Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(83)

Roy takes a sip from his glass, speechless.

But I shake my head, quite confused. “So why did you get married?”

“Have you seen my wife? How beautiful she is? I’m not young anymore, but I still want to have a few more kids.” I can’t stop glaring at him in disapproval, while he happily orders a gin. “Oh, relax, Van Dieren. I got a great prenup, don’t worry. Look over there. Those three chicks.”

I let out a sigh. This guy will never change. I know Paulo’s wife, Anabela. After all, I personally attended their wedding. I even saw them looking into each other’s eyes, taking marriage vows, for God’s sake. And yet here he is, looking for a one-night stand. I shake my head again. I’m definitely not interested in witnessing any of this. “Well, I’m gonna get some rest,” I snap, standing up.

“What? You can’t be serious. It’s only ten p.m. We need your blue eyes to catch girls,” protests Paulo.

“I’m sure your credit cards will be enough. Gents, have a great one, enjoy for me.”





Manhattan, December 5, 2019

Petra Van Gatt





“Happy birthday, Ms. Van Gatt,” Janine says as she steps into my bedroom.

My face beams with joy. I’m finally eighteen! An adult. “Thank you, Janine. Good morning.”

Before I can say more, my iPhone starts ringing. It’s Mom requesting a video call.

“Hi, Mom. How are you?”

She waves and smiles at me, glasses on, her short blonde hair impeccably styled, sitting on the sofa. “Happy Birthday, my little angel. I wanted to see you before you go. How are you doing? Officially an adult, huh?”

I can’t help but giggle. “Indeed, officially one,” I reply. “Thank you for the video call, Mom. I’m so happy to see you! You look great as always.”

“Thank you, sweetheart. Tell me, what are your plans for your birthday? Is Emma doing something for you?”

“Yes, she is organizing a dinner.”

“That’s great. Who’s attending?” she asks.

“Just friends from Loyola and Columbia. It’s a small dinner.” I wonder if Alex will manage to make it in time.

Mom smiles radiantly. “Very well, and who are these friends of yours from Columbia?”

“Oh, well, we are known as the geek squad of the freshman class, as we spend most of our time in the library. But it’s fine. I enjoy it.”

“Hmm, I see. Any cute boys?” I blush. I don’t know what to say. Should I lie for the sake of pleasing her?

“Not really,” I ultimately reply. “But Matthew is nice. He’s one of my closest friends at Columbia.” I’m happy with my response; it sounds like a decent one. “I’ve been focused on my studies.”

“That’s good. Well done. Will I see you for Christmas? I miss you so much.”

I smile. “I miss you, and Anika too. Of course, I’ll be back to Rotterdam for Christmas.”

Mom looks as excited as ever. “So good to hear. I will prepare us an amazing dinner for the twenty-fourth,”—she means Anika—“then we can go together to Midnight Mass. Father Thomas is looking forward to seeing you.”

I smile in return. Father Thomas is the one who baptized me. I haven’t seen him in ages. “Sounds like a great plan, Mom. And what do you have in mind for the twenty-fifth?”

“We can go to a dinner hosted by Carice, one of my closest friends. She is an amazing lady, one of the lawyers that works with me at my nonprofit.”

“Oh! You have a nonprofit?”

“Well, I’ve already been working without any proper legal structure to help as many women as I can, and since we’ve done tremendous work and feel the need to expand, we’ve decided to get the paperwork done. You know, I’ve seen some terrible injustices, Petra. Judges ruling against restraining orders meant to protect women from their dangerous husbands, just because there supposedly wasn’t enough evidence,” she confesses. “Anyway, now it’s official. We’re hiring, and the team is growing.”

“I’m so proud of you, Mom. No wonder everyone loves you.”

“Thank you, my little angel. Well, I suppose you have classes very soon. I won’t take anymore of your time. Have a great day. I love you so much. Take good care of yourself and enjoy your dinner.”

After hanging up, I scroll down through the many WhatsApp birthday wishes. I find Emma’s, my father’s, Matthew’s... I grin and click on the one that matters the most: Happy Birthday, Ms. Van Gatt! I hope you slept well. I’m missing you dearly. We are on our way back to NY. Can’t wait to see you soon. A car will pick you up at 9 p.m. from Emma’s house. Don’t forget to have your luggage ready. Love you, Alex. P.S. Bring warm clothes.

Holy moly. I decide to prepare my bags straightaway before heading to campus. I have to make sure everything is ready. After all, I have little spare time between my classes and the dinner. Plus, Emma’s house is still an hour drive away.

I put the white dress and heels in my bag. Oh God. I suddenly realize something. Tonight will be my last night as a virgin. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

“Ms. Van Gatt, are you alright?”

I blink at the sound of her voice. “Sure, Janine. I’m preparing my bags for my birthday trip. I have to hurry up. It’s getting late.”