Pinkie Promises (A Promises Novella #1) (3 page)

SIMONE: Age 8

I was in bed asleep when I heard a noise against my window. Opening it, I looked down and saw Jace. He motioned for me to come down. Everyone in the house was asleep, and it was dark as I made my way down to him.

When I met him, he told me, “Come and look at the stars with me.” He took my hand and pulled me down so we were lying on the wooden patio. “Do you know how many stars are in the sky?”

“A lot,” I replied.

“One hundred billion.”

“Wow. That’s a lot of stars,” I said.

Then he pointed to one of the stars. “We’ll call that the Simone star. And then the one right next to it …we’ll call that the Jace star. So we are always together.”

“Do you pinkie promise?” I asked.

He hooked his pinkie with mine.

We stared at our stars for a while and he pointed out the other ones he knew the big dipper and the little dipper, among other ones.

“Maybe you should get back home before your mom notices,” I told Jace.

“In a minute.”

I nodded, and went back to looking at the stars. After a minute, Jace stood up and pulled me up with him.

“Goodnight, Simone.”

“Goodnight, Jace.”

PRESENT: SIMONE

“Did you know you’re up for best local catering?” Leah, my assistant, asks.

“I got the call yesterday. But I don’t want to get my hopes up,” I tell her. “We’ll know by noon whether or not I get it or not. There’s a lot of competition out there.”

It’s been three long years, busting my tail to make a name for myself. If I got such a prestigious award, it could really put me on the map. I could expand and be more behind the scenes.

“Still, it’s exciting,” Leah says.

Four long, excruciating hours later, my phone rings inside my messy smock.

“Hello?” I say into the receiver.

“Hi. Is this Simone Rayburn?”

“This is she.”

“Hi I’m chairman Grady Biggs, with the restaurant association, and we’d like to offer Taste an award for best catering in the area. Would you be able to attend the awards ceremony and dinner this Saturday?”

“I would. Thank you so much.”

“We’ll email you the details. See you soon.”

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman.”

When I hang up the phone, Leah notices the smile on my face. “We won, didn’t we?” she asks.

“We did. I get to accept the award this Saturday. They are going to email me the details, and I’ll forward it to you and Jared so you both can attend. I wouldn’t be here without the two of you,” I say, gratefully.

Leah’s smile widens. I watch as she makes her way over to Jared to relay the message. They seem genuinely happy about the news. I have half the notion to jump up and down myself. Three years of hard work finally paid off.

Still clutching my phone, my first call is to Jace.

“Hello?” he says.

“Guess what? I got an award for Taste for best catering in London Falls. I get to accept it this Saturday. There’s an award ceremony and dinner.”

“Simone, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

“You are coming with me on Saturday,” I tell him as a matter of fact.

“As long as I don’t have to wear a freaking suit.”

“I’ll get back to you on that. They are sending the email out with all the details.”

“You know I’d never miss it.”

“Thanks, Jace. I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Hey. How about I treat you to dinner tonight, to celebrate? Around seven?”

“That sounds great. I’ll see you later.”

“See ya.”

Hanging up the phone, I call my mom and tell her the news. She’s happy for me. The phone call is quick so I can get back to work.

The rest of the day goes by as we have a little more pep in our step. Finishing for the day, I head home with enough time to shower. The catering business is not a glamourous job. Most jobs require cooking, and that makes me a mess on most days. When you cook all day as your job, the last thing you want to do is go home and cook a meal for yourself. So I’m thankful Jace offered to take me out.

Just as I step out of the shower to dry off, I hear the front door open. “I’m here!” Jace yells through my apartment.

“I’ll be out in sec!” I yell back. Pulling my wet hair back, I secure it in a low bun. After lining my eyes with eye liner, I then lather on a thick coat of mascara and add a peach colored blush to my cheeks. In my tiny closet, I pull out a pair of dark colored skinny jeans, and my pink sequins tank top, finishing the look with a pair of heels and then adding lipstick to my full lips. “Is this okay?” I ask, walking out to meet Jace.

“You look gorgeous, as always. You ready?”

