"So what are you going to do?"
"I don't know, but I have to at least let Sophie know what's going on."
"You can't see her. You know that, right?"
"Maybe not in the city but..." I don't finish the thought, knowing he'll be against it.
"But what? You'll arrange to see her somewhere else? Like where?"
I don't answer him, picking up my whiskey and taking a drink.
"That place in Vermont?" he says. "The inn?"
I look at him. "It's the perfect place. I have to go back there anyway for work and Sophie has to go there to do her community service."
"Do you know when?"
"No. She hasn't told me."
"I don't know, Aiden. It seems risky."
"Why would it be risky? There's no way Celine would ever drive up there and find us together."
"She might, if she really wants to prove she was right about you having someone else."
"When is the last time Celine left the city? Like ten years ago? And that was for her aunt's funeral. Her mom forced her to go. And it was only two hours away. This is four, and Celine doesn't like driving. There's no way she'd show up there."
Pete shrugs. "If that's what you want to do." He motions the bartender over. "I'll have another."
"What are you saying? You don't think I should?"
"No matter what I say, you're going to do what you want."
"You think I should stay away from Sophie."
"For a few weeks, yeah. There's too much at stake. Your job. Sophie's job. Your friendship with Tanner."
"You just said Tanner would get over it."
"He will, but that doesn't mean he'll like it. And I know you think your job is safe but there are plenty of good sales guys out there. Roger could replace you with someone else if that's what it takes to get Celine to quiet down. I know you say he puts business before his personal life but Celine's going to demand that he fire you and she won't give up until he does. As for Sophie's job, she's just an assistant. It'd be easy for them to let her go."
I finish my drink. "Let's talk about something else."
"Aiden, I'm serious. You need to—"
"I got it," I say in an angry tone. "Just let it go. Talk about something else."
He tells me about work and a story he's doing for the magazine about a new type of road bike.
As he talks, my mind keeps wandering to Sophie. I go back and forth with wanting to call her and telling myself I shouldn't. I probably should take Pete's advice and stay away from her for a few weeks but that doesn't mean we can't talk.
Two hours later, Pete settles up with the bartender as I get up to leave. Despite all the whiskey I had, I don't even feel drunk.
"Want to go get something to eat?" Pete asks.
"No, I'll just eat something at home." I look at my phone and see a message from Sophie, sent an hour ago.
"What is it?" Pete asks, noticing me staring at my phone.
"A text from Sophie."
"What does it say?"
I open the text and read it. "Her community service starts this weekend. She's working all day Saturday. Going up there Friday night."
"Don't do it, man." Pete puts his hand on my shoulder. "As your friend, I'm telling you, it's a really bad idea. Don't go up there. It's too soon. Celine knows all the people you know. There's a good chance she'll find out you left town."
"Yeah? So? What's she going to do about it?"
"Just give it a couple weeks. What's the rush? You don't have to see Sophie this weekend."
But I do. I can't take being away from her. It's been almost a week since I've seen her and I miss her. I can't stop thinking about her.
I'm single now, and so is she, so why can't we be together? Nobody we know will be in Vermont. Nobody will see us. And I really should go up there to meet with Tom again.
The decision is made. I'm going to Vermont.
Chapter Fourteen
Sophie
I haven't heard from Aiden since I sent him a text telling him I was starting my community service this weekend. He texted back, apologizing once again for getting me in this situation. That's all he said, and I haven't heard from him since.
Now it's Friday and I had to leave work early to make the long drive up to Vermont. I'm almost there but I can barely keep my eyes open. I'm exhausted. I had a horrible day. Celine kept calling me about every little detail of this dinner I'm now in charge of. Celine doesn't think I'm capable of managing the event on my own. She keeps calling Bianca instead of me, and then Bianca gets annoyed and blames me for why Celine keeps calling her. I just want this event to be over, and when it finally is, I better get that promotion. If I don't, I'll be saying goodbye to New York.
After work I raced home to get my overnight bag and was greeted by an eviction notice taped to my door. Last week I gave the landlord five hundred dollars, which isn't even a third of what I owe him but at least it's something. I thought the money could buy me some time but it didn't, and now he's giving me until the end of the month to pay up or get out.
Then, when I went to pick up the rental car, they couldn't find my reservation. The only car they had left was a minivan, which cost twice as much as the car I reserved. Luckily, I found the reservation on my phone and the place was forced to give me the minivan for the cheaper price but the van will cost me more in gas.
I'm at the point now where I need to call my parents for a loan. I've been putting it off because I don't want to hear their speech about how they knew I'd never survive in New York and that I should've stayed in Kansas. But I'm out of options. I have to ask them for money.
Taking a deep breath, I call up their number and put the phone on speaker.
My mom answers. "Sophie, what a nice surprise."
"Hey, Mom. Are you busy?"
"A little, but that's okay. How have you been?"
"Mom, if you're busy I'll just call back later."
"Honey, it's fine. Your dad and I are just out shopping for a new fridge. Did I tell you ours died?"
"No. When did that happen?"
