Kitabı oku: «For Now and Forever», sayfa 12

Chapter Seventeen

That night, Emily and Daniel rekindled their relationship, the drama of the day all but forgotten between the bed sheets, forgiveness coming in the form of caresses, ill feelings kissed away.

When morning arrived, shining a bright summer light in through the curtains, they both stirred awake.

“I guess I won’t be making you breakfast,” Daniel said. “Now that the toaster’s exploded.”

Emily groaned and let her head fall back against the pillow. “Please don’t remind me.”

“Come on,” Daniel said. “Let’s go to Joe’s for breakfast.” He leapt out of bed and pulled on his jeans, then extended his hand out for Emily to take.

“Can’t we sleep in a little longer?” Emily replied. “It was a very trying evening if you recall.”

Daniel shook his head. He seemed far too energetic for so early in the morning. “I thought you wanted to run a B&B,” he exclaimed. “You won’t be having many lie-ins when you’re a hostess.”

“Which is precisely why I need them now,” Emily said.

Daniel plucked her out of bed, Emily squealing with laughter, and plopped her onto the stool by the dresser.

“Oh, looks like you’re up now anyway,” Daniel said with a cheeky grin. “May as well get dressed.”

Once Emily was dressed, Daniel drove her to Joe’s. They both ordered coffee and waffles, then got to work going through Emily’s figures. She’d always been terrified of going broke and if she really did decide to give the B&B idea a go, she’d need to use all her savings. Her three-month buffer would be gone entirely. If this went wrong, she’d be left with nothing. Looking at the list of things she’d need to buy was daunting. From the ludicrously expensive things like getting the Tiffany window in the ballroom restored, to the cheap ones like replacing the blown-up toaster, Emily wasn’t sure she’d be able to do it.

She threw her pen down. “It’s too much,” she said. “It’s too expensive.”

Daniel reached out and picked up the pen. He crossed the cheapest thing off the list, the toaster.

“Why did you do that?” Emily asked frowning.

“’Cause I’m going to go into the department store after breakfast and buy you a new one,” he said.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“You’re right. I want to.”

“Daniel – ” she warned.

“I have savings,” he replied. “And I want to help you.”

“But I should sell off the antiques first before you start making sacrifices for me.”

“Do you really want to do that?” Daniel asked. “To sell your dad’s treasures?”

She shook her head. “No. The sentimental value is too much.”

“Then let me help.” He squeezed her hand. “It’s just a toaster.”

She knew Daniel couldn’t be particularly rich. Although the carriage house was decorated tastefully, he’d been living there without paying rent for twenty years. He hadn’t received any money from working the grounds at the house and had probably only held down a few repair jobs here and there, just to get gas and food money and logs for the burner. Although it made her uncomfortable to know that Daniel was going to take money out of his savings, she nodded.

“And you never know,” Daniel said. “People in the town could probably help. My friend George said he’d come and look at the Tiffany window and see what he could do about restoring it.”

“He did?”

“Sure. People like to help out. They also like money. Maybe some of the townsfolk would invest in you.”

“Maybe,” Emily said. “Though they’d have no reason to.”

Daniel shrugged. “Raj had no reason to chop down that fallen tree for you but he did it all the same. Some people just like to help out.”

“But who around here would even have that kind of money?”

“What about Rico?” Daniel suggested, taking a swig of coffee. “I bet he’s sitting on a whole hoard of cash.”

“Rico?” Emily exclaimed. “He can barely remember my name.” She sighed, feeling deflated and anxious. “Really, the only person with any kind of wealth is Trevor Mann. And we all know how he feels about me.”

“Probably a whole lot worse than he did before thanks to the midnight visit from the fire truck.”

Emily groaned and Daniel squeezed her arm to reassure her.

“I’m not going to lie, Emily,” he said. “Doing this would be a huge risk. But I’m here to help, and I’ll bet the rest of the town is too. Do what you think is right, but know whatever you decide, you won’t be alone.”

