“Well done,” Nona told her. “And Anne will get over this. Probably much sooner than you expect.”
Emma wasn’t so sure, but was glad it was over, and when Lane invited them to join him for lunch, Nona gladly agreed. Lane asked Nona to choose the place, and she told him that she wanted pizza.
“Then you shall have pizza,” he assured her. As he drove to Nona’s favorite pizza shop downtown, he started to sing. “When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie…” Emma and Nona joined in. “That’s amore.”
On Monday, Emma still felt like she was walking on the clouds. Lane had visited her at Nona’s house the night before and then called her again that morning, just to say hello and that he was thinking about her. Emma couldn’t remember when she’d ever been so completely happy. Well, except for the Anne thing. That was the proverbial fly in the ointment. However, she was determined not to worry. She could imagine Poppi telling her to pray instead. And that was exactly what she was doing.
However, as she worked in the bookstore all afternoon, she had the distinct feeling that a confrontation was coming, almost like she could see the dark storm clouds gathering—right across the street at the Hummingbird Gallery. Okay, the clouds were just her imagination, but it would be so unlike Anne to do nothing. Emma just hoped Anne wouldn’t march into the bookstore and throw a nasty hissy fit with customers watching on. That would be such a sad scene—especially on the eve of Valentine’s Day.
Because it was Monday, the bookstore closed at five. And since Virginia’s mother-in-law was still in the hospital and Cindy had to pick up her daughter from ballet, Emma had offered to close up shop. She was so relieved when the last customer left at two minutes before five. Hurrying to the front door, she was just turning the lock in the door when she saw a chic-looking figure darting across the street.
As much as she wanted to pretend she hadn’t seen her sister, turn around, and go back into the shadows of the store, she knew she couldn’t. Instead, she turned the lock and opened the door, stepping aside as Anne came in. Once Anne was inside, she locked the door again. And she pulled down the shade. “Hello,” she said cautiously. “You know that we’re closed, but I suspect you’re not here to buy a book.”
“You got that right.” Anne glared angrily at Emma.
Emma picked up a UPS box that had been delivered earlier, carrying it toward the back room and silently praying. She could hear the quickly clicking heels following right behind her. “I can tell you’re upset,” Emma said as she set the box on a work table.
“Of course, I’m upset. In fact, upset doesn’t even begin to describe it.” Anne slammed her designer purse on the table next to the box. “I am furious, Emma. I am enraged at you. And I have every right to be enraged.”
“Every right?” Emma tilted her head to one side. “Can you explain that to me?”
“Oh, yes,” Anne seethed. “That’s exactly what I plan to do. I cannot believe that you, my very own sister, have betrayed me like this, Emma. I lay my heart before you, I tell you what’s going on, and you sneak around and stab me in the back.”
“Wait a minute.” Emma held up her hands. “How did I sneak around and stab you in the back?”
“I told you all about Lane and me. You knew that we were together. I warned you that you needed to back off, but did you listen?”
“What do you mean you were together, Anne?” Emma’s hands were shaking, but she kept her voice calm.
“We were a couple, Emma. You saw us together—numerous times. And you know how close Tristan is to Lane. You could see what was going on here. And Mom told you to back off too. But did you listen? Did you?”
“But I—”
“Listen to me now!” Anne shouted. “You betrayed me, Emma. You swooped in here and proceeded to try to steal my boyfriend and—”
“That’s not true.”
Anne narrowed her eyes. “Maybe it’s not true yet. Maybe you haven’t actually stolen him yet, Emma, but you’ve been trying. And just so you know, I’m going to fight you on this.”
“But, Anne, you don’t understand. Let me—”
“I do understand, Emma. I understand that you are a lying, cheating, backstabbing, sorry excuse of a sister. And I hate you!”
