by Kate Kasch
“I think that’s all we’re going to be able to do today,” Gretchen stacked kindling in the fireplace to start a fire.
“I know. It really doesn’t help that it gets dark so early. Although, I don’t think either of us can hang shutters or fix roof shingles in the light or the dark. What are we going to do?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Gretchen stayed confident and positive. “Right now, we’re going to heat up some dinner and pour some wine. We deserve it.”
“That sounds like heaven. And then I need to do some work for Elaina.”
“You need to do work tonight?”
“Yeah, I have to gather some research for some presentation that she’s working on. I don’t even think it’s a good idea, but what do I know, right?”
“I’m sorry, Adrienne. That must be rough hating your job.”
“I don’t hate my job. At least, I never thought I did. But lately, it just seems . . . empty. Like it doesn’t mean anything. What am I doing? Who am I helping? All I’m doing right now is helping a giant corporation spy on their customers so they can plant ideas in their heads to spend more money. It all just seems . . . pointless.”
Just then there was a knock on the door. Gretchen answered it and by the way her face lit up, Adrienne knew who was there: Nick.
Surprisingly, Nick was not alone. Butterflies fluttered in Adrienne’s belly as she looked at Gabe who was doing his best not to make eye contact with her.
“We wanted to come thank you both again for the food and waters you brought down to Town Hall. Or what was once Town Hall,” Gabe said.
“And we wanted to make sure you two were doing okay. I could smell the wet paint on the way in, so I see you got a lot accomplished before nightfall,” Nick smiled at them.
“We got the front porch and shutters painted – and we were just about to throw together some dinner. Would you two like to stay?” Gretchen asked.
“That sounds great,” Nick said.
Gabe paused for a moment, looking to Adrienne, “Are you sure that would be okay?”
“Of course,” Adrienne said quickly.
How strange that only a few days ago the four of them were practically strangers. And now, here they were a team - a team all working toward a common goal, depending on each other, worrying about each other and taking care of one another.
“What’s for dinner?” Nick rubbed his belly. “I’m starved.”
“I was thinking we would throw together a Harkins Hoop-dee-doo,” Gretchen said with a mischievous smile.
“A what?” Gabe was already starting to laugh.
“A Harkins Hoop-dee-doo,” Adrienne said, also laughing. “When we were growing up – if my Mom wasn’t home and my Dad was responsible for dinner, my Dad would make a Harkins Hoop-dee-doo, which might sound fancy,” Adrienne raised an eye brow, “but it really meant that my Dad would throw a bunch of leftovers into a frying pan and serve it to us on fancy plates.”
The look of utter fear on both Gabe and Nick’s faces was enough for Adrienne and Gretchen to erupt in giggles.
“Don’t worry. I’ve gotten good at this over the years – you know, me being a starving artist and all. I have mastered the hoop-dee-doo.”
“Now even I’m scared,” Adrienne teased.
“Why don’t you three take care of the wine, some music, and Adrienne maybe you could put out some cheese and crackers to hold big Nick over so he doesn’t starve to death . . .”
The joking and laughing eliminated any tension hanging in the air. The four friends got to work opening wine bottles, setting out nibbles and finding appropriate music. Of course, with Saint Nick in charge of the music – All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey blasted from the surround sound. Adrienne watched Gretchen with initial skepticism until the kitchen began to fill with delicious smells. Gretchen’s face was relaxed and happy.
With the music, appetizers and wine flowing, Nick and Gabe gave the girls an update on the fire. Once the flames were put out, the fire investigators were able to do some preliminary investigating and were pretty sure faulty wiring caused it. They determined the fire’s place of origin was the kitchen in the back of the building. From there, they surmised that a very old refrigerator was the actual culprit. The old cord was plugged into an old outlet and the two caused friction, and then sparks. Due to the upcoming holiday there were very few people in the building so no one saw the sparks or smelled the acrid odor of something burning until it was too late. On a positive note, since there were so few people in the building, it was evacuated quickly, and no one was hurt.
