The Summer of Jake (10 page)

“Now I just want to go new places.” Her head tipped back, and she took in the stars above. “Sing to crowds from other countries. Every crowd has a different energy, a unique vibe. I’ve been singing to crowds with a similar vibe for so long, I just want to share my music with new people, you know?” Her head took a lazy path back to settle facing me, her eyes blazing.

“So most anywhere new will do?”

She laughed. “Yeah, actually. Europe, the US. Not the stadiums I wanted before—smaller, intimate venues, where I can
feel
the audience and speak to them with song.”

For a moment, I wished I could sing. To have that ability to communicate with a group of people. “Do it.”

She stretched out her legs, her gaze on her bright red toenails. “I tell you what, I’ll look into it. I’d need an agent—I haven’t had one for years.”

Her focus seemed to be intent on her toes, but I could tell she wasn’t seeing them. Her mind was ticking over.

It was a sight that made my heart sigh in delight.

…

Jake

“Another coffee, Gerry?” I picked up our empty mugs.

“No, thanks. I’d better head off, as well.”

“Just because Mum and Annalise went early doesn’t mean you have to.”

Gerry smiled. “Ah, but I need my beauty sleep.”

I chuckled and led him to the door. On the doorstep, I paused. “I’ve been thinking about what you said the other day. Can I ask you something?”

“Fire away.”

“When I watched you give that lesson on the beach, you looked like you had the same passion as when you coached me.”

“I do.”

“How? I used to have passion for things, but it slips away. How do you keep it?”

“The trick isn’t keeping the passion, it’s knowing what your passion is for.”

“That’s it?” I asked, frowning.

“Yep. You’re smart, Jake, and things have come too easily to you, so you’ll have to work harder at this than most. But, once you have the right thing, the passion takes care of itself.”

“Forever?” That seemed too simple.

“Sometimes your passion shifts to something else, and that’s all right, too. First you find it, then you follow it.”

“You know, I never felt like searching before, but, lately, something’s different.” My mind drifted back to the image of Annalise on my board. “So, how do I find it?”

“Ah, there’s a question.” He winked. “Night, Jake.”

Why was Gerry always so damn cryptic? “Night, Sensei,” I called after him. “Thanks for nothin’.”

Gerry’s laughter floated back from the footpath.

Chapter Nine

Annalise

Two days later, I was fumbling with a bag of change I’d been trying to empty into the cash register in Barbara’s Fancy Pants when it fell, and coins scattered over the floor. The declaration I’d made the night before that things couldn’t get worse floated into my mind, and I winced. I knew I shouldn’t have tempted fate.

When Barbara called and begged the favor, I’d jumped at the chance to work a shift for her and occupy my mind with something other than Jake Maxwell. And the money would certainly come in handy.

Barbara had apologized and explained her emergency before pleading for help—she’d thought of me since I’d told her I’d left my last job the day I’d taken Jake to her shop. But she could have saved herself the effort—I was already sold on the idea.

After picking up the coins and placing them carefully in their slots, I walked over to serve a customer. As I’d only just opened the doors, we were on our own.

“Can I help you with anything?”

The woman turned and smiled warmly.

Oh, no. It can’t be.

Fate had apparently heard my challenge and was replying,
I’ll see you a “can’t get worse” and raise you one “Scarlett Logan.”
Where was a plague of killer tomatoes when you needed it?

“Annalise! I didn’t know you worked here!” Scarlett grasped my hands and leaned in to kiss my cheek.

“Scarlett, how
are
you?” I asked in my sweetest voice. I returned the hand-grasping gesture while wondering how firm was too firm. Squeezing until she winced? Until she yelped? Until a police megaphone blared,
Release the hand! Step away from the hand!

Reluctantly, I released the hand.

“Oh, I’m great, thanks,” Scarlett said, apparently oblivious to her hand’s close call. “What about you?”

“I’m great, too.” There was an awkward pause, and I considered asking about Thomas, but Scarlett was the last person I’d ask for that information.

“Have you seen Thomas lately?” Scarlett’s expression was friendly, but courtesy of Thomas himself, I knew the truth. She was a stellar actress.

I gave one shake of my head, matching Scarlett’s faux-friendliness. “No, not for a while.”

“He’s doing really well. Should I tell him you said hello?”

I’d rather you told him you’re a manipulating vixen who needs to stay out of his relationships.
“Please do. And,” I said, more genuinely, “say hi to Finn, too.” Scarlett’s best friend, Finn, often tagged along to her family gatherings, so I’d seen a fair bit of him in the two years I was with Thomas. As the two non-family members, we’d spent a lot of time chatting while the others talked about family things.

“Will do,” she said. “And I’m sure he’d want me to say hi back.”

She was right, he probably would—he was a great guy. “So are you looking for something in particular?”

“Actually, yes, I’m looking for a dress to make me look sensational.”

Aren’t we all?
“For a special occasion?” Suspecting what the answer would be, I gave my best sales-girl patronizing smile.

