Vince exhaled. There might be a bit of insight in his older brother’s words. Vince smirked. “Now you’re sounding like a shrink.”
“Then you shouldn’t be surprised by what I’m going to ask you next.” Angelo turned to Vince. “What are you going to do?”
Vince stared again at the peak above as if it might provide some insight. With that clear sky and clean mountain air, surely he’d find the missing piece that would solve his puzzle.
What stretched beyond that mountain remained a mystery.
“Good question.” Vince nodded to himself. “I’m still trying to figure it out.”
“By thinking?” Angelo asked.
That was the usual way Vince would go. He’d retreat into himself and think and think. Would that give him any insight into what Emma wanted, though?
No. By doing.
“I should start by talking to Emma.”
When Vince arrived back in Newport on the afternoon of December 31st, he called Emma. She didn’t answer, so he left a message asking if they could talk.
A few hours passed, and she hadn’t returned his call.
He went into the kitchen to get a glass of water and then sat in the living room with his parents.
“Are you going out tonight?” his mother asked.
“No plans yet.” Would that change when Emma called him back?
If she called him back.
“Come out with us.”
“What are you doing?”
“Our usual,” his father replied. “We go out to dinner and come back here.”
“We watch the celebrations on TV,” his mother added. “You know neither one of us will stay awake until midnight, though.”
Was that what couples did after many years together—had their traditions? It didn’t sound as exciting as going out to count down the seconds until midnight. But then again, being alone with your loved ones was better than being in a crowd full of strangers.
“Sure, I’ll come out to dinner.” But hopefully he wouldn’t ring in the new year alone on his parents’ couch.
They went out to an Italian restaurant downtown and were home by eight. Vince checked his phone for what was probably the thirtieth time since he’d called her. No missed calls or voicemails.
Damn. He texted her: Just making sure you got my message. Can we talk?
He killed the next hour playing chess on his phone while waiting for a reply.
Shit. How could he reach her?
“Can I borrow your car?” he asked his mother.
“To go where?”
“See a friend.”
She stared at him with a knowing mom look. “You need to be careful.” She raised her index finger. “Too many drunk drivers. Just get where you need to go and stay put.”
“Will do.” He gave her a hug. “Happy New Year.”
He drove to Emma’s apartment. He rang the bell a few times before he gave up. She either wasn’t home or didn’t want to see him.
Now what?
He wasn’t ready to give up yet.
One person might be able to help him. But the odds of her being around on New Year’s Eve were slim. After he looked up the catering shop where Emma had mentioned helping out her friend, he drove downtown.
The lights were on. Someone was inside.
He pulled open the glass door.
The dark-haired woman rolling dough on a massive stainless-steel counter glanced up. “Can I help you?”
“Are you Karine?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Vince. A friend of Emma’s.”
“Oh.” She gave him a long look appraising him. “And you’re looking for her here? Tonight?”
Vince squared his jaw and then rolled his neck. “I need to talk to her.”
Karine sprinkled some flour on her rolling pin. “A phone would work.” She returned to her rolling.
He exhaled with a slow breath. She wasn’t going to make it easy. “She hasn’t returned my call or text.”
Karine flipped the dough. “She’s busy. Or she doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Vince resisted groaning. “We need to talk. The last time…” He shook his head. “I need to tell her how I feel.”
Karine stopped rolling and stared at him. “Don’t hurt her.”
Vince ran his hand over his hair and pressed his lips together tight. “I would never. I care about her too much. Will you please help me reach her?”
Karine shook her head. “I’m too busy tonight. We both are. The hotel gave us a misprint with the number of guests and I’m scrambling to adjust.”
His ears perked. “We?” He glanced around the shop, searching for a peek of Emma behind one of the massive freezers.
When his gaze returned to Karine, her mouth spread with a knowing grin. “Wait. I just thought of something.”
“What?”
“We help each other out.”
“How?”
“Do you have a car?”
“Yes.”
“Great, I’m swamped here. I’m so grateful Emma could help out.”
“Emma’s here?” His eyes took another spin around the catering shop.
“No, she’s at the hotel. If you want to see her, it’s going to cost you.” She raised one brow and grinned.
Always a price to pay, wasn’t there? “What is it?”
“If you can take this batch up to Providence, you can see Emma.” She motioned around her. “It’ll make it easier for me to finish up the desserts.”
Vince’s lips widened. He liked the sass on this one. “You’ve got yourself a deal.” He stepped over to the table with stacked pans. “Just tell me where to take them.”
She shook her head and muttered. “Emma’s going to kill me for this, but I think it’s the best plan. You two need to talk.” She arched her brows. “Or kill each other. Whatever.” She gestured with a wave. “That’s as far as I’m going to get involved.” She clapped her hands. “All right, move it, Marine. We’re already behind schedule.” She pointed at a stack of covered pans. “Get those to the hotel pronto.”
He grinned at Karine as she snapped into the directness of the drill instructor. “On it, ma’am.”
