11. Chapter 11
With Nick gone and Seb in a separate relationship with E, plus Alex being single, we decided on a group dinner in Charleston for Valentine’s Day. E made arrangements to help the chef prepare a special menu, and Bay and Penny are joining us.
Since it’s Friday and we had school today, I made a batch of coconut cream and chocolate-dipped strawberries last night, packing them in a cooler to take with me. I drive over to Jake’s condo right after school with my goodies.
Walking into his room, I find Ray, Jake, and Will there. “Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone.”
“Happy Valentine's Day, Sum,” Jake smiles. He slides a bouquet of flowers over on his table. “Got these for you, beautiful.”
I set the cooler on the table and pick up the arrangement.
There are red lilies, white roses, and sweet peas.
A mixture of me, Mom, and Lily bee’s flowers.
“All our favorites. Thank you, handsome.” I lean over and give him a peck on the lips.
It's so special that he included their flowers in the bouquet. He’s thoughtful like that, knowing how much they mean to me.
Opening the cooler, I pull out the coconut cream and 3 containers of dipped strawberries. I give one to Will and the second to Ray. Opening Jake’s portion, I feed him one. “So good, Sum. Thanks.”
I grab a spoon for him to eat his coconut cream, and we visit for a little while before I need to get going. “Have a nice dinner. Love you, Sum,” Jake tells me.
“Love you too.” I blow him a kiss and wave to Will and Ray.
Rushing to my Jeep, I drive home to grab a quick shower.
I choose a little black dress from my closet for dinner.
A satin cowl neck top flows smoothly into a form-fitting velvet bottom.
Wearing my necklace from Seb, I let my hair cascade down, with only a small section clipped back.
A little makeup and heeled boots complete the look.
It’s still funny to me that I wear dresses willingly now.
I refused growing up, preferring athletic wear above all else.
When I leave my room, Dad's just coming in the front door. “You look beautiful, darling,” he smiles, handing me half a dozen deep crimson roses just beginning to open. “I missed being your valentine growing up, so indulge me, please.”
Inhaling their sweet scent, I hug him in thanks, digging out a vase in the kitchen to put them in. “They’re beautiful, Dad. Thank you.”
The doorbell rings, so I stop plumping the flowers and answer it. Alex is standing on the porch in a black suit with a matching tie and shirt; a dozen white roses providing a stark contrast to his all-black ensemble. “You are beautiful, Summer.” He smiles and offers me the flowers.
“Wow, thank you, Alex. Come in.” I can smell the distinct and delicate iceberg roses without even putting my nose close. They smell as if they’re fresh from a garden. “Where did you find such fresh iceberg roses?”
“I cannot reveal all my secrets, Summer,” he winks. Alex winks! He’s a lot more affectionate and easygoing this year since his dad returned and Reesa's out of the picture.
Shaking my head with a grin, I grab another vase.
Zander requests a photo of us before we leave, so we stand in front of the blank dining room wall as Alex wraps his arm around my waist, pulling me against him.
I look up, shocked he’s being so bold, to find a huge grin and sparkling eyes staring at me. What has gotten into him this evening?
I grab my coat after Zander snaps several pics, so we can leave. Alex holds open the passenger door for me and then gets into the driver’s seat, and we are off. He has classical music playing at a low volume. “How was Jake today?”
“Good. He liked his chocolate-covered strawberries and coconut cream. I gave some to Ray and Will, too.”
“I am looking forward to the dinner menu tonight. E gave me a glimpse yesterday. He created a brand new dessert for this special occasion.”
“Oh, I bet it’ll be amazing.” We chat about colleges and some new research he’s been reading until we arrive at a small, warmly lit restaurant just outside Charleston.
Alex hands his keys to the valet and helps me out of his SUV.
Offering his arm, we walk inside. E has a table reserved for us, so we follow the host.
The restaurant has a romantic glow from the dim lighting, red tablecloths, and quiet orchestral music playing throughout.
Seb is already waiting by himself at a round table with candles flickering, casting his silhouette in changing light and shadows.
His eyes go big and round when he notices me.
“Sunshine, hot, hot, hot.” He stands to hug me before pulling out my chair.
He whispers in my ear, “That dress was made for you,” before nipping it.
Shivering, I kiss his cheek as Alex takes the seat on my opposite side. A server quickly sets two flutes in front of Alex and me. “E made a special cocktail for us,” Seb tells us. “Give it a try.”
I take a sip, and my tastebuds explode with tropical fruit flavors, followed by bubbles and a hint of spearmint. “Fantastic,” I comment.
Penny and Bay arrive a few minutes later. She has a cute, knee length red dress on with cap sleeves and a square neckline, her hair pulled up in a chignon. Bay is in a black suit and red tie. “You guys look great.”
