Three
Chapter One: PA's and Planes
First and foremost I want to apologize for grammar mistakes in my last chapter. I have a habit of writing when I get home from night shift and not proofreading. I reread this several time to make sure it was good to go, but I can't make any promises.
I'm so excited that so many people are enjoying this story! You guys keep me writing, so thanks!
Lastly, I also want to apologize if I get placement wrong as far as Tony's home setting. I'm bad at remembering where things go, so I just kind of wing it the best I can. If I do, let me know because it will help me out in the long run.
That said, Enjoy!
"Did you tell her to meet you here?" Happy asked, glancing over to Tony. They were waiting inside Tony's half-reconstructed kitchen. While the walls and flooring had been repaired, several counters and appliances still needed replacing. Tony thought for a moment.
"No but it's Pepper, she has an uncanny sense to know where I am at all times." He smiled.
"Tony?" The call came from the front hall.
"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." Tony grinned and called back, "We're in the kitchen!" Happy shook his head as he chuckled. They heard the click of heels as Pepper rounded the corner.
"Happy, what are you doing here?" She asked, laying her messenger bag down on the floor beside her.
"Waiting on you," he smiled. Pepper looked at him bewildered. It was still early and she knew for a fact Tony wasn't needed at the office today as she had stopped there first. She saw Tony look her over and shake his head.
"Peps, I told you not to show up dressy." He said looking her over. He himself had on a simple t-shirt and jeans. Now he felt out of place, not that he'd tell them that.
"This isn't dressy. These are jeans; dark and professional looking, but jeans all the same." she retorted crossing her arms. "Why aren't you at the office? They told me something about how they weren't expecting you back till next week."
Tony only smirked.
"It's a surprise." He winked.
Before Pepper could ask any more questions, a short brown-haired girl walked past her, startling her. Pepper stared at the girl as she walked right up to Tony.
"Everything is all set, Mr. Stark." She smiled, handing him a thin stack of papers. "I also printed up copies of your reservations just as you ask."
"Gwen, call me Tony. If you call me Mr. Stark one more time I'm going to have to fire you." The girl's eyes widened. "I'm just kidding," Tony laughed, "But seriously, please call me Tony. Mr. Stark was my father."
Gwen nodded but appeared as if she still didn't believe he was joking. Tony glanced over to Pepper who was giving him her trademark 'explain… now," look. Tony brushed it off and smiled.
"Pepper, this is my new PA, Gwen McKinley. Gwen, this is Pepper Potts." The girl turned and smiled. After pushing up her glasses, she held her hand out to Pepper.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Potts; Tony has only good things to say about you." Pepper shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Gwen." Pepper smiled as genuinely as she could.
"Gwen, will you be a dear and go with Happy to make sure everything is packed?" Tony said taking note from the glare Pepper was giving him.
Happy chuckled to himself, but quickly dropped the smile when Pepper turned her glare over to him. Gwen however, gave no signs that she noticed the new tension. Instead, she nodded and as soon as she and Happy left the room, Pepper walked over to Tony.
"New PA, huh?" Pepper said sweetly while shooting daggers at him, "So if she's you're new PA, then why did you wake me up at seven-thirty in the morning asking me to come back to work? How old is that girl? She looks like she just got out of high school."
"College; she just graduated from college. Interviewed her last week and I must say, I was skeptical at first but she's turning out to be almost as good as you." Pepper raised her eyebrows. "Almost; I said almost."
"Tony, what is going on?" Pepper sighed. This time, Tony grinned.
"I told you, it's a surprise." Winking again, Tony walked around her and heading through the door. "You coming?" He said, glancing over his shoulder.
"I don't like surprises." Pepper grumbled, picking her bag up and following him reluctantly.
"Yes you do. After ten years, that's at least one of the things I picked up on."
Pepper rolled her eyes and silently followed Tony outside to the driveway where Happy and Gwen was waiting by the car.
"Everything is all set, sir." Gwen smiled as they approached.
"Great and right on schedule," Tony said glancing at his watch. "Now Gwen, while we're gone I'm going to need you to house sit."
"House sit?" Gwen and Pepper said in unison.
"House sit." Tony repeated, "Don't look so frightened Gwen," he said, making her blush, "I just need someone to make sure the repairs go as scheduled and JARVIS needs someone to talk to. Besides, Happy will be here, won't you?"
Happy blinked as he opened the back door.
"I will? Of course I will," he said quickly.
"See, it's settled." Tony grinned at Pepper who was still in disbelief.
"But I-I -" Gwen stuttered.
"Don't worry, JARVIS will alert me if anything happens and Rhodey just in case." Tony patted Gwen on the back, "Now I do believe we have a plane to catch."
"Plane?" Pepper asked, but her question was ignored as Tony pushed her gentle to the car.
"No wild parties!" Tony said smirking as he got in behind Pepper. Happy rolled his eyes as he shut the door.
"I guess I'll see you when you get back," Gwen told Happy as he went to the driver side.
