He nods. “I know, but being that you’re seeing her boss, I felt I owed it to you to be honest. And you made it clear that we would never have a chance again.”
I purse my lips. I’m not sure what that has to do with him seeing Melanie. I’m trying to decide if I should warn him about her unhealthy attachment to Alexander.
“Melanie is very devoted to Alexander,” I say carefully.
He nods. “I know. We’ve talked about him a great deal. And you.”
Me?
“What could Melanie possibly say about me?”
He shrugs. “She told me how protective she is of Alexander and how she had reservations about him getting involved again so quickly after his divorce. She’s not just his assistant—she’s his friend.”
I bite my tongue a little harder in order to stop myself from bashing Melanie. That would be completely immature and petty. Of course, it would be fun, too, but that’s not the point.
“I told her that you’re a good person and that you would never do anything to hurt him . . . or anyone.” He trails off. There is the familiar expression of guilt on his face that I’ve seen before.
“Yes, I would never hurt Alexander, and from what I know about his divorce, it was a mutual decision.”
He shrugs. “Yes, but she initiated it.”
Okay, I’m not trying to get into a discussion about Alexander’s past relationship.
“I appreciate you stopping by Jake, but I need to get some work done. It’s been a very long, emotional day.”
He eyes me curiously. “Everything okay?”
I exhale. “It will be. I just found out Angie and Brett are moving to Florida.”
His mouth drops open. “Really? That’s definitely surprising news.”
I don’t answer him. He knows Angie doesn’t like him either because of what he did to me.
Mrs. Rothera knocks on the door before I’m able to kick Jake out. I groan as I know she will be very curious as to why he’s back in my apartment again.
“Crap.”
He holds up his hands. “Should I escape through a window?”
I shrug. “That’s not a bad idea. Thanks for stopping by.”
When I open the door, Jake says a quick hello to Mrs. Rothera before he practically races out of my apartment.
“It’s not what it looks like,” I say quickly before she has a chance to give me one of her famous looks of disapproval.
She smiles. “I didn’t say anything.”
I close the door behind her. “You didn’t, but I know what you’re thinking.”
I pick up my laptop from my desk and bring it to the couch where she’s patiently waiting. I open the folder on my desktop that I have set up for her. She’s being very quiet, so quiet that it’s freaking me out a little. Normally, she’s rambling on about all kinds of nonsense.
“I’m sorry I don’t have all of this ready for you; it’s been a hectic day.”
She raises an eyebrow. “Anything I can help with?”
I shake my head. “I found out Angie’s moving out of state. I’m just a little sad.”
She gives me a sympathetic look.
“Oh dear, that’s a shame.”
I hang my head. “Yeah, I don’t know what I will do without her.”
She pats me on the arm. “Well, you have me. I mean, in case you ever need someone to talk to.”
I give her a grateful smile. “I appreciate that.”
And I do appreciate it. As frustrated as I get with her always popping in, I know she means well. I turn the computer toward her so she can see the color scheme I picked out for her guest room.
“And as far as Jake goes, he just came by to tell me he’s seeing someone. It doesn’t bother me, but it’s kind of an awkward situation.”
She nods. “Of course he did. He’s looking for your approval.”
I snort. “I’m not sure I can give him that because he’s seeing Melanie. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or not.”
Mrs. Rothera knows all about Melanie and my complicated relationship. In fact, Melanie was the one who told her I was looking for a new place. This didn’t go over well with Alexander, but somehow she managed to talk her way out of it as usual.
She’s busy scrolling through my ideas on the computer. I’m wondering if she already knew about Melanie and Jake. I still don’t know if she has any client-psychic confidentiality agreements.
“You should give him your blessing. That way he knows without a doubt you’ve moved on.”
I nod. “I have moved on.” I pause. “But you’re right, I need to give them my blessing. And I’m glad Melanie has someone to distract her, even if it is Jake. Sometimes I feel like I have to share Alexander. It’s frustrating.”
I don’t know why I suddenly feel the need to unload on her. I usually try to stay reserved when talking to her.
“Just be careful,” she says wistfully.
“Be careful about what?” I ask.
She has a very pensive expression on her face. It’s almost as if she’s watching something unfold.
“Don’t try too hard to push her out. There may not be romantic feelings for her, but she’s important to him.”
My mind wanders back to what Gina said. Maybe Alexander is jealous, and maybe he really doesn’t want to share Melanie with anyone else
~*~*~
Mrs. Rothera finally leaves after what feels like hours, but she was actually only here for about an hour and a half. I must be really struggling with the news of Angie moving because I didn’t mind her company at all tonight.
