Life's What You Make It: Love's Great Adventure Book 1

by Troutman, Theresa

  “I thought you said you were going to sleep.” Tess said, unfolding the comforter to cover them both.

  “I changed my mind,” he replied. “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

  “I’m not tired either.”

  They sat watching an endless barrage of music videos until Tess finally fell asleep on his shoulder. Sebastian didn’t have the heart to wake her, so he ceded the couch to her. He gently placed the crocheted blanket that hung over the back of the couch on top of her to keep her warm as she slept. He watched as it rose and fell with her soft breaths. Sebastian took the comforter and stretched out on the lounge chair directly across from Tess.

  Mrs. Hamilton walked in the front door at around eight o’clock in the morning to find the pair sleeping in her living room on their respective pieces of furniture. Sebastian was startled by the creaking of the front door opening and sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

  “Good morning,” she whispered.

  Sebastian stretched as he let out a large yawn. “Good morning. How are the roads?”

  “Not very good. The plows haven’t been out everywhere and it’s been snowing all night. One of my coworkers has a four-wheel drive and drove me home.”

  Sebastian rose and wrapped the comforter around himself, padded to the big picture window and looked out. He spied his car covered in snow. “That’s not going to be fun digging out,” he muttered in dismay.

  “No, you’ve got that right,” she agreed. “Come into the kitchen. I’ll make us some breakfast. Tess can sleep through anything.”

  He knew that all too well, but refrained from commenting. He couldn’t tell her mother that Tess had spent the night at Edgewood after a drunken escapade at The Jug. “I’ll join you in a moment.”

  Sebastian picked up his clothes and made his way to the toilet to freshen up and dress. Taking Tess’ hair brush, he tried his best to smooth out the tousled, brown mess. He found some mouthwash to rinse away his morning breath. After splashing some warm water on his face and looking in the mirror, he was satisfied with his appearance. He smoothed out his sweater and headed for the kitchen.

  Tess was stirring on the sofa when he made his way through the living room.

  “Good morning,” he said, taking up a seat on the edge of the couch next to her.

  “I smell French toast,” she said, still groggy from sleep.

  “Your mom is home. Come have breakfast with us.”

  “Mmm,” was all that she could manage but she slipped her feet into her fuzzy slippers and allowed him to help her up. She stumbled into the kitchen and Sebastian smiled.

  Chapter 14 - Tempted

  After school, Sebastian rushed home and dashed into the house, holding his overcoat closed for protection against the wind. He entered through the kitchen door, where he found Alice preparing dinner. “It’s bloody freezing out there,” he said, pulling off his leather gloves and shrugging out of his coat.

  “I’m making your favorite tonight—beef Wellington.”

  “So what did I do to deserve Wellington?” he asked putting the kettle on for a cup of hot tea.

  Alice pointed to the thick white nine by twelve inch envelope placed in the center of the kitchen table. Sebastian slowly walked over to the table and sat down on the wooden bench. It was from NYU. He ripped it open and scanned the letter. A smile crossed his lips.

  Henry walked in as the scene unfolded. “Good news, I take it?”

  “I’ve been accepted,” Sebastian announced. “I’ve been accepted,” he repeated, as if not believing it the first time. He put the envelope on the table and clutched the letter, grinning like a fool.

  Henry patted him on the back. “Congratulations!”

  “Dinner’s at six,” Alice added with a wink.

  “I have to tell Nanny.” He bolted from the table and bounded up the servants’ staircase to take the shortcut to her room.

  Sebastian knocked on Nanny’s door and barged in before she could respond. “How is the most amazing woman in the world?” he greeted, plopping down on the sofa next to her. He handed Nanny the NYU letter.

  She read it in silence and squeezed his hand with pride. “I knew you could do it, my dear boy.”

  Sebastian sat there savoring his own victory. He had accomplished what he had set out to do eight months ago and was accepted to the university of his choice. “Do you suppose it’s too boastful to say I’m very pleased with myself?” he wondered aloud.

  “Not at all!”

  Finally, he could start making plans for the fall. He would break the news to his mother later—much later. Maybe he would wait until September, once he had already started his first semester. He perused the letter further and starting tallying the assorted charges for room and board. When you multiplied the number by two and then factored in inflation, he could understand why Tess was worried.

  “What concerns you, dear?”

  “I’m adding up all the costs above and beyond tuition. I don’t feel right letting you pay for my education.”

  “As long as we continue to make sound investments, the dividends will pay those expenses.” Nanny thought for a while, then suggested, “We could take the money that you’d be spending on a dormitory room over those four years and use it to buy a flat. You could live there while you’re at university and sell it for a profit if you decide to leave New York after you graduate. Real estate is a sound investment, Sebastian.”

  She was brilliant! Why didn’t he think of that? Then he realized it never occurred to him because it wasn’t his money to spend—it was Nanny’s savings, and she was already being too generous by paying for his college education. “If you buy the flat, will you come and live with me?”

  “No, you need to be with Tess. There’ll be no room for an old lady like me.”

  His face fell. “I can’t let you do that. You’ve already done too much.”

