Winter Can Wait: A Novella (Seasons of Summer Novella Series Book 2) Read online

  He grimaces. “Oh.”

  “I told her she couldn’t cause a scene on my big night, especially with all the potential clients that will be in attendance. Her causing a scene could blacklist me forever. Needless to say, I think it will be fine.”

  He grabs my hand. “It will be fine. Nick has been raving about the restaurant all over town so be prepared to be very busy.”

  I smile. “That’s what I’m hoping for. Now if only I could finish Mrs. Rothera’s apartment, and I’m still waiting on Helena to send the contract back.”

  He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, you may be waiting on that for a while. She’s too busy using retail therapy to recover from her breakup.”

  I give him a curious look. I guess he heard about the breakup after all, and Angie was obviously wrong about them getting back together.

  “So, they did break up?” I ask. “How did you hear?”

  He twists my hair between his fingers. “I saw her and Caroline in the city. She claims she’s devastated, but the last I heard she’s already on the search for someone to fill Jacques’s shoes.”

  I have an uneasy feeling about this. I wonder if I will ever get used to them running into each other. Even though they both say things are over, the fact that she still has the pictures up says something.

  “Anyway, we are not talking about them tonight,” he demands. “I haven’t seen you in days and I want to enjoy every second with you.”

  I force myself to put every distraction out of my mind for the rest of the night, and we do enjoy every second together.

  ~*~*~

  I don’t believe it, Mrs. Rothera actually chose all her décor and didn’t change her mind (at least not yet). I spend most of the morning going over last-minute details before placing an order for her new magnificent Moroccan motif. That’s what she’s calling her new apartment.

  “I’m so excited,” she says, clasping her hands together. “I never knew choosing new décor would be such a difficult decision but now that I have, I can’t wait. There are just so many possibilities. It almost makes me feel like a new woman.”

  I laugh. “Yes, I guess that’s why I love my job so much. It’s like having a fresh start.

  The possibilities are endless.”

  I start to gather up all the samples, magazines, and color swatches. It’s actually been a nice meeting. No mention of my life or hints about how things may or may not go in my future.

  “Do you have any exciting plans for Valentine’s Day?” she asks.

  I smile. “Yes, I’m attending the opening of the restaurant I decorated.”

  She gives me a curious look. “Oh. Melanie mentioned attending an opening, too.”

  I force a smile. I already knew Melanie was going to be there. I’m pretty sure anyone with any kind of connection to their circle of friends will be there. I’m actually kind of curious to see if her and Helena have any interaction at all. And it will be nice not to be the one to take the brunt of Melanie’s hostility for a change.

  “It sounds like it’s going to be quite the event,” she says knowingly. I’m waiting for her to add a hint or some sort of advice but she doesn’t say anything else. I guess she’s finally figured out that I’d rather not hear it.

  “Hopefully not too eventful, if you know what I mean,” I reply.

  She gets a wistful look on her face and I can tell by her expression that she knows exactly what I mean, and I think it’s safe to say that I probably won’t get my wish. I guess it’s better to be cautiously optimistic, and for once, I actually feel like I’m prepared for anything.

  ~*~*~

  I should have known that if anything were to go wrong with the opening it would have something to do with Caroline. Of course the one issue she’s brought up throughout the whole process is still incredibly wrong according to her. Those damn accent pillows are going to be the death of me.

  Luckily, Alexander had a car pick us up and we’re going to the restaurant early because I’ve already received five phone calls from her.

  “Don’t take it personally,” Alexander says, laughing. “She will never admit it but she’s really nervous about tonight. I doubt it has anything to do with you.”

  Yeah right, I think to myself.

  I let out a frustrated sigh.

  “Hey. Everything is going to be perfect,” he says, squeezing my hand. “And don’t forget that even though we’re going to be with hundreds of other people, it’s still Valentine’s Day.”

  I sigh. “I know.”

  I actually don’t mind the opening being today. I think it’s been a good distraction from the forced stipulations that come with Valentine’s.

  When we arrive the restaurant, Nick is running around barking orders and Caroline is sitting in the lobby pouting.

  “Snap out of it, kid,” Alexander says, clapping his hands in front of her face. She swats his hand away.

  “Whatever,” she shouts. “Nicky is on my last nerve. You need to talk to him.”

  He wanders away laughing loudly and leaves me in the lobby with Caroline.

  “I’m sorry the pillows didn’t turn out right,” I say, trying to sound sincere. I really could give two craps about the stupid pillows because the restaurant looks fantastic.

  “It’s fine,” she mumbles. “I just wish Nicky would listen to some of my suggestions.”

  I bite my lower lip. I’m definitely not going to make a comment because I know better than to get involved in other people’s relationship squabbles, especially on Valentine’s Day.

  “Hopefully, Alexander can talk some sense into him,” she adds.

