Hot coffee splashes into the travel mug I prepare for Christian as he finishes getting ready. His suitcase is by the door, and bright light flashes as the town car turns to back into the driveway. I hug myself to ward of the chill of standing in just a T-shirt on the cold wood floor and remember the loss of my parents years ago. The all-encompassing pain took forever to fade to a dull ache, and I wish I could make it better for Christian.
I turn to his soft footsteps, and Cleo follows him down the stairs. She’s sensed his somber mood, and wants to be close to offer comfort. When he gets to the bottom, he pulls me against his chest. “I love you, Christian. Whatever you need from me, just ask.”
He speaks into my hair. “I know. I love you too. I’ll call when I get there.”
When the door clicks shut, I let my tears fall for Christian. He’s about to lose one of the most important people in his life, and nothing I can do will ease that grief.
I curl up on the couch with the dogs. Static crackles when I pull the fleece throw blanket over myself, and I doze off for a few more hours of sleep.
***
Ruby and Lori came in to work this morning to learn how to open and close Rhinestone Cowgirl. I want to be ready so I can get on a flight to be with Christian for a few days if his father dies. Also it’s important that Christian and I aren’t the only ones that know how to run things at the shop.
My nails click away at the keyboard as I enter numbers from yesterday in the spreadsheet. While I won’t be able to do everything Christian does, I want to keep up with the more mundane tasks to ease his burden when he returns. I reach for my coffee and grimace when my mouth fills with only the cold dregs.
While the coffee down at Neal’s cafe is good, today I’ll settle for the restaurant version to avoid the line. The bartender next door will fill my travel mug for me. Change rattles in my wallet when I take it out of my purse.
Cold wind bites through my blouse as I step out the side door to cross the courtyard. Christian should be landing on the East Coast soon. I know his mother will be anxious to see him, and I imagine the tearful reunion. Shivering, I pull open the heavy glass door to the odor of garlic.
“The bartender, Andy, is slicing fruit, and his knife thuds softly on the cutting board. “Hey, Nika.”
I hand him my mug. “Hi. Can I get some coffee, please?”
“Sure.” A pot rattles as he pulls it out of the machine, and steam swirls up when he pours it. Without asking, he goes into the kitchen to microwave it to almost boiling for me. He knows I like it super hot so it will stay warm longer.
When he returns he says, “Does Christian want to order his lunch early? He’s been getting it when we first open because it’s been so busy.”
“Oh, no, thank you. He’s gone out of town for a family emergency. But I probably should. Would you put in an order for the spinach salad for me? I’ll be back to pay and pick it up at eleven.”
“You got it.”
I put five dollars on the bar, which is more than double the cost of my coffee. “Thanks, Andy.”
“Tell Christian he and his family are in my thoughts. He’s a good guy.”
Tears are forming in my eyes, and I swallow back a lump in my throat. Christian has already earned a place in this town, and people care about him. “I will.”
“Is there anything I can do to help you while he’s gone?”
What a sweet gesture. I paste on my model smile. “No, I’m fine, but thanks for the offer.”
“Okay. Happy New Year’s Eve.”
It’s New Year’s Eve tonight? I forgot all about the holiday. “You too.”
Wind blows hair into my face when I clomp across the brick courtyard back to work. I have six lobsters being express delivered to me at the shop today for dinner with Gretchen and Derrick. Dinner that isn’t happening. My stomach sinks. I’m all alone for New Year’s Eve.
Lori comes over to me when I walk in. “How’s Christian?”
“I don’t know. He should be landing soon, and I’m sure I’ll talk to him when he does.”
“How are you holding up?” Her small hand is warm on my arm.
“Me? I’m fine. Worried for Christian and Gretchen, but fine.” I know today was Lori’s first day off in two weeks, and I’m grateful she came in. “Thank you again for being so willing to help.”
“It’s the least I can do. Really, don’t give it a second thought.”