I finally crawl into bed around one o’clock after talking to Alexander for a few minutes. As I lie in my bed, I think about everything that has happened in my life since last summer. I remember this time last year Jake and I were in a very committed relationship. I truly believed we had a great future ahead of us.
Things sure have changed and I have moved on, so it would be silly to not expect Jake to do the same. Alexander is an amazing man, and I believe he loves me. Despite everything that has happened between us, I’m happy that he’s bringing me home to meet his family.
I really should listen to what Angie said. We could have an awesome future ahead of us, and it’s up to me to push past my insecurities and focus on that. I want to tell him how I feel about him and that I love him, too. I stretch out and pull the covers tightly around me. Spring is in the air and it’s time for a fresh start and for me that means a fresh new attitude.
Chapter Five
I’m definitely a different person when the sun is out. The more I think about it, I could totally move to Florida. I’m sitting at an outdoor table at Starbucks (outdoors!), and it’s glorious. As I look around, I can see that the other customers are enjoying the weather just as much as I am. Spring has come at the perfect time.
I’m busy prepping for my big night tonight, aka the night I meet Alexander’s parents. I shouldn’t be that worried because parents usually like me. Jake’s mom and stepdad live in Boston, but I met them twice and they told Jake he should propose right away. Yeah, that certainly didn’t go like they had hoped.
I asked Alexander if I had anything to worry about, and he insisted they couldn’t wait to meet me.
I haven’t seen Alexander in almost a week because he’s been traveling for work, so I’m beyond ready for our reunion. He still hasn’t mentioned anything about Melanie and Jake, and I haven’t brought it up either. I’m really trying hard to have a fresh new outlook and focus on our future together. Alexander being the awesome boyfriend he is agreed to let me host a good-bye party for Angie and Brett at his house.
I spend the remainder of the morning contacting potential clients from referrals, and the best part is that I stay outside the entire time.
I change my outfit four times before finally deciding on a cute and classy high-low dress with wedges. I’m just putting on my jewelry when there’s a knock at the door. Alexander is leaning against the doorframe when I open the door.
<
br /> “Hi. I’m so . . .”
Before I finish talking, Alexander scoops me up in his arms and kisses me as if his life depended on it. After he places me back down on the ground, he closes his eyes and puts his forehead to mine.
“I’ve missed you,” he whispers softly. “Next time, you have to join me because I hate being away from you for that long.
I wrap my arms around his neck. “I think that can be arranged.”
His lips press hard against mine, and I know I’m going to need to touch up my makeup, but I don’t care.
I run my fingers slowly down his biceps. “Do you think your mom would be devastated if we canceled on her? We could stay here.”
He throws his head back. “Don’t tempt me. As much as I love my parents, I would rather spend the evening alone with you.”
I head to the bathroom to fix my makeup. Alexander comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
“I was serious, though, what would you say about coming with me on my next trip? I want to spend time with you without any distractions.”
I smile. “I think it sounds perfect, sign me up.”
We start kissing again, and I finally push him out of the bathroom so I can make myself presentable again.
~*~*~
What is only an hour drive feels like five hours. The knots in my stomach are getting increasingly tighter as we get closer. Alexander’s talking a mile a minute about work and his recent trip. I’m trying to be the supportive girlfriend, but I’m too busy obsessing over every possible scenario that could happen tonight. I’m also making a mental list of possible excuses I can use to make a quick getaway, should I need to. I even texted Angie and asked her to be on standby in case I call with some kind of fake emergency. Of course, she thinks I’m losing it and maybe I am. I’m bringing a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers and a bottle of wine. I was always taught it’s important to never show up empty-handed, especially the first time you’re meeting your boyfriend’s parents.
“You’re very quiet,” Alexander says, reaching for my hand. “You really don’t have to be nervous. My parents are not that scary, well, maybe my mom’s a little scary, but only because she’s the one who always caught me getting into trouble.”
I laugh nervously. “I know. I just want to make a good impression.”
He kisses my hand. “You will, and I know they’re going to love your ideas for the house.”
“Well, I would like to get to know them before I just walk in there and start changing things. That wouldn’t the best way to win them over.”
A few minutes later, we pull into a long driveway on the right side of a charming two-story brick home. I have to admit it’s even more stunning in person. The first thing I notice are the tall white pillars on both sides of the door and white shutters at every window. I notice that fresh bushes and flowers have been planted around the front porch, another reason I love springtime.
“Here we are,” Alexander announces loudly.
I take a few deep breaths and get out of the car. There’s a large wooden deck on the backside of the house. We walk up a few steps toward two French doors. Alexander holds my hand tightly in his. I take a few breaths and plaster a big smile on my face.