“Anne…” Emma pressed her lips together. “How can you say—”
“I have been working on this relationship for two years, Emma.” Anne shook two fingers in Emma’s face. “I have invested myself completely in this relationship. I’ve been supportive of everything Lane’s doing. I set up that fundraiser. And what about Tristan? If you don’t care about me, what about your nephew?”
“I love Tristan,” Emma said with tear-filled eyes. Anne’s words were still tearing away at her inside. “And I love you too, Anne.”
“If you love me, you will back off from Lane, Emma.”
“But you don’t under—”
“I understand this, sister. I’ve worked on this relationship for two years. And you’re here for less than two weeks—and you think you can unravel all my hard work. Well, you might’ve turned Lane’s head for a day or two—probably because you bought that ridiculous seascape, and I’ll bet you knew what you were doing when you did. But, mark my words, dear sister, I will win him back. You’ll see.”
“Don’t be so sure of that.”
Both Emma and Anne turned at the sound of his voice—both were equally shocked to see Lane standing in the shadows near the stairs.
“I’m sorry to be eavesdropping,” he said as he stepped into the light. “But I heard raised voices and was concerned. When I heard my name mentioned…well, I thought that was an invitation to join in.” He walked up to Anne with a stern expression. “I considered you my good friend, Anne. Nothing more. I’ve tried to make that perfectly clear from the start. I’ve never asked you out once. I’ve never made a single advance. All I’ve offered you was my friendship. If you misread that as something more, I’m sorry.”
Emma looked at Anne. Her eyes were wide and her face looked pale.
“I never meant to hurt you,” Emma quietly told her. “But you deceived me, Anne.”
Anne turned to look at Emma. “I deceived you?”
“You led me to believe that you and Lane were a couple. You insinuated that he’d sent you those roses. But they were from someone else. Someone who truly does love you, Anne. They were from Gerard.”
Anne’s mouth twisted to one side.
“I’m sorry you felt like you were investing yourself in a relationship with me,” Lane told her. “I thought you were helping with the fundraiser and everything just because you cared about the kids and the community. And I’m sorry that I didn’t realize that you wanted more than just friendship.” Now Lane stepped closer to Emma, slipping his arm around her shoulders. “And I’m sorry if my feelings for Emma are upsetting to you. But I’m sure you’ll get over this. Much sooner than you expect. Don’t worry, Anne, you’ll move on.”
Anne snatched up her purse with angry eyes. “Well, maybe you two deserve each other,” she snapped as she rushed out of the back room.
“Wait,” Emma called. “I need to unlock the door for you.” She hurried, catching Anne at the door. “I really am sorry I hurt you,” she said as she fumbled with the key, getting it into the lock. “And if it’s any comfort, I was holding back my feelings for Lane. It wasn’t until I found out about the roses…how you tricked me…that I let my guard down.” She clicked the lock open.
“Whatever!” Anne jerked open the door and slammed it so hard that the shade rolled up with a loud snap.
As Emma watched Anne storming away, she suddenly recalled one of the few times when she’d had the courage to cross her strong-willed little sister. Emma had been in high school, and one night when she was getting ready to go on a church hayride, Anne threw a horrible fit, saying it was unfair that the hayride was just for the high school kids. Anne was only in middle school at the time, so Emma refused to take her. Anne was so enraged that Emma felt certain
she’d never get over it. But by the time Emma got home, Anne had two of her friends over for a slumber party and all was forgotten…although probably not forgiven. Hopefully Lane was right, Anne would get over this much sooner than she expected.
Chapter 14
Early on Valentine’s Day morning, Emma heard the doorbell ring and was surprised to find her dad at the front door. In his hands was a small bouquet of red roses and pink carnations. “These are for your Nona,” he said quietly. “I don’t suppose she’s up yet?”
“I just heard her stirring.” Emma opened the door wide. “Want to come in and wait? I already got coffee started.”
“Coffee sounds good.” He checked his watch. “I’ve got about thirty minutes before my first appointment.”
After they were settled in the kitchen with their coffees, her dad admitted that he’d heard about the sisterly feud from Emma’s mother last night. “I hate to say it, but I could see that one coming from miles away.”