"Last night. We woke up this morning and found it wasn't running. Your dad thought he could fix it so he went to go to the hardware store but his truck wouldn't start. We found out it's the transmission. It'll cost us to more to fix it than the truck is worth so we're going to have to buy a new truck. And if that's not enough, the furnace went out. Your grandma always said things happen in threes, so hopefully we're done for now, but it's going to be a lot of big expenses all at once."
"Sorry, Mom. That's terrible."
"It is, but we'll manage. We'll just have to cut back on some things."
So much for asking my parents for money.
"Why don't I call you later? It sounds like you've got a lot going on, and you really shouldn't let Dad shop for a fridge on his own."
She laughs. "You're right. Okay, honey, we'll talk later. Oh, is this the weekend you're going to Vermont?"
"Yes, I'm almost there."
"I'm still shocked they're making you do this. Seems like a fine would've been sufficient."
"It's only for a few weekends. It'll be done soon. I'll let you go help Dad. Bye, Mom."
I end the call as I pull into The Maple Farm Inn. My lousy mood suddenly brightens seeing the historic building surrounded by towering maple trees in shades of red, orange, and yellow. It's October and southern Vermont is getting close to reaching peak color, which explains the full parking lot at the inn. I got the very last spot.
I grab my overnight bag and head to the inn, stopping when I see a silver Audi drive by. I immediately think of Aiden, wishing he were here with me but knowing he's probably out with Celine. She hasn't mentioned him all week. She's been too preoccupied with the client dinner. Aiden said he was breaking up with her but I guess he changed his mind. I wanted to believe him but part of me knew he wouldn't do it. He's dated her for over a year. He's not going to give up a longterm relationship for a girl he's known for a few weeks.
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"Welcome back," Tom says, opening the door for me.
"Thanks." I go inside, noticing how much it reminds me of home. It's less about how it looks and more about how it feels. Warm and welcoming. A calm, quiet retreat from the loud crowded city I just left. "I missed this place."
"It has a way of doing that." Tom goes behind the counter to his reservation book. "We have people who come back every year."
I set my bag on the floor, noticing all the people milling about the lobby. "Looks the inn is sold out."
"We are, but don't worry. I didn't give your room away." He laughs as he goes to get my key. "Will you be having dinner with us tonight?"
"Probably not. It's late. I brought some snacks to eat in my room."
"Lois made her famous beef stew and cornbread. It's the special tonight. People come from all over just to have it." He winks at me. "I might've reserved you a table."
I smile. "Then I guess I have no choice. What time?"
"Eight forty-five. Our last seating of the night."
"That's in fifteen minutes. I better hurry." I pick up my bag. "Thanks, Tom."
I go upstairs to my room, the same one I was in before. It's small but adorable. The bed has a distressed, white iron headboard and on each side are small metal tables, each topped with a tiny lamp. There's a lavender quilt on the bed, along with a neatly folded blanket in case you need extra warmth in the night. A tall wooden dresser sits in the corner and next to it is a big square window covered by a simple white drape. There's no TV. No alarm clock. No special outlets to charge your phone. It's a simple room reminiscent of simpler times.
I take my makeup bag to the bathroom and set it on the shelf that's above the sink. I wash my face, then put on some blush and mascara, just enough makeup to look presentable at dinner. I don't need to get all made up to eat by myself. I wasn't even planning on eating dinner but Tom lured me in with today's special. I used to love my mom's beef stew and I'm sure the kind Lois makes is even better.
Going back in the room, I change into a sweater and a pair of black leggings. I wasn't sure what to pack. I brought my worst clothes for cleaning up trash, then threw in a couple nice sweaters to wear around the inn. I don't know why. It's not like anyone will see me. When I'm not on trash duty, I'll be spending all my time in my room, probably in my pajamas. I brought my laptop to do all the work Celine will be sending my way. She made sure to tell me I'd be working for her this weekend.
When I get down to the dining room, it's only half full and people are getting up to leave.
"Right this way," the waiter says, showing me to my table. It's Gus, the waiter I had last time. He's tall and thin and walks really fast, making me have to hurry to catch up.
He takes me to the same table where I sat with Aiden. I miss him so much. I wish I knew what was happening with him. And with us. Are we done being friends? Are we never going to talk again? I understand it would upset Celine if we talked but I wish we could talk one last time. I feel like we didn't get to say goodbye.
"Can I get you a drink?" Gus asks.
"I'll have a glass of merlot," I say, then realize I can't afford that. "Actually, forget the wine. I'll just have water."
"Are you sure? The wine goes great with the beef stew."
"Water is fine. Thank you."
He leaves, and all I can think about is Aiden. I imagine him sitting across from me, giving me that smile I miss so much. I can hear his deep voice, telling me stories from his life, asking me questions about mine. Our conversations were always so easy. Never a dull or awkward moment. We had a rhythm about us. A natural back and forth that made talking to him seem like we'd been friends our whole lives.
I really thought Aiden and I were brought together because it was meant to be. But I guess not. I guess we were only meant to have those two weekends. Two very special weekends that I'll always remember.
"Is this seat taken?"
I startle from my thoughts and look up, blinking a few times to make sure what I'm seeing isn't some kind of illusion.