A taller, older version of Alexander greets us at the door. He’s obviously Alexander’s father, and I’m amazed at how much they look alike. Now I know what Alexander will look like in a few years, and it’s definitely a good thing.
“Hello, son,” he says, holding out his hand to shake.
“Hello, Father.” Alexander shakes his hand, and then they hug in the typical manly kind of way. They’re both smiling, so this must be some kind of inside joke I don’t know about.
We all walk into the house, and immediately I start looking around to get decorating ideas. As usual, it’s fun and exciting to see a brand new blank canvas.
“And who did you bring with you today?” he asks, looking past Alexander toward me.
Alexander smiles proudly.
“Dad, I would like you to meet my amazing girlfriend, Summer Peters.”
Of course, I start to blush.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Mr. Williams,” I say politely.
“It’s very nice to meet you. I’ve heard quite a bit about you. And please call me Rick.”
We follow Rick down a hallway and into the spacious kitchen. I immediately get excited at the possibility of giving this kitchen a fresh new start. The walls are painted a very pale yellow; it’s not ugly, just outdated. The cabinets are oak, very well made, but could use a facelift.
The island is covered with a variety of appetizers, including bruschetta, vegetables, mini quiches, and a cheese platter. There’s enough food to feed an army and that’s just appetizers. There’s a mouth-watering aroma coming from the oven.
“Where’s Mom?” Alexander asks, taking a carrot from the vegetable tray. He puts the bottle of wine down on the counter.
“She ran to the market for something, should be back in a few minutes.”
I’m still holding the bouquet of flowers, so I hand them to Alexander.
“Let’s leave these here. I’m sure Mom will want to put them in a vase.”
Rick offers us a drink, and I manage to bite my tongue to stop myself from asking him for a shot of tequila. A few minutes later, he takes us down to the basement where he proudly unveils his new man cave. Apparently, Penny (Alexander’s mother) has banished him and his sports memorabilia collection to the basement. His collection is very impressive, full of autographed football helmets, pictures, balls, etc.
“Wow. My father would love this room,” I exclaim, looking around at the walls. “He’s been a football coach for years.”
Rick smiles mischievously. “Giants or Jets fan?”
I laugh. “Jets.”
He punches the air. “Good man. Our team doesn’t get the accolades they deserve. All those bandwagon fans are so disloyal. I’m a Jets fan for life.”
I throw my head back in laughter. “I’ve heard this before.”
Rick puts his arm around Alexander and pretends to whisper in his ear. “I’m liking this girl already, son.”
Alexander pretends to whisper back. “Me, too.”
I start to blush again. I wonder if I’m going to be blushing all day today.
While Rick and Alexander talk, I walk around and look at his collection. Obviously, I won’t be redecorating anything in this basement. I hear my phone buzzing from my bag; Angie’s sent me several texts asking how things are going. I excuse myself and walk back upstairs. I don’t feel comfortable wandering around the house alone, so I sit down at the table in the kitchen and text her back.
So far so good. Haven’t met his mom yet.
I’m just about to send another text when I hear a door shut and see an attractive brunette walking down the hall toward the kitchen carrying two grocery bags. I see she’s struggling with the bags, so I rush to help her.
“Let me take one of those for you,” I say, grabbing the bag before she drops it.
“Thank you.”
We put the bags down and finally come face to face.
“I’m Summer,” I say warmly.
For a second, I feel like she’s sizing me up. I’m sure it’s the typical motherly thing to do, checking out the woman who’s taking her place in her son’s life. But considering Alexander was married, this shouldn’t be a new feeling for her. Add in the fact that her son has hired me to redecorate her home. I didn’t even consider the possibility that she could have been close to Helena. What if she feels the same way about Alexander and Helena as his best friends do? They would love nothing more than for them to reconcile.
“You’re the decorator.”
Okay, so that was a little on the cold side, but I promised Alexander I wouldn’t overreact.
And I’m your son’s girlfriend but whatever. Of course, I don’t say that out loud.
“Yes. I’m not sure if Alexander told you or not but I have my own c
ompany, Summer Interiors.”
She starts to empty her grocery bags onto the counter.
“Yes, he did, and I’ve heard very good things. I’m Penny.”
I can definitely see why Alexander is so good-looking. Both of his parents are attractive, and they obviously take good care of themselves.
“Where is Alexander?”
“He’s downstairs with his father, enjoying the man cave.”
She rolls her eyes.
To Spring with Love: A Novella (Seasons of Summer Novella Series Book 3) Page 3