Chapter 3

It was six in the morning. Kylie was reluctantly getting up to help her mother with a presentation she had to give later in the day. Since Kylie had her date later, the morning was the only point she could help.

Both were unaware that the presentation was going to be for Jeremy’s mother and father regarding a potential investment in Mary’s boss’s business. She worked as the CFO for a local marketing firm that wanted to expand operations.

“I think it looks good!” It has good visuals, and the information is nicely placed out and straight to the point.” Kylie declared.

“You know what? I think your right.” her mom replied. She was quite impressed. The few final touches that Kylie suggested really helped enhance the last few slides.

“So what time is your date?”

“He will be here at five-thirty to meet you. We have reservations at a place Jeremy knows for six.”

“Great! I can’t wait to meet this boy. He sounds quite nice, and you seem to really like him.”

“I do! I really hope the date goes well. I have not had much experience. You know, since the bullying started.”

Her mother was aware of this fact. She had hoped that she would be able to overcome the bullying and stand strong herself, but if it took a nice guy to help her reach that point, she was happy.

“I know, honey. Don’t worry, from what you have told me, Jeremy sounds very nice.” her mother stated genuinely. “Now go relax and finish your homework. I’m going to the store, and it will be five before you know it.”

Jeremy was preparing himself. It was two hours before he was supposed to meet with Kylie’s mother. While he put on a brave face over text, he was a little nervous about it. He had planned out the evening perfectly. They would be going to a local restaurant his family purchased a year ago, so he was able to get a late reservation for the patio. It was normally sold out months in advance. The weather was nice and warm, and it was the perfect evening to sit outside. He then got tickets for a local movie theater that was showing a romance movie, and he had asked Kylie if she would want to see it and was happy when she agreed.

He was considering using some of his newly acquired money to rent out the whole theater just for them. He decided against it as he did not want to flaunt his wealth. He did want to spoil her, given all she had put up with, but that would happen once she was his girlfriend. Hopefully.

Jeremy’s parents were having a conversation of their own just below his room.

“He’s taking her to Sharkey’s,” Jason stated. They had purchased the place as they had the best Italian food in the city. They tried to go at least once a month but ultimately had quite a few places to choose from across the town.

“Great! She will really enjoy the patio area. It’s super romantic.” Cassidy replied.

“What should we put his curfew at?”

“I think he’s a little too old for that, don’t you think? He owns more of our company than we do. I think he can find his way home safely.”

“Okay. I am sure he can. I am just a little worried. They may fool around if they’re out too late.”

“Oh. Like we did not find the time for that back in high school.” Cassidy said while laughing. Jason did remember this vividly; they had been high school lovers. While they split for college, they ended up together after graduation.

“Alright, fine. Good point.” Jason added while starting to laugh.

“So what presentation are we viewing tonight?” he added, trying to get back to business. It was the first pitch they would be having as investors themselves.

“It’s from a small marketing company in town. They have been doing well just don’t have the funds to expand to more of a global scale. I think it would be a good investment, but I want to see their pitch first, of course.”

“Sounds good. I hope they make a good pitch. I really want to get into this new investor role.” he replied, putting his glasses on upside down to the amusement of his wife.

Jeremy decided to use one of his family’s more fancy cars for the night. They had just bought a new convertible sports car. It was much nicer than the basic car he took to school every day.

He arrived a few minutes early outside of Kylie’s house. He decided to wait until the specified time to come to the door. He wanted to make a good impression.

Kylie had seen him pull up, and as she was still getting ready, she decided to text him.

“Hey! I see you outside. I am still getting ready.”

“:) Don’t worry. I will wait for a few before coming in.

“:)”

Jeremy spent the extra few moments mentally preparing to put on his best attitude and practicing his greetings. The time then came for him to go pick up his date.

“Mom. Please be nice. He’s going to be here any second.” Kylie reminded her mother once again. She had mentioned the same thing many times in the past few hours.

“I know. I will be nice.” her mother replied while giving a nice smile.

There was then a knock at the door. Kylie allowed her mother to get it.

“So you must be this Jeremy guy I keep hearing about,” she said as she opened the door. Jeremy just could smile.

“That’s me! Nice to meet you, Ms. Robertson. I have heard so much about you from your daughter.” Jeremy stated.

“Well, I hope they were good things!” she replied, giggling.

“They were! Don’t worry!”

“Please come in. I would love to hear about what you two will be doing tonight,” she stated. “I have a meeting, so I may not be back until after eleven. Kylie has a key so she can let herself in if she gets back before me.”

Jeremy and Mary took a seat on the couch. Kylie was in the restroom putting on makeup.

“She does not have a set curfew. All I ask is that you walk her to the door. I want to make sure she is safe,” she added.