Briony - August

← Previous Chapter: Chapter 15 /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 17“And would you believe there’s a medieval castle not far from here, that Byron allegedly visited? It’s said he carved his initials into a pillar in the dungeon,” I smirk, playfully rolling my eyes. “Oh, really?” Nick replies drolly. “Yep. If you want, we can visit when I get back. In fact, it’s the castle that inspired that poem about the prisoner. Um..” “Prisoner of Chillon,” Nick provides without looking up from his tablet. “Yes! That’s the one.” Normally news like this would thrill Nick. So, when he hums, and continues scrolling, my brows rise in suspicion. Looking at him askance, I continue to vent the eight personal chicken pot pies I have lined up on a sheet pan. Since his call time was much earlier than usual this morning, he got back around 2pm. After showering, he’s been perched at the kitchen island, while I’ve been prepping as many meals between dinner today and lunch tomorrow as possible. Well, that and trying not to get lost in the piercing blue eyes that are striking against the navy hoodie that he’s thrown on over a pair of shorts. Of course, he’s pushed the sleeves up over his forearms, and of course, his wavy hair is air drying. For the past three hours, I’ve been dying to ask him to go be beautiful somewhere else. Unfortunately, I lose the willpower every time I look up and find his intense gaze fastened on me. Which is why it’s so strange that all of a sudden, they seem to be glued to his tablet. “Don’t you want to quote your favorite lines? I won’t even make fun of him this time,” I tease. Nick’s eyes flick up to mine before dropping back to his tablet. “Georgie boy and I are on the outs. We have parted in ‘silence and tears,’ I’m afraid.” My eyes widen as I take in his slightly wrinkled brow and pursed lips. Putting the pies in the oven and setting a timer, I walk around the island, and hop onto the stool beside him. “What’s wrong, Nicky babe?” Nick spins to face me, determination glinting in his eyes. It’s as if he came out of a chrysalis under the stars last week, and he’s intent on showing me his new colors. “I’ve just come to a realization that Byron isn’t someone I want to spend time with anymore. I have other poetry, if you’re interested,” he grins, with a tug on one of my curls. “Would you like to hear the poem about silence in the grassy wood? Or perhaps some Neruda?” The mischief in his eyes gives me pause. I take the opportunity to compose myself as I take a sip from his glass of water. “Maybe when Evie and I get back from Lausanne.” “It will be worth the wait,” he winks, returning to his tablet. “What will be worth the wait?” Evie asks, bouncing down the stairs in a knee length emerald sundress, her overnight bag in tow. Nick looks up and frowns. “Evie, it’s just one night. Why does your bag look so heavy?” I raise a brow as I take in her medium sized bag. It’s definitely smaller than the purple tote I have sitting by the door. Then again, my bag is mostly full of snacks. Evie snorts. “It’s not heavy at all, darling. Just a pair of pajamas, my toiletry kit, a pair of heels and one teeny tiny dress for the club.” I laugh as Nick sits up, eyeing me and Evie. “What club?” “Péché Club,” I deadpan. “I’m not leaving Lausanne until I do something I’ve never done before!” “You’re going to a club named Sin?” Nick’s tablet falls from his hands, clattering on the island as he stares at me aghast. Evie reaches over and closes his mouth. “Don’t hurt him, darling,” she smiles at me as she pats Nick on the leg. “It’s girl’s night! Who knows what we’ll get up to,” I smirk. Nick scowls at me. “Please tell me that means staying up late and raiding the mini-bar…” As I start cleaning the kitchen, Evie giggles as she hops onto a bar stool beside him. “Nicky, you have no right to question what goes on during girl’s night. You were already pushing it by getting a car service.” Evie and I had no problem with taking Doris for the ride. After all, Lausanne is just under an hour away. Yet, Nick insisted showing up to the five star chateau in a private car would make for a far more relaxing trip. Even Gene agreed. So, when Evie swung those Bancroft baby blue eyes to me, I shrugged and told Nick to make sure the champagne would be included. That way Evie and I could get the party started early. A big joke since everyone knows I fall asleep after half a glass of wine. While I mix a salad and finish off the vegetable barley soup, I chuckle as Nick defends himself to Evie over his interference. When Evie suggests that he’s trying to take over again, he scoffs, reminding her that as the older brother, he’s merely ensuring our safety. They, then get into a hilarious show of one-upmanship, as they both try to prove who is more invested in my