"Aiden, what are you doing here?"
"Tom raved about the beef stew and cornbread. Knowing how Lois cooks, I decided it'd be worth the drive." He pulls out the chair across from me. "Care if I join you?"
"Of course. Go ahead." I can't stop smiling. Aiden is here!
What is he doing here?
"Surprised?" Aiden's smiling too, and like me, he can't seem to stop.
"To say the least. I can't believe you're here."
He places his napkin on his lap. "I had some business to take care of."
"Oh," I say, disappointed. For a moment I thought he came to see me, but he came because of the inn. "Does that mean Tom is selling the place?"
"Not yet, but he's getting closer to considering it." He lowers his voice. "That needs to stay between us. No one can find out he's thinking of selling. He wants to keep this private until the deal is done, assuming he decides to sell."
"If the company you work for buys it, then what happens?"
"We'll do the necessary repairs to keep the place running and put some money towards advertising so the place stays occupied year round."
"Would Tom still run it?"
"He'd like to, but he'd cut back to part time, or less than that, depending on what happens."
"What do you mean?"
"I can't say. I shouldn't even be telling you about the sale."
"But what you're saying is someone else will be running it." I glance over at Tom as he talks to some people at another table. "It's not going to feel the same here without Tom. He and Lois are what make the place feel so welcoming."
"We'll find someone else who cares about the inn as much as Tom does. I'll do the interviews myself if I have to." Aiden's eyes lock on mine. "This place is special to me too."
Does he mean because of the time we spent here together? Or because it reminds him of his grandfather's inn?
Gus appears, setting my water glass in front of me, then turns to Aiden. "Can I get you a drink?"
"Bottle of wine?" Aiden says to me.
"I'm good with water," I tell him.
"We'll have a bottle of your best cabernet," Aiden says to Gus.
"Excellent choice." He jots it down on his order pad. "Would you like to order? I don't mean to rush you but the kitchen likes to have all orders in before nine."
"I'll have the special," Aiden says.
"I will as well," I say.
As Gus takes off, I look over at Aiden. "I hope you're not planning to pay for my dinner. You're already paying for the room. That's more than enough."
"I'm paying for dinner. Because of me, you have to spend tomorrow picking up trash."
"I'm actually okay with it. I get to be outside. Be surrounded by fall color. Get some exercise, fresh air. And just think how much better the road will look without trash littering it."
Aiden grins. "Is everyone from Kansas like this?"
"Like what?"
"Able to find the positive in a negative situation. Anyone else would be dreading tomorrow, and cursing me out for causing this, but you're smiling about it."
"Why be angry? It's not going to change anything."
"Are you coming here every weekend until you're done?"
"That's the plan, except next week I have that client dinner for your boss."
"How's that going?" he asks in a cautious tone. I wonder if Celine's been telling him bad things about me, like saying I'm not doing a good enough job. It wouldn't surprise me if she did.
"It's been challenging."
"Because of Celine?"
"I'd rather not say."
"Your bottle of wine," Gus says, holding it in front of Aiden. "Would you like to sample it before I pour a glass?"
"No, go ahead."
Gus pours the wine, then sets the bottle on the table. "Enjoy."
I take a sip of the wine. "This is excellent."
"I'm surprised you didn't already have a glass when I got here."
&
nbsp; "I'm a little short on cash." I set my glass down. "Wine isn't in the budget."
"It's in mine, so drink up." He holds his glass up. "Shall we toast?"
I raise my glass. "What are we toasting?"
"To friends coming together again." He clicks his glass to mine.
Friends. I know that's what we are, but hearing him say it makes my heart ache. It wants more, even though I keep reminding it that Aiden is taken.
"So it'll take what...five weeks to get your hours in?" Aiden asks. "That's a lot of trips to Vermont."
"I might be able to work Sundays too. My supervisor said she'd let me know. They don't usually schedule people on Sundays but with all the tourists there's more trash so they might need extra people to clean up."
"What does your boss in New York say about this? Are you in trouble for missing work?"
I let out sigh. "Yes. There's a huge event tomorrow night. Bianca's running it but I was supposed to be there to help out. She had to hire someone else to help and says it's going to come out of my pay."
"Seriously? She can do that?"
"She can do what she wants. I have no power. And I'm trying to stay on her good side. I can't argue with her. I'm just lucky she agreed to keep this from Beverly, the lady who owns the company. If Beverly found out I missed an event, she'd fire me."
"That's just wrong. You can't help that you have to do this. It's court mandated."
"Unfortunately, that doesn't matter to them. My job comes before anything else. But the good news is, if your company's event next week goes well, I might get the promotion I've been waiting for."
"What does the client dinner have to do with it?"
"Didn't Celine tell you?"
"Tell me what?"
"I'm in charge of it. It's the first event I'm doing on my own. Bianca said if I pull it off without any problems, there's a good chance Beverly will give me the promotion. I'm surprised Celine didn't tell you. I've been working with her all week."
"She didn't mention it."
"Did you not see her much last week?"
"Not after Wednesday." He takes a sip of his wine.
"Because you were busy with work?"
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