Chapter Forty-Eight
CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT
Riley helped her mother with the turndown service. With the two of them doing it, it didn’t take long at all. She sliced up wedges of brie cheese and a nutty cheddar, and put out a dish of the honey-smothered goat cheese. Her mother offered that one all the time now as it was so popular. Riley opened several bottles of wine while her mother brought out a tray of glasses. Riley handed her mother a glass of Pinot Grigio and poured some Cabernet for herself.
Guests started streaming in and every time someone entered the room, Riley’s eyes darted in that direction, hoping it was Aidan. Finally at a quarter to six, the front door opened and she saw him come in. As soon as he saw her, Aidan grinned and walked over. He pulled her in for a hug and held her tight. She handed him a glass of Cabernet and they walked to a corner of the room for some privacy.
“So, you’re back,” Aidan said. “For how long?” He held her gaze intently as he asked the question.
She smiled. “Indefinitely. I think I’m done with New York. The job didn’t work out. I gave my notice yesterday morning and they escorted me out of the building. I ended things with Jack. His lifestyle wasn’t a fit. I thought I didn’t mind him working so much, but after being here for a month and around people all the time—especially seeing you again and meeting Luke—well, it just felt lonely and empty in my apartment.” She paused for a moment. “I realized that what I wanted—the life I wanted—wasn’t there,” she said softly.
And she saw a mix of emotions reflected in Aidan’s eyes. Relief followed by something else that took her breath away—love. And she felt it, too. She saw a lifetime of happiness with Aidan—friendship, kindness, happiness, and a true love.
Aidan looked around the room, took a sip of his wine, and then set it down. “Do you have to stay or could we leave now?”
Riley smiled. “I don’t have to stay.” She brought their glasses into the kitchen, said goodbye to her mother, and stepped outside with Aidan. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her and she melted. It had been so many years since she’d kissed Aidan and it felt like coming home. This was where she was meant to be.
Aidan pulled back and looked into her eyes and she saw wonder and a little uncertainty.
“Is this for real? You’re back here for good? And you want to be with me?”
She grinned. “Yes, to all of the above. Losing my job turned out to be a blessing. Spending time here, seeing you again, and getting to know Luke. I missed you all so much when I went back to Manhattan. And I realized that Jack and I weren’t right for each other.”
“What will you do for work? Just help your mother or try to find a job here?” Aidan still seemed a little worried that she might change her mind.
She shook her head. “I’ll work with her at the inn, but I’m also starting a consulting business.” She told him about the work she’d done and the website she was building. He looked impressed and relieved to hear she had a plan.
“That sounds great. I can spread the word, too. I know people that could use some marketing help possibly.” He pulled her in for another kiss and it was a more passionate one this time and she responded in kind.
“Should we go grab some dinner? Where would you like to go?”
Riley smiled. “I don’t care where we go—as long as I’m with you.”