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Chapter Twenty
Natalie
"Do you need anythingmore to drink, miss?" the waiter asked me.
"No, thank you. I'm good. I'm just waiting for my client." I was at the restaurant where Jeannie’s party would take place. After some back and forth, I convinced her to come see the location for herself. There was always the tiny prospect of her simply not connecting with the place, and I didn't want to risk that. She’d finally agreed. One of her grandsons was staying at the house with Abe while she was out with me. She told me on the phone that he liked to drink three types of plant teas throughout the day, and she had to make sure he took them at the right time.
I looked at my iPad, checking my notes. I had several questions for Jeannie and wondered if I was missing anything. The day was gorgeous. It was sunny and a bit too hot for my taste, but I’d dressed in a long summery dress, ready for the heat and blinding sun. I was a summer girl through and through, and I waited the whole year for it.
To be fair, I was extra happy today for no reason at all. My job search wasn't going anywhere. One of Jeannie’s friends did call me, but her party wasn't for another few months. Until then, I had to find a way to keep myself afloat. I could take up waitressing, perhaps. I'd done it several times in between jobs and in college.
No, things weren't looking up for me, but I was more optimistic than usual, even for my standards. I thought that might have something to do with Jake. After our Saturday together, my energy level simply shot through the roof.
I hadn't seen him since, but we texted throughout the day. I wondered when I was going to see him next, and my answer arrived ten minutes later, as Jeannie didn't come alone. Jake was with her, and my body buzzed as I watched him walk. He was wearing a suit, but that was nothing new. How did the man not overheat? Didn't he need to take a cold shower every hour or so? I could guide him to the nearest shower, perhaps jump in it with him, or just take off that shirt of his.
Natalie, focus. Jeannie is your client.
Oh God, does she know about us?
Jake and I hadn't spoken at all about any of this. I didn't want to disappoint Jeannie, or for her to think I wasn't professional.
I rose to my feet when they approached. "Jeannie, Jake. Hi." My voice sounded like I’d swallowed an egg. Holy shit, I'd never sounded like that before.
"Natalie, darling, what a wonderful day," Jeannie said as she and Jake sat down.
"I thought you were coming alone."
Jake cocked a brow. A smile was playing on his lips.
Jeannie patted him on the arm. "I thought so too. But then out of the blue, Jake offered to come with me. Such a surprise. I didn't think he’d take such an interest in my party.”
Jake was now looking straight at me. I simmered in my seat, then spread my arms around, indicating the venue. "So, what do you think about this place? Do you like the vibe?"
"Definitely. I love the entryway too. It's very romantic and very festive. But the party will be here in the garden, correct?"
"Yes. As long as you like it. I was thinking of asking them to group our tables back there, between the trees.” There wasn’t any natural shade where we currently sat, only umbrellas, but they weren’t enough. It could get really hot under them, and it was an unseasonably hot summer for Boston. The natural shade was always cooler.
Jeannie nodded. "It does look lovely back there.”
"We can walk around, if you'd like. Unless you want to drink something before?"
"No, I'm good. Let's go see it."