“Will they be able to save the building?” Adrienne asked Gabe.
“It’s pretty much destroyed. My guess is that they will have to knock it down and completely rebuild it.”
“It’s such a shame,” Adrienne frowned.
“Okay everyone – who’s ready for some Hoop-dee-doo?!” Gretchen interrupted the serious conversation with cheer.
“I think I’m ready?” Nick said.
“Grab a plate and fork and we can all sit at the kitchen table,” Gretchen instructed as she started scooping something resembling a sloppy Joe onto plates. If the other three weren’t so hungry maybe they would have hesitated. But, at this point, they were all in.
Adrienne waited for Nick’s reaction to his first bite before taking one herself. Gabe had the same strategy.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this is delicious,” Nick said with his mouth full, and then dug in for more.
“Really? Thanks, Nick!” Gretchen smiled. “It’s sort of like a taco thingy with ground beef and onions and chopped tomatoes, cheese and avocado on top – here, dip some tortilla chips in it and it’ll be even better.”
Adrienne and Gabe followed suit, each of them taking a tortilla chip and dipping it into the “taco thingy.” Perhaps their level of hunger tricked their taste buds, but Adrienne and Gabe had to agree with Nick -- it tasted delicious.
“Wow, Gretchen – this is surprisingly tasty,” Adrienne dipped another chip. “I don’t think Dad even made anything this good . . . ever.”
Gretchen laughed, “Yeah, Dad pretty much just made pasta and threw some things on it.”
Adrienne’s phone dinged and since anyone she would want to hear from was sitting with her at the moment, she really wasn’t interested in who was trying to reach her.
“I meant to tell you, while I was cooking, your phone was beeping like crazy.”
“Oh, okay. I’m sure it’s work. I’ll check it later.”
The phone ding was followed by another ding.
“Is that the doorbell?” Gretchen asked, surprised.
“I’ll get it,” Adrienne stood up and walked to answer the door. She pulled the door open expecting to see some type of delivery person or salesperson, and was instead shocked by the tall, dark-haired man standing in front of her.
“Jason?! Oh my goodness, what are you doing here?” Adrienne’s voice came out in a high-pitched screech.
“It’s nice to see you too,” Jason smiled.
“I’m sorry – it’s great to see you. Come in, come in – it’s freezing out there.”
“Thank you.” Then, looking around, “So, this is the house causing all the drama, huh. I see you found time to decorate despite it being a time of great emergency,” he teased her.
“We decorated because of the competition we entered. Remember the competition I was telling you about, or were you not paying attention?”
“Whoa, okay – I deserve that. I forgot how serious you were about this competition. No need to get angry, though.”
“I’m not angry. I’m just . . . surprised, that’s all. I didn’t expect to see you of all people in the suburbs of Connecticut when you could be out at a club getting bottle service,” Adrienne tried to make light of the situation despite her stomach being in knots.
“I sent you a bunch of texts today, and when I didn’t hear back, I figured I should go see what exactly is going on here in
Chestridge.”
“Chestnut Ridge.”
“Right, isn’t that what I said?”
Gretchen walked into the family room, “Adrienne, who was at the . . .oh, hello . . .” she stopped herself mid-sentence. “I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Gretchen, Adrienne’s sister.”
Gretchen extended her hand in a handshake, and Jason did the same.
“I'm sorry, yes – Gretchen this is Jason. And Jason this is Gretchen, my sister.”
“The famous sister Gretchen! It’s nice to finally meet you,” Jason said.
“Famous? I figured Adrienne never mentioned me.”
“Well she hadn’t until about a week ago. And then you were all I was hearing about.”
“Jason, let me take your coat,” Adrienne didn’t like where that conversation was going.
“We just sat down to eat, why don’t you join us,” Gretchen half-smiled at Jason.
“Yes, right – please,” Adrienne was out of sorts.
