Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(5)

“I know, I know… But we only live once, right?”





James





The sharp song of the school bell happily announces the end of the semester. Petra has her driver waiting outside, as always. And while the majority of students are going out to celebrate, others have far more important things to do, like me and my buddies who’re heading downtown to a very private meeting.

We usually go to the cafeteria or library to discuss, but this time, since it’s a special reunion, we’ve decided to meet at an unpretentious and discreet restaurant, far from Loyola and our respective houses. We’ve even removed our jackets in order to not be recognized by our uniform badge.

“Well, gents,” starts Fred, the oldest one and captain of our football team. “We’ve got an amazing party ahead. And looks like the Van Gatt is coming…”

We all snigger.

“James, she likes you, right?”

“I don’t know, bro. We just went out once, and we didn’t even kiss… That chick is fucking weird.”

“If you had a father like hers, believe me, you wouldn’t even look at girls,” adds Kevin. “I heard he hired private detectives and spies to follow her. Even the staff at school is paid to report to him.”

“Rumors, Kevin. Those are just rumors,” I protest.

But Kevin seems to know all the gossip better than anyone else. “I don’t think so, James. You know, she only came to Loyola because her mother intervened.”

“Guys,” Fred interrupts. “Petra Van Gatt and Emma Hasenfratz are the wealthiest girls at Loyola, and they’re best friends. We can make a lot of money from both of them.”

I slyly raise my eyebrows. “Emma said there will be no cams and no smartphones allowed… What are you thinking?”

By the smile on his face, it looks like Fred has got a plan. “I’m gonna help Emma prepare for the party tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll hide an iPhone in the bathroom. During the party, James will bring Petra to one of the bedrooms, and hopefully she’ll already be sloshed. Kevin, you’ll go to the bathroom, grab the iPhone, turn it on, and hide it in your pocket, then you’ll discreetly open the door and record James with Petra lying on the bed, maybe already half naked, kissing each other, and more if we’re lucky. Once you’ve got the video, you send it to our WhatsApp group. Simple, right?”

“What are you gonna do with that video?” I ask, perplexed.

“Blackmail the ladies, of course.”

“What! Are you kidding? I’m out, bro. That’s insane,” I snap.

“Look, we can ask for three hundred thousand dollars as blackmail. One hundred thousand in easy money for each of us.” Kevin and I glance at each other. “Fuck, just for a simple video of you and that chick kissing. Not bad, right?” But I’m not convinced and shake my head. “Oh, c’mon! Don’t tell me you can’t do it.”

Seeing the hesitant look on our faces, Fred puts his hands on Kevin and me, bringing us closer to him. “Guys, Emma told us this is the last party she’ll have before going to Europe. It’s our last shot.”





Manhattan, May 11, 2019

Petra Van Gatt





For my friends, Saturday is all about going to designer boutiques, coffee shops, and spas. For me, though, it means precisely the opposite. Hidden in my private atelier, I’m painting while listening to some old vinyl records from the fifties that I’d found in Dad’s library. “Ain’t We Got Fun” by Peggy Lee is playing. I sing along happily, knowing the lyrics by heart. I’m casual, dressed in my favorite large white shirt, my usual barrette keeping my hair out of my face, and a pair of comfortable jeans already stained with oil paint.

Janine knocks. “Ms. Van Gatt.”

I turn off the vinyl, then unlock and open the door just enough to talk to her. “Yes, Janine?”

“It’s time to get ready for the party, Miss.”

“Oh, right. Time flies here. What should I wear? A dress? Jeans? A skirt?”

“A dress, Miss,” Janine replies excitedly. “I can't remember the last time I saw you wearing one.”

“Well, Janine, I’m not even sure if I have one to begin with.”

“Of course you do. It’s waiting for you.”

“Really?”

“Come with me.” Janine drags me by the hand to my dressing room. There I find a vintage navy-blue dress, sleeveless and with a scoop neck, hanging in my closet. It looks long enough for my taste.

“It’s perfect.” I hug her tightly, my eyes sparkling. “Thank you, Janine. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Miss. You’ll look stunning.”

I continue to admire the wonderful gift.

“Would you like me to wake you up tomorrow morning?” she asks just before leaving the room.

“Yes, please. I’m planning to have brunch with Emma at eleven o’clock, so kindly wake me up around ten.”

“Certainly.”

“Wish me luck.”

Janine chuckles. “There is no need, Miss. You already have it.”





Chapter 2