“Thanks. Yeah. You driving?” He nods, and we head to his truck.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at Sous Steakhouse. Upon entering I take in the scene, since I’ve never been here before. A waitress seats us in one of the black booths along the window. This place is very modern with silver, black, and red throughout the place. I notice booths line the outer perimeter of the restaurant, while black tables and chairs line the center. The bar lines the back wall which is mirrored giving it a more open feel. The silver bar stools have red leather cushions, and the lights hang low above the booths and tables, giving off a soft glow to the room.

“It’s really nice in here,” I tell Jace as the waitress approaches to get our drink order.

“What can I get you two?”

Jace speaks up, “Two glasses of your best Moscato. Actually, bring the whole bottle.”

My eyebrows perk up and I smile, since Moscato is my absolute favorite wine. Picking up the menu, I look it over and realize Sous specializes in steaks.

“This is a special day, so order whatever you like. My treat,” Jace insists.

The waitress drops off our drinks then returns a few moments later to take our order. But her eyes barely avert from Jace’s. I’m sure every woman in here has turned to look at Jace and all his gorgeousness. Yet, he doesn’t even notice, which is surprising. I decide on the skirt steak with potatoes and veggies.

The waitress finally retreats, and Jace holds up his glass. “Cheers.”

Holding mine up, I clink it with his. “Cheers.” I take a sip. “Thanks for this.”

“You deserve it. After three years, you are getting noticed. It’s a good thing you asked me to go to the event, so I can fight the guys off.”

“Ha ha,” I say.

“And it’s a good thing you agreed to date me.”

“This is not even real,” I state.

The food arrives, and he doesn’t acknowledge my comment. I guess things will be interesting on Saturday. Especially with Jace. He’s unpredictable, at best. Taking the last sip of my wine, my plate is cleared away and my belly is full.

“That’s the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”

The waitress continues to fawn over us, more so over Jace. He only offers her a smile before turning his attention back to me. Just as he should be as we pretend to be a couple. To onlookers, I’m sure people think we’re a young couple in love.

“I’m glad you liked it. So when did you first find out about being up for that award?”

“Last night after I got home. I knew I was in the running, but never expected to actually win. There are other great caterers in the area. Some have done it longer than me. And I definitely don’t claim to be a pro. It was unexpected.”

“I’m happy for you. Now you have bragging rights,” Jace says.

I laugh. “I can put award winning caterer on my website.”

Jace agrees then tosses his cloth napkin on the table. “You about ready?”

“Yes, sir. Thank you, again.”

Standing to leave, Jace puts his hand on the small of my back. And I have to take a deep breath, reminding myself to breathe. Then I start to wonder why I feel this way and blame it on the wine. Remembering this is all for show.

PRESENT: SIMONE

Saturday arrives, and I spend an insane amount of time getting ready for the event. Finding my little black dress in the back of my closet, I pull it out and lay it on the bed while I go shower.

After my shower, my stomach is a ball of nerves. With a towel wrapped around my body, I open a bottle of wine and pour myself a glass to calm my nerves. Bracing one hand on the counter, I bring the glass to my lips, taking a big gulp before heading back to my bathroom to get ready.

Blow drying my hair into loose waves, I work a little mousse in my hair and twist half of it up into a fancy do, leaving the rest hanging down in loose beachy waves. I start on my makeup, coating some light eyeshadow and a thick coat of mascara. I will not leave the house for any reason without at least applying mascara. It lengthens my lashes and makes my eyes look big.

In my room, I slip on the black dress. It’s a simple black dress. Not too short and not long. Slipping my feet in a pair of silver sparkled stilettos, I look in the mirror and take a selfie to send Jane for her approval.

The caption for the photo is:
What do you think?

She types back a few moments later.
Love the dress and those fuck me stilts. You look freaking gorgeous.

Thanks.

Of course she would call my heels fuck me shoes. I figured she would have called them hooker heels. Oh well. At least they make my legs look great. Grabbing my sparkling clutch, I throw my phone, keys, and important cards inside.

Jace strolls in just as I make it to the living room, and my breath is stolen from me. What is up with that? “Wow. You clean up nice.”

He straightens his suit jacket proudly. “Figured might as well go all out.” And he did with a black suit and tie. I’m stunned at how good he looks, even though he’s always been handsome.

