Chapter Eleven
Jake couldn’t believe he’d just said that. What a dope. He watched Barbara as Garrett started to speak.
“Peter has been getting so much work since his show in New York. So much so, in fact, that it’s becoming difficult for him to keep up out here. You all know he’s made multiple trips to the city lately, since most of his clients are out there in townhouses in Brooklyn, or on the Upper East Side.” Garrett cleared his throat and took a sip of water.
Jake could tell Barbara knew where this was going, but she sat there stoically, listening to everything her son had to say before speaking up.
Garrett clapped his hands together. “So we’ve decided that we need to see where this recent success takes him, and we’re moving to the city.”
“By the city, you mean New York City? Manhattan?” Barbara asked quietly, hands folded on her lap.
Peter nodded. “We have a place lined up in Chelsea, actually. It’s two-bedroom, and there’s a garden terrace on the roof where I can paint, weather permitting.”
“I see. You have it all figured out, then.” Barbara looked around the table at the other guests, squinting her eyes. Her gaze lingered on Jake, and he averted his eyes. “And I suppose I’m the last one to know, judging by your lack of response to the big news.”
“We wanted to tell you, but I wasn’t sure how you would take it, and…” Garrett started before being cut off by his mom raising a hand in the air.
“It’s fine, son.” She stood, crossing to the other end of the table, setting her hands on Garrett’s shoulders. “You have every right to follow your dreams, Peter.”
Jake was surprised by her reaction, and so was Summer, whose mouth had opened, watching the events unfold before her eyes.
“Thank you, Mom,” Peter said. “You don’t know how happy I am to hear that.”
“I have no doubt you’ll be a huge success. I knew it the moment I saw your art show last year. I’ve been waiting for the day you two sauntered in here to tell me you were leaving the Pines. We’re going to miss you.” She leaned down and kissed Garrett on top of his head. Peter got up and hugged his mother-in-law, and Jake thought it was an extremely sweet moment.
“Mom, we’re going to miss you too,” Garrett said.
“If any family should be happy with following dreams, it’s our family. Including you, Jake and Peter. I’m fifty-seven and have a restaurant for the first time in my life. Summer is living her dream with Peaceful Pines, and your father” – Barbara waved a hand in the air dismissively – “married me, so he already used up his dreams.” The whole table laughed, even Hudson.
“She’s right, you know. Though I might call being retired at my age a dream too. And getting to see you kids all grown up and flourishing is what every parent wants out of life.” Hudson raised a glass. “To living your dreams!”
Jake raised his wine glass and thought about what Hudson had said. Dreams. He looked at Summer beside him, and knew she was his dream. Until he met her, he was like a lost soul drifting through his life, but now, he was grounded. He had a partner, a lover, and a best friend all wrapped up into a small blonde package, sometimes with a bow. “To dreams,” he said in chorus with the others.
“When do you go?” Barbara asked, now back in her seat.
“Three weeks,” Garrett answered. “End of July. So if you know anyone strong and helpful, we’re looking for volunteers to help with the move.”
“Don’t be silly. We’ll pay for movers to do that,” Barbara offered.
“Mom, we don’t need that, but thank you. The place isn’t that big, and we’re going to store some stuff in Montpelier, just in case.” Garrett didn’t need to finish that thought.
Jake was sure they would thrive in the big city, in a way someone like himself never would. “I’d be happy to help.”
“That’s the spirit. You know he was talking about you when he asked for volunteers, right?” Peter asked, and Jake laughed.
“I’ll see if Chuck wants to help too. It would give him a chance to visit the city and see any friends from school for a night.” Jake assumed Chuck would be happy to help out, since he was that kind of kid, big-hearted and generous.
Hudson spoke up. “Then it’s settled. Guys’ trip to New York. Think of it as a pre-bachelor party.”
Summer rolled her eyes. “I don’t think Jake needs two of those. What about me? Can’t I help?”
“You have enough on your plate, little sis,” Garrett said, and Summer didn’t argue. She was trying to plan the Yoga in the Park festival and was already stretched thin.
“Okay, everyone. Dig in. I don’t get to cook often, and the food’s getting cold.” Hudson motioned for the ladies to serve themselves first, and when it was Jake’s turn, he took a couple extra meatballs.