I give her a hug. “Thanks, you’re a great friend.” I retreat to my office and shut the door. I need to call Derrick and see how Tom is today.
He picks up the phone on the second ring. “Hi.”
“Hi, how’s Tom?” I roll a pen back and forth between my fingers, and the plastic is slippery.
“Not good. He’s in ICU and on a ventilator. I don’t think he’s aware of what’s happening around him, and I’m afraid that Sandra’s going to have to make a tough decision.”
“Oh, D, my heart’s breaking for them.” The pen drops on the floor and I leave it there.
He sighs. “I know. I feel so helpless.”
“I’m sure Gretchen doesn’t find you helpless. Having you there to hold her when she cries is important. I’ll bet she’s trying to be strong in front of her mother.”
“She is, but Sandra is pretty strong too. They’re an amazing family.”
I smile, thinking about the capable people Christian and Gretchen are. “That they are.”
Derrick’s tone changes. “Are you going to be okay alone? Do you have any plans for New Year’s Eve?”
I think about the lobsters and know I have to cook them tonight. “No plans. I might just curl up with the laptop and study Christian’s franchise plan.”
“Want me to call you later?”
My heart warms at the thoughtfulness of my brother. “No. You have your hands full, and Gretchen needs you more than I do. I’ll be fine.” I’ve been saying that a lot today.
“Yeah, love you.”
“I love you too. Bye.”
My phone clicks off and I pick up the pen. It rattles the others when I shove it in the cup that holds them. The thing is I really am fine. Sure, I’m not happy about being alone tonight, but I’m not upset either. I’ll open a split of champagne, cook lobster, and whatever I can’t eat I’ll save for an omelet tomorrow and maybe make a lobster stew. And I think I will read over Christian’s plans for our business.
I may not be able to do a thing to help in Vermont, but I can certainly keep Rhinestone Cowgirl making money and learn everything I can to further our success. An idea comes to me. One of the best ways to be successful is to treat employees right. My two best ones are out on the floor right now.
I grab my coat and purse. Slipping my arms into the fuzzy sheepskin, I walk toward the front to find Ruby or Lori. They are both organizing things on the floor, and I smile at how diligent these two are. “Hey, ladies, I’m off to run an errand. I’ll be back soon.”
Their voices follow me as I breeze out the front door. I’m off to the Wine and Cheese shop, which is about a block away. The sun is bright, and snow sparkles as it reflects the warm yellow light. But there is a chill in the air that I welcome into my lungs when I breathe deeply.
A small bell jingles as I open the door to the shop. I’m surprised to see Neal. He smiles at me as he walks over to greet me with our usual cheek kisses, and I ask, “Do you ever sleep?”
“Not really. But you don’t seem to, either.” His cologne is light and pleasant, and I think he really is a charming man and will be a good catch for whatever girl tames him.
I welcome the distraction of a little harmless flirting. “I have big plans, and they keep me busy.”
“Do tell.” He is still holding my arms lightly, and I move away slowly toward the champagne section.
“I need two nice bottles of champagne in pretty bags for my two best employees. And a split of Ruinart, or something similar, please.” He reaches for bottles, and I say, “I’m looking into expanding.”
“Already? Good thinking. I have rental spaces in Aspen and Vail if those appeal to you.”
Of course he does. “That’s good to know. Thanks, I’m tempted.”
He leans in close and speaks softly. “And it’s good to know I can still tempt you.”
I chuckle, and say, “It’ll be a shame the day you actually fall in love, Neal. Such a shame.”
He grins back and walks off to wrap the bottles for me.
I can’t stop smiling when I walk back to Rhinestone Cowgirl. I love giving gifts. But what I’m really smiling about is the knowledge that Neal has commercial space in our two top towns for expanding. It gives me hope we could make it happen. I burst into the shop, excited about my evening poring over a business plan. Christian and I will have a lot to think about when he gets back. Boy, have I changed.
Chapter 43
Right after I give Lori and Ruby their champagne, my phone rings with a call from Christian. I close myself up in the office to talk to him.