Jason followed the girls into the kitchen, and when Nick and Gabe saw there was company, the two of them stood up.
Jason quickly took in the scene and started nodding his head.
“Nick, Gabe – this is Jason. My . . . we work together at Morgan Lynch.”
Jason is still slowly nodding his head, “Well this looks cozy,” his words soaked in sarcasm. “I didn’t mean to interrupt this little date night.”
“Don’t be silly,” Adrienne said. “Nick is a contractor and Gabe is an old friend – they have been helping us fix the house.”
“I’m sure they have been,” Jason turned to Adrienne, “maybe I should go.”
“Don’t go! You just got here – and look, you haven’t tried Gretchen’s Hoop-dee-doo!” Adrienne tried to lighten the mood. But the awkwardness couldn’t be helped, not even with hoop-dee-doo.
“Her what?” Jason looked confused.
“It’s a family joke – never mind. But really, you just traveled all that way – stay. Please.”
“Okay. Do you have anything to drink?” Jason walked to the table and pulled out a chair – in silence, all three men sat down simultaneously.
Adrienne found another glass and shakily poured a generous amount of wine into it. Taking a giant sip of her own wine, she then walked back over to the table where she saw three men who looked like they were having a staring contest – who will blink first?
“Jason, would you like some dinner?” Gretchen asked politely.
Looking at the pile of ground beef with tomatoes and avocado plopped on Adrienne’s plate, Jason scrunched his nose with a look of disgust.
“I’m not really hungry. Thanks,” he said.
Unfortunately, the rest of the group seemed to have also lost their appetite. Gabe and Nick hadn’t touched their food since Jason arrived. However, the wine was going down like water after a marathon.
Suddenly, Gabe rose to his feet and excused himself. “It’s been a long day. Thank you, Adrienne and Gretchen, for the great food and company, but I’m tired. I think I’ll head home.”
Nick followed suit. “Yeah, I’m exhausted. Gretchen, thank you for the creative dinner, it is certainly one I will never forget,” they smiled at each other.
“I’ll walk you two out,” Gretchen grabbed Nick’s hand.
Adrienne turned to Jason, “I’ll be right back. Let me say good-bye.”
Ignoring Jason’s dramatic eye roll, Adrienne followed Gabe, Nick and Gretchen. When she called out to Gabe, she wasn’t even sure of what she was going to say, she just knew she didn’t want the night to end that way. Hearing his name, Gabe turned around to face her. Every inch of Adrienne’s body wanted to grab him and hold him close to her, but the indifference on his face stopped her dead in her tracks.
“Did you need something?” The coldness in Gabe’s tone, had Adrienne stunned into silence.
“I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for everything you have done for us. And, I’m sorry about Jason – he doesn’t mean to be so rude.”
“Really? I think he does.”
Adrienne looks up into Gabe’s intense eyes and is at a loss for words.
“I wasn’t kidding when I said I was tired – and Nick is waiting for me out there.”
“Of course. I guess I’ll just see you tomorrow?”
Gabe nodded curtly. Adrienne watched him walk away.
“Are you okay?” Gretchen asked, touching Adrienne’s arm gently.
“I’m fine. I just wish there weren’t so many things changing all at the same time. I need something beneath my feet that isn’t shifting – something solid, or I’m just going to fall through the cracks.”
“Well that’s easy,” Gretchen shrugged her shoulders. “You have me.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Gabe got in the passenger seat of Nick’s truck in a huff, slamming the door shut he sat stewing, anger seeping out of his every pore. Looking over at him, Nick decided not to ask him any questions or bring up Adrienne; instead he put the car in reverse and pulled out of the driveway. After a few minutes of driving in silence, Gabe finally said, “Can you believe that guy? I mean, seriously? That is who Adrienne is dating now? You have got to be kidding me.”
“I don’t mean to bring this up, but I thought you said you weren’t really interested in starting a relationship with Adrienne again.”
“I’m not,” Gabe said defensively. “It’s just . . . it’s just, she can do so much better.”