*
Summer walked to the back of the class, where Kimber was finishing an hour-long flow class. She took the stairs up to her apartment, where Haley was living, and knocked on the door. Summer hadn’t lived there long enough for it to ever really feel like home, and she was glad the younger girl was able to use it.
The door creaked open, and Haley stood there in black tights and a yellow tank top, barefoot on the hardwood. “Summer!” she said, giving Summer a hug.
The girl’s exuberance was contagious, and Summer loved her spirit. She didn’t think she was ever that bubbly and strived to be as content as her friend. “Haley, are you ready to talk? Kimber’s almost done with the class.”
“Sure, come on in for a minute.” Haley moved aside and shut the door behind Summer.
The apartment looked much the same as it had, but Haley had added things like colorful prints of paintings on the walls. She had a bookshelf full of paperbacks, and Summer wandered over to them, idly running a finger across the titles.
“If you ever want to borrow anything, go for it. I’ve read them all,” Haley said.
“I may take you up on that. How is the place? Any issues?” Summer asked.
“No. Everything’s great. I love it here so much. I know I say it all the time, but thank you. You’ve been just amazing letting me stay here.” Haley hugged her again.
“You’re welcome, Haley. I’m glad you can use it. Is Chuck here?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
“No, he’s at the high school coaching football. I’m going to miss him when school starts back up again in the fall. He has to leave the day after your wedding.” Haley pulled her hair together and slid on an elastic.
“I’m sure. At least you get a few months together.” Summer walked down the hall, careful not to look like she was snooping. It was her apartment, but she wanted Haley to feel at home there.
“It’s been a real blessing.” Haley moved toward the door, and Summer followed, happy to see Haley taking such good care of the place. “I’m excited for the festival.”
They left the apartment, heading down as the studio was emptying out. Kimber chatted with a few students, and Summer watched as her protégé suggested a modification to a pose with a regular. Kimber really was coming into her own as an instructor, and Summer could tell her friend was enjoying doing it. She clearly didn’t need the money she was getting paid, and Summer knew she was lucky to have an employee like that.
“Take a water if you want, and I’ll be right back.” Summer headed to her small office at the side of the studio, grabbing her laptop and a stack of papers sticking out of a folder. She tucked them under an arm and went to the reception desk. “Have a wonderful evening, Clare. Thanks for coming in,” she said, waving at the woman.
Classes had been filling up again, and her promotional pricing for a three-month unlimited pass was taking off. She’d had thirty people sign up so far, and even though the regular single-class cost had been raised, she was seeing more traction there too.
When the studio was empty, she thought about where to sit and have the meeting. Her eyes were drawn to the center of the studio, and she took three meditation cushions, lightly dropping them in a triangle on the bamboo floor. “What better spot than the middle of the studio to discuss the event?” Summer took a deep breath and felt the energy lingering in the room. She felt rejuvenated every time she stepped foot into the space.
“Summer, that’s a lot of paper.” Kimber sat down, and Summer started to spread the sheets out in front of her.
“It is, but we have a lot of moving pieces.” She opened her laptop and showed them a few mock-ups. “These are the ads we’re placing on social media.”
“They look great,” Haley said.
Summer looked at the screen, where it said: Peaceful Pines Presents the Pines First Annual Yoga in the Park Festival. It went on to list the events, which included, but weren’t limited to, outdoor yoga classes, meditation classes, and a mala-making tent, as well as a farmer’s market, and live music Friday and Saturday night. The cost per weekend pass was fifty dollars, and all proceeds went to the county’s scholarship program.
“This is so awesome.” Kimber smiled. “Where do we start?”
Summer started to talk, delegating things to the two ladies. She was so grateful to have their help, and to have a working plan. Trina’s help had allowed her studio to get some new life, and she hoped it was going to be up and running for the long haul. Now she just had to worry about the festival, the wedding, and the house getting done. In the grand scheme of things, it felt doable, and as they went over things and improved ideas, Summer knew she was going to have a great summer in the Pines. “Nicely done, ladies,” she gushed. “Now who’s up for some inversions?”
*
“Clark, you’re late. What’s going on?” Jake asked as the door chimed. It was Friday afternoon, and Clark was supposed to be there half an hour earlier. The store was busy, and Jake was beginning to wonder if he should hire a full-time worker, at least during the tourist season.
“Sorry, Jake.” Clark walked up to the sales desk, where a line of four people stood waiting for Jake to check them out.
