Chapter 13
“I hope this isn’t too forward, but I wanted to know if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight,” Esther James says after introducing herself when I answer the phone. “Wolf mentioned you were back in town for work, and I thought since I’m in the city, I’d see if you were hungry.”
Before my phone rang, I had finished unpacking my suitcase and started sorting out at least a week’s worth of fresh clothes.
I had no idea what to expect when I left this time.
Would I be gone until Monday? Or would he invite me to join him in Tampa for his off days?
Was it being too pushy to assume the latter?
My thoughts were interrupted by the call from an unfamiliar number, and a million thoughts raced through my mind, but none of them came close to what awaited me on the other end.
“Oh,” is the only thing I can say. Dinner with his mother is surely crossing a line, one that pushes me further into the realm of an actual relationship, instead of allowing myself to pretend this is all for a story.
As if joining him on the road, involving his friends and coworkers, and staying on his bus isn’t enough, now I’m going to let his family officially get in the mix?
“Of course, if you have other plans, no need to feel pressured. I just wanted to extend the invitation because I’d love to get to know you a little better.
We didn’t really get a chance to chat at the Jubilee, me playing hostess and all, and I’d love to get to know the woman who has captured my son’s heart. ”
Captured my son’s heart.
“Um, no…I don’t have plans,” I say, thinking of the plans I most certainly do have with Gabe and Chase tonight, but those will have to wait.
I have nineteen days to find something, anything, that goes beyond the carefully curated portrait of Elite Wrestling Entertainment and Amos Rafferty, and then write two thousand words about it, or else I might still lose my job.
Which reminds me, I need to call Diane and let her know about my unfortunate change of plans…
“Wonderful! I will send you the address. It shouldn’t be too far from you. Let’s say about six.”
I spent the next five minutes staring at my phone after she hung up—Did that really happen?
—and the twenty after that digging through my closet for something to wear.
I don’t want to seem like I’m trying too hard, but I don’t think showing up in a pair of leggings and an oversized T-shirt is appropriate.
I settle on a pair of navy-blue shorts with a lightweight denim button-down. Classy, yet casual, and according to the address she sent over, I won’t get too hot on the walk over.
Yes, walk.
Esther was correct when she said it wasn’t too far from me.
The James family’s beautiful four-story brownstone overlooking the Boston Common is, in fact, only a ten-minute walk from my apartment.
When Bennett said his mother recommended Beacon Brew, I didn’t realize it was because his family owned a townhome one block away.
And if you had told me I’ve been living this close to the James family’s city home for the last four years, I would’ve called you a liar.
I don’t know why I’m surprised. Of course, they own something in Beacon Hill.
It’s one of the best neighborhoods in the city.
Extremely wealthy and prestigious. Not to mention, the historic charm is unmatched.
After what I saw in Wexley Hollow, this makes perfect sense.
The entry buzzer sounds almost immediately after I press the call button labeled, and the butterflies in my stomach only amplify when I push open the dark teal door.
A grand marble staircase is the first thing that greets me when I enter, followed by the long hallway that leads straight to the mouth of the open elevator.
The warm wood interior of the elevator car seems like a drastic shift compared to the light gray walls and pure white trim matched with the checkered tile floor of the foyer.
Tightening my grip on my purse, I walk farther inside, my steps echoing off the walls.
The elevator smells of pine and vanilla, bringing warmth to an otherwise sterile building.
The door groans when I pull it closed, and I press the number 2.
The front door swings open at the exact moment I open the elevator gate, and Esther appears wearing an apron similar to the one she wore the first time I met her. These blue and white stripes aren’t as faded as the ones back in Wexley Hollow, though.
“Sloane! I’m so glad you could make it,” she says, pulling me in for a hug.
Her piercing blue eyes linger on my face for a moment when she pulls back, and I fight the urge to look away.
I don’t know what she’s looking for, but the smile that spreads across her mauve-painted lips tells me she must’ve found it.
Taking my hand in hers, Esther pulls me inside.
“I hope you’re hungry. I’ve made beef wellington and—”
Her words fade away as we cross over the threshold.
