by Renea Porter
“It’s really nice in here,” I tell Jace as the waitress approaches to get our drink order.
“What can I get you two?”
Jace speaks up, “Two glasses of your best Moscato. Actually, bring the whole bottle.”
My eyebrows perk up and I smile, since Moscato is my absolute favorite wine. Picking up the menu, I look it over and realize Sous specializes in steaks.
“This is a special day, so order whatever you like. My treat,” Jace insists.
The waitress drops off our drinks then returns a few moments later to take our order. But her eyes barely avert from Jace’s. I’m sure every woman in here has turned to look at Jace and all his gorgeousness. Yet, he doesn’t even notice, which is surprising. I decide on the skirt steak with potatoes and veggies.
The waitress finally retreats, and Jace holds up his glass. “Cheers.”
Holding mine up, I clink it with his. “Cheers.” I take a sip. “Thanks for this.”
“You deserve it. After three years, you are getting noticed. It’s a good thing you asked me to go to the event, so I can fight the guys off.”
“Ha ha,” I say.
“And it’s a good thing you agreed to date me.”
“This is not even real,” I state.
The food arrives, and he doesn’t acknowledge my comment. I guess things will be interesting on Saturday. Especially with Jace. He’s unpredictable, at best. Taking the last sip of my wine, my plate is cleared away and my belly is full.
“That’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”
The waitress continues to fawn over us, more so over Jace. He only offers her a smile before turning his attention back to me. Just as he should be as we pretend to be a couple. To onlookers, I’m sure people think we’re a young couple in love.
“I’m glad you liked it. So when did you first find out about being up for that award?”
“Last night after I got home. I knew I was in the running, but never expected to actually win. There are other great caterers in the area. Some have done it longer than me. And I definitely don’t claim to be a pro. It was unexpected.”
“I’m happy for you. Now you have bragging rights,” Jace says.
I laugh. “I can put award winning caterer on my website.”
Jace agrees then tosses his cloth napkin on the table. “You about ready?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, again.”
Standing to leave, Jace puts his hand on the small of my back. And I have to take a deep breath, reminding myself to breathe. Then I start to wonder why I feel this way and blame it on the wine. Remembering this is all for show.
CHAPTER NINE
PRESENT: SIMONE
Saturday arrives, and I spend an insane amount of time getting ready for the event. Finding my little black dress in the back of my closet, I pull it out and lay it on the bed while I go shower.
After my shower, my stomach is a ball of nerves. With a towel wrapped around my body, I open a bottle of wine and pour myself a glass to calm my nerves. Bracing one hand on the counter, I bring the glass to my lips, taking a big gulp before heading back to my bathroom to get ready.
Blow drying my hair into loose waves, I work a little mousse in my hair and twist half of it up into a fancy do, leaving the rest hanging down in loose beachy waves. I start on my makeup, coating some light eyeshadow and a thick coat of mascara. I will not leave the house for any reason without at least applying mascara. It lengthens my lashes and makes my eyes look big.
In my room, I slip on the black dress. It’s a simple black dress. Not too short and not long. Slipping my feet in a pair of silver sparkled stilettos, I look in the mirror and take a selfie to send Jane for her approval.
The caption for the photo is: What do you think?
She types back a few moments later. Love the dress and those fuck me stilts. You look freaking gorgeous.
Thanks.
Of course she would call my heels fuck me shoes. I figured she would have called them hooker heels. Oh well. At least they make my legs look great. Grabbing my sparkling clutch, I throw my phone, keys, and important cards inside.
Jace strolls in just as I make it to the living room, and my breath is stolen from me. What is up with that? “Wow. You clean up nice.”
He straightens his suit jacket proudly. “Figured might as well go all out.” And he did with a black suit and tie. I’m stunned at how good he looks, even though he’s always been handsome.
“You sure did. Want a glass of wine before we go?”
“Yeah, sure. You look great by the way.”
“Thanks.” I pour us both a glass of wine from the bottle I opened moments ago and hand him a glass. We cheers then take large gulps. And I try not to laugh as we do so. “Okay. I’m ready when you are,” I say, setting my empty glass in the sink.
Grabbing my clutch, I follow Jace out to the truck. He helps me in without having to flash him or anyone else. Smiling graciously, I pull on the seatbelt while he shuts the door for me.
Getting behind the wheel, I take in Jace’s handsome features. His dimples show as he flashes me a smile. And his eyes crinkle whenever he’s up to no good. Then there’s the five o’ clock shadow that begs for my hand to run over it.
Jace looks over at me and catches me staring at him. “What?”
I shake my head off such thoughts. “Nothing.” I force my eyes to look forward.
He shrugs it off and heads for the main road. The event is being held at an old theater that usually holds concerts and showcases old movies. Jace and I came here once to see a country artist in concert; Kevin Sharp back in 1996 when his song ‘Nobody knows it but me’ was popular at the time. He has since passed away.
