Everything She Never Wanted

Chapter 9

9

Cynthia sat home Friday night, organizing all the research she’d done over the past week for her first story. The Finger Lakes Gazette was a much smaller paper than she was used to, but it was a good opportunity to expand her resume. The story she was assigned was a piece about weekend trips from the Finger Lakes area. Since readers were locals, Cynthia was looking into trips to cities like Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo, but also New York, Philadelphia, and even Pittsburgh.

She finally figured out how she wanted to lay out the article when she heard her mom’s car pull in and stop. The first guy Cynthia set her up with was a friend from church. A man Vivian knew for years and thought was attractive, but someone she’d never thought of in that way.

At least, that’s what Vivian told Cynthia.

Cynthia had high hopes for the date. She knew it had been forever since her mother had been out, and she thought a guy she knew and liked was a good, safe bet.

Although, Cynthia had a back-up in mind if things didn’t go well with Adam.

“Hey Mom,” Cynthia said, sipping her glass of wine. Amavita really did make amazing wine. She’d have to see if they shipped it when she left.

“Hey Cynthia. How’s the article?”

“Good. I have everything together. I’m considering pitching it as a short series so I can really highlight each area.”

Vivian nodded. “That’s a great idea. I bet they’d love that. A chance to fill some space and really give the locals some good ideas. You’re a smart cookie.”

Cynthia grinned, always appreciating the praise. She also knew her mom was trying to avoid the inevitable. “How was your date?”

“Oh,” Vivian said, as though she’d forgotten about it already. “Um, it was nice.”

She made a move to leave the room, and Cynthia was on her feet, following. “Nice try, Mom. ‘Nice’ doesn’t tell me anything. Where did you go? What did you do? Did he try to kiss you? Did you like it?”

“Psh,” Vivian said with a wave of her hand. “You don’t want to know all about it.”

Vivian went into her room and stripped out her earrings. She peered into the mirror, tugging down her lower eyelids and staring at herself. Cynthia was a little startled to realize she always did the same thing after a date didn’t go well.

“That bad?”

Vivian spun and looked at her. Finally she sighed. “Let me change. Then you can pour me a glass of that wine.”

Cynthia smiled ruefully and left the room. She grabbed a second glass and emptied the bottle into it. She was just opening a new bottle, in case they needed it, when Vivian came into the kitchen.

“Thanks,” she said, lifting the glass to her lips and taking a healthy swallow. “I needed that.”

Cynthia carried the new bottle to the table and set it between them, away from her computer and the notes she’d scribbled in her notebook. “What happened?”

Vivian sighed. “I don’t know. I think I’m just out of practice. It was nice, but that was it.”

“No spark. No desire. No anything.”

Vivian nodded. “Exactly. I mean, he was pleasant. Opened doors and paid for dinner. But it felt like something I’d do with you, not with a man I was on a date with.”

“Except I probably wouldn’t pay,” Cynthia teased.

Vivian grinned. “Well, regardless. He’s attractive, but I don’t think he’s going to be the great love of my life.”

“Okay, then we’ll move on to the next one. And you know, you don’t have to find the great love of your life. I mean, it’s okay to find a guy who gets your motor revving and ‘enjoy his company’ for a while.”

Vivian shook her head. “I’m not like that. It’s been a very long time since I’ve had s*x. And I don’t think I could just jump into bed with a man. I know that’s what your generation does, but I can’t do that.”

Cynthia shrugged. “Just offering up a suggestion. And for the record, you don’t have to jump into bed to fool around. Kissing and touching and stuff like that can be just as much fun as s*x with the right person.”

Cynthia’s mind immediately went to the fun she had with Henry. Never in a million years did she imagine the best o****m of her life would come at the hands of her childhood best friend. Nor did she imagine she’d find him so irresistible.

“I’m not going to ask about the look on your face right now because it makes me feel even more like the child in this scenario. We don’t need to have the s*x talk, Cynthia. I learned about thirty-four years ago where babies came from.”