The scent of the baked goods was too tempting during the drive to Providence. Although Vince had already eaten at the restaurant earlier and his stomach was tight with knots over what he was about to do, he couldn’t resist sneaking a cupcake from beneath the covered pan next to him. As he took a bite of the sweet frosting and chocolate cake, he practically heard Karine scold him for messing with the arrangement.
A hotel tower appeared on the right. He pulled up in the loading area and then carried the trays into the kitchen, abuzz with the frenzy of scents of the event.
He approached the closest person, a man wearing an apron, and said, “These are from Karine’s Catering.”
“Great. We’re running low.” The man directed him to a table.
After Vince completed that task, he searched for Emma amid the chaotic thrum of the hotel staff in the kitchen. The muscles at the back of his neck corded. Would he find her? If so, how would she react?
No sign of Emma with the kitchen staff.
He entered a ballroom and the sound of soft jazz filled his ears. It was already boisterous with New Year’s Eve festivities. Ornate chandeliers hung overhead. Black and silver party decorations covered from walls to tables to chairs. Couples in their finest suits and dresses danced while others sat at the tables and ate or drank. In black pants and a royal blue button-down shirt, he wasn’t dressed for the event, but he wasn’t here to join them.
There she was.
His heart thudded like rapid-fire ammo.
Adjusting dessert plates at one of the buffet tables, she wore black slacks and a white blouse, just like she had at Angelo’s wedding. Her hair was pulled back into some type of twisty bun.
As he walked over to her, his tongue seemed to thicken in his mouth. His hands turned clammy. He wiped them along the sides of
his pants.
He forced himself to slow his breaths as he approached. “Hello, Emma.”
She turned so quickly, she bumped the table. Plates jangled in protest. “Vince.” She took in a sharp breath. “What are you doing here?”
“Careful.” He grinned. “We wouldn’t want a cupcake catastrophe.”
Chapter Nineteen
Emma
Emma’s mouth dropped open as she stared at Vince. “What? How did you know I’d be here?”
“Karine sent me on a mission—with a price.”
Emma blinked and shook her head. “I don’t understand. What’s going on?”
“I’ve been trying to reach you, so we can talk. When you didn’t respond, I went down to Karine’s shop to see if she’d help me find you. She agreed—on the condition that I’d deliver more desserts.”
Emma’s lips twitched, and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to curse or smile. That sounded like Karine—playing matchmaker while also being practical about business. “You two conspired over cupcakes?”
Vince responded with a sheepish expression. “Perhaps. To fulfill my end of the bargain, I need to let you know that more desserts are in the kitchen.”
She glanced around the ballroom and wiped her hands on the apron. “Vince, I’m working. This is a bad time.”
Not that she could think of a good time. Yes, she’d listened to his voice mail earlier and read his text. She wasn’t ready to talk to him yet and needed some space before she responded. The emotional upheaval from their last conversation was too much.
But, seeing him here at the hotel in Providence hit her with another blast of emotion, not all of which she could decipher. She didn’t know how to deal with it. She sighed, her mind going haywire. “Where are the desserts?”
“Come with me.” He led them into the kitchen and pointed at stacked pans. “Voila.”
At least they were out of the ballroom, away from inquisitive eyes. This discussion wasn’t one she wanted to have with any witnesses. She had to act professionally as she was representing Karine and her business.
When a staff member opened the door leading back to the ballroom, the music turned louder. The door closed, muffling the sound. She needed to get back out there. “We can’t talk now.”
“Understood. When are you finished working?”
“Well after midnight. The party ends at one and we need to clean up.”
“I can help. Or I can wait for you in the lobby.”
He sounded so sincere and eager to be with her.
She met his gaze and sighed. “Vince…”
“What?”
She raised a hand near her temple and then lowered it, shuffling her feet. “You’re leaving soon. Why even have this conversation?”
“That’s the thing.” He stepped closer to her. “I don’t want to leave without us talking about it. Look, I know I upset you and I’m sorry. I freaked out too and have a thousand regrets.”
Curious to hear more, she didn’t know what to say. So many questions formed on her lips, but she had to get the desserts out to replenish what was rapidly disappearing from the tables. “Come with me. We can talk while we work.”
She directed him on how to display the cupcakes and restock the desserts in a tasteful presentation. Once they’d finished, she retreated near the wall behind the tables to keep an eye on things.
Vince stood beside her.
“I still don’t understand why you’re here.”
Vince closed his eyes and exhaled. “I know you’re busy, so I’ll make it quick. Remember how you helped me shop for O’Brien’s kids?”
“Yes.”
“His wife emailed to thank me and sent photos. The family photo without him in it—knowing he never would be…” Vince took a deep breath and exhaled. “It hit me in a bad way. I’m not using it as an excuse, but that’s why I was acting so weird.”
Her heart ached for him. “I wish you’d told me.”
“I wish I had, too.” He gave her a lopsided grin. “You once said you had more issues than the periodical section. Guess you’re not the only one. We all have hang-ups, right?”
She parted her lips, not sure what to say.