Outside the theater, lights flash around the white sign, welcoming us for the event. Jace’s hand on the small of my back is something I’m trying to get used to. Inside, he takes my hand and leads us to two empty seats a few rows from the stage. Butterflies flutter in my belly as nervousness sets in again.
“I’m so nervous,” I whisper.
“The hard part is already over. You just have to accept the award.” Jace reaches over to squeeze my knee, and I smile.
“I don’t have a speech ready, so I’m going to wing it if I need to,” I confess.
The theater is starting to fill up, and the chairman takes the stage to begin. He’s a middle aged man, decent looks, stands tall as he adjusts his glasses. The room is quiet as we listen to him speak. Apparently, there is a whole board of directors that decides who gets the awards.
The chairman’s last line is, “Try not to let it go to your head.”
Everyone breaks out in laughter.
The nominees have their names called, one by one. My name is called halfway through; Jace stands up to let me by. Thankfully, no speech is needed. Smiling, I accept the award and make my way back down to Jace. The award is made of solid glass, in the shape of a triangle, with Taste etched in the glass as best catering in the area.
We watch the rest of the awards and clap our hands at the appropriate times. When the restaurant owner of Sous is announced as best steakhouse, I remember Jace taking me there a few days earlier.
After the awards ceremony, we are ushered into a banquet room. Jace and I find Leah and Jared and join them at a table. Leah immediately comes over to touch the award like it holds some type of magic. She’s in awe of it. I let her and Jared hold it. Dinner is served and the conversation flows between the four of us. Jace seems genuinely happy to be here.
After the meal, my nerves start to set in as Jace and I stand to go get a drink at the bar, because I’m normally not a people person. I find it hard to approach people on my own. Just call me socially awkward.
Recognizing the owner of Sous, I watch as he approaches us. He’s the rugged handsome type with a tall build, and dark blond hair that curls at the ends. The ‘I just ran my hand through it’ kind of hair’. Handsome. Even his eyes smile as he grows closer with a beautiful brunette on his right as they
approach.
He extends his hand out to me. “I’m Guy. I run Sous.”
I shake his hand.
“I’m Simone, owner of Taste Catering. This is my…uh…boyfriend, Jace Prescott,” I introduce.
“This is my colleague, Emily Warren.” The four of us all shake hands. “We’d love to run an idea by you when you have a moment.”
My eyebrows rise. “Oh.”
Then Jace intercepts. “She’ll be happy to take your card and get back to you.”
Pulling a business card from his pocket, Guy hands me his card. “Call me so we can set up a meeting.”
Taking the card, I smile. “Thank you. I will.”
When he walks away, I look to Jace. “What the hell was that?”
“You can’t just accept whatever he’s offering on the spot. Let him sweat a little. You don’t want to seem too eager either.”
“Or he’ll just find someone else. You’re messing with my business here. These people are here to network. It’s like you don’t want me to succeed.”
“Of course I do. I just want the best for you, and I’m not sure he’s it.” He huffs.
“Are you jealous, Jace?”
He points. “Of that guy? Please.”
CHAPTER TEN
PRESENT: JACE
That seems to be becoming a regular thing…making an ass out of myself and sticking my foot in my mouth. And I fear I made things worse. Now Simone is going to call this Guy up and have a meeting. At least she introduced me as her boyfriend.
“I’m sorry. Just call him in the morning and set something up.”
I try to smooth things over. Simone is going to do what Simone wants to do, anyway. Yet, she can’t see what’s right there in front of her. Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way about me, because I’ve given her subtle hints that she doesn’t seem to notice.
I should tell her sooner rather than later. But tonight is about her, and I can’t drop this kind of bomb on her now. We continue to mingle with the other guests. Every guy in this room has been checking her out. It’s as if I can sense what they are thinking…all the things they want to do to her, including Guy. He’s just a little more clever about it. Then I remember she’s on my arm, holding my hand, laughing at all the right moments. She plays the card well. We’ll have no problem fooling James, and I can’t wait to see the look on his face.
“What’s on your mind?” Simone asks as we go outside to get some air.
“Nothing. I hope I didn’t screw anything up for you. I’m sorry.”
“I’m not mad at you. I don’t want to seem too eager about any business propositions. I really have to think about them. So you were right. I just got caught up in the evening.”
I hold my hand up. “No. I was wrong to interject like that.”
Simone smiles. “Fine. How about we call it even?”
“Okay,” I say, nodding. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.”
We load into the truck and head home, the award resting in Simone’s lap, her mind wandering as she looks out into the night air. Then she turns to me. “I think Leah and Jared had a nice time.”
I give her a quick glance. “Yeah, I think so. It was a nice event.”
“Thanks for coming along with me.”
“Sure thing.”
“You coming to Mom’s tomorrow for dinner?”
“Sure am,” I announce.
Pulling up to our apartments, I watch as Simone pulls off her heels and jumps out of the truck, oh so gracefully. I approach my apartment, next to hers.
“Thank you again, Jace.”
“Goodnight, Simone.”
She offers a smile, and I head into my own apartment.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SIMONE: Age 10
“Hey, Simone. Where’s your boyfriend, huh?” Samuel taunted.