This is not what I expected based on the entryway downstairs.
Double doors open to a grand foyer with beautifully stained hardwood floors, picture-framed wall molding, wallpaper printed with an ornate gold design, and a grand staircase outfitted with an intricate iron railing.
A red and blue Oriental rug covers the floor beneath our feet, and an abstract painting hangs above two white armchairs that make up a small sitting area.
To the right of the front door is the dining room, with walls painted sky-blue and an eight-seater table beneath a gold chandelier.
But the room that captures my attention is the one at the other end of the entry, past the staircase.
Another set of double doors offers only a glimpse inside: warm, wood-paneled walls, a gray couch, and large windows provide an abundance of natural light.
“Oh, that’s the library,” Esther says, catching me staring.
“It’s one of my favorite parts of this house.
” I follow her down the length of the foyer to the library, and I can see why it would be her favorite.
It’s already mine, too. A sitting area is situated around the fireplace and in front of the bay window.
Built-in bookcases line the wall to the left surrounding the fireplace, and the wall behind the door.
There’s a stack of books on the glass coffee table, and Esther sighs, picking them up.
“Wolf must have forgotten to put these away before he left. That boy loves to raid my shelves for things to read while he’s on the road. ”
“He likes to read?” I ask, picking up the two she leaves behind.
“You seem surprised,” she says, stuffing them into empty slots on the shelves. There’s no organizational system, I see.
I laugh. “I am. He doesn’t strike me as the reading type.”
“Bennett used to be able to read a book a day when he was younger, but he doesn’t have that kind of time anymore. They like to keep him busy over there at EWE. We don’t always get to see a lot of him.”
“That must be hard,” I say, handing her one of the books.
Esther returns both books to their proper place before turning back to me with a solemn smile.
“I’d like to say that you get used to it, but I don’t think you ever do.
” She waves her hand in front of her face as if clearing the air and straightens her shoulders.
“But enough of that. Come on, let’s go check on that beef. ”
“I’m glad I was able to catch you before you leave again,” Esther says, refilling two glasses with the remaining Sauvignon Blanc. “I’m sorry we didn’t have much time to chat last time we met. The Jubilee is always such a hectic day.”
“I completely understand.” I take the glass she slides across the breakfast nook table. “What are you doing in the city?”
“I had a luncheon at the women’s club and had to take care of a little business for my husband. He doesn’t like to come out here much unless he absolutely has to.”
“So, you’re the true brains behind the operation.”
“Oh, no, sweetie.” Esther laughs. “That’s all him.
I’m just the messenger. Stewart did his time out here, paid his dues, and would much rather only have to show his face two or three times a year.
I don’t mind coming out here, though. I get to see some friends, take in the sights, and get a break from the normal day-to-day of the Hollow.
Truth be told, Stew joins me more often than not.
He stays around the house and doesn’t tell anyone. ”
“Is he here now?” I ask. It’s been so quiet, I would’ve never guessed someone else could be here.
“No, no, no. He’s back in the Hollow. The James Jubilee was enough for a while.”
“It must be hard managing two houses, not to mention everything else you’re involved in. How do you find the time?”
It’s not the first thing I’d typically ask the mother of the man I’m dating, but this isn’t a typical situation, is it?
“Between all of us, there’s usually someone around,” Esther says, and it’s the kind of answer I expected. Extremely vague, but dangles the small carrot of information in front of me to see what I’ll do with it. Will I push further, or will I let it go?
“Well, it’s a beautiful home.”
She smiles, taking a sip of her wine before she speaks.
“Thank you, I enjoy it. Our daughter, Lexi, stays here frequently. Wolf will drop by when he can, and if the company is in town, he and the guys will stay here instead of renting a hotel room. And when they can’t be here, we have a maintenance staff who comes by every week to check on it. ”
If that was meant to be a test, it looks like I passed.
“I didn’t realize you had a daughter,” I say. “I don’t think I met her last time.”
“She wasn’t there, but I’m sure you’ll see her when you’re back in town for Beachbash.”