“Hey, hon, how are you doing?” I plop down in the chair and roll it away from the desk so I can prop my feet up.
“I’ve been better. I’m in the car with Gretchen on our way home.”
“Give her a big hug for me. I wish I was there to do it in person.” I take a sip of my coffee, which is still warm but lacking in the flavor I’m used to.
“I know. I just wanted to let you know I’m here.”
“Thanks. Do you need to go?”
He’s quick to reply. “No. Tell me about the shop. I want to stop obsessing over my dad for a bit.”
I picture sun streaming in the car, making his red highlights glisten like the first time I saw him. “Okay, I actually have some news for you. I saw Neal today, and he told me he has commercial space in Vail and Aspen. So tonight I’m going to read through your expansion business plan and learn all I can.”
“Neal, huh? As much as I like to hate the guy, he sure is savvy with real estate.”
“Crazy, I know. And while he’s a shameless flirt, he’s also a good landlord. I trust him.”
“I do too. That is pretty great news. Thanks.” Gretchen says something in the background, but I can’t hear it. Christian says, “So you’re working on New Year’s Eve? Why don’t you do something with Casey, Lori, and Megan?”
I stroke the velvet of new skirts hanging to be steamed. “I’m not really in the mood to go out, and I’m looking forward to staying home. Besides, I have six lobsters to eat.”
He chuckles. “I forgot about those. Well if anyone can manage it, it’s you.”
I laugh at his teasing because I do eat a lot. He says, “I wish I was going to be able to kiss you tonight.”
Gretchen’s voice carries over the phone. “Oh, my God! Nika, what have you done to my brother?”
I snort. “You’d better not start talking about what else you’d like to do.”
“Are you sitting at the desk?”
I look over at it and my core twinges. “Why, yes. Yes I am.” As I stand to lean my butt against the edge of the desk. “Would you like me to bend over it and take a selfie?”
Christian’s voice lowers and the deep baritone rumbles through me, awakening my desire. “I’m afraid what I want a picture of is considered sexting.”
Gretchen yells, “Still here! Don’t make me pull over.”
“Tell her it’s payback for all I had to put up with last winter.”
“I will. Can I call you later?”
“You can call me anytime. Maybe we can even have a little phone sex.” I bite my lip, thinking about getting off over a phone call.
“I might take you up on that. Thanks for making me smile, princess.”
I rub the worn wood edge of the desk, and the notches of time are a rough contrast to the smoothness. “I’m glad I could. I love you.”
“I love you too. I’ll try to call later, bye.”
My phone is warm in my hand, and I hold it a little while as if it’s a piece of Christian before slipping it in my pocket.
***
Even though it’s only me, I treat dinner as something special. Candles are lit and I just finished greens with baked goat cheese and the caramelized onions I took the time to cook. Champagne bubbles dance their way down my throat as I wait for the lobster to finish steaming.
The beeping of the microwave demands my attention, and I pull out a bowl of melted butter. When I squeeze a lemon wedge into it, the citrus scent is released into the air. My mouth is watering, thinking about the treat I’m preparing.
I begin reading over Christian’s plans and ponder the catalog idea. The thought of obtaining Colorado fashion designers and offering their clothing and accessories in the catalog, along with my other favorite brands, appeals to me. Letting myself daydream, I envision photo shoots at local area horse farms or working ranches.
I slide the lobster pot off the burner and lift the lid. Steam rises, and I reach in to grab a bright red body. Using my bare hand, I quickly drop it onto a plate with a clatter. My fantasies are quite possible, and I’ve gotten excited about Rhinestone Cowgirl all over again.
The shell of my lobster snaps loudly when I squeeze it with the cracking tool. I pull out the tender meat with my fingers and drench it in my lemon butter. The salty-sweet flavor on my tongue makes me moan, and I think I could eat all six.
