Molly was a nervous wreck.
Storming from room to room holding her cell phone and looking at it every two minutes. In the Kitchen her Mother "Marjorie" was preparing dinner. She was running slightly behind.
In his den her Father, "Sahseej" was looking over medical files on his computer.
Darting in to the den Molly wore more than she had all week long. Black clothing from head to toe. Spandex pants with a long button down satiny shirt to accent them. Black pumps on her feet.
"He will be here soon Father." She fans her face which was flushed, "It is not too late to cancel."
Sahseej glances at his daughter with a bit of scrutiny, "This is for you to decide. However, I would educate to say that you might regret doing so."
Molly fidgets, "He is very nice."
A thin smile creases the face of her Father, "I am certain he is. If not I would not allow this."
She pouts then shuffles over to hug him tightly from behind his seated position. He pats her arms, "Let me finish my work."
With a peck on his cheek she leaves his den. Outside the room her cell vibrates. Opening a text from Caleb she smiles brightly.
"I can't wait to see you." He writes.
Dancing in step she stops quickly to type, "I am terrified."
"Don't be. I'll charm their pants off."
Frowning she returns with, "That would be even more terrifying. Seeing them with their pants off."
They share a responding, "LOL".
"I'm almost there. Dad let me borrow his Corvette."
Her eyes bulge, "Father might think you are showing off."
"I can park it a block away and walk over. If that makes you feel better about it."
"No. There is a parking garage in our Condo's lower levels. We will not tell him you drove unless he asks."
"Let's not lie to him. He sounds like a smart man. Just keep calm."
"You are correct. Thank you Caleb."
"No problem. Now let me stop texting before I wreck Dad's car."
She doesn't even reply after reading that. Instead she heads to the kitchen.
"Do you need help Mother?"
Marjorie puckered her lips in thought, "I think it's almost ready. Tandoori chicken, Makki ki roti corn bread like your Father likes and Kheer rice pudding. I made the Tandoori chicken with a not too spicy yogurt and curry sauce. We shall see how it all turns out. I basted it over the grill on our balcony. This was my only source of using coals. I hope your young man likes Punjabi."
"I am certain he will. Thank you for cooking dinner for us. And, for convincing Father to let me grow up."
"He loves you Dear. It did not take as much convincing as you might think."
Melting to her Mother's side Molly hugs her. Marjorie lays her chin on top of her daughters hair.
"I think it's time you were allowed to grow up even more." Marjorie sighs.
Taking Molly by the hand she leads her into her parents on suite. There Marjorie had a variety of perfumes neatly resting on a mirrored tray. Fanning her fingers over them in thought Marjorie decides upon a bottle.
"Escada Magnetism. A lovely scent that will make your young man smile. Adore this fragrance. Not too much patchouli. Just enough."
Spraying her wrist she guides it up to Molly's nostrils. A vibrant grin appeared.
"Yes. I adore this scent. May I?"
Molly claims the vial and sprays behind her ears and her throat. The maneuver makes Marjorie study her daughter.
"Did I do something wrong?" Molly stares without blinking.
"No." Her mother smiles before spritzing it into the girl's shirt carefully so as not to make her too pungent.
"I think Caleb will like this." She shivers with excitement.
"I'll never hear the end of this from your Father." With a frown Marjorie unbuttons Molly's top two buttons on her shirt. In doing so Molly tilts her chin to see a hint of cleavage which was bulging through the cups of her black bra.
"Father will scold me." She frets.
"Let me worry about your Father. His old world views are gradually changing. You just enjoy your first date. After dinner I will encourage your Father to give you some alone time."
Her smile said it all. Molly was exceptionally happy.
As they stood there primping Molly's cell vibrated. Looking at her message she darts her gaze toward her Mother.
"Caleb is here. He is on his way up."
"Then, you had better go greet him. I'll get changed real fast and join you."
"What of dinner?"
"It's ready Sweetheart. Merely in the oven to stay warm. Go!" Marjorie waves her away.
Molly sprints through the massive Condo until she reaches the living room. Once there she walked more casual. After all her Father stood in the living room nurturing a glass of wine.
"He is on his way up Father." She looks haunted by his glare.
"I see your Mother has given you spirits." He inhales the air.
"She insisted. Please do not be angry with me."
He forms a smile and motions to the door. As if on cue the doorbell rang. Molly nearly fainted. Fanning herself she shuffles to the door and opens it. On the other side stood the handsomest boy ever.
Caleb wore pair of gray dress slacks and a short sleeved white pullover dress shirt. A gold watch was on his left wrist. He carried a decorated bag with handles. From behind his back he brought forth an orchid with a lavender hue.
"You look very nice Molly. I hope this is alright. I stopped by an Indian florist. They suggested an orchid."
She cautiously claims it placing it to her nose, "It is very lovely. Thank you."
Caleb eyes her Father staring at him, "I hope that was alright to do Sir. I really don't know much of your culture. If I have offended you I'm really sorry."
Sahseej merely offers a wave to enter allowing Molly to close the door beside them.
"Your orchid needs a vase." Sahseej motions.
Molly lowers her gaze and excuses herself to locate a vase. Once departed Caleb stands quietly with a confident smile. He then realizes he holds the bag still.
"Oh, this is from my Father. He insisted I bring you a gift."
Stepping closer he passes the bag to Sahseej who looks down at the contents.
Leering over his brow at Caleb he winces, "Your Father allows you to carry wine at your age? While driving?"
"It was in the trunk. There's a note inside the bag in case I got pulled over. For you as well."
"Chateau Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux. I would guess it to be quite expensive." Sahseej examines it.
Caleb shrugs with a bewildered expression, "To be honest I really don't know. I don't drink. My parents are the big wine tasters. They like to visit vineyard's all over the world."
"I see." He ignores the note for now.
"Please sit. I am Molly's Father, "Sahseej". My wife will join us shortly."
"Thank you Sir." Caleb steps toward a sofa after clasping his hands. Once seated he places his palms on his legs.
Sahseej excuses himself, "This deserves to be chilled. Molly will return momentarily."