“Thanks, Summer,” Penny replies. “Look at the bracelet Bay got me.” She holds out her arm for me to have a closer look. It’s a fine silver chain with a piano charm dangling from it.
“You did good Bay. It’s lovely.”
Bay smiles as Penny beams, pecking him on the lips. He pulls her chair out for her before sitting beside her, and Seb squeezes my knee under the table, knowing it’s still hard to see him with another.
E arrives shortly after with appetizers and joins us.
The meal is amazing. E created a fusion explosion for us.
We eat three courses of stuffed portobello mushrooms, a citrusy soup, and a steak noodle dish, followed by roasted tart cherries covered in a seaweed cream sauce.
My belly is stuffed by the time we're done.
Seb's driving me home while Alex and E head to their place. After waving goodbye to Bay and Penny, I kiss Alex and E on the cheek, thanking them for a lovely dinner, before Seb helps me into his Jeep.
Seb places a gentle kiss on my hand, intertwining over fingers over the center console, as he hums to the music playing.
When we arrive, Seb jumps out and asks me to wait. He jogs over to my side and opens the door, falling into a bow. “My lady,” he says, holding his hand out for me to take.
Giggling, I take his hand and get out. “This was a lovely night, Hurry, although I didn’t expect the dozen iceberg roses from Alex when he picked me up.”
“Smooth,” he winks. “I approve, but the night isn’t over yet.
” He jogs to the back of the Jeep and swings open the half door, grabbing a bag.
Taking my hand, he pulls me up onto the porch and over to the swing.
“I gave this a lot of thought, Sunshine, but I couldn’t come up with a gift to show you how I feel, so I picked more than one. This first gift, though, is from E.”
He pulls out an envelope and hands it to me. Opening it, I find two passes to a conservatory this spring, along with a note.
Summer,
Please take whomever you wish to visit the conservatory. Try to go when the azaleas are in bloom. It’s spectacular. I would be happy to accompany you if you want. Know that I’ve been seeing a therapist. For myself, no one else. I'm working through all that's happened to me.
Hoping someday we can come together again. My heart is incomplete without you.
E
“Damn him.” I take an unsteady breath in and pass the note to Seb. “Have you read it?”
“No Sunshine. It’s between you and E.” He folds the note and puts it back in the envelope. “Open the next gift from me.”
Putting my hand in the bag, I find a jewelry box with a charm bracelet inside. Looking closer, I see a lily flower, a sweet pea flower, and a heart. The last item is another envelope. I open the flap to find a letter written on heavyweight paper.
Dear Summer,
The moment I saw you sitting in Z’s office with your head down, I felt drawn to you. When you looked up at me and sassed me, I fell a little in love with you.
My unending questions and hurricane personality didn’t faze you. You welcomed me into your life despite being scared.
When you trusted me to share your worries, I knew we were meant to be in each other’s lives.
I didn’t realize how amazing it would be when my heart filled to capacity. You were the one I was waiting for.
You’ve heard me say E was my forever, but he is only half. You are my forever, too.
I’ve been blessed to find the two people who make my soul sing so early in life.
I will forever treasure you, be here for you, cherish you, and love you.
Hurry
Oh, my beating heart. “This is the most beautiful thing ever.” I wrap my arms around Seb’s shoulder, holding him tight. My eyes are glistening at such a romantic gesture. “Thank you. I’ll treasure this always.”
Seb buries his face in my neck in return. “I hope this replaces the bad memories of getting letters too.”
Nodding, we hold each other tight until I remember my gift for him. “Oh, I almost forgot yours.” Pulling back, I rush into the house. I left his present on the island. “Hi Dad. Grabbing Seb’s present. Be back,” I wave, jogging by.
I hear his chuckle before going back outside.
Handing Seb a gift bag, I retake my seat beside him.
He pulls out the wooden box, eyebrows raised quizzically.
Flipping the latch, he opens it up. Inside is an assortment of small items from the times we spent together since we met.
Receipts, ticket stubs, photos, and other little items from the past year. “Is this all from us?”
“Yeah, all the times we did things together. I kept little mementos. There's plenty of room to keep adding memories.”
“Perfect Sunshine.” He tilts my chin up with his thumb and forefinger, his warm, plump lips kissing me gently.
The smooth glide of his soft lips caressing mine has me reaching to run my fingers through his hair, moving closer.
He gently nips my lower lip before running his hot tongue across it.
I open immediately, sucking his tongue into my mouth.
A low groan emits from deep in Seb’s throat as our kiss turns heated quickly.
I pull away, breathless, cognizant of Dad nearby.
“I should get inside. Thanks for a great night, Hurry.”
Seb stands and pulls me up, following me in the door. “Hey Z,” he waves before kissing my cheek. “Bye, Sunshine.”
I show Zander my conservatory passes and bracelet before deciding to have a bath, keeping the letters for myself. What a memorable night.