Emily smiled, her fingers gently stroking down the length of his arm, reassured by his words.

“If you could get some investment,” he said, “what would be the first thing you’d do with the place?”

Emily thought long and hard. “I’d want a different front desk. The foyer looks too empty at the moment.”

“Oh yeah?” Daniel said. “What would you put in, in an ideal world, if money were no object?”

“Well, it would need a bespoke piece really,” Emily said, picking up her cell phone and starting to search on Google and eBay. “Something like this!” she said, showing him the screen and the amazing Art Deco piece.

Daniel whistled. “That’s pretty nice.”

“Yup,” Emily said. “And just look at the price tag. That’s a good few thousand dollars out of my budget.” Then she looked up and smirked at Daniel. “But if you’re ever stuck for birthday gift ideas…” She put her phone back down and sighed. “Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself. I don’t even have the permit yet.”

“I have every faith in you that you’ll get the permit,” Daniel said. Then he stood suddenly, pushing his plate away. “Come on,” he said.

“Where are we going?” Emily asked.

“To Rico’s. Let’s see if he has anything you might want to purchase.”

Emily had been reluctant to go back to Rico’s, in part because the house was more or less complete, but also because of the unpleasant experience she’d had yesterday. The thought of going back in there unnerved her and she didn’t feel much like reliving the moment. But with Daniel holding her hand, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad.

“We literally just did my budget! I don’t have the money to buy anything fancy!” she contested.

“You know what Rico’s is like. There might be some hidden gem in there somewhere.”

“I doubt it,” Emily replied. She’d practically scoured every inch of that place. But the idea of shopping with Daniel, of taking one small step closer to her dream, was too fun an experience to miss. Emily decided then that whatever gossip the locals had about them, she’d be able to handle it. She looked at her notebook filled with facts and figures, then snapped it shut.

“Let’s go,” she said.

*

“If it isn’t my favorite couple,” Serena said when she saw Emily and Daniel walk into the flea market. She was looking particularly stunning today in a floral sundress, stained, as usual, with multicolored paint. She kissed each of their cheeks in turn. “How’s the B&B looking?”

“It looks absolutely amazing,” Daniel said, wrapping an arm around Emily. “Emily’s done such a great job.”

Emily smiled and Serena winked at her.

“So it’s done then?” she asked. “When is the grand reveal? Will you be holding another one of your parties? That stew was to die for. Ooh, that reminds me, can you write the recipe down for me, I have to send it to my mother.”

“Your told your mother about my stew?”

“I tell my mother about everything,” Serena said, raising an eyebrow.

Just then, Rico came out from one of the back rooms. He was looking frailer than usual, the lines on his face more pronounced.

“Hi, Rico,” Emily said.

“Hello,” Rico said, taking Emily’s hand and shaking it. “Lovely to meet you.”

“This is Emily,” Serena reminded him. “Remember? We went to her house for dinner.”

“Ah,” Rico said. “You’re the young lady with the B&B, aren’t you?”

“Well, not quite yet,” Emily said, smiling. “But I’m hoping to open one, yes.”

“I have something for you,” Rico said.

Emily, Daniel, and Serena exchanged a look.

“You do?” Emily said, confused.

“Yes, yes, I’ve been holding it back. This way.” Rico hobbled off down the corridor. “Come on.”

Shrugging, Serena followed, Daniel and Emily tagging behind with equally bemused expressions. Rico led them through a door and into a vast back room. There were lots of sheets covering large items of furniture. It felt eerie, like a graveyard of furniture.

“What’s going on?” Emily whispered in Serena’s ear, her first thought being that Rico had finally gone senile.

“Beats me,” Serena replied. “I’ve never even been in here.” She was looking all around her, her eyes round and intrigued. “What is all this stuff, Rico?”

“Hmm?” the old man said. “Oh, just things that are too big for the shop floor and too special to sell to anyone.” He walked up to where a dust sheet was covering something large and rectangular and peeped underneath. “Yes, here it is,” Rico said to himself. He began to pull the heavy dust sheet off. Emily, Daniel, and Serena sprang into action, taking corners of the dust sheet to help him.