Vince squared his jaw and continued. “Instead of talking to you, I retreated. I’m sorry. The thing is I care about you and I never want to hurt you. I’ve told myself I don’t want to be in a relationship with someone while I’m a Marine because it’s too difficult. The consequences like what happened with O’Brien’s family are devastating. But maybe I’m just being too much of a chicken shit to put myself out there.” He reached for her hand as they stood side-by-side back against the wall. “The thing is, Emma, I’ve fallen for you. Hard. And I hope you’ll give me a chance to prove myself worthy of you.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m not your ex. I’m not your father.” After a pause, he added, “I’m just a man who’s falling in love, and I want to make you happy.”
Emma’s heartbeat quickened. His words swam through her brain filling her with happiness. Yet the reminders of Peter and her father sliced her, reminding her of the potential for pain.
Why couldn’t she just take the leap and see? What was the worst that could happen?
They’d crash.
She pulled her hand away. “I can’t.” She turned to face him and stepped back.
All the hopeful expectation drifted from his eyes. “Why?”
Her breath came quicker. “I’m afraid.”
“I’m afraid too. But not as much as living a life with you not in it.”
She shook her head. “I can’t be hurt again. I’m not strong enough.”
His chest rose and fell as he searched her eyes. “You are the strongest, most caring woman I know. I’d never hurt you, Emma. I swear it.”
“You can’t promise that.”
He took a deep breath and exhaled. “You’re right. That’s what worries me too.” He squeezed his eyes shut and then reopened them. “I could never prevent what happened to O’Brien’s family and the pain they’re going through.”
She covered her heart. So many overwhelming emotions. She needed time to process them—and process all that Vince had said. But not now. Not if she wanted to make it through this shift without crumbling in the corner of the kitchen. A lump formed in her throat. In a strangled voice she managed to say, “Please go.”
His mouth opened with a surprised look. In the next blink, an impassive one was snapped into place. His mask. She’d was likely wearing her own right now.
He bristled and then rolled his shoulders back. “I understand. I shouldn’t have bothered you.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I hope your new year is your happiest yet. You deserve the best.” He turned and walked away.
She watched him leave and gulped. Stepping forward, she raised her hand to call him back.
A middle-aged woman stumbled along the table and when she reached for a cupcake, she tipped her champagne glass and spilled some over the tablecloth. She stumbled away with her dessert, oblivious to the mess she’d made.
Shit. Emma rushed over with a rag. As she blotted the liquid from the white tablecloth, she turned back and spotted the blue of Vince’s shirt just before he retreated into the sea of black and white.
She exhaled and a lump felt like it moved from her throat to settle into her gut. It was better for him to walk away. That way no one risked any more pain. It could only lead to a mess like the one she had to clean up, but with much more emotional turmoil.
Vince
What a damn fool he was.
Vince walked through the crowd of couples dancing in their finest black-tie suits and evening gowns. Was he out of his mind? Did he really think Emma would leap into his arms, ready to ride off into the sunset with him like this was some happy ending to a movie?
No, of course not. This was the real world and people got hurt. Hearts were broken and lives were torn apart. Why had he put on blinders and attempted to live out some sort of fantasy?
Angelo. He groaned. Jus
t because Angelo had found a way to play house, didn’t mean that Vince could—and definitely not while he was an EOD tech. Long ago he’d made his peace with his choice of career. Sure, that might mean a lonely future, but that was the path he had chosen to take.
Where the hell should he go now? Back to Newport? Back to his parents’ house where they were probably already asleep?
Since Angelo lived nearby, Vince stepped into the lobby, pulled out his phone, and texted him.
Hey man, I’m here in Providence.
What are you doing here? Angelo replied.
Feeling like an ass.
Why?
Emma’s here working at a hotel. I tried to talk to her. It didn’t work out.
Shit, man. Sorry about that. Hey, but at least you know. It’s better than wondering.
I suppose.
Want to come over?
Vince pictured it. He’d interrupt Angelo and Catherine’s quiet—and probably romantic situation. No, I’ll just head back home.
You sure? It’s low key. We’re just hanging out. Have some champagne for the toast and some snacks.
Why had he even texted Angelo? Just to vent? I’m not going to ruin your night with my misery.
Want me to come down there? We can get a drink.
No, man. I’ll just walk around here before I head back to Newport. Happy new year.
Happy new year.
The bright eyes and laughter that surrounded Vince made him bristle. He had to get away from all these people celebrating.
What a way to start the new year. The only certainty in his future was that it was out of his control. He’d be sent where he was needed.
And apparently on his own.
Well shit, he was a Marine. If there was one thing he’d learned in the Corps, it was to adapt and overcome.
His phone buzzed. It was Angelo.
Don’t leave. We’re coming to you.
Vince’s lips twitched into a grin. Angelo couldn’t help but be the caretaker. That had been his role since they were kids. Maybe Vince shouldn’t have texted him, but he was glad his brother and sister-in-law were on the way.
Spending New Year’s Eve with family was better than spending it rejected and alone.
Vince: One Night with a Marine: A Second Chance Military Romance (Anchor Me Book 2) Page 16