“Yes, the firm I’m working for is holding a dinner for some of our clients.”

I knew I should just take her over to the formal wear but couldn’t stop myself from saying, “You know, I think we have a friend in common.”

“Really?”

“Mmm, one of your clients. Jake Maxwell.”

Scarlett grabbed my hand again, and her eyes widened with awe. “You know the gorgeous Jake? Every woman in the office has been ogling him.” She stopped and dropped my hand, before adding, “Oh, I’m sorry, I should have checked—are you two involved?”

For a moment, I’d had the upper-hand through my knowledge of Jake. But it was an illusion. Scarlett had the upper-hand. Always had, always would have. My self-confidence drained away and puddled at my feet.

“No, we’re not involved. I’m a friend of his sister’s, actually. He just mentioned your name when he said he was going to your dinner.”

“Can I ask you something?” Scarlett asked. “Stop me if it’s out of line.”

Oh, I will. With pleasure.
“Sure.”

“Is Jake seeing anyone?”

I had a sudden urge to defensively fold my arms over my chest, but managed to resist it and met Scarlett’s expectant look. “As far as I’m aware, he’s single.”

A grin crept across her face. “So there’s a chance for me?”

That plague of killer tomatoes was sure taking its time. “I think there’s every chance for you with Jake.”

Her eyes sparkled. “Then show me your sexiest come-to-bed dress!”

I made a mental note not to tempt fate again and led her over to the dresses.

After serving her and chatting, I had to grudgingly admit I knew why Jake liked Scarlett. Letting go of my prejudice for a moment—as justified as that prejudice was—I remembered her carefree attitude and sense of fun. That would appeal to Jake. And, of course, she was blond and gorgeous. There
was
that.

Maybe I could try dying my hair blond again? Pay a professional to do it anyway.

But even if I were blond, I’d still never be able to compete with someone like Scarlett—which brought me back to my earlier declaration about things not being able to get worse. This time, I resisted saying it aloud in case fate took up the challenge again.

…

I’d been watching the day Jake won his first professional competition. Eden had driven Kelly and me the two and a half hours to Newcastle and booked the three of us into a hotel for the night before the competition. Jake and Adam had driven up three days earlier in Jake’s van for the heats and were staying in the room next to ours.

We’d all had an early night and got up at first light before Eden took us out for breakfast.

Jake was acting like his normal cheery self, but under my closer-than-average scrutiny, I could see that his face was a shade lighter than usual, and he didn’t eat much of his breakfast.

In my hero-worshiping state, I hadn’t considered that Jake Maxwell had vulnerabilities, but that day I knew he was nervous.

Toying with my breakfast, I wondered what I could do—a gawky girl he barely acknowledged. I watched him mess around with Adam and tease Kelly and prayed for inspiration. Then it came to me.

I leaned a little closer to the table and caught his gaze. “Jake, you know you have nothing to prove today, everyone already thinks you’re a star. You should have fun.”

At first, he seemed surprised, but then he looked down at his hands laced in his lap. “Thanks,” he mumbled. “Adam, we’d better go and check the surf conditions. We’ll catch up with you guys later.”

And they left.

I was still in shock at my own daring and was looking at my plate.

“Annalise,” Eden said, “that was lovely. And the perfect thing to say to Jake. How did you know he was nervous?”

I shrugged and sipped my drink, and Eden let the conversation drop.

He won, of course. Adam didn’t place but seemed happy just to have competed.

When we were back at the two cars, packing last things away before the drive home, Jake managed to find me on my own.

He had his hands stuffed in his pockets and wouldn’t meet my eyes. “Thanks for what you said. It helped.”

“It was nothing.” I was surprised I managed to get the words out.

“It wasn’t nothing. When I was out there, I was tensing up, and I remembered you said to have fun. So I did. Anyway, I just wanted to say thanks.” He turned and walked away, leaving me to watch his departing bare back.

“You’re welcome,” I said to no one.

…

Soon after Scarlett left with a black low-cut dress, Jake called.

“Hi Annalise. I know this is short notice, but how about doing the wine thing tonight?”

It was the last thing I wanted, especially knowing he’d take the information and aim it at a certain black dress I’d just sold.

“I don’t think I’m up to—”

“Please?” I could just tell he was giving me his sexy smile on the other end of the line, and that vision combined with the tone of his voice had the effect it always did. Really, this man had missed his calling as a con artist.

“Oh, all right. But I’m working a shift for Barbara in her shop and I have to close up tonight so I won’t be home until seven or so.”

“That’s fine. I’ll bring dinner and meet you at your place at seven.”

“You don’t have to—”

“I want to. See you at seven.”

Sighing, I looked around the shop, remembering when I’d first brought him here. We’d had fun. Sure, I’d been completely distracted by him trying on clothes, but I always had fun around Jake. He was a good friend to have.

And now I needed to let go of my obsession with him and be his friend.