  She leaned in and whispered, “You are the son I never had. This is an investment in you and your future. I know you won’t let me down. Let me grow old knowing you’ve brought me great happiness by living up to your potential.”

  “But where will you live?”

  “I want to go home to England. I want to live out my days in the fresh country air surrounded by the rose gardens.”

  “But I won’t see you.”

  “We’ll talk on the phone and you can always come home to visit.”

  Sebastian forced a smile. Somehow he didn’t think he’d be traveling back to England once his mother was privy to his plan to attend NYU and the fact that Nanny was bankrolling it.

  Sebastian made an appointment with a prominent Manhattan real estate agent, named Margo Milton, to show him potential properties near NYU to purchase. He had already narrowed down a large list of available units to a manageable group he wanted to see. Margo had made appointments and he was eager to have a look. He wanted to bring Nanny with him to get her opinion, but she wasn’t feeling well. Henry joined him instead and they headed into Manhattan.

  Margo had five properties to show them in two boroughs. They started with a townhouse in Brooklyn. Sebastian wasn’t happy with the house or the neighborhood. The house would need a great deal work and there would be little time for domestic projects while they were going to class and studying. They visited several condos and studio lofts in SoHo and Greenwich Village. They were all very small and dated, considering the astronomical asking prices. Sebastian shook his head as they left the final property on his list, a fourth-floor walk-up with a stunning view of a brick wall.

  By early afternoon, Sebastian was exhausted and irritated. In a last ditch effort, Margo suggested they take a look across the Hudson in Lincoln Harbor and Weehawken, New Jersey. Sebastian wasn’t thrilled about the suggestion, but Margo persisted, telling him it was an up and coming area. Many young urban professionals were moving into the newly built condos. The location was perfect because it offered easy ferry access to the city, modern amenities, and sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. A
gainst his better judgment and with a bit of prodding from Henry, he relented. He looked at the printout of property information that Margo showed him. Okay, he thought, they were larger and newer than anything he had looked at today. Many were new construction and he even had the option of picking appliances, wall color, and flooring.

  When they reached the condo complex, Margo pressed the button for the doorman. She recited her credentials and the electronic gate opened, allowing them to enter.

  Sebastian held the door open for Henry as they trooped into the building. Inside, it smelled like new carpet. The walls were clean and free of marks and the elevator was just steps away.

  They rode to the second floor. Margo found the combination lockbox and turned the dials to the proper letter code, opening a door and revealing a set of keys. Margo opened the door to number 4B and Sebastian and Henry walked inside. The afternoon sun shone through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, the skyline of the city bright and magnificent across the rippling water of the river. They wandered from room to room. Henry opened the circuit breaker box and looked under counters to examine the plumbing. For the first time that day, Sebastian felt comfortable. He knew he had found his new home. Margo was right—it really was the nicest property she had shown him. The condo had two bedrooms, two baths, and a large living space which would easily accommodate his furniture. The kitchen was well equipped with good quality appliances and even a stacking washer and dryer so they wouldn’t have to go to the laundromat. Henry agreed it was the best option as they drove back to Edgewood to share their findings with Nanny.

  Once home, Sebastian found Nanny with her knitting, sitting in a sunny corner of the day room, watching the squirrels playing in the garden while her hands expertly worked the needles. He told her of their day, talking her through each property they’d looked at. When he got to the condo in New Jersey, he went into great detail, showing her the builder’s brochure and floor plan. She pored over them with great interest, but she seemed tired. She waved off his concerns and made him continue with the description. At the end of his presentation, she agreed: the condo in Lincoln Harbor was, by far, the best choice.

  Sebastian phoned Margo Milton and made an offer. She would overnight him the required paperwork to start the sale. Sebastian was happy and confident in his decision. Now all he had to do was persuade Tess to live with him. He pondered various ways to broach the subject and the conclusion he kept coming to was the same: she would never agree unless her mother was on board, so a conversation with Mrs. Hamilton was in order.

  Friday afternoon, Sebastian drove Tess home from St. Alexander’s. As she went upstairs to her bedroom to change out of her school uniform, Sebastian headed for the kitchen and greeted Mrs. Hamilton. She, in turn, gave him a hug. “I’m glad you’re here. Can I talk to you for a few minutes?” He didn’t want Tess around for the conversation.

  “Sure, what’s on your mind?”

  He sat down at the kitchen table while Mrs. Hamilton put on the tea kettle. “Tess has been so stressed out about NYU and how much it’s going to cost to go there.”

  Mrs. Hamilton nodded, her hands busy with pulling out tea mugs, milk, sugar, and tea bags. “I know. I’ve told her not to worry. It’s been a real struggle, but we have the college fund and her scholarship. Tess might need to get a part-time job, but we’ll manage.”

  “May I make a proposition?”

  “Of course.”

  “Mrs. Hamilton, I’m crazy about your daughter.” It was done: he’d said it aloud—now to get to the difficult part.

  “That is obvious, Sebastian. I’m very pleased Tess had the good sense to choose you as her first boyfriend.”

