Chapter Ten
The Hive was closed early on Wednesday evening, as always, and Summer smiled as the rest of the party arrived. She really hoped they were game with her plan, and that she wasn’t too late in the year already to pull it off.
“So you’re not here for the cooking class?” Barbara asked her. She slipped off her gray chevron apron and hung it in the kitchen behind the steel door.
“Mom, you know what I’m doing here. Though I wouldn’t mind something to eat, if you wanted to whip anything up.” She smiled at her mom, white teeth glistening in the process.
“I’m always a sucker for feeding my kids. I have some stuff prepped from the dinner service, but it won’t be fancy.” Barbara grabbed her apron again and peered around Summer. “Who else is coming?”
“Just a few of us. Jake, Dad, Haley, Chuck, Kimber, and Monique.” Summer opened the PowerPoint presentation and made sure it worked fine.
“Your father didn’t mention he was stopping by. This works out, then. I can feed two birds with one stone.” Her mom was already moving around the kitchen with practiced ease.
“I’d prefer something other than stones for dinner. I’m trying to cut back,” Summer joked, getting a giggle from her mom.
“How about grilled fish tacos? You always loved those.”
Summer felt her stomach grumble at the mention of the delectable fish, and nodded fervently at the suggestion. She opened a bottle of sparkling water and poured it into a small glass. Suddenly, her throat felt dry.
“Anyone here? The door was open!” Her dad’s voice carried to the back of the kitchen.
“In here,” Summer shouted.
“I found some strays in the parking lot. I hope you don’t mind if I invited them in?” Hudson asked. Jake and the rest of the invited guests strolled in.
“Hey, Summer,” Haley said. “I got your message. What’s this all about?”
“Everyone, take a seat in the dining room. We’ll use the big table tonight. But first, let’s help Mom finish off these tacos!” Summer got up and cut some fresh tomatoes while Jake diced red onions beside her.
“Hi, babe.” He kissed her cheek with warm lips. He was in a tight white t-shirt and khaki shorts, a new look for him, but a necessary one in the summer heat. It was the beginning of July, and summer was in full effect in the Pines.
“Hi, darling,” she said to Jake, getting a snicker from Haley.
“How come you don’t call me that?” Chuck asked his girlfriend.
“Maybe because you don’t call me babe.” Haley was bringing dishes out to the dining room, and Chuck followed along with cutlery pre-wrapped in napkins.
Fresh ahi tuna was on the grill with oil, and Summer’s dad was getting the soft taco shells out while Kimber nabbed the hot sauce and cleaned the cilantro.
“Looks like we’re good to go. Thanks, team,” Barbara said, and they carried everything into the dining room. Summer sat at the head of the table and hooked up her laptop.
Hudson had opened him and Jake each a beer, and poured glasses of wine for those old enough to partake. A knock came at the door, and Summer spotted Monique standing on the other side of it. She hurried over and gave the woman a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“The pleasure is mine, Summer. What smells so good?” Monique looked toward the seated people and gave them a wave. “Hello, everyone.”
Once Monique had a glass of wine and something to eat on her plate, Summer began.
“Thanks for coming tonight. I know it was short notice with a cryptic invite, but I needed to get everyone together quickly. I met with Trina on the weekend, and we have some great plans. This weekend, I’m starting an unlimited pass for a Peaceful Pines seasonal promo, and we now have all the social media sites, while doing paid advertising to drive neighboring towns to visit the studio.
“We also think it would be smart to put on an event in the Pines, so that’s what I’m here for tonight.” Summer clicked the presentation open and wished she had a projector. “‘Secluded in the Pines’ will be a two-day event on a weekend in the middle of August. It will involve a farmer’s market, Yoga in the Park on the Saturday, meditation classes, and live music in the evenings. It will be focused on self-growth, all the while supporting local Pines businesses.”
Barbara was the first to speak up. “Summer, you realize that’s in six weeks, right? And you have a wedding coming up two weeks later.”
Summer stood, her hands outstretched. “We can do this, and it’ll be good for all of us. We can hold the top sponsorship titles: Peaceful Pines, The Hive, The Pines Hardware Store, Maple Mountain Resort.”