He wanted to date Scarlett, and Scarlett wanted to date him. As Jake’s friend, I was happy to help him.

A relationship might not be fated for us, but I’d have his friendship. That was something I’d always treasure.

…

Jake

That night I waited in Annalise’s doorway with two bags of take-out containers at my feet. I was glad we’d been able to find a truce at the barbecue, but it still wasn’t as comfortable as we’d been before I’d found out about her teenage crush. Hopefully, if we pushed forward and pretended it hadn’t happened, time would smooth everything out. Satisfied, I dug my hands into my pockets. It was good to have a plan.

When Annalise arrived, she was frowning. My first instinct was to reach out and smooth the worry lines with my fingers. That would pretty much violate the no-touching rule she’d put in place, so I tried to get her to smile instead.

“You’re late,” I teased.

“I told you it’d be seven
or so
. It’s now ten past, which is quite within the realms of ‘or so’.” She didn’t seem amused, but I had patience on my side. I’d get her to relax soon.

“Fair enough, but I should warn you I have an assortment of Italian food rapidly cooling down,” I said, grabbing the bags and following her up the stairs.

“We’ll never eat that much.” She shook her head as she unlocked the door and led me into the kitchen.

I brushed past her to put the bags on the countertop. “I know, but I wasn’t sure what you liked. I think I’ve got all the bases covered. That is,” I said, a thought suddenly occurring to me, “unless you don’t like any Italian food?”

“I love Italian. Just let me get changed, the plates are in that cupboard.” She headed down her hallway, and I sighed as I watched her go, unable to help admiring the way she moved. It was something about the sway of her hips.

Rover came bounding out and bounced around my feet, doing her faultless impersonation of a small dog. Crouching, I patted her on the head. “Hey, Rover, how’ve you been?” Rover rolled over and presented me with her tummy. “Yeah, sometimes I feel that way when I’m here, too.”

I gave her a quick rub before finding plates and cutlery then setting the food out on the table. When Annalise re-emerged, she’d changed into shorts and a white sleeveless shirt and put her hair up in a clip.

“I’m surprised you didn’t bring fish and chips,” she said.

Rolling my eyes, I went to find wine glasses. “I may need some help from you at the moment, but I’m not a complete philistine.”

“No, you’re not,” she conceded. When I came back with the glasses, she was chewing on her bottom lip. “Jake.”

“Annalise.” I copied her solemn tone and waited.

“I saw Scarlett today.”

I jerked back a step. That had been the last thing I expected to come out of her mouth. “You did?” I put the glasses on the table. “How?”

“She came in to Barbara’s shop this morning to buy a dress for the dinner,” she said as she slid into a seat.

I sat down as well, and for the first time I could remember as an adult, I wanted to squirm in my chair. There was something unsettling about Annalise and Scarlett meeting. “Did you guys talk about anything?”

“Don’t worry, I didn’t spill the beans—I’ve left you free to surprise her with a grand dramatic gesture. But I don’t think we need to do any more to attract her. She’s already more than interested in you. We may as well skip the wine tonight.”

I rubbed a hand over my chin. “She may be interested, but that doesn’t mean I can sustain that interest.” Though wine alone probably wouldn’t help—my track record of short-term relationships spoke for itself. “Besides, you’ve already bought the wine.”

She blew out a breath. “Of course, I’ll still help you if you want me to.”

And that was the problem right there—I wanted more than just her help. Time to change the subject. I picked up the bowl and spooned food onto our plates. “Have you made a decision about your car?”

She grimaced. “No.”

“You’re going to have to dump it.” I knew that was blunt, but, for some reason, she seemed to be having trouble grasping the fact.

“Abandon Mindy?” she said, horrified. “How could I?”

I handed her a plate. “Annalise, you know it’s not a person, don’t you?”

“Well, yes, but she’s still my Mindy.” She gave me a half-smile, but her eyes showed that, underneath, she was upset. “Mindy and I have been together a long time. She’s seen me through a lot. I’d be letting her down.”

As she picked at her salad, I tried to get my head around the situation with her car. It seemed I’d underestimated her emotional attachment to the thing—I needed to take that into account if we were going to discuss it.

I took a breath and tried again. “You’re not letting her down. It’s like changing jobs or moving house. Just because you move on to something new doesn’t mean you didn’t like the last one.”

She toyed with an olive on her plate. “That makes sense, but…maybe I should have done more to help her. I’m her owner, so she’s completely dependent on me. Maybe I’ve been neglectful.”

Was this just about the car? Sometimes when she looked at me I could see something sad deep inside her. Had someone broken her heart? Maybe that guy she took to Kelly’s wedding? I took a forkful of gnocchi and watched her as she finally ate the olive. For a moment in time, I forgot everything else and just watched Annalise’s mouth as she chewed and swallowed. It was a thing of beauty.

And I had to ask myself the question: why was I chasing Scarlett when Annalise was the one I thought about at night? The one whose mouth I was now staring at?