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Eliana

“ W hy is the center pink?” Josie leans over as she attempts to whisper.

“It’s a filet mignon. What did you think it was going to look like?”

“I don’t know! It sounded fancy and everyone else got it, so I figured it would be yummy.”

“It’s just medium rare. Totally safe to eat.” I try to console her.

“Rare? Like uncooked?!” She crinkles her nose, and I swear she starts to turn green.

Worrying my lip in between my teeth, I search desperately for a waiter and hope that Jake’s parents don’t notice. The last thing I wanted was to make a scene or have them think we didn’t appreciate their hospitality.

“Hey Josie, wanna trade?” Jake reaches over to swap Josie’s plate for another piled with chicken tenders, fries, and ranch. Her favorite.

“You see Jake, I knew I always liked you.” Josie beams .

I stifle a snort, remembering their first interaction. Jake reaches underneath the table and gives my hand a squeeze.

“I didn’t even know that was an option. When did you order chicken tenders?”

“When the waiter announced that the main course was a filet mignon and you looked like you were about to have an aneurysm. I asked the waiter if there was something else the kitchen could whip up for picky eaters. Now, eat your dinner before I have an aneurysm about you not eating enough.” He nods his chin to my untouched dinner.

Thankfully the rest of meal, including an absolutely delightful Baked Alaska, goes off without a hitch.

Jake’s mom and Charlotte kept the interrogations to a minimum and instead spend most of the night talking to me about my research interests and goals.

To some, that may have felt equally as stressful, but for me, I just felt excited.

And understood. My mom never once asked me what my career goals were.

All she needed to know was that I was getting a degree that would support me and the rest of us.

It felt so comforting talking to other people who understood what I was going through and all the politics of our field.

Beyond the moments when I felt understood, it also warmed my heart to see how close Jake’s entire family is.

I was struck by the adoring glances his father gave to his wife and children, the genuine interest Sienna and Charlotte had in Jake’s season, and the way they made an effort to ensure Josie and I felt included the entire time.

As the hours of conversation continue, I look over my shoulder and notice Josie passed out on the table, leftover chocolate syrup from dessert on her chin. “Josie-Posie, should we head upstairs?” My attempt to shake her awake fails. She was always able to sleep through anything and everything.

“I can take her if you want,” Sienna offers .

“Oh, it’s fine?—”

“Stay. I can tell you want to. I was just about to head up, so it’s no problem.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yup not a problem.” Sienna shakes Josie until she’s awake.

“I think I’m also going to call it a night.

I’ll see you all tomorrow.” Ollie smiles.

My eyes flicker to Jake, assessing whether he was seeing what I did.

From the clueless look on his face, that would be a negative.

Seems like he missed the fact that his best friend clearly has had a crush on his younger sister.

Maybe for the best. As much as Jake calls me a momma bear when it comes to Josie, he’s equally as protective of Sienna.

Ollie stands from his seat, lifting Josie with ease, and following Sienna’s lead as she guides them back to my room.

“First soldier of the night down,” Charlotte teases. “I know we can be a lot, so I can’t say I’m surprised we tired her out. You still hanging in there, Ellie?”

“You can’t get rid of me yet, though I do feel a little stiff after all this sitting.”

“Why don’t you kids head to the bar and bring us all back something fun? A good excuse to stretch the legs.” Katherine offers.

“Don’t act like I haven’t seen the looks Dad’s been giving you all night. You two just want an excuse to make out without us around.” Jake rolls his eyes, while Charlotte makes a gagging noise.

We head to the back and stand behind a crowd of middle-aged men waiting for their drinks.

Admittedly, I loved people watching, especially when I hear the group in front of us talking about plot devices, how tricky it could be to write in the third person, and having to Google instructions on how to decompose a body.

My eyes fixate on the older woman in front of me who looks incredibly familiar for some reason… Holy shit .

“Excuse me, so sorry to bother you…Are you Margaret Haywood?” I ask, internally pinching myself.

The woman’s eyes crinkle as she gives me a soft smile. “I sure am.”

Oh.My.God. It’s really her. “I’m such a big fan of your writing.

A Murder in Briarwood Manor literally changed my life.

I started plotting my own book after reading it.

It’s a romantic suspense where she’s forced to marry the guy that she believes killed her father all while having to prove he did it,” I gush.

“That’s sounds super interesting. I’m assuming you’re joining us for this writing retreat? I know my assistant mentioned a few people would be arriving later tonight.”

“Oh! No. I didn’t realize there was a retreat going on. That sounds amazing.” I sigh dreamily.

“Well, we did also have some people drop out last minute so there are a few spots open if you’re interested. Only requirement is to have a draft of a book ready which sounds like you have. We’re meeting in the conference room by the lobby tomorrow at 9 a.m. sharp.”

“I…wow. That’s an amazing offer. I would love to I just don’t know what my schedule for tomorrow?—”

“She’ll be there. Don’t you worry,” Jake cuts in, giving me a smile.

“Excellent. Well I look forward to talking more then…”

“Eliana.” I put out my hand.

Margaret laughs softly as she puts out hers to shake. “Eliana. Happy to have you join us.” She takes her drink from the bartender and gives me a small wave goodbye.

I’m frozen in place as Jake places his hands on my shoulder. “Ellie this is amazing. Look at you putting yourself out there.”

“I—I can’t believe that just happened. I just saw her and started babbling and next thing I know I’m attending a retreat with Margaret Haywood. The Margaret Haywood, I just… I can’t go.” I shake my head.

Jake’s eyebrows knit together. “Umm, why not?”

“Jake, you had this whole list of things planned for us! I can’t just abandon you.”

“You wouldn’t be. All the things I had planned for tomorrow were centered around you doing things for yourself, and I can’t think of anything more Eliana that finally getting to write the book she’s been thinking of with her favorite author. I’ll just hit the slopes with Ollie.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. So long as you promise that I’ll get to be the first person to read your book when it’s done.”

“Deal.”

“Deal.” He smiles, lacing our fingers together as he orders drinks for us. I lean my head against his shoulder, and for the first time in long time instead of worrying about all the things in my life, I find myself hopeful for what’s to come.