"You better get used to it," Happy said before he opened the door. "It's always like this."
"I know," Gwen said, turning and heading back inside.
As Happy started the car and pulled out of the driveway, Pepper stared over at Tony who returned her gaze with a loop-sided smile.
"You have about five seconds to tell me what's going on." Pepper stated.
"If I tell you then it won't be a surprise."
"If you don't tell me, you'll be worrying about a lot more than just surprises." She said sternly. Tony huffed and crossed his arms.
"Well aren't you just a 'Miss-Party-Pooper'" He mumbled. He sighed and spoke louder. "If you must know, I'm taking your advice." Pepper blinked.
"Which advice?" She asked. She had given him enough advice to put Confucius to shame.
"The one from Saturday." He smiled.
Pepper furrowed her brows. She didn't give him advice Saturday. The only thing they did was watch a movie and she didn't stay long after. Now she was puzzled. Knowing Tony, his version of 'advice' was located light years away on another planet. She thought for a moment, going over their evening. Tony grinned when her eyes widened with realization.
"Anthony Edward Stark, kidnapping me is not considereda date!" Pepper exclaimed, hitting him on the shoulder.
"I didn't kidnap you, you came willingly. Right, Happy? Ow, Pepper. Do you see this? I'm being abused. You're a witness!" Tony said loudly as Pepper hit him again twice.
Happy could only laugh heartily as he caught a glimpse in the rearview mirror.
"I can not believe you!" Pepper huffed, scooting as far away from Tony as she could. "All you had to do was ask!"
Tony frowned, "But I did ask and you told me no."
"So you trick me? And Venice doesn't count."
"Well I'm asking now. Pepper would you like hop on a plane and come away with me for a few days? And stop making faces Happy, you're ruining the moment." He added, catching the disgusted look Happy made in the mirror.
"I'll think about it," she said after a moment.
"Well, think about it fast because we're almost to the airport and I will carry you onboard if I have to."
Pepper looked Tony over. Once again, she told herself that his threats were not empty ones. Sighing loudly, she gave up.
"Fine."
"That's the spirit!" Tony cheered.
"How long are we going to be gone?" She asked knowing he probably wouldn't tell her. "And what am I supposed to wear? It's not like I had time to pack." She added, hoping maybe it was something he didn't think about. If so, she could probably talk him out of this.
"I had Gwen order you some new clothes. Don't worry, she has impeccable taste and they're all Tony approved." He said nonchalantly.
Pepper honestly didn't know what to say, so she asked the first thing that came to her mind.
"How do you know they'll fit?"
"I went by the measures used for that green dress I bought you for your birthday a while back."
They both knew that technically she bought the dress for herself with Tony's money, but since Tony didn't object to the purchase, they made an unspoken agreement to just consider it a present he gave her.
"Oh and I had Gwen sneak into your apartment last week while you were away. That's how I determined she was a keeper." He winked.
"You're unbelievable."
"Okay kids, we're here," Happy said jokingly, putting the car into park.
"Ready, dear?" Tony asked playfully, opening the door and stepping out.
"If I'm not, it doesn't really matter does it?" She replied, doing her best to hold back a grin as she followed shortly behind.
The sun was bright reflecting off the asphalt of the airport runway and Pepper wished she had brought her sunglasses. Placing a hand above her eyes, she turned just in time to see Happy shut the trunk and an attendant wheel away what had to be luggage. She tried to see just how much luggage, but Tony took a side step to block her view.
"No cheating," He said. Tony looked a quick glance behind him to make sure the trolley was out of view and then headed to the small jet several yards from them.
"Where are we going?" Pepper asked again, hurrying to catch up with him.
"I'll give you a hint: it starts with a P."
"Paris?"
Tony laughed, "Not even close."
"Hmm… can I get another hint?"
Tony didn't respond as he walked up the stairs and entered the plane. Pepper shook her head and smiled at Happy who was waiting near the steps.
"I promise this won't turn out bad," He said as Pepper grabbed the railing.
"I guess I'll take your word for it. Goodbye, and keep that an eye on that Gwen girl. She seems alright, but knowing Tony he probably didn't even run a background check."
Pepper stepped up just as Tony peered around the door.
"You're slow as Christmas." He said. "Oh, see you later Happy. No wild parties. Okay maybe one, but be careful around the walls, they're new."
"Have fun." Happy laughed.
Pepper waved as she climb the steps, Tony moving aside to let her in. She followed him over to the seats as a flight attendant closed the door.
"Can I have another hint?" she asked.
"Hark, did I just hear a hint of interest?" Tony said and pretended to look surprised.
"Maybe," she said slyly.
"In that case, where we're going is not in this country."
"If it's not Paris, then I'm still lost."
"Good," he said as the jet started, "all the more fun for me."
Hmmm, where oh where could they be going? ;P and you might not have noticed, but I abused a bit of my Author Power, namely in the form of the new PA. :p
Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be up soon!