Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(16)

“Very well. If that’s what you want. Where are you having dinner, then?”

“Emma’s house.”

“I see... Be careful. Have a good evening.”

“No worries. Bye, Dad. Enjoy.” And I hang up. Phew, that was close. “So”—I look back at Emma—“what have you decided to do after high school and the summer?”

“I don’t know, babygirl, trying to find my path… Travel, for sure. Maybe move to Bali or Europe, who knows…”

“I always admired that about you, you know.”

“Admired what?”

“Your adventurous, careless attitude. I never could’ve been like that, but I do admire you for being you.”

“Oh, well. Life is short. You’ve got to enjoy it. Aren’t you hungry? I’m starving.”





Chapter 4





Bedford Hills, May 17, 2019

Alexander Van Dieren





Despite being born and raised in the Netherlands, my family has owned this manor in Bedford Hills for over a century. The estate is over twelve thousand square feet surrounded by green fields and trees, with seven beds and ten baths, including a pool, large gardens, a tennis court, and overlooking a pristine four-acre lake. I became the sole owner fifteen years ago. After being absent for so long, the manor needed some serious refurbishment, which has been completed recently. When Petra was a child, I decided to build horse stables on the other side of the estate so I could finally share my passion for riding with someone. I always aspired to move and live here one day, but life has decided otherwise. After ten years, it feels good to be back.

It’s a beautiful and warm evening. Roy and I decide to go outside and check out the new terrace. A blanket of bright stars covers the sky. That’s what I love about the countryside—there is no pollution. With a glass in one hand and a cigar in the other, we stroll around enjoying each other’s company. We can hear the music and the laughter coming from inside. A fresh breeze chills the atmosphere.

“So, what do you think of Lucy? Experienced enough for you?”

“Oh, she is great,” I reply. “Very naughty and obedient. We’re actually in touch for a session tonight. Thank you so much for the surprise, Roy.”

He pats me on the back. “I’m glad.”

I smile at him, and we keep quiet as we walk.

But Roy’s heavy tone breaks our tranquil silence. “I need to ask you a favor, Alex. I will return it anytime. You know me.”

We both slow our pace, until I stop completely. “That sounds serious. What can I do for you, my dear friend?”

He takes a steady puff of his cigar. Roy has never disclosed much about his feelings to anyone and has always preferred to show a strong exterior, even if he’s devastated inside. He only lets down his guard with me. We discuss everything, from work, love, fears, fantasies, crimes, money—no woman has ever managed to be that close to Roy. Not even Tess, his ex-wife. Nevertheless, expressing deep feelings and fears has always been his biggest challenge. Roy doesn’t like to feel vulnerable or exposed. I know him perfectly.

“Well, it’s Petra,” he admits. “I’m worried about her friends’ influence on her. She’s only got frivolous girlfriends—you know, spoiled and slutty brats. She learns nothing good from them.” He takes a sip from his glass, his face looking more tormented than I’ve ever seen.

“You mean like Emma? Petra seems to be totally different than she is. You have nothing to worry about.”

“She has been lying to me, Alex. My daughter is not like that. I’m afraid Emma is a bad influence.” He sighs. “Now that you are back, as her godfather maybe you could get closer to her, befriend her”—he gives me a complicit smile—“and keep me updated…”

“You’re dreaming, my old friend. I might be her godfather, but Petra is not stupid. There is no way she would trust me after being absent for so long.”

“I’m sure she will. She needs a real friend, Alex, a confidant, someone she can trust to advise her. You can be like the older brother she never had.” An older brother? With a twenty-three-year age difference? Yeah, right. Since I don’t seem very enthusiastic about the idea, Roy leans closer to me. “Look,” he starts in a low voice. “No one knows about it, but Petra has agoraphobia. That’s why it’s so hard for her to make new friends. She is like a closed shell. Her only friends are Emma and her circle. When she’s not with them, she’s locked in that room upstairs doing God knows what.”

“You mean her atelier? She’s just painting and reading in there.”

“How do you know that?”

“Well, she showed me.”

“See? She trusts you instinctively. She never let me in. Not even the maid is allowed to clean the room.”

“I’m sorry, Roy, you’re my best friend and you know that… but I won’t exploit her trust. I can’t be like a watchdog reporting to you her every move and word.”

“I realize it might sound a bit overprotective, but I don’t want her to become like them. She’s so smart, so rational and down-to-earth, and I don’t want her to end up like her mother either. I want her to build something meaningful, a legacy. She needs to remain focused.”