Monique looked intrigued. “We do want a little more hometown feel with our new brand. Dad always says our new purchases have a chance at failing because people prefer to support long-time family-owned rentals. This could help us integrate with the community more.”
Summer smiled her thanks. “What do you all think?”
Kimber spoke up. “I think you’re crazy, but I love it. Count me in.”
Haley was next. “Me too. I’m happy to add volunteering for a festival like this to my résumé.”
Jake grinned at Summer. He’d been privy to her idea, but he hadn’t been sure if the others would be supportive. It looked like she was winning the bet.
“Of course, your father and I will help in any way we can, but I don’t want you to have too much on your plate, Summer.” Barbara had that “protective mother” look on her face.
“We can do this and help out the community. We’re going over charities now, but we’re leaning towards scholarships. There are super-talented people like Clark and others out there that just can’t afford a great school like they deserve.” Summer watched them all nod along.
“What about Mountain Spin? Can I invite them in on this?” Monique asked.
Summer wanted to throw a taco at her but stayed calm. “We can discuss that soon.”
They spent the next hour going over plans and ideas, sharing in some wine and delicious tacos. Summer couldn’t help but feel like she had the best support system in the world as everyone excitedly offered suggestions.
By the time they left, Summer was feeling great about her decision to take on the project.
*
“I love your passion for life, babe.” Jake hopped out of her SUV. “Do you want to take Aspen for a walk?”
Summer did and said so. They dropped their stuff off upstairs and took the wagging dog back outside. It was after ten, and the sun was down, though the night was still overly warm. A familiar couple strolled down Main, and Jake said hello as they passed, the lady taking a moment to pet Aspen.
“What do you really want to get out of this event?” he asked her for the first time. She looked glowing; a happy cloud surrounded her as they walked.
“I don’t know. It was Trina’s idea, but the more I thought about it, the more I loved it. We can get more people to try yoga, to learn what meditation can do for them, and at the same time, we can get the whole town involved in some fun activities. I know it’s a lot, and the timing isn’t great, but it’ll be worth it,” Summer said.
Jake nudged her with his arm. “You know, there’s never a good time to do anything. I’m proud of you. This summer’s going to fly by, but at the end of it, your studio will be flourishing again, the festival will go off without a hitch, and we’ll be married, moving into our dream house. It sounds great to me.”
“Do you really think it’ll all work out like that?” Summer asked as they headed into the cobblestone festival square. She thought about how they could set up the event and smiled as she thought about the rough drawings and plans she already had on her computer.
“I do. I truly do.” Jake stopped while Aspen smelled a tree trunk, and Summer snuggled into his chest. He loved the way she felt pressed against him, like a two-piece puzzle that didn’t get solved until he met her.
By the time they returned home, Aspen was panting, happy to find his water bowl. “I know you had a long day, but do you have any energy left?” Jake asked Summer.
“Come into the bedroom, and I’ll show you,” she said, stepping out of the living room and into their room. Her t-shirt flew through the air and settled over his face.
He laughed and ran after her.
*
“This is unusual, Mom. Friday night dinner at your house. Is there something we should know?” Summer asked as she helped her mom set the table. They’d been having family dinners Sunday nights at the Hive for a while now, and it really had been some time since she’d been at her parents’ for more than a quick visit.
“It was Garrett’s idea. I guess they have some news for us. God, I hope they’re not getting a divorce already.” Barbara gave Summer a smile, but she knew her mom was just kidding.
Barbara was the only one in the family that didn’t know Peter and Garrett were moving to New York, and Summer wished her brother could just tell her in private, instead of making the rest of them unwilling participants.
“I doubt it, Mom.” Summer laid out the last napkin, setting the cutlery on top of it, and brushed a hair from her face. “That should do it. What’s for dinner anyways?”
“I decided to go old-school today,” Barbara said, and her husband walked out from the kitchen, wearing an apron.
“When she says that, she means she’s letting me make dinner. Can you believe it?” Her dad was wearing a Kiss the Cook apron, and his smile was infectious.
Summer was thrilled. “Dad, I can’t remember the last time you cooked for us!”