“I guess I should’ve seen it too.”
“At first your mom was all worked up that you’d put the moves on Anne’s man.” He chuckled as he lifted his coffee cup. “But I set her straight on that one.”
“Thanks.” Emma took a sip.
“Anyway, your mom’s happy about you and Lane. So am I.”
“I wish Anne were too.”
“Unfortunately, your sister doesn’t seem to know a good thing when she has it, Emma. She’s always been a grass-is-greener sort of girl, you know?”
With her eyes on her coffee, Emma just sighed.
“That’s what happened between her and Gerard.”
She looked up. “What?”
“Oh, no one will come out and say it, but I know it’s true. More than thirty years of practicing law…a man learns to read people. Even ones in his own family.”
“What are you saying, Dad?”
“Can you keep this between me and you?”
“Of course.”
“Anne started getting chilly toward Gerard shortly after Lane came to town. Now I’m not blaming Lane, because I’m sure he didn’t realize what was going on. Anne is brilliant at convincing people to see things her way. You know that as well as anyone.”
“Yeah.” Emma nodded emphatically.
“Suddenly Anne was finding fault every which way with Gerard. The poor boy couldn’t do a thing right…in her eyes. But from what I could see he was a good provider and a good father. Tristan adored him. Still does.”
“I know.”
“But Anne was shutting him out, pushing him away. Naturally, that’ll bring some strife into a marriage.”
“But why would she do that if Gerard was such a good guy? I mean, I’ve always thought Gerard was a good guy. But why would Anne throw all that away?”
“My theory is that she believed she’d outgrown Gerard. They were so young when they married, it makes some sense. Anne got the job at the gallery, and she suddenly felt very important. And I think she felt like she deserved someone more prestigious than an insurance salesman for a husband. She saw Poppi befriending Lane…and she decided he was just what she needed.”
“Oh…” Emma thought about her conversation with Gerard. “Do you think there’s any chance that Anne and Gerard will get back together?”
He shrugged. “Well, now that Anne’s been knocked off her high horse…maybe.”
“I know Gerard wants to make another go of it.”
“I’d say his chances are better now than ever.” He smiled at her. “Maybe you can help your sister think this whole thing through. I mean after she’s had some time to cool off. You might be able to influence her a little.”
Emma was just agreeing to this when Nona came into the kitchen. Dressed for the day, she greeted them both cheerfully.
“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Rob said as he kissed his mother on both cheeks. “I brought these for you.”
Nona’s eyes lit up. “Poppi always got me flowers for Valentine’s Day. Sometimes it was just a single rose. But he always brought home something.” Now her smile faded slightly.
“Well, you can just pretend that these are from both Poppi and me,” Rob told her. “And now I better get to my office, or my client will throw a fit.”
Shortly after lunch the doorbell rang again. This time it was a delivery man and for the first time in her life, Emma received flowers on Valentine’s Day. To her relief they were not red roses.
“Oh, my!” Nona exclaimed as Emma carried the enormous bouquet of multicolored tulips into the living room. “Are those from Lane?”
“Yes.” She’d already read the card, which simply said, To Emma, Love Lane. I will see you tonight. “Aren’t they beautiful?”
“Oh, my, yes.” Nona smiled. “It feels like springtime just to look at them.”
“I’ll put them right next to your bouquet for you to enjoy.” Emma set them on the marble-topped table by the front window. “In a way these are partially from Poppi too,” she said as she pulled on her coat.
“But they are from Lane. How can they be from Poppi too?” Nona asked curiously.
“Poppi was a mentor to Lane. It was Poppi who helped Lane to believe in love and romance again,” Emma explained.
Nona nodded. “Yes, I know all about that.”
Emma leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Don’t forget that your lady friends are coming for the tea party at four. Make sure you get yourself a nap before they come…so you won’t be worn out.”