“Please tell me you knew before then.”

Vivian laughed. “Of course, but nothing like getting knocked up to remind you.”

“I imagine that’s true.”

“I take it things are going well with Henry.”

Cynthia nodded, willing her grin to give her a break. “Yeah. Very well.”

“He was always such a nice boy.”

“He was. And I was such an i***t for not seeing how great he was.”

“Oh, I think you knew. If you didn’t, I don’t think you would have been friends with him. I think you liked the bad boy a little too much. The guys who wouldn’t just want you, but who every other girl wanted.”

“Ouch. Every time you say something about when I was younger I sound like an even bigger bitch.”

Vivian shook her head. “That’s not my intention, but you have to admit that you weren’t interested in Henry at all when you were growing up. And I don’t think his weight was the only issue. I think you wanted to feel like you were wanted by someone that everyone else would want. I think we all want that. To feel like we’re good enough to have something another person has or wants. With Henry, it was easy. He was always there. He was something steady in your life. He wasn’t a challenge. And if there’s one thing I know about you, my dear, it’s that you like a challenge.”

Cynthia considered her mother’s words and had to admit she was right. “I’ve always been very competitive, haven’t I?”

Vivian nodded.

“Is that why I want Henry now? Because he’s hot and other women want him?”

Vivian shook her head. “I said before, only you know why you want him. I hope that’s not the case. All I know is you got bored when you caught whatever you were chasing growing up. If you’re not bored with Henry, maybe it’s different.”

Cynthia was still thinking about what Vivian said when she went to bed. Things were definitely different with Henry. Everything was different. But she needed to know she was different, too. Because if she wasn’t, she wouldn’t get another chance at love.

Henry got up early Saturday morning out of habit. He hated when his dad used to wake him up as a teenager, but once he started working the vineyard, it became habit to be up with the sun. Sometimes earlier.

He brewed a pot of coffee and scanned the fridge for breakfast. When he found nothing, he decided to go up to The Drunken Grape and see what Zach had ready for their guests.

Bundled up to fend off the cold, Henry trudged through the snow. As he walked, he brushed snow from the vines. It wasn’t heavy enough to break the vines yet, but it was possible. His dad always knocked the snow down, so Henry did the same, another habit he’d lifted from his father.

The inn was warm when Henry stepped inside, choosing to go through the front door instead of letting all the cold air into the restaurant. Andie was standing at the desk and looked up at him with a smile.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, laughing as Henry stomped his boots clean. “And who do you think is going to clean that up?”

Henry shrugged. “I figured you would. After all, I help keep you in wine.”

Andie smiled. “That you do. How are you? I haven’t seen much of you the last couple weeks.”

“Yeah, sorry about that.”

Andie waved off his concerns. “Don’t even worry about it. Cody’s been helping me with some of the things I can’t do on my own. We finished replacing all the carpet, but I’m painting next week if you’re looking for something to do.”

Henry nodded, grateful she wasn’t pressing for more. He was sure all his cousins were hurting too, but they didn’t lose their father.

“Thanks, Andie.”

“Any time. I think Zach has breakfast ready if you’re hungry.”

“That’s why I’m here. You should join me if you have a few minutes.”

She nodded. “I just might do that.”

Henry walked down the hall to the restaurant. The savory scent of bacon guided his stomach, making it rumble. Two couples were seated at tables, talking quietly among themselves. Henry didn’t see anyone else in there, which made him wonder if Zach was on his own for the morning. He stuck his head in the kitchen.

“You here alone?”

Zach nodded. “Yeah. You here to help?”

Henry pushed into the kitchen and shrugged. “I guess I can. I’m starving though.”

“Eat while you work. Those people probably need coffee. What do you want?”

During the busier months, Zach set up a buffet for their guests. When they weren’t booked up, he said it was easier to take orders so they weren’t throwing away as much food. Biscuits were standard and went on every table, but other than that, he cooked their meals fresh.