  I pat her on the shoulder. “I’m sure he will.”

  I glance at the time. “I better do a quick spin around to make sure everything is in its place and take some photos before all the guests arrive. And don’t worry, I have a feeling this is going to be a huge success.”

  She gives me a half smile. “Fingers crossed.”

  I leave Caroline in the lobby to take some photos. I’m not trying to sound conceited but this place really does look fantastic, especially the chandeliers. I ordered several different sizes and it turned out amazing. I float around the room admiring my work.

  “There she is,” I hear Angie yell from the front door. “Summer, we’re herreeee.” I see her practically dragging Brett over to me.

  “Hey, guys. Thanks for coming tonight.”

  They both give me a hug.

  “Just point me in the direction of the drinks,” Brett says, with a grin.

  Angie rolls her eyes. Brett is very quiet and intimidating but he’s a really nice guy.

  After he wanders off to the bar, Angie turns to me with a wicked gleam in her eye.

  “Okay, so which one is Helena?” she asks loudly.

  I shush her. “I haven’t seen her yet. Remember, you promised you wouldn’t make a scene.”

  “Yeah, yeah,” she says as she takes a glass of champagne off a tray that magically appears in front of us.

  We start to scope out the room.

  “That’s Caroline, right?” she says, pointing toward the door where she and Nick are now greeting guests. “I think I remember her from Halloween.”

  “Yep.”

  “Summer?”

  I turn to see Brad Cooper standing next to me.

  “Mr. Cooper,” I say, trying to hide my shock. “What a nice surprise.”

  He smiles warmly. “I’ve done business with Nick for years. I wouldn’t miss the opening. I’m assuming this is another one of your projects.”

  I look around proudly. “Yes, it is.”

  “Ahem,” Angie interrupts.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Brad Cooper, this is my friend Angie Luca.”

  “Charmed,” Angie says politely.

  “I decorated Mr. Cooper’s home in Cape Cod last year, remember?” I tell her.

  Angie’s obviously not listening and her smile suddenly fades.

  “What the hell is he doing here?” she snaps.

 
I spin around to see whom she’s referring to, and sure enough, Jake is walking toward us.

  “Are you following her?” she yells at him. “I seriously doubt anyone would invite you here.”

  “Angie,” I exclaim. “Stop.”

  Her eyes grow wide. “Are you serious? He should . . .”

  “Angie,” I say calmly. “Mr. Cooper is Jake’s boss.”

  Poor Brad Cooper is silently watching this whole scene transpire. It’s obvious that he invited Jake as one of his guests and it’s an unfortunate coincidence.

  “Hi, Summer,” Jake says awkwardly.

  “Hello.”

  Angie’s face is turning bright red. “If you will excuse me,” she growls, and then hurries away leaving me with Jake and his boss.

  I force a smile. “I apologize for that. I’m afraid she’s a very overprotective best friend.”

  Jake smiles sheepishly. “You definitely don’t need to apologize. She’s right and Brad already knows all about our situation.”

  Brad Cooper nods in agreement. “Yes, please don’t apologize. I’m sure this is awkward for everyone involved.” He pauses. “I will leave you to talk. You did a great job here,” he says, putting his hand on my shoulder.

  After Brad leaves, Jake and I stand awkwardly.

  “So you decorated this place?” he asks. “I can see you brought your decorating magic as usual.”

  Decorating magic is the way Jake used to describe my work. It annoyed me for a while after he broke up with me but it’s not a big deal anymore.

  “Thanks,” I say proudly. And that’s when I see it, Alexander and Helena standing together near the bar, they each have an arm around each other and they’re laughing.

  Wow. I admit I wondered what it would be like to see them interact with each other . . . and now I know. Caroline was right about one thing, their connection is very obvious.

  “Summer.” Jake’s voice snaps me out of the trance I’m in as I watch Xander and Helena.

  “What?” I say absently.

  He eyes me curiously. “Are you all right? You look pale.”

  I glance back at the bar to where they’re still standing together. Nick and Caroline have now joined them and the happy foursome is together again.

  “Summer,” he repeats.

  I look back at Jake standing in front of me and I’m reminded of all the pain he caused me last summer. Without saying a word, I hurry toward the door, weaving in and out of the guests, with Jake at my heels.

  Chapter Eleven

  As soon as I’m out the door of the restaurant, the cold February air hits me.

  “Summer, what’s wrong?” Jake asks, grabbing my arm.

  I exhale loudly and spin around to face him. “What do you want from me? You’re the one who ended things, so why do keep showing up everywhere I am?”

  My heart is beating so fast. I actually don’t know who I am angry with more—Jake, Alexander, or myself. I got involved with Alexander despite having many reservations. I suppose I brought this on myself.

  “I had no idea you would be here tonight,” he says emphatically. “Brad invited a group of us from the office.”