safety. I’ve just pulled the beautiful pot pies out of the oven when Evie goes for a TKO. “Well, Nick, you can believe that if you want. Maybe it will keep you warm tonight as you listen to some of the horror stories that Gene has waiting for you. I made sure to tell him to make them extra juicy.” Even I have to laugh at the look of abject horror in Nick’s eyes as his face pales, and his mouth works to produce a sound. Still, I can’t see Nick so miserable when he’ll have to fend for himself tonight as it is. “Nuh-uh, Evie. Don’t do that. If anything, you need to tell Gene to put his mortuary humor aside tonight. With us in Lausanne, if the boys have nightmares, who’s going to help them get back to sleep?” Evie purses her lips as she nods. “Touché. Fine, I’ll call off Gene…but that’s a big ask.” Nick’s eyes plead for mercy. “Name your price?” Evie’s laugh sounds evil, even to me. She holds out her open hand. “Black card.” Nick snorts, “Fine. But, only if Briony is the keeper of the card.” My brows shoot up as I shake my head. These two will never change. “Don’t drag me into this.” They both ignore me as Evie shakes her head, hands resting at her hips. “Are you kidding me? She can’t be the keeper. It’ll come back in the same condition in which it left! That defeats the whole purpose!” Nick is already pulling the card out of his wallet as he curls a finger at me. I’m shaking my head as I approach him. “No! Why am I being punished when I tried to save you? You know Evie’s going to harass me for every little thing. This trip is supposed to be fun, Nick!” He smiles indulgently as I trudge around the island. “Hold out your hand, love.” I hold out my hand, still protesting but fighting my own laughter. “Come on! You know what happened last time. We spent three hours in that Hermès store in Paris at a complete impasse, which you refused to tiebreak. If you ruin girl’s night because of this, you’re going to eat porridge for a week. Stop laughing, it’s not funny, Nick!” Nick tries to control his laughter as he drops the heavy card in my hand. “There’s no limit. Don’t worry about anything. Just have fun.” Evie whoops with joy as I stare up at Nick in shock. “What do you mean no limit? You’re going to let her get whatever she wants?” Nick closes my hand over the card with a grin. “I’m going to let you get whatever you want. And, if you happen to want to get whatever she wants, that’s your choice.” “Ha!” I scoff, folding my arms. “See if I care. If you don’t care, why should I? Don’t blame me when you have a million dollar credit card bill.” Evie cackles. “Perfect! Gene wouldn’t let me get it, but there’s this really pretty rainbow Rolex—” My head whips around to Evie, eyes narrowed on her face. “Don’t even start with me, Evie,” I growl. She and Nick burst into laughter as I throw up my hands. “Why am I always in the middle of things?” I grumble, fighting a smile through their guffaws. The sound of the van pulling up to the front of the chalet, has me unsnapping my chef’s jacket. “That’s probably Alfie and the boys. I’m officially off the clock, so I’m going to get ready. When I get back, I want to know what her budget is, and I don’t want to hear this unlimited nonsense.” After showering, I’m stepping back into the great room a bit later dressed in a simple black, v-neck jumpsuit with lacy cap sleeves. It’s been a few months since my last hair cut, so I make do by slicking back the sides and tossing the rest of my shoulder length curls over one shoulder. It’s an outfit I’ve worn before, so I don’t expect the reaction I’m greeted with. Parker runs up, wrapping his chubby arms around my legs as he grins at me. Gene starts clapping like the nerd he is, exclaiming, “There she is!” A bit over the top since my light makeup is nowhere near glam, but I thank them anyway. “You’re quite fit, Aunty Bri!” Braxton calls out. I laugh, wondering if a seven year old actually knows what that means, as he’s instantly hushed by Evie as she explains he should use terms like ‘pretty’ or ‘beautiful.’ Alfie turns around and shoots me a thumbs up. “The car just got here. You two have a good time. Call me if youse need anything.” “Ok, thanks,” I respond, but, my eyes haven’t left Nick’s face as he takes his time, scanning me from head to toe. These silent appraisals have been going on for a few weeks now, but today— yeah. I don’t have time to deal with the flutter in my stomach. After dumping my chargers in my tote, I step into my strappy black stilettos and straighten up, nearly crashing into Nick when I do. He had approached so silently, I didn’t hear him. As he steadies me with a hand at my elbow, I chuckle as I thank him. “I don’t know when you became so light on your feet, but if you keep this up, I’ll have to get you a bell.” When he doesn’t let go, I glance at him to find his