Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(23)

He escorts me inside, softly putting his hand on the small of my back and letting me go first. As I step into the entrance hall, a strange energy shivers through my entire body. In my mind I can hear a little girl giggling and running around, but there is no child to be seen here. Instinctively, though, I knew it was me. I used to play here.

“Is everything alright?” He asks.

Oh, Alex, you have no idea how painful it was when you left. “Of course.” I smile, silencing my childhood memories.

“Great. Let’s go to the bar.”





Alex is staring intently toward the entrance of the living room. Suddenly, his face beaming, he runs forward a few steps and cheerfully greets a young man, a stranger to me. They hug each other. “Hey! Here you are, my little bastard.”

Bastard? Really? I didn’t know Alex had a son. They enter the room, and Alex brings him over to where I’m standing by the bar, still baffled. “Petra, I’d like to introduce you to my younger brother, Jimmy Van Dieren. I mean, half brother, since we just share the same father. Jimmy’s a famous pop singer now, so be careful—he’s becoming a total ass.” I gape at his vulgarity, but laugh in relief.

Jimmy feigns offense, shaking his head. “He’s just jealous,” he replies with a broad smile, before extending his hand. “Nice to meet you, Petra. And congrats on your graduation with honors. Your father, and godfather, must be very proud of you.”

I notice how Jimmy also has blue eyes. Looks like they share more than the same father. He’s at least four inches shorter, though, and less athletic. His style is also the opposite of his brother’s—Jimmy wears a black leather jacket, some silver jewelry on his neck and wrist, black ripped jeans, and a white V-neck T-shirt.

“Thank you, Jimmy. It’s very nice to meet you too.”

“Just be careful with him. My brother thinks all teens have a huge crush on him.” Alex seems to be particularly witty today, but Jimmy can’t stop shaking his head in amusement.

“Do you live here in New York?” I ask.

“Nope, Amsterdam. But I have a concert Saturday night in Manhattan. Do you like pop?”

I don’t like pop, but with such an interesting male figure around, I couldn’t care less what I really like or not. “Of course I do.”

“Well, then, you should come over. I’ll text you the address. What’s your number?” He pulls his iPhone from his pocket, ready to add me as a contact.

“That would be brilliant,” I lie. I’ve never ever attended any concerts, because of my panic attacks. But I take his phone and type in my number. “Added as Petra Van Gatt.” I can only hope I’ll have a private box to watch the concert from.

“Great. Also…” Jimmy leans slightly closer to my ear. “I’m hosting an after-party in my suite at the Four Seasons. Only A-list people. It’ll be fun,” he whispers.

I feel a shiver running down my spine. While it seems fun to attend, after all the bad experiences I’ve had lately, I’m not really convinced. I just smile at him in return.

Alex didn’t hear Jimmy’s whispers, but he did see Jimmy getting a bit too close for his comfort. “Alright, enough chitchat. Let’s go to the terrace. Lunch will be served in a minute.”

We move from the living room to the outdoor terrace. Amid at least ten round tables covered with white tablecloths, I find Dad waving at us from one of them with three empty seats.

Alex nods. “Looks like Roy got us some seats.”

I don’t recognize anyone else at the table except Dad. They all look like corporate executives—Dad’s friends in suits without ties. I’m glad Jimmy is here. This lunch would have been so tedious and boring without him.

“Here she is! The star of the day!” Dad stands up, his arms wide open to welcome me and give me a hug.

My face beams with joy. “Hi, Dad.” I trot toward him and embrace him warmly.

“I’m very proud of you, darling,” he replies in a low, tender voice before giving me a kiss on the forehead.

I sit between Jimmy and Alex.

Suddenly, I feel all these middle-aged men staring at me like the main attraction in a fair. “Very well done, Ms. Van Gatt. Your father couldn’t stop praising your achievements.”

Humbled, I tilt my head slightly down. “Thank you.”

I notice how everyone is drinking Pinot Noir but me. I only have a glass of water and a cold-pressed juice in front of my place setting. I let out a sigh but feel a sudden vibration on my lap.

Discreetly enough, I look down at my iPhone and read the new WhatsApp message from Jimmy. Would you like to hang out after lunch? I can grab a red from my bro’s winery.

I smile broadly and text him back: Yes, please!





I can’t thank my godfather enough for having introduced me to his younger brother. Jimmy might not be as charming, vigorous, or athletic, but he is nevertheless a handsome and confident young man. And he’s got the same mesmerizing eyes.

After lunch, while everyone seems entertained with drinks and cigars from Alex’s curated collection, Jimmy and I decide to plan a careful escape to meet up by the lake. He leaves the table first, and after fifteen minutes, I excuse myself to go to the restroom. There I check my teeth and lipstick, apply some fresh mint gloss, and style my hair quickly. Alright, no one is calling me. Perfect. Time to go to the lake!