  I put my face in my hands. “I know.”

  I feel like I want to cry, but I’m really not surprised by any of this, especially after seeing the way Alexander interacts with Helena.

  I feel Jake’s hand on my shoulder. “I know I ruined everything between us and I will never be able to change what happened. I accept that you’ve moved on, and I really wish you all the best.”

  Just then the image of Alexander and Helena flashes in my mind and my eyes fill with tears.

  Jake looks horrified. “Summer, please don’t cry.”

  He pulls me into a hug and tears roll down my cheek and onto his sweater. I’m so confused right now that I almost forget how cold it is and I don’t pull away from Jake.

  “Well, well, what’s going on here?”

  I close my eyes, praying that this isn’t happening right now. When I do finally pull away from Jake, I see Melanie watching us. This doesn’t surprise me since this is how my night seems to be going.

  “Oh, don’t stop on my account,” she says with a wicked smile. I wipe the corners of my eyes with my fingers. I don’t think it’s possible for this night to get any worse. And then right at that moment the door opens and Alexander comes outside. Damn, I spoke to soon.

  “Summer, where did you go?” he asks. His mouth hangs open as he looks at my tear-stained face and then at Jake.

  “What happened? Why are you crying?”

  I can’t take this anymore. I need to take my frustrations out on someone and Melanie seems like the perfect option.

  “Go ahead, Melanie,” I yell. “I know you’re dying to tell him that you saw me in Jake’s arms.”

  Alexander frowns. “What the hell is going on?”

  “Nothing’s going on,” Jake answers. “She was upset and I was just comforting her.”

  Melanie is silent and obviously trying to look innocent in front of Alexander. And she is innocent, because I’m the one who just announced I was in Jake’s arms.

  “Everyone just leave me alone,” I scream, and I start walking away. I’m in such a daze that I have no idea where I’m going. And I have no coat on.

  “Summer, wait,” Alexander shouts, running after me. He stops in front of me, blocking me from going any further. “Please tell me what happened. I’ve been looking everywhere for you and a few people said they saw you run out.”

  I need to be honest and tell Alexander how I feel. The fact is I have no chance of competing with this great love story. Not to mention I don’t think I will be as accepting of Melanie as Helena obviously was.

  I sigh. “Alexander. what are we doing? We’re fooling ourselves into thinking this is going to work out.”

  He gives me a look as if I just slapped him across the face.

  “I don’t . . . what are you talking about?”

  Sure enough, the tears begin to fall again.

  “I can’t compete with her and I never will,” I say, hanging my head. “I think Caroline was right. I saw you together and there is no mistaking that chemistry.”

  Alexander is frozen in shock. (He may actually be frozen, too, because I’m so freaking cold I can barely stand it.)

  “I don’t understand,” he stutters. “I didn’t do anything . . .”

  “You didn’t have to,” I interrupt. “I saw your arm around her; it’s obvious. And I don’t know if you knew this but she still has pictures up in the apartment from your life together, including your wedding picture.” I start to shiver.

  He shakes his head. “First of all, let’s get you out of the cold. We can discuss this inside.”

  “There’s nothing to discuss.” I pause. “But I would like to get out of the cold.”

  I dab around my eyes as we walk back toward the restaurant. Melanie and Jake must have gone inside because I don’t see them anymore.

  As soon as we walk through the door, I make a mad dash for the restroom to fix myself up. I don’t look as bad as I thought, so I quickly wipe some eyeliner that has smudged. I need to pull myself together. I take three deep breaths and walk out of the bathroom to face a restaurant full of strangers.

  “Stop right there,” Angie yells as soon as I walk out of the restroom. Alexander is standing next to her still looking completely shocked. I’m not even sure what’s happening right now. I may or may not have ended things with him. Obviously, he found Angie for me.

  “I don’t want to talk,” I say under my breath. “I need to be networking right now.”

  She folds her arms. “Fine—but we will be talking later.”

  I nod and walk away, leaving my best friend and my (maybe) boyfriend behind.

  ~*~*~

  The opening is a success and so is Summer Interiors. After the scene I just made in public, I still manage to meet and greet guests. I manage to avoid Angie’s glares and that’s one conversation I’m not lo
oking forward to having. The strangest thing I notice is that Melanie and Jake have been talking most of the night—I can only imagine what they’ve been talking about. I guess following my little meltdown they must have come inside together.

  Poor Alexander looks like a little lost puppy and that’s another conversation I need to have. My heart is breaking each time I look at him because I want to be with him. But I also deserve to have all of his heart. I shouldn’t have to share him with a high maintenance ex-wife or a needy assistant and I need to explain this to him. Suddenly I remember a conversation I had with Mrs. Rothera shortly after I started seeing him. She told me to be honest with him and demand the same in return. I owe it to him to tell him how I’m feeling.