“I don’t have one.” I stormed off.
Samuel caught up with me and got in my face. “That’s right, because you are a dork. Simoney Bologna.”
“Shut up, Samuel!” My fists balled at my sides, like I could take a boy twice the size of me. But anger burned in me so bad. I wanted to punch him right in the face.
The kids around us started laughing at him teasing me. I wanted to cry, but knew it would just make things worse. But I was horrified, nonetheless. And I’m sure my face was beet red.
All of a sudden, I saw a fist come flying by me and into Samuel’s face. It was Jace, punching him. Samuel’s nose started to bleed, as well as his upper lip. Jace was laying into him pretty good. “If I hear you or anyone else calling Simone names, I will do you even worse. Do you hear me, asshole?”
It took two teachers to pull Jace off Samuel. Jace was suspended from school for three days, even though he was defending my honor. Jace was still so mad as we got off the bus from school.
“You’re going to be in so much trouble. You didn’t have to beat him up,” I told him.
“I don’t care if I get grounded. Samuel deserved it, and much worse. I bet no one will mess with you now.”
I shrugged. “Well, thanks for sticking up for me. I hope your mom won’t be too mad.”
Jace stopped since his house was right across from mine. “You’re my best friend, Simone. I would do it again if I had to. I promise you that.”
“Pinkie promise?”
He hooked his pinkie with mine. I smiled as he walked into his house.
Not only would Jace have to deal with his mom, my mom would be just as upset. But I hoped I could at least smooth things over before she heard about the fight from anyone else. Because, in that moment, I knew Jace would have my heart. Even though we were young and didn’t know any different. I knew Jace was special. I just hadn’t realized how much of an impact he would have on my life. Because Jace is a lifer. The ride or die type.
CHAPTER TWELVE
PRESENT: SIMONE
The next morning, thankful for the few extra hours of sleep, I wake, stumbling out of bed to start my day. My hair is in wild waves, so I run my fingers through, hoping to tame it enough to look presentable for the day.
Picking up my phone, I take the business card that was given to me last night and call Guy.
“Hello?” he greets with his deep British brogue.
“Hi. This is Simone Rayburn, owner of Taste. We met last night, and I was calling to see if you still wanted to set something up?”
“Of course I remember. How about tomorrow evening? I can cook at my loft.”
“Um, okay. Sure. Just text me your address.”
“See you then, Simone.”
“Bye.”
With the phone call out of the way, I go over to the coffee pot and press start. Exactly three minutes later, Jace comes bounding through the door.
“I got bad news, Simone.”
“What? No,” I say, pulling two mugs from the cupboard.
“I’m afraid there’s an issue with the game that is supposed to launch next Tuesday. So I probably won’t make it to dinner.”
I frown. “That sucks. But I know you got to do what you got to do. I’ll bring you leftovers.” I force a smile.
Jace leans against the counter as we talk and sip our coffee. “One more week until the wedding extravaganza,” he teases.
I roll my eyes. “Don’t remind me. Oh! I almost forgot to tell you; I called Guy, and we are meeting at his place tomorrow to go over whatever he is wanting to propose.”
Jace’s head whips back. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Going to his place. You don’t even know the guy.”
Taking my last sip of coffee, I let out a sigh. “I’m sure it will be fine. It’s not like I’m going to sleep with him. It’s dinner and nothing more.”
Jace throws his hands up in frustration. “Okay. Fine. If you need me for anything, I’ll have my cell with me. I gotta go.”
He leaves without a glance back at me. He’s been acting weird for nearly a week, and I have no idea why. Maybe it’s the launch of the game that has him snappy and
stressed. Any little thing sets him off. And that’s not like us. We are always good, and quickly get over any issues we have.
And it’s definitely not like Jace to be the jealous type. Maybe a little over protective, but not jealous. Of course, I didn’t mention to him that Guy is clearly in love with Emily. I could spot that love sick look straight away. Even though he introduced her as his colleague, there is clearly something there between them. Jace was just too blind to see it, I guess. But they have a business proposition and I plan on hearing them out. If Jace has an issue with that, then it’s his problem.
***
After arriving home from Mom’s for dinner, I notice Jace still isn’t home. Either he’s working late or he’s mad at me for some unknown reason. Instead of calling him or texting him, I decide to let him be and put his leftovers that Mom wrapped up in his fridge with my spare key.
Since it was only Mom and I at dinner, I convinced her to take the night off by ordering pizza and watching 27 Dresses with me. I’ve only seen the movie, like, fifty times.
By morning there is still no Jace as I rush off to work. When I get in my car, I decide to text him.
You alive?
I don’t check my phone until I get into my office. Finally, I have a message.
I’m okay. Just trying to solve this disaster. We might have to push back on the launch. Talk later.
Okay. So he isn’t mad at me. Okay. There’s some leftover pizza in your fridge.
Closing my phone, I head to my tiny office where my little award is perfectly displayed on the shelf. “How long did you guys stay at the party on Saturday?” I ask Leah as we get started with the day.