Burned (24 page)

“Nothing much.” I realized that wasn’t exactly true. “Actually, my mom is visiting soon. She’s bringing Rick. They’re coming for a week.”

He nodded. “How do you feel about that?”

“To be honest, at first I wasn’t thrilled. Then I realized how hypocritical that was.”

“How so?”

“I was so torn up over the fact that you had a dad…and that you weren’t willing to let him be a part of your life. And here I have been cutting my own mother out of my life for a while now. Sure, we had our differences. But she’s my mom. I know she loves me. I love her. I need to stop taking her for granted.”

We spent the next hour catching up. While things didn’t feel as easy as they had before, they were far better than they had been the past few weeks. A waitress delivered a meal that was a little bit ridiculous for a luncheon, but since it was already paid for, we took advantage of it.

After lunch we went back to the beach house, then took a long walk. I thought it might be awhile before things were easy with us again. But at least some of the damage had been repaired. I knew in my heart that things would only get better from here.

Jake’s summer classes came to an end a few weeks before fall semester started, giving him a much needed break. Over the course of those weeks, he and I spent more time together than ever. When we left the restaurant a part of me had worried that I’d ruined things for good. I was afraid that we wouldn’t be able to get our relationship back on track. That fear was quickly squelched. Jake seemed as anxious as I was to put the past behind us and move forward.

I knew he finally realized that while misguided, my intentions were good. Furthermore, he admitted that he thought he overreacted. I didn’t blame him. I knew he’d been blindsided.

On one of the first days of break Bobby met us at the cafe. He wore a Band-aid in the crease of his elbow. He had just come from the local hospital where he’d gone to donate blood. After Jake’s ordeal he didn’t want anyone else to have to be in that situation. Jake vowed to become a regular donor, too, when he was able. Having had a recent blood transfusion himself, he was told it would be awhile.

Jake had met his little sisters only twice. They were young and curious. Maggie, in her own words, was working on being happy for her big brother. She admittedly did not like the idea of having to share him.

Jake had given me half a dozen golf lessons already. I was still terrible, but it was so fun that I didn’t care. I knew I’d never be as good of a golfer as him, but that didn’t matter. We had a great time together, anyway.

Labor Day weekend rolled around in no time. We ushered it in with the greeting of family. Jake’s extended family arrived from Washington the same evening Mom and Rick arrived from Minnesota.

When I first saw Rick, I was feeling stubborn. I wasn’t ready to let go of my preconceived ideas about him. The same could be said for Mom. I could tell by the distrustful way she eyed Jake that she wasn’t convinced he was the guy for me. Like mother, like daughter I guess. When she proposed a truce of sorts, I had to agree. If I would keep an open mind about her decisions, she would do the same for me.

In no time I decided Rick really wasn’t so bad. Not once did he “accidentally” grope me or ogle me. In fact, he was the sort of guy who held open doors, paid for everyone’s meal, and let genuine-sounding compliments flow freely.

The second night they were in town we went to dinner at Natalia’s. Rick asked Jake a multitude of questions about his future plans. It felt like genuine interest, rather than an inquisition. When Jake had a solid answer for each inquiry, even Mom looked impressed.

He asked me about my future career in real estate. He listened attentively when I told him about my time in Australia. At one point he discreetly took me aside and told me that he and Mom had been friends for years, ever since she’d helped him find a house when he first moved to town. He assured me that nothing romantic had developed between them until after her whirlwind divorce from Gerald. I had wondered about that, but had not wanted to ask. I felt better with that knowledge. I also understood a little more clearly why he was so intent on fighting for his marriage. Mom wasn’t just a sudden interest that had spiraled out of control. They shared a history—a platonic one—but a history all the same.

We spent Sunday afternoon with Jake and his family. He was able to meet his grandparents. They hadn’t known about him and he had been greeted by a teary eyed couple who couldn’t seem to get enough of him. It was clear that he was already accepted into their family, whether he wanted to be or not.

Now we were celebrating the Labor Day holiday at Villette Vineyards. The gift shop and tours were shut down for the day. The vineyard was open for a private party. Villette and Charles had hired a caterer and invited a few hundred of their closest friends and acquaintances.

