He nodded, satisfaction edging on his features. “Thought so.”
“You didn’t seem thrilled with the idea of being a source back at the Vineyard.”
“In the meantime, I’ve realized there are... advantages.”
It was on the tip of my tongue to ask what those were, but I didn’t. Jake and I had crossed from enemies territory into something foreign. And I wanted to get my bearings before pushing his buttons again. The prospect of seeing more of him sent a thrill through my whole body.
“Good to know,” I murmured.
“Have a great evening, Natalie. Call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks.”
After he left, I sank back on the couch. I couldn't believe Vince. All I wanted was to forget our relationship had ever existed, but it seemed like that wasn't possible.
I texted Larissa to let her know I was back in town. I debated calling her, but instead I video-called my parents. It was pretty late now in Greece, but they never went to bed before midnight.
To my astonishment, when Mom answered, the whole family waved at me. They were clearly in the backyard of the hotel, gathered around a table.
“Hey, what are you all doing up?” I asked.
“We’re enjoying the evening. It’s been so hot today that we were mostly indoors,” Mom said.
Doris and Calvin Summers had been married for thirty-five years and were as in love now as ever. Mom met my dad at the coffee shop where she was waitressing. He claimed it was love at first sight.
They had my sisters, Angie and Nellie, one and two years later. I came along five years after Nellie.
“Where’s Fig?” I asked, referring to Nellie’s daughter, Fionela. I’d nicknamed her Fig, for short.
They passed around the phone until Nellie held it over the crib. Fig was sleeping peacefully. My heart swelled with happiness.
“She’s so lovely,” I whispered as Nellie gave Mom the phone back. Seeing my niece reminded me of how much I wanted children. I only hoped to find the right man, as I wasn’t keen on raising a child by myself. I’d dodged a bullet with Vince for sure, but I wished he hadn’t turned out to be such an asshole.
“How was the trip to Martha’s Vineyard?” Mom asked.
“It was good. The villa is gorgeous. But my client’s husband got sick. She doesn’t want a destination party anymore, so I’ll have to look for a suitable location in Boston.” I decided not to tell my family about my plane ride—that was too embarrassing.
“I have no doubt you’ll find the right place. You have a knack for hidden gems.” That was high praise from Mom. I’d always enjoyed being her right hand, but she was tough.
Dad asked me how the job search was going, and my mood plummeted.
“I’m in the last rounds of interviews for the job I told you about,” I said. It wasn’t particularly thrilling, but my last one hadn’t been either. It paid well, though.
“You’ve got a fantastic degree,” Mom exclaimed. “It’s going to work out. You’ll see.”
My parents were positively bursting with pride that I had a college degree. I was the only one in the family. Dad worked in construction all his life, and Mom moved from waitressing to event planning. My sisters both worked at a hotel in midtown before moving to Greece when a new branch opened there.
“What else is new?” I asked, eager to change the topic.
They talked my ear off about all the repairs they had to do to the B&B and how they were thinking about adding a dinner menu. My parents looked ecstatic, and so did Angie. Nellie was happy too, but I could tell she was exhausted.
After finishing the conversation, I ate some leftovers I found in the fridge. It was a good call not to tell my parents about Vince’s letter. They’d just worry for nothing.
I tried to focus on the positive. I was still in charge of Jeannie’s party, and I was going to see Jake Whitley again.
I couldn’t believe how much I was looking forward to that.