Blossom in Winter (Blossom in Winter #1)(84)

“Breakfast is served, Miss. Don’t leave before eating something.” Janine’s about to leave, but I call her back. “Yes, Ms. Van Gatt?”

“Would you like to attend my birthday dinner tonight at Emma’s house? It’d be an honor to have you there.” Janine smiles at me but remains speechless. “It starts at six p.m. It’d truly mean a lot if you would join us.”

“Thank you so much, Miss, for your kind invitation. I… I don’t know what to say…”

I walk toward her. “Hmm, a ‘yes’ would be great.”

We both smile at each other.

“Well, since you are so insistent, I gladly accept.”

I immediately hug her. “Oh, Janine, thank you for agreeing to come.” I see some tears rolling down her face. After all, she has raised me almost like her own daughter. “Janine, why are you crying?”

“Oh…” She sniffles. “I’m just so proud of the woman you’ve become.”

My smile gets wider. “Well, I was blessed to have someone as special as you to raise me.”

She laughs while drying her tears.





Hudson Valley, December 5, 2019

Emma Hasenfratz





I have just received the final list of Petra’s guests for dinner. I raise an eyebrow. Sarah, Katrina, Janine, David, and Matthew. Only five people? And what about Van Dieren? Will he come later? Which Janine is she talking about? The maid? I don’t recognize the names of the two girls either, and who are those guys? Damn! Petra has a new group of friends, and I know nothing about them.

Since I have promised to host a small private dinner with only her closest friends, I only add Carol and Laura. This will be the smallest birthday dinner ever! For now, I need to make sure the table setting is ready and that the playlist for the dinner is quiet and sophisticated, while the one for after dinner is more commercial. On the food side, Petra has forgotten to tell me how many vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-sensitive people are among her guests. I have to know, and fast. Thanks for the list, babygirl, but what about food preferences and allergies?

Fortunately, Petra doesn’t take long to reply back. Two vegetarians, one vegan, two pescatarians, and one meat-eater—Janine. No one mentioned allergies.

Why on earth does she have to bring Janine? It doesn’t make any sense.

Since my parents are away, I decide to wear a high-waisted black miniskirt and an oversized white Dolce & Gabbana T-shirt to show off my new tattoos. I put on some matte red lipstick, my favorite choker, my new fourteen-carat gold septum piercing and my matching nose ring, fifteen denier black tights, and my new Balenciaga black-and-gold ankle boots. I smile, happy with my style.





It doesn’t take long to see the first cars pull up in front of my gates. Laura and Carol are on time, as always. A couple of minutes later, I glance out and see Petra. I rush to the main door to greet them. “Happy Birthday, babygirl!” I scream, hugging her. “Oh, Janine, such a great surprise to see you.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hasenfratz. Great to see you too.”

“How are you? You look amazing, Petra. Glowing like a godly princess.” She looks so damn cute and yummy with her long wavy hair, some strands clasped in the back with a ribbon, and her vintage fit-and-flare dress. “Where are your friends?”

“They’re on their way.”

I take Petra by the arm, and we walk a few steps forward, away from Janine. I murmur discreetly, “Where is Van Dieren?”

Petra looks around. Janine’s standing at the entrance chatting idly with Carol and Laura. “On his way back from Singapore. I don’t think he’ll be joining us. We are leaving tonight anyway.”

“Did he tell you where?”

“No, it’s a surprise. I just know it’s outside New York.”

We hear the doorbell ringing.

“Looks like your nerdy friends just arrived.” I open the door wide, impatient to see who Petra’s new friends are.

She promptly introduces them to me. “Hi, guys! I’m so glad you made it. This is Emma, my best friend. Emma, this is Katrina, Sarah, David, and Matthew. My friends from Columbia.”

I can’t help but chuckle. They look so young and naive, just like Petra. Matthew is the cutest—dark-blond hair, hazel eyes. He reminds me of James. He’s also the most athletic… Truthfully, though, they all look quite boring and plain. No wonder Petra prefers Van Dieren and me. “Well, let’s head to the dinner table. I’m starving.”





Following dinner, I excuse myself and go to the winter garden to smoke. Petra decides to come with me. After all, we want to spend as much time together as possible before she leaves. The winter garden is an indoor room made of glass walls overlooking the terrace and the pool area, where my mom grows her favorite plants. I play some music on my iPhone before lighting up my cigarette. Sitting on the green velvet sofa beside Petra, I remain thoughtful as I pull the smoke into my lungs with a long, steady breath. “I’m worried about you and Van Dieren, babygirl…” She raises an eyebrow. “You always had a penchant for bad guys— James, Jimmy…” I finally say.

“You don’t know him,” she snaps instantly.

But I’m not convinced. “Petra, we all know Van Dieren is a womanizer, a heartbreaker… You’re not like that. Don’t you think you should be with someone your own age? Someone who hasn’t been with half of Manhattan?” I sigh, my stare serious. “I just don’t want that guy to break your heart once you’ve had sex with him.”