Henry grabbed a biscuit and bit off half of it. He shrugged, then grabbed the coffee pot and went to see their guests.

He realized the error of his ways when he reached the first table. Instead of being able to ask if they wanted coffee, he was left with a biscuit choking him. He chewed and forced a swallow, praying it all went down.

When he could breathe again, Henry lifted the coffee pot. “Would you care for more coffee?” he asked with practiced poise. All of them worked in the restaurant at one point or another. He was the host when he was in high school, but he’d been a waiter also. His stint in the kitchen was, thankfully, short-lived.

All the guests happily accepted fresh coffee. Henry noticed they were out of water and brought the pitcher back to fill those glasses. When he was done, Zach finished plating breakfast for one of the tables. Henry carried it out, asking if there was anything else they needed before returning to the kitchen.

“Why isn’t anyone in here with you?” he asked his cousin, leaning against the counter.

Zach shrugged. “I’m usually by myself on the weekends.”

“Why haven’t we hired help for you yet?”

Zach smirked. “I’ve often wondered the same about you.”

Henry rolled his eyes. “f**k you. You know what I mean. You shouldn’t be working this many hours.”

“Aunt Marie and Mom always worked a ton.”

“But they did it together.”

“Aunt Marie was working the inn most of the time.”

“Okay, but you were here helping your mom. This is nuts.”

Zach shrugged as though it was no big deal and handed Henry two plates. “The other table. And make sure no one else has come in.”

Henry left to do as Zach requested and saw Andie and Nonna walk into the dining room. They nodded to him and went to a table in the corner. Henry headed over to get their order, and a kiss from Nonna, then went back to the kitchen. “Andie and Nonna are here. I told Andie we’d have breakfast.”

“Good. Andie works too hard. Glad she’s off her feet. What do you guys want?”

Henry relayed their orders then asked Zach to join them.

“If no one else comes, sure.”

Henry carried the coffee back out to Andie and Nonna, and stopped by the other tables. He poured himself another cup then started a fresh pot so they wouldn’t run out. He sat with Andie and Nonna and jumped into what Zach was going through.

“We need some help in the kitchen.”

“What do you mean?” Andie asked, concerned.

“Zach works ridiculous hours. He needs help.”

Nonna nodded. “I agree. He’s here even more than Andie.”

“Well, it sounds like we need a weekend manager as well as a night manager. Zach needs another chef. I know we’re not so big that one or two people can’t handle things, but Zach can’t do everything by himself.”

“You know how he is though. It’s going to be hard to find someone who will work with him.”

“Try living with him.”

Andie tried not to grin, but failed. She laughed softly, then nodded. “I get it. I live with his sister.”

“Ha! True. I think we should put them together and we move in together.”

“Well, you do get along with Cody.”

“Damn. Never mind. I don’t want to listen to my cousin having sex.”

Henry slid a glance at Nonna when he realized what he said. She shrugged and said, “How do you think I ended up with four girls?”

“Good point,” Andie said with a laugh. “Are you saying Zach doesn’t ever bring women home? Because Kristen brings guys home all the time.”

“Is she still trying to get over Phillip?” Nonna asked.

Andie nodded. “I really thought they’d be back together by now, but she hasn’t heard from him. At least, not that she’s told me. I feel bad for her.”

“That sucks.”

“What sucks?” Zach asked, sitting down after he handed plates to each of them. “Something happen with Cynthia?”

Henry shot his cousin a death glare, but it was too late.

“Cynthia? I haven’t heard that name in a while,” Nonna said.

“Yeah, well, if Henry has anything to say about it, you’ll be hearing a lot more about her.”

“What are you talking about?” Andie asked, anger sneaking into her tone.

“She came to Uncle Victor’s wake and funeral and has been cozying up to Henry for the last two weeks.”

“You can’t be serious.” Andie’s eyes flopped from one to the other, but Henry saw the fury in her gaze.

“She’s not the same,” Henry defended.

