Jewel Ann - Idle Bloom

“Basically.”

“How did you get Chance to agree to still take you?”

“I baited him. I called and apologized for last night and as expected he said he’d see me tonight, naturally assuming Oliver would be bringing me. When I told him I hadn’t received an invite he reminded me that I had received one from him at dinner last night. I acted unsure about going, but he insisted and said Oliver sometimes needs a little nudge.”

“I’ve gotta say, I underestimated you, Flower.”

“Everyone does.” I throw her a sly grin.

“Do you think Oliver is going to be mad when he finds out?”

“Maybe, but I’ve got that covered.”

Alex rolls her eyes. “I expect a full report tomorrow.”

I spray the water at her and she squeals. “I expect you to get off your ass and help out today!”

“Okay, okay, okay!” She leaps out of the chair and scurries off.

Chance picks me up at the end of the street. Of course I am secretly thrilled he wants this to be a surprise to Oliver as much as I do.

“Hey, Viv, has my bonehead brother left yet?” Chance asks as I get in his truck.

“No, his car is still in the street. Did you two get along today?”

Chance laughs. “Yes. I didn’t even give him shit about cock blocking me last night, but you really should have told me about the two of you.”

I grimace. “I know, sorry. He’s just so …”

“Stubborn? Frustrating? Bullheaded?”

I giggle. “Yes, yes, and yes. Yet, I like him … a lot.”

Chance gives me a quick sideways glance and smiles. “He likes you too. The idiot looked like the Joker from Batman today with a stupid smirk plastered to his face.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

We arrive at their parents’ house and a bad case of nerves creeps up on me as Chance leads me up the cobblestone drive to their all brick two-story hidden by a forest of tall trees. My heart pulses in my throat and my palms are sweaty—great for first time introductions.

“Don’t be nervous. They’re going to love you, and when they find out you’re really with Oliver they’re going to love you even more.”

I squint at him. “Why would that be?”

“He needs you more than I do.” Chance opens the door and ushers me in before I get the opportunity to say anything else.

His parents are out back sipping wine and relaxing in an outdoor oasis that resembles something I’ve seen on Home and Garden TV—a jungle of flowers, ivy, bird feeders, and illuminated lanterns hanging from tree branches.

“Hey, this is my friend, Vivian. She works at The Green Pot where I get most of my supplies. She also lives across the street from Oliver.”

His mom greets me first as they both stand. “Vivian, lovely to meet you. I’m Jackie and this is my husband, Hugh.”

She curls her blond-highlighted chin-length hair behind her ear. Her tall, lean frame resembles mine, and her blue eyes match both her sons’. Hugh smiles down at me from his even taller stature. He has a completely bald head and hazel-gray eyes.

I shake both of their hands. “You too. You have a lovely home. Thanks for having me.”

Jackie waves off my comment. “We’re so glad Chance invited you. It can get a little boring around here with my three guys talking baseball and rowing. This place could use a little more estrogen.”

I laugh as the nervous tension evaporates.

“Can I offer you some wine?” Hugh holds out a glass of red wine.

I take it. “Yes, thank you.”

“Please have a seat, dinner will be ready soon.” Jackie gestures to the circle of floral pillowed chairs surrounding a stone-masoned fire pit.

“Ah, here he comes.” Hugh stands and walks into the house leaving the porch door open.

“Your brother brought a mutual friend, she’s out back.” I hear Hugh say to Oliver.

“Who’s that?” Oliver comes to an abrupt halt at the back door when his eyes meet mine.

I smile and try to read his face, but tonight it’s void, not a hint of emotion.

Chance hands him a bottle of beer and pats him on the back. “Yesterday I invited Viv to dinner. I assumed she was coming with you tonight, but when we chatted on the phone earlier she said you hadn’t mentioned it. I assured her it was an oversight on your part and insisted she come.”

I thought this was a good idea, but now Oliver’s brow tenses. He looks shocked and maybe … disappointed? My heart plummets into my stomach.

“Have a seat, sweetie,” Jackie says to Oliver. “I’m going to bring the salad out while Chance helps your dad with the grill.

Chance squeezes Oliver’s shoulder then walks over toward Hugh by the grill. Jackie leans up and kisses Oliver’s cheek as she passes him on her way back into the house.

He walks toward me where I now sit alone by the fire. I wish he’d smile or say something to let me know that last night happened and I’m not his dirty little secret. He takes a swig of his beer, sets it down, and holds out his hand to me. I take it and he pulls me to my feet, but then he whispers in my ear and my feet no longer touch the ground with his words taking me so far beyond the confinements of gravity.

“You look beautiful.” He kisses my ear. “I’m an ass. I should have invited you.” Then in a move that leaves me speechless, he kisses me. Not a quick kiss, a slow kiss that makes a statement. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

I smile and blink back the tears. This was my game and he’s turned the tables and taken control of the night. Fine with me.

I hear someone clear their throat and we both turn. His parents and Chance are all watching us.

“I didn’t tell Mom and Dad that Viv is more than just your friend, but I think they know now.” Chance grins and to my surprise, and relief, so do his parents.

Oliver pulls me into his arms and looks down at me with mischief playing across his lips. “Yes, we’re more than friends. We’re neighbors .” He winks at me.

“Well, let’s eat,” Hugh says.

Oliver holds my hand and leads me to the table. Jackie stares at us both, and I swear I see tears in her eyes as she smiles. He is the perfect gentleman, pulling my chair out for me and refilling my glass of wine. I raise my eyebrow at him since I’m already feeling a buzz and one more glass could cause unnecessary embarrassment in front of his family.

“Are you originally from the Boston area?” Jackie asks as she passes around the serving dishes.

“No, I’m from Hartford. That’s where my parents still live.”

“What brought you to Cambridge?” Hugh asks.

I take a sip of my water. “I’ll be attending Harvard Business School in the fall.”

“Your first year?” he asks.

“Yes, I had some unexpected expenses come up so I wasn’t able to start right out of high school. My best friend is in Harvard Med and he introduced me to my roommate who then introduced me to her aunt who owns the nursery where I’ve been working over the past couple years. Sorry, I’m probably confusing you.” I realize my nerves are getting the best of me.

“No, not at all.” Hugh smiles.

I don’t look at Oliver because I’m afraid he’s giving me the you-left-out-the-part-about-your-parents-thinking-you’re-in-school-now look.

“Viv? How have I known you for two years but never knew you were waiting to be a Harvard snob too?” Chance says as his parents give him disapproving looks.

“You might have known if you’d have spent more time getting to know her instead of hitting on her.” Oliver shakes his head.

Chance shrugs and shoves in a mouthful of food. “You’re probably right,” he mumbles.

A perfectly relaxed dinner segues into more easy conversation around the fire pit. I’m envious of Oliver and Chance having their parents not only close but available. I have wonderful parents and when we’re together we have a lot of fun, but growing up, one or the other—and often times both—worked just to make ends meet. We didn’t have dinner parties and wine around a fire pit.