“You have to trust that she will figure that out on her own. She and Jason are not a good fit for each other, we see that, and I have faith that she will see that too.”
Gabe looked out the window, his stomach in knots, pent up energy building in his body to the point where he needed to either go for a run or get in a boxing ring and throw some punches – preferably with Jason as his sparring partner.
The sound of a phone ringing broke up Gabe’s indignant thoughts about Jason. He pulled out his cell phone and saw Mayor Bill Jessup’s name flashing on the screen. Perfect timing. This is just what I need right now.
Tempted not to answer it, but knowing avoidance solved nothing, Gabe accepted the call, “Hey there Bill, what can I help you with?”
“Well Gabe, I just wanted to touch base and see what you were thinking regarding the Harkins house. You haven’t given me a solid answer. Is it a go? Are we going to make 22 Oak Street our company’s first investment property?”
Gabe paused. He glanced over at Nick who was pretending not to listen. “Well, sir, to be honest, I think there are so many other properties on that list you sent me that are just as good of a deal, if not better, than 22 Oak Street. I plan to look at a couple of them more closely tonight and will get back to you with my thoughts on them tomorrow. If that sounds good?”
“Well, sure that list is a great starting point. But here we have a property in a perfect location, in a town where we understand the market, that has fallen into disrepair and we can most likely purchase at a more than fair price at auction. I don’t see anything else on that list being a better option – especially not for our first property.”
“Well, I don’t think . . ..”
“Listen Gabe,” the Mayor interrupted him, “this is what I want you to do. If you want to be a part of this real estate development company with me, you need to make sure that house goes to auction. Am I being clear?”
And before Gabe could answer, the Mayor hung up the phone.
Great. Now what am I going to do?
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
“You didn’t have to be so rude, Jason,” Adrienne was too tired to be anything but direct.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t making nice with your ex-boyfriend.”
“How did you know Gabe is my ex-boyfriend?”
“I do listen to you sometimes, Adrienne,” Jason teased. “I mean, look at it from my point of view. I come all the way out here from the city after a long day of work, and I just wanted to see you and make sure you were okay.”
�
��I know and I appreciate that, Jason. But you need to understand how much Nick and Gabe have been helping us out the past few days. We truly could not have finished half of what we’ve done if it weren’t for them.”
“Fine. I’m sorry. I’m guessing they will be here tomorrow?” Jason asked. Adrienne nodded her head. “Well, I will apologize tomorrow when I see them, and thank them for helping you out this week.”
“Thank you. That would be really great.” Relief washed over Adrienne. Jason walked over and put his arms around her.
“Why don’t we go out and get something to eat? I’m starving, and no offense to your sister, but there is no way I can eat that hoop-dee-whatever. That looked like dog food.”
It was now Adrienne’s turn to roll her eyes. “I guess we could go grab something to eat. The Chestnut Tavern usually has some live music, and the food is pub food, but it’s pretty good.
“Now we’re talking! A bar with live music – that’s definitely more my speed.”
The drive down to Main Street was quiet, with Adrienne lost in thought and Jason staring out the window, probably wondering how he ended up in the suburbs on a pretty big party night in New York. Entering the Chestnut Tavern, Adrienne smiled as memories of her in her early twenties flooded her mind. She and Gretchen and Gabe practically lived at this bar. A live band was mixing it up playing some modern country songs, and some Christmas songs. The atmosphere was light and fun.
“I can work with this,” Jason led them to a table close to the stage. Usually Adrienne would prefer a table further back from the stage since the music was so loud it made it difficult to talk. But tonight, not being able to talk to Jason sounded like a good thing. The thought of trying to keep up a conversation with him just made her tired.
They ordered drinks and appetizers and Jason ordered a burger. As they listened to the music, Jason talked a little about what was happening at the office. Of course, he mentioned some of the crazy bets he and his co-workers had going about the office holiday party.
“You are going to come to the holiday party, right?” Jason asked her.