“It’s okay. A lady out there’s wanting a kayak from the warehouse. Can you bring it out?” Jake noticed Clark still had sunglasses on. “And can you take the shades off before you do it?”
Clark did so and set them down on the counter. Jake finished with the customer, setting his ten-pack of light switches and matching covers into a bag. “Thank you. Have a great day.” He noticed the shiner on Clark’s left eye immediately. He didn’t say anything right away but greeted the next person in line. Out of the corner of his eye, Jake watched Clark go into the warehouse.
“Thanks for your patience,” he told the lady. He didn’t know her, and she had picked out a pack of lighters and a starter log, as well as hot-dog sticks. Clearly a tourist. “That’ll be fifteen twenty-five.” He took her cash and made change from the twenty. He also grabbed a postcard. “Are you here for the summer? If so, consider checking out the cool event in mid-August. All the details are on here.”
“Thanks. We’re going to be around.” She smiled and took the postcard, sliding it into her purse.
They looked great; another of Trina’s ideas. She wasn’t even charging Summer for her time, and Jake was happy she had such a talented and caring friend to rely on. Summer was happier than she’d been in a while, now that she wasn’t worried her studio was going to go under at the drop of a hat. This whole festival thing had lit a fire under her, and Jake loved seeing her pumped up about it.
“Have a great day,” Jake said and helped the next man in line while thinking about Clark’s black eye. The boy had emerged from the warehouse with a cart and the kayak, taking the woman’s money. By the time Clark had loaded it in the back of her truck, the store had emptied out, leaving the two of them alone.
Clark grabbed a broom and said without looking up at Jake, “I’m sorry for being late.”
Jake tried not to make a big deal of the kid’s injury. He didn’t want to pry but felt like it was his responsibility to find out how he got hurt. “Don’t worry about it. It looks like you had bigger things going on. Wanna talk about it?”
Clark shuffled his feet, his head down as he swept. Jake knew that posture. He’d rocked the same slump back when he was a troubled teenager, angry with the world for taking his parents. “Not really,” Clark said.
“What happened?” Jake asked softly.
Clark glanced up, finally looking Jake in the eyes. “Just some kids from school. They like to pick on me. No big deal.”
Jake’s blood was beating fast, his heart pumping as Clark spoke. “Seriously? Who is it?”
Clark realized his error. “I don’t need you to protect me, Jake. I’ll be fine. I’m done with school now and have Julliard next fall. The last thing I want is to cause any trouble while I’m still stuck here.”
Jake had almost forgotten Clark had even graduated. He was so quiet, it was like pulling teeth getting him to talk about himself. He was a great worker, and Jake admired that, but he wished the boy would open up to him a little bit. It had been so natural and easy with Chuck.
“You never have to accept something like this, Clark. Tell me what happened. I swear I won’t go all Rambo on them.” Jake said the words but wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep that promise. After punching Terry, then Luca last year, he’d sworn off fighting and had promised Summer he was done with all the anger issues.
“I’ve known them since I was a little boy. They’re a couple of goons who’ll likely stay goons their whole Neanderthal existence.” Clark kept sweeping, the dirt kicking up hard in the air as he moved the broom with a vengeance.
Jake could tell he didn’t want to go on, so he let him seethe in peace. “Just know you can talk to me anytime, about anything. I want you to be safe and happy, Clark.”
Clark’s gaze met his again for a second before breaking off. “Thanks, Jake.”
The chimes clanged, and a family came in. Two blond boys ran toward Jake and shouted something about water guns, and he pointed to the far wall with the summer toys. They flew over there, picking the toys up and pointing them at each other, making fake gun noises. Jake laughed and imagined Summer and him having kids running around their new house, playing with water guns and making a constant racket.
Jake thought he might be able to handle it and wondered how Summer would cope. He knew she’d be a great mother. There had been a few nights where he’d wanted to bring it up recently, but with everything going on, he’d resigned himself to wait until they were married and moved before he talked to her about kids again.
Clark was showing the boys how to use the water guns, and Jake smiled at the parents, who were idly wandering through the aisles, filling a shopping basket with miscellaneous things. At least his store had been doing well. It eased his stress as the summer went on.
The doors chimed again, and Jake settled back to the sales counter, ready to ring the next customer through.