When I finish cleaning up my labor-intensive meal, it’s almost ten. I pour myself a glass of sweet brandy and wander to the couch to research clothing catalogs. In a world where everyone is shopping online, I think reaching out to past vacationers with a catalogue that reminds them of the fun they had might work well. And having a website that matches should cover all the bases. My Christian is a smart man.
By eleven I decide to go to bed and rouse the dogs from the couches to come with me. They stretch, and Ollie groans when I push him to get down. I smile, watching the drama. My evening may have been calm, but it was a nice solitary celebration of how far I’ve come and where I plan to go. And Christian is a big part of the future I want. I pat the phone in my back pocket to make sure it’s on my bedside table in case he calls.
At midnight my phone rings, waking me. But I’m not upset when I see it’s Christian.
My voice is thick when I answer the phone. “Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year. It’s so nice to hear your voice. Did I wake you?”
I sit up and lift a shade to look out at the stars. “You did, but I don’t mind, I was hoping you’d call.”
“Princess, my father is going to die.”
“Oh, Christian.” Tears well up in my eyes, and I don’t hold them back.
“We’re taking him off life support tomorrow.” His voice cracks. “This is so fucking hard.”
“Oh, honey, that is hard.” I ache to hold him and let him cry. “I can be on a plane tomorrow. Do you want me there?”
He sniffs. “The doctors say he may be alive for a few days. I don’t know. I just don’t know.”
The sky is jet black, and I find one star that shines brighter and bigger than the others to focus on. “Okay. You tell me when, and I’ll come.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry; I’m not doing this very well.”
“I don’t think there’s a right way to do it.”
He sighs, “Yeah. I’m going to go. I love you, Nika.”
“I love you too. Bye.”
I lie back down and stare out the window. In this position I can’t see my star, so I close my eyes and fall back asleep.
Chapter 44
Tom Nickelson hung on for two more days and then went peacefully early in the morning. I take comfort in knowing those who were close to him had the chance to say good-bye.
A siren blares in bursts, announcing the arrival of luggage on the carousel. My red bag is one of the first to come out, and I yank it off easily. I texted Derrick when I landed, and he should be waiting curbside for me.
Leaving Lori and Ruby in charge at Rhinestone Cowgirl, I’m not going to worry about work
while I’m gone. But when I think about my dogs, I have a pang of regret. I don’t like to use kennels, but there was no other alternative.
Bitter cold wind bites at me when I get through the automatic doors. I search for a blue Volvo station wagon and notice Derrick waving as he steps out of one. When I get to him, he kisses my cheek quickly before he takes my bag. The car is warm, and the radio is playing softly when I get inside.
Derrick slides into the driver’s seat and lets out a big sigh when he slams the door shut. I ask, “How are you?”
“I’m fine, but watching this is harder than I thought.” The blinker ticks as he pulls away from the curb and merges into traffic.
“Are you thinking about mom and dad the way I am?”
He flips off the radio. “Uh-huh. And you know it doesn’t matter how old you are. It’s difficult to lose a parent.”
I turn the heat vent toward me, and it warms my chilled fingers. “Yeah, I can imagine it is. How’s Sandra?”
“She’s amazing. I think she’s taking it better than Gretchen and Christian are.” He pulls quickly into the left lane, and I smile at how easily he’s slipped back into Boston driving.
“Really?
He nods. “She’s a strong woman and will be just fine.”
I wonder if maybe she’s putting on a brave face for her children because the idea of losing your husband of decades doesn’t sound like something one would get over easily. “That’s good to hear. So what’s the plan?”
“We have the wake tonight, and the funeral will be tomorrow morning.” He turns to me and flashes a smile. “We’re sharing a bedroom. We have twin beds.”
I grin at the bad joke. “How long is our drive?”
“A little over two hours. Are you hungry?”
My stomach growls at the suggestion of food. “Yes, but do we have time to stop?”
“We can. The wake isn’t about us, so we don’t need to be on time. Christian and Gretchen will be busy talking to everyone that comes.”
Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) Page 19