  “Thank you for saying so.” He fidgeted in his seat, a little nervous to continue, but plucked up the courage. “I’ve been calculating the cost of the dormitory, food, books, and other living expenses for two people. I realized that money could be better spent if I were to buy a two-bedroom flat in New Jersey. I’d like Tess to take one of the bedrooms.” He stopped for a moment to try to judge Mrs. Hamilton’s reaction. She kept a straight face, but was intently listening. “There will still be some bills to be paid, of course, but in four years I’ll have an investment that will produce a profit when it is sold. If you would agree, I’ll take care of all the house bills. Tess won’t need to get a part-time job. She can study in a quiet environment. I know I’m only eighteen, but I’ve had, um, experiences that most people my age have never had. Those experiences have made me more mature.” He took a deep breath after his awkward, rambling speech and waited for her to respond.

  “Buying a home is a big responsibility. Are you prepared for that?” she asked with great curiosity, as well as concern.

  “I have a lawyer to help with the paperwork. I have the money to pay for it. Nanny always said two of the best investments you can make are art and real estate. What do you think of my idea?”

  “I think it is a wonderful idea, Sebastian. I would be very grateful to know that you would be with Tess and she wouldn’t be alone in that big city. She’s my only child. I want her to be happy and safe. Have you asked Tess yet?” The tea kettle was whistling a shrill note. She turned off the burner, leaving the kettle on the stove untouched, her attention still fully focused on Sebastian.

  “No, I wanted your blessing. For some reason, I think convincing Tess will be far more difficult than this conversation.”

  Kate brought the tea kettle over to the kitchen table and poured the hot water over the tea bag in each mug. Then she poured some milk in his mug and placed it in front of him. “I think you’re in love with my daughter.”

  “I am!”

  “I raised an ambitious, strong willed, intelligent, and independent girl. Sometimes she’s so focused on one thing that she forgets to live in the moment. I think Tess has yet to admit that she’s in love with you.”

  “Right again,” he confessed, sipping his tea.

  “I met Tess’ father when I was in high school. Our parents didn’t encourage our relationship. They thought we were too young to be in love. To this very day I am so grateful that I followed my heart. I had a wonderful husband for fifteen years and he gave me my daughter. Now, sadly, he’s gone, but I’m left with wonderful memories.” She walked behind Sebastian, gently placed her hand on his shoulder. “Life’s too short. You need to take every opportunity you can get. None of us can foresee the future. So for now, love her, be her best friend, and take care of her for me.”

  He turned to face the mother of the woman he loved. “I will. I promise.” He was blown away by her compassion, wisdom, and implicit trust. He felt he didn’t deserve her amazing confidence in him, but it strengthened his resolve to be the person Mrs. Hamilton believed he was.

  “You will what?” Tess asked, walking into the kitchen.

  Her mother smiled. “Who said, ‘Better to have loved and lost…’”

  “Then never to have loved at all,” Sebastian finished the quote for her. “It was Tennyson.”

  Tess gave them both a weary glance. “Mom, poetry, really?”

  “I’ll leave you two alone now,” her mom said, making a hasty retreat to allow them to talk in private.

  Tess sat back in her chair, crossed her arms, and glared at him. “Spill it, now.”

  Sebastian sat across from her and took a sip of his tea to give him a few moments to formulate just how he wanted to explain. “I promised your mother that I would look out for you when we go to NYU in the fall,” he partially confessed.

  “You got in?”

  Sebastian reached under his sweater and took the acceptance letter from his shirt pocket. He handed it to Tess without a word.

  She unfolded the paper and read it. “Oh my God. You did it! You got into NYU.” Overcome with emotion, she instinctively hugged him before kissing him on the lips. He held her in his arms, not wanting to let her go. “I think you don’t need me anymore,” she said, her brow furrowed.

  “I’ll always need you,” he reassured her
. “You’re a big part of the reason I got into NYU in the first place.” Sebastian leaned in and kissed her again.

  She still wasn’t satisfied. “And what about the Tennyson quote?”

  “Your mom was telling me how much she loved your dad and how lucky they were to have found each other when they were so young.”

  Her expression softened. “They really did love each other.” She was lost in a faded memory for a few seconds.

  “Well, I should be going.”

  “So soon?” she asked him with disappointment in her voice. “There’s something you’re still not telling me about the conversation with my mom.”

  “You have that Future Business Leaders of America thing tomorrow. I’m sure you need to do some work to prepare for it. Did you write your speech yet?”

  “No, but this doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Can I stop over tomorrow after the meeting?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “I’ll be expecting an explanation.”

  “Yes, darling.”

  Tess walked him to the front door. Sebastian bade farewell to Mrs. Hamilton, then stepped onto the front porch with Tess. After a goodbye kiss, she watched him walk to his car, get in, and drive away, before she returned inside.

  Tess’ mother looked at her daughter intently and said, “He’s a very special person.”

  “Hmm.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “I think I do.”

  “Maybe we should make an appointment with the gynecologist and get you some birth control.”

  “We’re not having sex, Mom.”

  “I know,” her mom responded. “And if you were, I know I’ve taught you well and you’d be responsible. I remember what it’s like to fall in love, Tess. It’s new and exciting. The feelings are intense and overwhelming.”

  “Does it stay that way?”