As they pulled off the sheet, a marble surface began to emerge. Then the sheet slid fully off, revealing a gorgeous dark wooden reception desk with a marble top. It looked solid and sturdy and exactly what Emily had been looking for.

Emily gasped and looked it all over, discovering that on the other side there was a settee in red velvet attached to the piece, making it a front desk and seating area combined. It was an amazing, unique design.

“It’s perfect,” she said.

“This used to be in the grand foyer,” Rico said.

“The grand foyer of where?” Emily asked.

“Of the B&B.”

Emily’s mouth dropped open. “Of my B&B? This was the original piece?”

“Oh yes,” Rico replied. “Your dad absolutely loved it. He was sad to part with it but there just wasn’t enough space in the house. Besides, he didn’t want to do it an injustice. He wanted someone to use it as it was designed. So he gave it to me when he took on the house, hoping I’d find a buyer.” He tapped the marble slab. “No one showed an interest.”

It always surprised Emily when Rico spoke of the past. He seemed to have a crystal clear memory of certain events, but others he had no memory of at all. It was a stroke of luck that he’d remembered this one, and that the original front desk was exactly to Emily’s taste.

But her elation was short-lived and her mood dropped. Something like this would surely cost her more than she had.

“So, how much does it cost?” she asked, bracing herself for disappointment.

Rico shook his head. “Nothing. I want you to have it.”

Emily gasped. “Have it? I couldn’t possibly. It must be so expensive!” She was stunned.

“Please,” Rico insisted. “I haven’t been able to sell it for thirty-five years. And the way your face lights up when you look at it is payment enough. I want you to take it.”

Overcome with emotion, Emily threw her arms around Rico’s neck and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. You have no idea what this means to me. I’ll take it but it’s just a loan until I get enough money together to pay you for it, okay?”

He patted her hand. “Whatever you say. I’m just happy to see it go to a loving home at last.”

Chapter Eighteen

“Wake up,” Daniel whispered in Emily’s ear.

She stirred awake and took the cup of coffee he was offering to her, then noticed that Daniel was dressed. “Where are you going?”

“I have something to do today,” he replied.

Emily looked around and noticed that the sun had barely risen. “Something? What something?”

He gave her a look. “It’s a secret. But not a ‘my name is actually Dashiel’ kind of secret. You don’t need to worry, is what I’m saying.” He pressed a kiss into the crown of her head.

“Well, that’s reassuring,” Emily said sarcastically.

“Anyway,” Daniel said, “I’d just be in your way.”

“Why?” Emily asked, bleary-eyed.

Daniel raised his eyebrows. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten.”

“Oh my God!” Emily gasped. “The town meeting. It’s today, isn’t it?”

Daniel nodded. “Yup. And I think someone’s having a meeting with Cynthia at seven a.m. It’s currently six forty-five.”

Emily leapt up. “You’re right. Oh my god. I have to get dressed.”

Though appreciative of Cynthia’s offer to talk to her about all things B&B, she wished the woman hadn’t insisted on such an early meeting time.

“That got you moving,” Daniel said with a chuckle. He finished swigging his coffee, then grabbed his jacket.

“Just don’t forget the meeting tonight, will you?” Emily said. “Seven p.m. at the town hall.”

Daniel grinned. “I’ll be there. I promise.”

*

Cynthia arrived at the house with her two pet poodles in tow. She was dressed in a fuchsia pink maxi dress, the color clashing horribly with her ginger hair.

“Morning,” Emily called out, waving from the door.

“Hello, sweetheart,” Cynthia said. She seemed to be in a rush as she hurried up the path.

“Thanks for meeting with me,” Emily added when the woman was a little closer. “Do you want some coffee?”

“Oh, I’d love some,” Cynthia said.

Emily led her into the kitchen and poured them both a cup from where the pot was still brewing. As she did, Mogsy leapt up at the glass door between the kitchen and utility room. Cynthia went over and looked through the glass.