Nona smiled and waved. “Yes, yes. And I know where the food is that we fixed last night, Emma. I am fine. You go to work and do not worry about me, dolce. And let’s not plan on dinner tonight. I won’t want more than a piece of toast by then anyway. Happy Valentine’s Day, cara mia!”
“Happy Valentine’s Day to you too, Nona.”
Emma’s feet felt light as she walked to town. Today was going to be a good day. She knew it. However, when she turned onto Main Street, she felt a trace of sadness to see the Hummingbird Gallery across the street. Unfortunately, Anne was probably not having a very good day. Not that there was much Emma could do about it.
The bookstore was in good spirits. Cindy informed her that business had been brisk all morning, and Virginia’s mother-in-law had been released from the hospital and was expected to make a full recovery. Even Gattino looked festive with a red bow around his neck.
“Will you take the Valentine’s decorations down tomorrow?” Cindy asked her.
“Oh, I don’t know.…” Emma sighed as she gazed up at the colorful hearts and cheery cupids. “There isn’t any hurry, is there? I kind of like seeing them up there.”
“Sure,” Virginia said. “Why not leave ’em up?”
Tristan came into the bookstore after school, and, as usual, Emma treated him to a cocoa. “I got lots of cool valentines,” he told her as they sat down at the table by the window. “Wanna see?”
“Sure do,” she said as she sipped her latte.
One by one he took them out, explaining who had given him each one. As he chatted happily, she kept an eye out for a certain tall handsome guy. But to her dismay Lane had not made one appearance in the bookstore this afternoon. However, she wasn’t worried. She felt certain she would see him before long. At least by tonight, according to the card with her flowers.
“Those are some very cool valentines,” she told Tristan as he stuffed them back into his pack. “Thanks for showing them to me.” Now she got an idea. “Did you give your mom a valentine yet?”
His brow creased. “No. Should I?”
“Yes, of course, you should.”
“I don’t have any money to buy anything.”
“That’s okay. We can find her something here. I’ll help you with it.”
So after he finished his cocoa, they went over to the valentine table and Tristan looked around, finally deciding on a box of chocolates and big musical card.
“Do you think she’ll like this?” he asked as he signed the card.
“I kn
ow she will.”
“I don’t need to get her flowers,” he said as he slid the card into the envelope. “Dad sent her a great big bunch of roses. Pink ones this time. That’s her favorite color too.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. And she was so glad about the roses that she let me talk to Dad for more than ten minutes last night. I talked to him for about thirty minutes I think.”
“Really?” Emma felt incredibly hopeful.
“Uh-huh.” He paused in licking the sticky part of the envelope. “And Mom told Dad that she was thinking about going to Disney World too.”
“Oh, Tristan, that would be wonderful if she went with you.”
“I know.” He nodded as he sealed it closed. “I’m praying that she will.”
“Me too,” Emma promised. “I’ll be praying too.”
“Should I take this to her now?”
“You bet,” she told him. “And give her a big hug and a kiss too. I have a feeling she needs it today.”
He wrinkled his nose then nodded firmly. “Okay, Aunt Emma, I will.”
Emma watched as he hurried out the door, looking both ways before he crossed the street. And as she watched, Emma kept her promise and prayed.
Lane arrived just as she was closing up the store. “I had to go to Seattle for a special Big Brothers Big Sisters meeting today,” he explained as he hugged her. “Did you get my flowers and my message about tonight?”
“I did. Thank you.”
“Well, I tried to make us a dinner reservation in town,” he said as she locked the door with them still inside. “But all the good restaurants were booked until around nine. And I knew with Nona, you wouldn’t want to stay out that late.”
“That’s true.” Grateful that he understood, she told him about Nona’s Valentine’s Day tea party that she and her widow friends were having right now.
“Good for her.” Lane unbuttoned his coat. “So, unless you think it’s a bad idea, I thought maybe we could have a little Valentine’s Day dinner right here tonight.”
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