dilated gaze fixed on my face. When I gently try to extricate my arm from his frozen grasp, he mumbles, “You don’t smell like peaches today.” “I’m sorry?” I ask, raising a brow before it dawns on me that I used a different soap. “Oh!” I smile. “I finally got a chance to use that Désan gift set you gave me last year.” His Adam’s apple bobs as he swallows, running a hand haphazardly through his hair. “Ah, yes. It really does suit you.” My smile broadens as Evie comes over clapping her hands. “Ok, enough you two. There’s 364 other days in a year for this. Tonight is girl’s night! If we don’t leave now, we’ll miss our 6:30 spa appointment. And, neither of you will want to know me if I don’t get my massage!” “Momma needs her massage!” I chuckle. The vaguest sense of deja vu strikes me, and when I look at Nick, he’s gazing at me intently. Yet, when I raise my brows in response, he gives a little shake of his head, then stoops to pick up my tote. Opening the door, he places a hand at the small of my back and guides me outside to the waiting chauffeur. The tall, dark eyed driver gives me a once over, and I feel Nick draw closer as we approach. When the driver introduces himself in rapid French, I only catch that his name is Philippe, and he’ll take care of our trip. But, Nick responds in equally rapid French as he hands my bag over to Philippe. I hear Evie giggle from behind me, but the speed of their conversation rapidly outpaces my high school level French. As Philippe disappears to put our bags in the trunk, I finally get a look at the car, and clap a hand to my forehead. “A Rolls, Nick? This isn’t necessary!” Nick smiles at me indulgently as he ushers me toward the car. “Sure it is. You would show up to a five star resort in a rust bucket otherwise. Now, are you certain Gene and I can’t at the very least, accompany you there?” “Now, now. You’ll be just fine. Pot pies with the boys while y’all game into the night? I’d be jealous if I weren’t about to slip into the plushiest bathrobe in the world and have someone massage me feet.” Nick frowns as he looks away, grumbling, “You could have a foot massage here, anytime you’d like.” I give him a gentle pat on the stomach, and his sharp intake of breath isn’t lost on me. “Behave,” I murmur, with a flick of my eyes toward Gene, who happens to be kissing Evie like he’d like to expand their family. My gaze skitters away as I continue. “Gene shouldn’t be telling you any tales from the crypt tonight, so you may be able to have some fun before you pass out at 8 o’clock.” “Ha! I’m not that old, and believe me. I’m doing my absolute best to behave, my love,” he responds with a wink. “Now, let me know when you’ve arrived, and don’t talk to strangers.” He opens the backward facing door, as I quip, “Yes, Papi.” His eyes darken in response, but he has the last laugh when he pulls me into a tight hug, and softly gripping my chin, he kisses me on the jaw. My brain short-circuits, as he whispers in my ear, “I’ll see you tomorrow, Briony.” Then, pulling back before I can react, he practically throws me into the car. When the door shuts behind me, I’m in too much of a daze to notice anything beyond the cognac and black leather interior and giant screen in front of me. As we pull off, I turn to look back at Nick, who stands stoically next to Gene. My gaze stays glued to his shrinking form all through Philippe’s instructions, and it barely registers when he falls silent and YaSanaa starts crooning about dancing the night away. “Hey, puppy,” Evie quietly calls. I turn around, flashing an embarrassed smile as she bursts into laughter. “You know I’ve been waiting seven years to be able to say that to you!” Her eyes crinkle as she covers her mouth. I’m shaking my head as I buckle my seat belt. “You would,” I grumble, gazing out at the large deep green trees sprinkled amongst the rolling meadows we pass as we descend the mountain. “You knew I was right, though. Every time you got around Gene in those early days, you would be like a puppy, wagging it’s tail in happiness.” “Well, it’s your turn now, darling!” Evie leans across the console, and putting her hand under my jaw, she gently turns my head. Suddenly hitting me with sad puppy eyes, she grimaces. “‘I’m doing my best to behave, my love.’” Then, dropping her hand, she proceeds to crack up laughing, as I shake my head with a smile. She’s wiping tears from her eyes as she grins back at me. “If I didn’t see it with my own two eyes, I’d never believe it.” I dip my chin, still trying to clear my head. “I don’t know what to believe anymore myself.” Evie leans close, lowering her voice as she pats my knee. “Surely by now you can see that he loves you.” I rest an arm on the console, barely missing the glasses of champagne I failed to notice earlier. “I know there’s something, Evie. I’m just