“I didn’t know you had puppies!” she cried. “Oh, they’re just adorable!”

“The mom was a stray,” Emily said. “I didn’t realize she was pregnant then suddenly there were five puppies.”

“Have you found a home for them yet?” Cynthia asked, cooing through the glass at them.

“Not yet,” Emily replied. “I mean the pups are too young at the moment to leave their mom. And I can’t exactly kick her out to fend for herself. So for now they’re mine.”

“Well, once they’re done weaning, I’ll happily take one off your hands. Jeremy passed his entrance exams to St. Matthew’s and I wanted to get him a congratulations gift.”

“You’d take one?” Emily asked, feeling a sense of relief. “That would be great.”

“Sure,” Cynthia replied, squeezing Emily’s arm. “We look out for each other in this town. Want me to ask around? See if anyone else wants one?”

“Yes, that would be amazing, thank you,” Emily replied.

Emily went and fed the dogs, then the two women settled down at the table.

“Now,” Cynthia said, pulling out a thick folder. “I’ve gone to the liberty of getting you some of the forms that you’ll need to fill out. This is for hygiene.” She slapped a blue piece of paper in front of Emily. Then a pink one. “Gas.” Finally, she placed a yellow one on the table. “Wastewater and sewage treatment.”

Emily looked at the forms with trepidation. Something about their officialness made her feel woefully under-prepared.

But Cynthia wasn’t done. “I’ve got some business cards here for you, as well. Names and numbers of some really reputable guys. They’ll get everything up to scratch for you. I used them back in the day. Good guys, the best really. I’d trust them with my life.”

Emily picked the cards up and slipped them into her pocket. “Anything else?”

“Trevor’s going to try to make it difficult for you. He knows the names of every code violation known to man. Make sure you know what you’re doing in terms of the legal and logistical stuff and you’ll be fine.”

Emily gulped. She was feeling more apprehensive that ever. “And here’s me thinking I just need to give a heartfelt speech.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong,” Cynthia exclaimed, waving one of her hands, the bright pink nails like talons. “The speech will get you ninety percent of the way there. Just don’t let Trevor stump you with the other ten percent.” She tapped the papers on the table. “Learn your stuff. Sound competent.”

Emily nodded. “Thank you, Cynthia. I really appreciate you taking the time to speak to me about all this.”

“It’s no problem, hon,” Cynthia replied. “We look out for each other in this town.” She stood and the poodles leapt to their feet as well. “I’ll see you later. Seven p.m.?”

“You’re coming to the meeting?” Emily asked, surprised.

“Of course I am!” She clapped Emily on the shoulder. “We all are.”

“All?” Emily asked nervously.

“All of us who care about you and the B&B,” Cynthia replied. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

Emily led Cynthia to the door, feeling a combination of grateful and apprehensive. That the people of the town would want to support her made her feel good. But to have them all watching her, and to risk making a fool out of herself in front of them, was a prospect that terrified her.

*

Later that evening, Emily was just putting the finishing touches to her outfit when she heard the doorbell ring. She frowned, confused as to who would be calling, and went to the door to see. When she opened it, she was shocked by the person she saw standing before her.

“Amy?!” Emily cried. “Oh my God!”

She pulled her friend in for a hug. Amy squeezed her back.

“Come in,” Emily said, opening the door wider. She looked up at the clock quickly. There was still time to chat with Amy before she had to leave for the town meeting.

“Wow,” Amy said, looking around. “This house is bigger than I expected.”

“Yeah, it’s kind of huge.”

Amy wrinkled her nose and sniffed. “Is that smoke? I smell burning.”

“Oh, long story,” Emily said, waving a hand. Just then the puppies began yapping from the utility room.

“You have a dog?” Amy asked, sounding shocked.

“One dog, five puppies,” Emily said. “Which is another long story.” She couldn’t help but glance at the clock again. “So what are you doing here, Ames?”

