Page 43 of Until Now
“Because you have Nick? You don’t even know him, Nina.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just be careful. You wouldn’t want to get your heart broken again.”
I narrow my gaze. The way she says it… Does she know something? The wall clock catches my attention. We should have left ten minutes ago to meet Kai and Eileen downtown at the Fourth of July festival, but I was running behind.
“Nina, we gotta go!” Nick’s voice echoes from the foyer.
“Better go, wouldn’t want to keep Nicky waiting,” Teagan smirks and waves innocently. She’s satisfied with herself knowing she’s been able to get under my skin, even if only a little. With a little more pep in her step, she returns to the kitchen before I turn back down the stairs.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Where the hellis she?” I hear Kai burst through the garage door. He and Eileen have been waiting for the past ten minutes, and if I take any longer we are going to be extremely late. At least, by Kai standards. I’m almost within view when he lets out an exasperated sigh — such a drama queen. “What’s taking so long?”
“You can’t rush perfection, Kai.” I finally descend the stairs dressed in black high-waisted pants, a white blouse, and heels. My hair pulled back into a loose ponytail with pieces framing my face.
“This is what took so long? You just put on a pair of pants and —”
“You look great, Nin,” Eileen hushes him.
“Sure, sure, you look great. Now can we go? We’re late.” Kai disappears back into the garage leaving the door open.
I roll my eyes, it’s not like my brother gave me much notice about these plans for the evening. He notified me exactly an hour and fifteen minutes ago that I needed to get ready for dinner. I hadn’t even showered from my afternoon run, an hour was not going to be enough time to pick out an outfit, shower, and do my makeup and hair. I was going to need at least twenty additional minutes. He should be happy I finished with five minutes to spare. “You know, I’m feeling a little overdressed,” I notice Eileen’s outfit — jeans and a flowing purple tank top with a kimono. “You told me to dress up, but you’re in the same outfit from earlier. Should I go change?”
“No!” She practically shouts. “No, you look perfect.”
“Eileen, what’s going on? Where are you taking me?”
“It’s a surprise!”
“You know I don’t like surprises.”
“Well, you’ll just have to wait and see.” Eileen loops her arm with mine and leads me into the garage.
§
The Golden Oak is Haven’s grande dame hotel tucked away at the base of Haven Mountain. The resort is best known for its breathtaking mountain views, award-winning restaurants, and a ski lift to ski in and out with ease. The exterior of the resort is unassuming — a modest Tudor style. Each room a unique space with individualized layouts and designs because of the hotel’s unique horseshoe shape. And, while the Golden Oak feels like a boutique hotel, the vibe is decidedly unpretentious.
As Kai pulled into the porte-coché, my favorite bellhop quickly opens the back passenger door. “Nin, it’s so good to see you!”
“Andy, it’s been too long!” No one looks twice as I hug him. This kind of interaction is the norm around here. “I didn’t see you a few weeks ago.”
“I was on my honeymoon.”
“Ce l'hai fatta!” I’ve come to know Andy over the last six years since he first began working at the Golden Oak. Three years ago, I was in town with Daddy when we ran into Andy and his girlfriend. From the look in his eye, I knew Andy had met his person — it was the same look I could see now. “I’m so happy for you. I’m sure it was beautiful."
“Thank you. The honeymoon was in Greece. She refused to go anywhere else after you told us so much.”
“Isn’t it the best?” He agrees. Congratulating him one more time, I begin to walk inside only to realize I’m alone.
Where are Kai and Eileen?
Still in the car.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“Not tonight,” Eileen says with a bright smile.