May 2012

Perri’s Prince
by Joyce H. Ackley

“Tea set, food, costumes, linens, flowers.” Perri ticked the items off her checklist. Satisfied everything was in order, she gathered the full skirt of her blue taffeta gown and slid behind the wheel of her minivan. A peek into the rearview mirror confirmed that her tiara rested securely atop her dark curls. Her pink lipstick gleamed. Ready! Off to work she went.

This afternoon, Perri would hostess a tea party for 7-year-old Chloe Cannon and six of her little friends. She had started The Princess and the Tea a year ago, after her divorce. Thrift stores and rummage sale finds provided her initial inventory of dress-up clothing, tea sets and serving pieces, as well as a few modest bridesmaid dresses for her own costumes. Launched on a shoestring budget, her business had taken off, and to her delight, continued to succeed. Last month she hired a part-time assistant, Marge Holley, to help with bookings and records.

At the Cannon home, an adorable little blonde in a party dress answered the door.

“You must be Chloe! I’m Miss Perri. Is your mommy home?”

Chloe danced with excitement. “Daddy! Daddy! She’s here! The princess lady is here!”

A tall, sandy-haired man stepped into the foyer. “Hello. I’m Brett Cannon.”

He flashed a friendly smile and they shook hands. Would Chloe’s mother be at home for her tea party? Perri wondered. She couldn’t recall details. Marge had booked the party.

“Perri Davis. If you’ll just show me where to set up, I’ll go ahead and get started.”

“Of course. May I help bring anything in?”

Perri nodded. “Please. That would be so nice.”

Perri rolled out her suitcase containing jewelry, purses, scarves, and hats for dress-up play. A hamper filled with tea sandwiches, cupcakes, and sweets came next. Brett transported her porcelain tea set and two bags of party goods.

“Thank you.” Perri smiled. “I appreciate the help.”

“You’re welcome. Chloe’s going to love this.”

The girls played dress-up while Perri worked her magic on the tea table. As she put the finishing touches on the centerpiece of daisies and roses, an attractive young woman swept into the room.

“Hi,” she said. “I’m Liz Cannon. Everything looks so pretty! And the girls are having a ball!”

“Good! I’m almost ready for them.” Perri set out a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries and stepped back to make a final inspection.

A few minutes later, the guests settled ‘round the table, and Perri poured caffeine-free peach tea.

“Come on, Daddy!” Chloe patted the chair beside her. "Sit by me."

Brett bowed and sat down. He unfolded his lavender napkin. “Am I supposed to hold out my pinkie finger?”

Perri laughed. “Only when you’re having tea with the Queen.” She admired Brett for being such a good sport. He played right along, requesting “one sugar lump, please,” to a chorus of giggles. Chloe draped a blue paisley scarf around his shoulders. “It’s not pink, Daddy, so it’s okay,” she explained, and he grinned, amused. Brett’s gentle spirit and camaraderie with the children warmed Perri’s heart.

When Brett devoured a tiny sandwich in one bite, Liz shook her head and chuckled. “Chloe and I need to teach you how to take high tea,” she said. She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

Perri’s throat tightened. She stifled a sigh. Why were all the good men taken?

When the tea ended, seven happy girls received pastel gift bags containing lip gloss, glittery tiaras, little pearl bracelets, and other treasures. Perri cleared the table and began packing her items.

“I’ll load up,” Brett said, “and write your check.”

At her car, he said, “The dress is perfect, but the shoes aren’t right.”

“Excuse me?” She glanced down at her low-heeled white pumps.

“You’re wearing a princess gown,” he said. “But where are the glass slippers?”

Perri blushed. “These are my work shoes. I’m a working woman in princess disguise.”

“You could’ve fooled me,” he said. “Is there a Prince Charming waiting at the castle?”

Perri bristled. “I need to go. You really should get back to your wife and daughter, Mr. Cannon.”

Brett’s dark eyes widened. “No..no,” he stammered. "You don’t understand. Liz is my sister. I’m divorced.” He gazed down at her. “ I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you weren’t properly introduced.”

“It was a little confusing.” Perri smiled and added, “You’re both very good with Chloe.”

“I’m grateful to Liz for helping out with Chloe. I’ve got custody. My ex-wife travels quite a bit with her job, and it’s been hard on my little girl. I try to help her cope, like with this party she wanted. By the way, thanks for making it special.”

“My pleasure.”

He took a deep breath. “Well,” he began, “now that we’ve got that straight, I’ll just come right out and ask. Are you available, and if so, would you like to go out for coffee, or maybe lunch, sometime?”

“Yes, and yes,” Perri replied, returning his smile .

“But no little bitty tea cups,” Brett said. “Big coffee mugs.” He measured off a good height. "And no tea sandwiches. Maybe a double cheeseburger?”

“With French fries! Just what a working woman, er, princess would like!” Perri’s eyes matched her twinkling tiara.

-end-

Joyce H. Ackley is a retired school teacher. She lives in central Florida with her three spoiled cats, who graciously allow her to share their home. They encourage her writing endeavors in hopes that she will make enough money to keep them in tuna fish treats and support their catnip habit. Joyce’s work has appeared in Long and Short Reviews, The Dollar Stretcher, Working Writer, The Writer Within, Good Old Days magazine, and The Lakeland Ledger. When not writing, Joyce enjoys spending time with her three wonderful grandchildren.