Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(24)

Walking through the vast gardens, I can finally enjoy the fresh air—some birds even singing—and the breeze playing with my hair. It’s the perfect kind of afternoon, not too hot and with a bright blue sky. I love this place so much. I recall spending a considerable amount of time here when I was six. I used to play hide-and-seek with my godfather while Dad was absent. It was such a great time…

I see Jimmy in the distance; he’s holding a bottle and two wineglasses, and stands admiring the lake.

“I hope it’s a good one,” I shout.

He turns at my voice, checking me out. His face softens with a smile as he looks briefly at the bottle label. “Should be. Alex only likes quality!”

Once I’m beside him, he hands me a glass, opens the bottle, and pours the wine.

I inspect the texture, take a quick sniff, then tasting the Pinot Noir, I say, “Hmm… very good. You can pour more.”

“Do you know about wine?”

“I’ve attended many wine tastings with Dad for the sake of knowing the basics. But I’m no connoisseur.”

“I see. Well, to your graduation, Miss.” I beam with joy as we clink our glasses and quietly take our first sip. “May I ask you something?”

“Sure,” I reply.

“Forgive my curiosity, but where is your mom? She’s alive, right? I thought she’d be here by your side on such important day.”

My eyes widen. “Mom doesn’t like New York. I’m the one who travels to the Netherlands to visit her.”

“So your mother never came here? Must’ve been tough for you to grow up without her around.”

“Well, it wasn’t easy, mainly knowing she was alive and healthy enough to visit me. But your brother and Dad have been incredible.”

“Yeah, Alex cares a lot about you.” Really? He takes another sip of his wine. “You know, I wasn’t even going to come here, but he insisted…”

I can’t help but chuckle. “I don’t blame you; I didn’t want to come either.”

Jimmy seems thoughtful, looking intently out at the lake before turning back to me. “You’re so mature for your age,” he praises. “You seem to have your whole life figured out. It’s quite impressive.”

“My life has always been figured out,” I correct. But my tone sounds rather melancholic—maybe it’s a subject I shouldn’t tackle. I brush some hair behind my ear, and with a small smile, I keep looking at the lake.

He doesn’t reply. He must be wondering if I’m happy with the life Dad is making for me, or if I’m crying and screaming on the inside—desperate to leave it all behind and try something else. And to be honest, I’m thinking exactly about that.

I continue staring intently at the lake, but he keeps studying me.

“Did you grow up with Alex?” I ask to change the subject.

Jimmy nearly chokes on his drink. “Me? No. I’m literally the bastard of the family.”

“Oh, c’mon. Don’t say that.” I playfully hit his chest with the back of my hand.

“I’m serious. My brother grew up like a prince, living in a palatial estate, even bigger than this one. He was raised by the wonderful Lady Margaret and our father, Lord Hendrik. I was the hidden embarrassment, the mistake of a one-night stand, and grew up in Amsterdam alone with my mom. I’ve never been to the Van Dieren estate. I’m only here because Alex bought it from his relatives.”

I feel a sudden need to console him. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Family is never easy.”

“You are right, Petra. It’s not easy. But I’m glad to have made my own path, away from the Van Dierens and their businesses.” I feel like it’s a hint. “Do you know why your parents divorced?”

I have no idea, no. “Dad told me he simply didn’t love her anymore, and they had different life goals. He also said Mom was an alcoholic at the time and wouldn’t have been able to raise me.”

He pours some more wine in my empty glass and refills his. I feel his breath so close to my face. Unlike Alex, Jimmy is fully shaven, probably in his early twenties. The scent from his aftershave is also young, sporty, made from a clean and crisp fragrance.

“I’m happy we met, Petra.”

“Me too,” I reply, smiling at him.

I notice how close he is to my lips, fixating on them obsessively. I don’t stare at him for much longer, though; instead, my attention shifts back to the lake. But in a decisive move, he bends just enough to reach them. I wasn’t expecting it, but I let him kiss me. I open my mouth and let his tongue play with mine.

He gets closer to me.

I can feel his heartbeat, his fingers caressing my cheek. His kiss is long and passionate, more daring and vibrant than those James used to give me. Jimmy is also older, more experienced—

A phone starts ringing.

I feel a twitch of annoyance as he breaks our kiss.

“I’m sorry…” Jimmy heaves a displeased sigh, reaches down to his pocket, and after seeing who’s calling, decides to answer. “What’s up? I’m here by the lake… Yes, Petra is here too… Okay, we’ll be there soon.” He hangs up. “It was my brother. Your dad’s looking for you. He’d like you to meet some folks before they leave.” He smooches me again on the lips, this time quicker. “Not easy to be you, Ms. Van Gatt.”