lightheaded. I’m woozy on this love and my mind is swirling around in this moment. Maybe I need to eat something. Perhaps food will make me more grounded.

  “Are you ready…for dinner?” Jack pulls me into a deep hug and nuzzles my neck. I laugh.

  “Yes, Jack…I’m ready.” I raise an eyebrow at him. If he wants to use ready, I can too. He laces our fingers together and leads me past the lobby and into a grand room filled with fifty or so tables covered in white linen with a mint overlay. Jack makes his way to a table with two chairs and pulls out one of them for me. I sit down and take in the room. There are at least thirty other couples and a few groups of a six or more people sitting together.

  Jack sits down in front of me and squeezes my hand. “Lauren, that dress… I’m hungry. How about you?”

  His eyes are feasting on me. I bite the inside of my cheek. “Yes, I’m famished.”

  I glance down at the menu in front of me. It’s a single piece of heavy parchment paper. Each item is written in gold calligraphy. Several different salads, lobster dishes, a veggie pasta dish, steaks, and a spicy paella dish. Yes, that’s what I’ll order.

  A waiter dressed in a white shirt and black bow tie stands at our table. “Welcome to the Pearl Lake Inn. What can I start you off with?”

  “Thank you, a bottle of the Beck Pinot Noir 1995 and the west coast cheese platter, please.” Jack smiles at me. He knows I have a weakness for great wine and I love cheese.