“I used to, once a week. It was to give your mom a break, but she seemed to resent me doing it, and eventually told me she hated not being the one to prepare dinner. But I did learn a few tricks from her.” He walked over to his wife and kissed her on the lips. “Isn’t that right, darling?”
Barbara smiled softly and wiped something off Hudson’s nose. “Sauce,” she said, licking her finger.
“Gross. Mom, you two can play your dirty food games later.” Summer threw an extra napkin across the table at her dad, which he deftly caught.
“Where’s the big guy?” Hudson asked.
“Jake?” She laughed at her dad’s casual nickname for her missing fiancé. “He’ll be here soon. He had some paperwork to take care of at the store.”
“Seven weeks, Sunshine, and that strapping lad will be your husband. How does it feel?” her dad asked, his hands on his hips.
“It feels… I don’t know… busy.” Summer looked down to her summer dress and idly lifted a piece of Cinnamon’s hair away.
“That doesn’t mean you’re having second thoughts, does it?” Barbara looked appalled at the idea.
Summer stammered, “No. Nothing like that. Jake and I are more solid than ever. There’s just a lot going on between tonight and the wedding. Jake’s been so great, though, and we’re going to have the best autumn. There’ll be a nice honeymoon phase once it’s all over with.”
“I bet there will be,” her mom muttered under her breath, grinning at Summer.
“I wish I had another napkin to throw at you,” Summer said, and the doorbell rang. “Dad, you didn’t say what you were making!” she called as she crossed the living room to answer the door.
“Spaghetti and meatballs!” he called back in an exaggerated Italian accent.
That was the one thing she could remember her dad making them when they were kids. She always loved it. That, and popcorn on the stovetop, with oil and a pot. She’d never been able to duplicate the magic with which he’d made it. They would eat it while watching their favorite Friday night shows together as a family. She suddenly had the urge to create her own traditions like that with Jake, and a family of their own.
She was startled at the emotion welling up inside her and had to dab the corners of her eyes before opening the door.
Garrett was there, a bottle of red wine in his hand. “Glad to see me, sis?” he asked, obviously noticing her mood.
“You wish. Get in here, you two.” Summer stepped aside as her brother and Peter entered.
“Wait for me.” She heard Jake’s voice carry over the yard, and she peered over Peter as he bent down to untie his shoelaces.
Her heart gushed at the sight of her man, and she couldn’t deny the fact that they were destined to be together. He was everything to her. Aspen rushed past him and in between Garrett’s legs in excitement. Summer bent down to pet the dog, and he raced by her, looking for the kitchen. She was so glad Aspen was welcome at her childhood home, and her parents never complained about having the black Lab nosing around the place.
When Jake came into the house, he kissed her lightly, and she held it for longer than a normal “hey, how are you” greeting. “Nice to see you too,” he said. Jake was wearing a classic blue plaid shirt, with dark jeans and brown leather work boots. He smelled like coffee and the hardware store, an aroma that now drove her mad with desire for the man in front of her.
“I love you,” she whispered into his ear.
“Hi, Mom and Dad.” This from Peter. Summer saw her mom smile openly at her bearded son-in-law. Her mother truly did love Peter, and Summer hoped Barbara wouldn’t blame him for the move. She didn’t want anything to affect the great relationship he had with the Phillips family.
“Hello, Peter. Garrett.” Barbara motioned to the table, and the guys took her prompt and sat at their regular seats. Summer glanced at the picture hanging above the mantel, the one from Peter’s art show, showing her parents’ table from above. It looked great there.
Once everyone was seated, Hudson came into the room with a bowl full of spaghetti noodles and a glass dish filled with sauce-covered meatballs. It smelled delicious.
“Now this is my kind of meal,” Jake said from his seat beside Summer. He reached a glass out, accepting a pour from the wine bottle Garrett was holding. “What’s the occasion?” he asked, and Summer grimaced. He must have forgotten about the news. She glared at him, and he raised his eyebrows as if understanding.
“Yes, I’d like to know the answer to that too,” Barbara said.
All eyes fell on Garrett, and he nervously tapped his finger on the table.