Lured into Love (Blossom in Winter #2) - Melanie Martins Page 0,24

reality— they know very well my time with her is limited. And the more I look into her big blue eyes, the more I know I’ve got to accept it—with Miss Van Gatt, there’s only a present, not a future.

Chapter 5

Manhattan, September 8, 2020

Petra Van Gatt

After over ten days in upstate New York, I find myself stepping into the hallway of my home on Park Avenue. And without Cynthia’s help or a walker. Nope. I can’t really do much more, and it still hurts when I bend my legs, but being able to put one foot in front of the other on my own is already a big victory for me. Although I love Bedford Hills, especially for its fresh air, green scenery, and quiet surroundings, being back in the house where I grew up brings a wave of memories that feel so old and distant, and yet some are no older than a year. With twenty minutes left before the beginning of my first online course, I can’t help but sneak into my bedroom to have a look. The place is immaculate—Janine must come here often to clean the dust. Then I step into my closet and find all the clothes I wore the past year, perfectly stowed. Even my white dress is here too… A quick sigh escapes me at the sight of it.

“Hey, Miss Van Gatt,” Janine greets me, entering the room. “So good to see you here.”

“Hey, good morning,” I reply. “I see you’ve been taking great care of this place. Thanks.”

“This place, Miss…” She lets her words trail off as she steps closer to me. Then Janine glances around, taking in our surroundings. “…is your bedroom. And no matter what happens, it will always be yours.” Her tone carries some sort of nostalgia that I know all too well.

Her expression becomes melancholic as she ruminates about something. And I can’t help but ask, “Are you alright?”

Janine dips her head in embarrassment, and she quickly wipes something away. “I… Oh, it’s nothing, Miss. Don’t worry,” she mumbles, twisting her apron.

Holding her arms, I try to meet her gaze and insist, “Of course not, tell me.”

Her eyes lock with mine for a second before they survey the room once more. And I’ve got the sensation she’s hesitating whether to open up or not. “It’s just… it’s just so weird that you’re engaged and no longer living here. I never thought the day I would no longer wake you up and prepare your avocado toast would come so soon.”

A quick laugh rolls off my lips, and I say, “If it reassures you, Dad wants me to stay here until I’m married, so you might have more avocado toasts and matcha teas to prepare.”

Janine throws me a grin full of empathy that warms up my heart. “Oh, well, I don’t think Mr. Van Gatt is ready to see his daughter leave him so soon. Who can blame him?”

“I know…” My lips curving up, I recall everything Dad has done for us and how he even agreed to come to the engagement party. And while I’d rather have moved in with Alex, we both need my Dad’s support more than ever. “Dad’s been so incredible and supportive,” I tell her. “I never thought he’d be like that.”

“He loves you a lot.” Janine has such a sweet, friendly voice that I can’t help but smile again. “Not many parents would’ve done the same,” she says. “I know my dad for sure would’ve kicked me out of his household if I didn’t end the relationship.”

Wow, that sounds quite excessive. But I guess in a way she’s right—not everyone is as lucky to have a dad that is so tolerant. I know if I had been living with Mom, things would’ve been pretty different. Then, curiosity getting the best of me, I ask, “Did you, um, did you know about us from the beginning?”

“Since the day you spoke to your dad, yes,” she admits.

“Oh…” My brows lift instantly in surprise. “Nothing escapes you.”

“Not much, I have to admit.”

After a brief silence, I decide to invite her to the engagement party Alex and I will be hosting. “It’d mean a lot if you could come,” I add.

“It’ll be a pleasure, Miss,” she replies just as fast. And I’m positively surprised at how easily she accepted. “I’ll be there, but I want to give a hand to that Dutch lady.” Janine steps a bit closer to me, and, lowering her voice, she says, “She is