“You sure did. Want a glass of wine before we go?”

“Yeah, sure. You look great by the way.”

“Thanks.” I pour us both a glass of wine from the bottle I opened moments ago and hand him a glass. We cheers then take large gulps. And I try not to laugh as we do so. “Okay. I’m ready when you are,” I say, setting my empty glass in the sink.

Grabbing my clutch, I follow Jace out to the truck. He helps me in without having to flash him or anyone else. Smiling graciously, I pull on the seatbelt while he shuts the door for me.

Getting behind the wheel, I take in Jace’s handsome features. His dimples show as he flashes me a smile. And his eyes crinkle whenever he’s up to no good. Then there’s the five o’ clock shadow that begs for my hand to run over it.

Jace looks over at me and catches me staring at him. “What?”

I shake my head off such thoughts. “Nothing.” I force my eyes to look forward.

He shrugs it off and heads for the main road. The event is being held at an old theater that usually holds concerts and showcases old movies. Jace and I came here once to see a country artist in concert; Kevin Sharp back in 1996 when his song ‘Nobody knows it but me’ was popular at the time. He has since passed away.

Outside the theater, lights flash around the white sign, welcoming us for the event. Jace’s hand on the small of my back is something I’m trying to get used to. Inside, he takes my hand and leads us to two empty seats a few rows from the stage. Butterflies flutter in my belly as nervousness sets in again.

“I’m so nervous,” I whisper.

“The hard part is already over. You just have to accept the award.” Jace reaches over to squeeze my knee, and I smile.

“I don’t have a speech ready, so I’m going to wing it if I need to,” I confess.

The theater is starting to fill up, and the chairman takes the stage to begin. He’s a middle aged man, decent looks, stands tall as he adjusts his glasses. The room is quiet as we listen to him speak. Apparently, there is a whole board of directors that decides who gets the awards.

The chairman’s last line is, “Try not to let it go to your head.”

Everyone breaks out in laughter.

The nominees have their names called, one by one. My name is called halfway through; Jace stands up to let me by. Thankfully, no speech is needed. Smiling, I accept the award and make my way back down to Jace. The award is made of solid glass, in the shape of a triangle, with Taste etched in the glass as best catering in the area.

We watch the rest of the awards and clap our hands at the appropriate times. When the restaurant owner of Sous is announced as best steakhouse, I remember Jace taking me there a few days earlier.

After the awards ceremony, we are ushered into a banquet room. Jace and I find Leah and Jared and join them at a table. Leah immediately comes over to touch the award like it holds some type of magic. She’s in awe of it. I let her and Jared hold it. Dinner is served and the conversation flows between the four of us. Jace seems genuinely happy to be here.

After the meal, my nerves start to set in as Jace and I stand to go get a drink at the bar, because I’m normally not a people person. I find it hard to approach people on my own. Just call me socially awkward.

Recognizing the owner of Sous, I watch as he approaches us. He’s the rugged handsome type with a tall build, and dark blond hair that curls at the ends. The ‘I just ran my hand through it’ kind of hair’. Handsome. Even his eyes smile as he grows closer with a beautiful brunette on his right as they approach.

He extends his hand out to me. “I’m Guy. I run Sous.”

I shake his hand.

“I’m Simone, owner of Taste Catering. This is my…uh…boyfriend, Jace Prescott,” I introduce.

“This is my colleague, Emily Warren.” The four of us all shake hands. “We’d love to run an idea by you when you have a moment.”

My eyebrows rise. “Oh.”

Then Jace intercepts. “She’ll be happy to take your card and get back to you.”

Pulling a business card from his pocket, Guy hands me his card. “Call me so we can set up a meeting.”

Taking the card, I smile. “Thank you. I will.”

When he walks away, I look to Jace. “What the hell was that?”

“You can’t just accept whatever he’s offering on the spot. Let him sweat a little. You don’t want to seem too eager either.”

“Or he’ll just find someone else. You’re messing with my business here. These people are here to network. It’s like you don’t want me to succeed.”

“Of course I do. I just want the best for you, and I’m not sure he’s it.” He huffs.

“Are you jealous, Jace?”

He points. “Of that guy? Please.”