Amy’s expression fell. “What am I doing here? I’m here to see my best friend who dropped off the radar three months ago. I mean, I should be the one asking what you’re doing here. And how the hell your long weekend turned into two weeks, then six months. And that’s not even mentioning the text I get from you saying you’re thinking of starting a business!”

Emily could hear a hint of disdain in her friend’s voice. “What’s so crazy about the idea of me starting a business? You don’t think I can?”

Amy rolled her eyes. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean that things seem to be moving really fast up here. I feel like you’re settling down. You have six pets!”

Emily shook her head, feeling a little exasperated, not to mention attacked. “It’s a stray and her pups. I’m not settling down. I’m just experimenting. Trying things out. Enjoying my life for once.”

Now it was Amy’s turn to let out an exhalation. “And I’m happy for you, I am. I think it’s great that you’re enjoying life, you really deserve it after everything with Ben. But I just think you maybe haven’t spent enough time thinking about it. Starting a business isn’t easy.”

“You did it,” Emily reminded her.

Amy had been running a home fragrance business from home since she’d finished grad school, selling items online. It had taken her a decade of sleepless nights and seven-day work weeks to make enough money to sustain herself, but now the business was soaring.

“You’re right,” Amy said. “I did. And it was hard.” She rubbed her temples. “Emily, if that’s really what you want to do, can you at least come back to New York for a bit first, look into it properly and thoroughly? Get a business proposal together, speak to the bank for a business loan, find an accountant to help with the books? I could mentor you. Then, if you’re really certain you’ve made the right decision, you can always come back here.”

“I already know I’ve made the right decision,” Emily said.

“How?” Amy cried. “You have zero experience! You might literally hate it! And then what? You’d have wasted all your money. You’d have nothing to fall back on.”

“You know, I expect this sort of shit from my mother, Amy, not from you.”

Amy sighed heavily. “It’s hard to be supportive over this when you’ve shut me out of your life completely. I don’t want to fight with you, Emily. I came here because I miss you. And I’m worried about you. This house? This isn’t you. Aren’t you bored here? Don’t you miss New York? Don’t you miss me?”

Emily’s heart ached to hear the distress in Amy’s voice. But at the same time, the clock on the wall told her that her time was ticking away. The town meeting would be starting shortly, a meeting that would determine her future. She needed to be there for it, and she needed to be composed.

“I’m sorry,” Amy said tersely when she noticed that it was the clock on the wall where Emily’s gaze kept darting. “Am I keeping you from something?”

“No, of course not,” Emily said, taking Amy’s hand. “It’s just, can we talk about this later? I have a lot going on in my head and – ”

“Me turning up unannounced was never a problem before,” Amy grumbled.

“Amy,” Emily warned. “You can’t just disrupt my life, tell me I’m living it wrong, and expect me to be gracious about it. I’m happy to see you, I really am. And you can stay as long as you want. But right now, I have a town meeting to go to.”

One of Amy’s eyebrows rose. “A town meeting? For God’s sake Emily, listen to yourself! Meetings are for boring backwater towns. This isn’t you.”

Emily lost all sense of patience. “No, you’re wrong. The girl I was in New York? That wasn’t me. That was some silly woman who followed Ben around like a lovesick puppy, waiting for him to tell her she was good enough to marry. I don’t even recognize the person I used to be. Can’t you see: this is me. Where I am now, who I am now, it’s feels so much more right than New York ever did. And if you don’t like it, or can’t grow to support it at the very least, then we’re done.”

Amy’s mouth dropped open. Never in all the years of their friendship had they fought like this. Never had Emily raised her voice to her oldest, closest friend.

Amy clutched her handbag tightly to her chest, then pulled a packet of cigarettes out of her purse. Her fingers moved deftly, sliding one out and placing it between her lips. “Enjoy your meeting, Emily.”

She walked out of the house and to where her Benz was parked up in the street. Emily watched her speed off, her sense of regret already swirling inside of her.

Then she went to her own car, started it, and sped down the street toward the town hall, more determined than ever.