Because our families were in town, Villette had insisted that we invite them too. Jake’s family declined but Mom and Rick were more than happy to accept.

We sat at a table with Max and Holly, finishing up a professionally prepared barbecue. The scent of smoked meat lingered in the air. Music played quietly in the background. All around us people were chatting and laughing. The wine was flowing.

Well, not at our table. But everywhere else.

“I really shouldn’t,” Mom said as she placed her napkin on the table, “but I think I’m going to go take a look at that decadent dessert table.”

Rick pushed back his chair. “What would you like? I’ll get it for you.”

Mom giggled—actually giggled—and somehow, it didn’t annoy me. “I’ll come with you. There are so many options, I might not be able to just choose one.”

She and Rick headed for the desserts but bumped into Villette. I couldn’t hear her but I could tell by her effusive gestures and glowing smile that Mom was complimenting Villette on the gathering. She was probably also profusely thanking Villette for the invite.

“Dessert sounds good,” Holly said. She gave Max a nudge. He smiled good-naturedly.

“What would you like?”

“Cheesecake, of course.”

“Lanna?” Jake asked, following Max’s lead.

“Anything chocolate,” I said.

The guys left the table and Holly leaned in to me. I had assumed she had an ulterior motive for clearing out our table.

“What do you think of him?” Her eyes were on Mom and Rick. I knew why she hadn’t asked me earlier. She wanted to give me time to form a genuine opinion, rather than the preconceived one I had for months.

I nodded. “He’s nice,” I said, not the least bit grudgingly. “I’m really happy for her.” And I was. I wanted my mom to be happy. I thought maybe for the first time since my dad died, she genuinely
was
happy.

She smiled approvingly. “I think so too. Your mom seems different. More laidback.”

“Definitely. She hasn’t made a single snide remark. Hasn’t criticized my appearance once. And she’s being nice to Jake.” I sliced a glance her way to make sure she was still preoccupied. She was currently eying up the dessert table while Max and Jake chatted with Charles. “She threatened to move here,” I said. “I’m pretty sure she was kidding. But with her, she’s so impulsive it’s hard to tell.”

Holly laughed. “This place is addictive.”

“Right?” I laughed too. “I told her it was a nice thought but maybe she should stick to visiting. We’re getting along now. Wouldn’t want to ruin a good thing by seeing too much of each other.”

Holly nodded in understanding. Her mom could also be overbearing.

I glanced around the winery. Twinkle lights were glistening. The sky overhead was turning to plum. Stars were just beginning to press their way into the night.

“This is going to be a perfect setting for your wedding.”

At the mention of her wedding, my friend’s eyes sparkled. “I know! I’ve been helping with weddings here for almost a year now. I’m so beyond excited to finally be planning my own.”

This past week we had gone dress shopping. Holly knew exactly what she wanted and her dress was already ordered. It was tea length with a vintage feel. She was going to look beautiful.

“Is this chocolaty enough for you?” Jake asked. He placed a gooey slice of fudge lava cake on the table in front of me.

“Mhhhmmm,” I said with a smile.

Max gave Holly her cheesecake and then he and Jake sat down with their selections.

I spotted Mom across the expanse of lawn. She gave me a little finger wave as she took a seat at a table next to Villette. I was happy they had hit it off so well. Then again, it was hard not to like Max’s grandma.

“So what were you two chatting about?” Max wondered.

“The wedding,” Holly said with that never-ending smile. “It’s going to be here in no time.”

Max leaned over and Holly gave him an obliging peck on the lips. “Can’t get here soon enough for me,” he said.

“Time’s going to fly,” Jake assured him. “School is starting soon. You’ll be so busy with classes and working that it’ll be here before we know it.”

“True,” Holly said. “Every time I think of it that way I start to panic. There’s still so much left to do.”

“And it will all get done,” Max assured her.

He was right. But so was Jake. Time was going to go fast. By this time next year, I’d have my license. My career would be under way. Jake’s internship would be over. With a little luck and a load of hard work, he might have a new job with McMillan and Sons.