Andie’s eyebrows dove for her hairline. “Really? What’s so different about her?”

“She’s just different,” Henry said lamely. “I can’t really explain.”

“So basically, she’s exactly the same but you don’t want to admit that,” Andie pressed.

“Listen. This is none of your business. Either of you.”

“You’re screwing up,” Zach spat, ignoring Henry’s argument. “You’re getting involved with the woman who trashed your heart and ran off without another word. She said she was your best friend, but when you needed a friend, she was gone. You never heard from her again. Not until she shows up out of the blue. Why is she even back in town?”

Henry knew the truth was not going to help his argument, but he had no choice but to say it. “She lost her job.”

Zach snorted. “Of course she did. And I bet she hasn’t told you why.”

“Downsizing.”

“Uh huh. That’s what people say when they get fired and don’t want to admit it.”

“Back off,” Henry growled.

Zach leaned back in his chair. “Fine. You wanna f**k up your life again, have at it. But I’m not going to keep my mouth shut. She’s bad news, and you’re gonna regret thinking she’s different.”

Zach stormed away, not looking back as he slammed his way into the kitchen. The other guests in the dining room jumped when the door hit the wall, then swung their curious eyes toward Henry, Andie, and Nonna. Henry turned away, not caring. It wasn’t likely they knew who he was, and Andie would smooth everything over later. Nonna just grinned as though nothing happened. He admired her for her indifferent attitude. She never worried what people thought about her.

“Well, that wasn’t as pleasant as I was hoping this morning would be. I should have asked for a bottle of wine today instead of coffee.”

“Nonna,” Andie admonished.

“Oh, don’t give me that,” Nonna challenged. “You two jumped on your cousin. Why are you so against Henry and Cynthia spending time together?”

“Because she hurt him.”

“I seem to remember a few months ago when Cody hurt you. Did everyone tell you to stay away from him? Because I don’t remember those conversations.”

“No, but-”

“But nothing,” Nonna said, dismissing Andie. “If Henry wants to spend time with her, let him. You are all adults. I find it baffling that you’re fighting over the woman Henry is spending his time with. Let him be happy. Lord knows there’s been enough to make this family miserable lately.”

Andie slid her eyes to Henry. He caught the regret in her gaze. “I know you don’t want to hear it-”

“Then don’t say it, Andie.”

“I love you, Henry. I can’t imagine the emotional rollercoaster you’re on right now. I’m just not sure getting involved with Cynthia is the best idea.”

His phone buzzed in his pocket. Henry pulled it out and grinned when he saw Cynthia’s name on the screen. A quick swipe and he saw that she was coming to see him and bringing lunch. He wouldn’t mind having her for lunch.

He thumbed back a reply saying he’d see her soon and looked back up at Andie.

“Is that her?”

Henry nodded, stuffing his phone in his pocket before she reached for it and tried to read his texts. He wouldn’t put it past her to do so.

“I like seeing you smile, Henry.”

“She’s not who you guys think she is, Andie. Yeah, she hurt me, but that’s my business.”

“We don’t want to see you upset.”

“She makes me happy.”

Andie nodded. “I see that. I just want it to last. Is she staying in town?”

Henry paused a moment before he shook his head. It was the one thing he didn’t want to think about. He knew she’d leave and take his heart with her. He knew he’d be destroyed when she left. But he couldn’t stay away from her and wonder for the rest of his life if things could have been different for them.

“What are you going to do when she leaves?”

He shrugged. “I have no clue. But I can’t stay away from her. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Just like Cody is for you, Cynthia is for me. I can’t imagine not having her in my life. Not now. Zach was right. She was gone last time I needed a friend. This time, she’s here, and I’m not going to push her away just because she wasn’t around before.”

“Good for you,” Nonna cheered.

Andie finally nodded, looking sad that she had to agree. “I won’t tell you to stay away from her. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

Henry laughed. “Does anyone know what they’re doing when love is involved?”