not sure he’s willing to do something about it. I could force the issue, and ask him. But, call me old fashioned, I want him to be sure and approach me if it’s what he wants.” Evie nods thoughtfully as pulls on one of my curls. I smile, thinking how alike she and her brother can be. “I guess he hasn’t managed to convince you that you’re what he wants?” She inquires. Thinking back over the last couple of weeks, I can’t say that’s true either. We’re a long way from the lighthearted friendship of a few months ago. Yet, I’m not sure we’re any closer to anything else. Still…that hug a moment ago was something. As Evie pushes a button to open her leg rest, I lean back. “I don’t know, Evie,” I whisper. “At times he feels light years away, and at others…” I sigh. “Sometimes I just wish I figured out where my heart was heading before it got here. I could have gotten off this ride earlier and saved myself the heartburn.” Evie chuckles. “You know, Bri, I honestly don’t think either of you could have found love any other way. You were both too focused on other things. You know it was Mum and Dad’s idea to set you two up?” My brows shoot up as I stare at her, dumbfounded. “When was this? And, why?” She chuckles. “Yes, darling. It was during our second quarter at school. You know you practically lived at our house. My parents fell in love with you instantly. It was incredible.” Smiling, I nod as I recall the many evenings and weekends spent chatting, or playing board games between coursework. In fact, it was in my third quarter that I finally I accepted their offer to move in. “It’s true. School felt so cutthroat, and who knew working in restaurants would be the same way. I was so grateful for the warmth of your family. I fell in love with y’all instantly.” Evie playfully smiles. “Well, the feeling was quite mutual, darling. So, much so, that Mum and Dad suggested getting you and Nicky together to see what would happen. At first I thought it was impossible. The age gap aside, you seemed quite different from each other. Yet, Mum insisted that you two were made for each other, and when Dad chimed in that you and Nick would balance each other out, I realized they were on to something.” Opening a packet of cashews from the console, she pops one in her mouth while I sit in stunned silence. “If you and Nick were made for each other like Mum and Dad suggested, then I would gain a sister, and I’d get to see my brother happy. If you weren’t, then maybe it would jumpstart both of you in the world of dating. One outcome was more appealing than another, but it was still a win. Didn’t hurt that Nick had his eye on you, either.” “So, wait,” I frown. “From the first day I met Nick? The three of y’all set us up? Did Nick know?” Evie grins. “Nick had no idea, which is why he behaved like a nutter. I only just recently confirmed he was instantly taken with you.” I nearly swallow my tongue as I sit up while trying to keep my voice down. “No way! That’s impossible! Evie! You were there…he treated me like an alien invader that he was obligated to show hospitality to. For years, at every family event and vacation that he came home for, he’d diplomatically entertain me, while looking at me like I was a new species. It wasn’t until I started working for him that he started warming up…” Evie is nodding with a wide smile on her face, but I’m skeptical. That was eight years ago. If what she’s saying is true, it means Nick felt that way the entire time. I would have noticed…right? “How did we get here?” I ask in a daze. Evie is still munching on her cashews, but her nose wrinkles at my question. “I can tell you exactly how you got here. The daft nerd quietly grows on you.” I smile as she giggles. I certainly couldn’t say that wasn’t true. Brushing off her hands, she reaches for a bottle of water. “His face card meant he never had a shortage of interest. Even as a young girl, I was amazed at how often he’d be stopped, whether he was collecting me from school, or if we were at a restaurant or on holiday somewhere. I couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t ever excited for all the phone numbers that were pushed in his hands. In my young mind, it was great all of these girls wanted to be his friend.” Evie’s strawberry blonde ponytail bobs as she shakes her head with a sigh. “Nick didn’t seem to take an interest until drama school. I get the feeling he only wanted to add a bit of authenticity to his skill set, but at the time, I thought, if that’s what dating was like, I wanted no part of it.” This is all news to me, but it seems to align with the Nick that I know. Why would he worry about his dates’ feelings when he was doing it for experience? I roll my eyes, which causes Evie to laugh. “Don’t get me wrong! I can’t remember more than three or four of his so called ‘dates,’ but, blimey! They were brutal. He’d come home after each one looking like he’d been put through the wringer. I’d listen in the hallway as Mum and Dad had him spill the details. Not one date went beyond the first. It was always the same problem. They said he was either too quiet, too boring, or too passive.” My eyes widen in confusion. “Nick? He’s one of the least boring people I know!” Evie nods solemnly. “You know that now. But, remember how much you complained at first, that getting him to chat was harder than getting reparations for slavery?” We share a laugh as I concede the point. “Ok, fine…but like you said…he grows on you.” Evie smiles. “Exactly. Unfortunately, as soon as his dates discovered he wasn’t nearly as exciting to be around as the characters he played, or he didn’t live up to the expectations they had when they clapped eyes on him, they all flocked in different directions. Thankfully, he didn’t seem to mind at all, otherwise the hurt might have crippled him.” I nod in agreement. Despite not being the type to frequently stop and smell the roses, Nick can be deeply in tune with his emotions when he chooses to be. He earns his living from words, so to say that words matter to him, is an understatement. Evie loops her arm through mine with a smile. “It’s also why it’s a good thing that you two had time to learn how to appreciate one another. Now, you’re learning how to love one another in a new way. Sure, there are growing pains, but that happens with every great endeavor, and every relationship worth keeping.” I sigh heavily in a moment of clarity. “Why does that have to make so much sense? I already decided he’s someone I want to keep in my life, even if I didn’t know what that would look like. I guess that’s why it’s been such a struggle.” Evie slowly nods. “I know you didn’t need Nick to invest in another truck. You would have been fine without it.” She sits up to grip my shoulders so that I turn and face her. “So, let me ask you a question. And, be honest. Why did you really stay another year?” My mouth falls open at the suddenness of the question, and the answer that hits like thunder. “I—I guess I wasn’t ready to leave him.” Evie’s blue eyes pierce mine. “Then, why did you decide to leave this year? And mind you, I don’t want to hear any of your world domination schemes. Just the pure and simple truth.” I blink at her as I search for the answer. Why, after all this time, was I willing to leave behind my perfectly good cottage, to start a business that I could have continued to run from the same place? Why was I running? My mouth goes dry, and I can barely get the words out at first. “What’s that?” Evie asks, cupping a hand to her emerald bejeweled ear. “Because I knew,” I mutter with a bit more volume. I close my eyes. “I knew I had feelings for him. I knew it was going nowhere, and I guess I needed to put some distance between us, so that I could regroup. I thought moving would help me…move on in a way, while keeping all the meaningful parts of us.” I close my eyes, as she wraps her arms around me. We say nothing as Evie’s playlist switches to another dance song. Philippe probably thinks we’re both nuts, but as I sink into Evie’s hug, I don’t care. I’m just grateful for my friend. As she rubs my back she whispers, “I don’t know what you’ll do with this information, but whatever happens between you two, I’ll love you forever. So, don’t you dare run away from me.” I laugh as tears spring to my eyes. “I’m grateful for you, girl.” She chuckles, as we both wipe at our tears with a smile. I finally sit back and take her hand. “Evie? I’m so glad you snuck out of Cambridge to go to Le Cordon Bleu.” Evie snorts as she laughs. “I just wish that I knew my parents would make me go back!” I smirk. “Thank goodness for that. It looks like you’re still putting that psychology degree to good use, Doctor.” “If you can’t beat them…” Evie quips with a giggle. “Become a chef…then psychoanalyze them to death!” I retort, before we collapse in laughter. Wiping tears from my eyes, I straighten up. “Now, enough of all this boy talk. This is girl’s night! Let’s enjoy it!” I pick up the still fizzy glass of champagne nearest me, and taking a sip, I immediately grimace. “Ack! It’s sparkling apple cider!” I cry in disbelief. Evie sniffs hers and takes a sip. “I think someone’s overprotective brother pulled a fast one on us!” I narrow my eyes, suddenly filled with devilish glee. “What was it that you said you wanted, dear sister of mine? A Rolex…?” We burst into peals of laughter as we cruise down the highway dancing to Evie’s playlist, thoughts of Nick slipping to the back of my mind with each pulsing beat.← Previous Chapter: Chapter 15 /|\ Next Chapter → Chapter 17Subscribe for new posts every week! 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