By next summer, Max and Holly would be married.

By this time next summer, I would know for sure if my mother was finally marriage material. I flicked a glance toward her and my new step-dad. They were making flirty eyes at each other. Yeah. I thought they just might make it after all.

We continued to talk about the wedding. Jake, whom Max asked to be a groomsmen, didn’t seem to mind in the least. We finished off the decadent desserts and then Max and Holly left us to take a turn on the dance floor.

Jake pushed his chair back. “Want to go for a walk?”

“Absolutely.”

He held his hand out to me. We wove our way through the crowds of milling people. Now that dinner was done, the music had been cranked up a few notches. The stars above were shining brilliantly. I followed Jake as he led me onto a gravel road. I knew this road looped around the vineyard. There wasn’t much to see at night, but it was peaceful, being away from the party.

I shivered slightly and he looped an arm around my shoulders.

“This has been quite a weekend, huh?” I asked.

“It’s been kind of surreal. I mean, I met my
grandparents
. People that I didn’t even know existed until recently. And my sisters? Anna and Avery? What little handfuls those two are!” He chuckled. “I think when they get older they’re going to be even spunkier than Maggie.”

I laughed because I thought he might be right.

“Are you happy your mom came for a visit?”

We rounded a corner, taking us further away from the winery. The path was darker here, lit only by the moon and the stars. The vines rustled in the breeze. Gravel crunched under our feet.

“I am,” I admitted. “I’ve avoided her for far too long. It’s been nice to reconnect. She’s already asked if I’ll come home for the holidays.”

Jake bumped his hip into mine. “Do I get to tag along?”

I didn’t bother controlling my smile. The holidays were a long way off. I loved that he was thinking that far ahead for us. “Absolutely.”

“So I’ve been thinking,” he cleared his throat and hesitated.

I laughed because it reminded me of that first morning in the kitchen, when he’d wanted to invite me to his cousin’s wedding but he couldn’t get the words out.

“Yes…?” I pressed.

“I just found out that McMillans have decided to make my internship a paid internship. It’s not much, but it’s something.”

I nodded, not quite knowing where he was going with this.

“My apartment is crap.”

I nodded again.

“And Max and Holly will be getting married soon. Newlyweds typically need privacy. Right?”

I blinked at him as my heart sped up. I thought I finally knew where he was going with this, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself. “Right,” I agreed.

“So I was thinking…wondering actually,” he paused to scratch the back of his neck, “if maybe…?”

“Maybe?” I pressed, insistent on making him say it.

“What would you think of us moving in together in a few months? When Max and Holly get married?”

My cheeks ached from the huge smile that erupted. “I love the idea.”

“It wouldn’t be right away…but in a few more months…?” he confirmed. “We could get a two bedroom…or…just see where we’re at by then?”

I nodded. “That would be perfect.” I had already started to feel as if I’d overstayed my welcome. Not because of anything Max or Holly had said or done. But my short visit had turned into the opposite. They had been more than accommodating. It was time that I move on. “I can start checking out the rental listings as they come in.”

“Great!” Jake said. “That’s just…great!”

I laughed at his reaction. “I think so too.”

“I wasn’t sure what you would say,” he admitted.

“As if I would say anything but yes,” I chided gently. “I might wait awhile to break the news to Mom.” Things were going smoothly and I didn’t want that to change. “I’ll let her know right before the wedding.”

“Will she be coming back for the wedding?”

I nodded. “I’m sure she will. She’s known Holly since we were in grade school. I’m sure she wouldn’t miss it.”

“I’m really happy for them,” Jake admitted. “They seem like the perfect couple. They’re so happy.”

“It took them awhile to get there,” I added.

He nodded. “Well, you know the saying; good things come to those who wait.” He squeezed me into his sideways hug. “I feel like I’m finally done waiting for the good things. This past summer has been life changing for me. The internship, getting to know Bobby. You.” He stopped walking. “Definitely you.”

“I feel the same way.” I didn’t know if Kyle was ever going to be caught. But finally, for the first time in a long time I had something else to concentrate on. “Instead of dwelling on the past, I’m looking forward to my future.”