From This Moment - By Alison Chaffin Higson Page 0,26
finished. It’s a huge wooden structure with a wraparound porch and large windows facing out towards the mountain range. He doesn’t take me inside, because it isn’t safe, but there will be a large open plan room to include a kitchen, lounge, and dining section with four bedrooms towards the back of the house. My heart goes out to him; I’m guessing he’s building this with Elise in mind.
Leaving Jake’s house we head over to Anna’s. I’m nervous about seeing Anna and Beth, but I’m looking forward to meeting Elise. I actually think about whether or not to pretend its Jake that I’m interested in to see how she reacts. One way of finding out if she still has feelings for Jake!
Climbing out of the car, I look at Jake, “Aren’t you coming in?”
Shaking his head, “Elise is already here, that’s her car over there. I think I’ll pass. I’ll see you later for dinner though, I think we’re eating here, hope that’s okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.” Turning to head towards the house, I see a woman I haven’t met before looking through the window, so guessing it’s Elise, I turn back to Jake and plant a kiss on his lips, “Thanks again, for earlier.” I don’t think it’s wise to mention Elise at the window!
Arriving on the porch, Beth opens the door for me. “Hi Rona, glad you could make it, come in and I’ll introduce you to a friend of ours.”
Walking into Anna’s house I notice Elise straightaway. She’s a slim blonde and really beautiful.
“Elise, this is Jake’s friend Rona. Rona, this is Elise,” Beth introduces us.
I walk closer to Elise so I can shake her hand, “Nice to meet you. I hear you’re getting married soon, so congratulations.”
Still looking or glaring at me, I’m not sure which, she finally takes my hand, “You’re the girl I heard about whose fiancé left her an hour before the wedding.” Her claws are out, very interesting.
I smile. “Yes, he did and I realize I don’t love him, so it would have been a big mistake. In the end he did me a favor. I just hope I don’t see him again.”
She seemed at a loss with my reply, I continue, “Meeting the sexy Mr Matthews sure as hell opened my eyes, he’s yummy, don’t you think?” By saying Mr Matthews I’m not actually lying, I just want them to believe I’m referring to Jake.
I’m sure I can hear someone choking in the background, turning I see Anna turn, heading for the kitchen. Hope she doesn’t realize I’m talking about her father. I don’t want to lie too much.
With a frown and ignoring my yummy comment, Elise asks, “So I hear Jake has been taking you around town?”
Grinning. “Yes, we went up on the ‘Big Red’ the other day. It was pretty terrifying really, but I stayed burrowed in Jake’s chest the whole time.”
“Will you excuse me?” Elise says, on her way out of the room.
“Hi Rona, how are you? Join us in the kitchen?” Beth says, on her way through the lounge.
“Hi Beth.” She has already gone.
Just then my phone starts to ring, answering, because I know it’ll be Cade, “Hi handsome, you still missing me?”
He laughs, “I sure am. What are you up to?”
“I’ve just arrived at Anna’s house, a girls’ get together. Beth and Elise are here as well.”
“At least you’re not on your own. I’ll be back sometime tomorrow evening, earlier if I can swing it.”
“I’ll be waiting. How’s everything there?” I ask, closing my eyes, listening intently to his voice.
“Everything is going as planned up to now; I have another meeting in about five minutes. What did you do this morning?”
Heck, I certainly wasn’t going to tell him now, while at Anna’s house. “I just hung around and made lunch, nothing interesting.”
“I need to go love. I’m thinking about you and will call you later tonight.”
With a husky voice, “Okay.” Then in a whisper, “I love you Cade.”
“I love you too, stay safe.” Then he was gone.
I hope Cade won’t be too upset later when I tell him about Nick. Bringing my mind back to the present, I head towards the kitchen where I can hear the others chattering away.
“Rona, come join us, the coffee is to your right. I came to get you but you were on the phone, so I thought it best to wait.”
“Thanks Anna.” Pouring coffee into a cup, I take a seat at the table. “So when does the snow usually start?