She’d always done things in the way that others would want. Working at the resort was something she’d done for her father. The fact that she did her job well, didn’t mean it was what she was passionate about. I’m not sure if I will be good at being a teacher. I want it, and I’ve been working toward it, but who knows; maybe I’ll be a horrible teacher just like I’m a terrible cook.
“Things don’t always turn out how we plan.”
“Nita, you need to live your life. Not mine. Do you think when I left Italy and came to the United States I didn’t miss my family back home? Of course, I did. But I needed to do as my heart desired. I could’ve stayed and worked in the bakery back home with my papa, but it was not my dream. Just like being here, Nita, is not yours.”
“Where do I even begin?” She hadn’t meant to say it out loud as it was a question she’d been internalizing for some time.
“Follow your heart. It knows the way.”
Well then I’m in trouble, because my heart is torn in several directions right now. “I’ll try that.”
“You seem to like Vincent.”
She looked for him in the crowd. Somehow her eyes always found him easily. “Yes.” Denying it was useless, and she knew it.
“You must trust him very much if you shared your dreams with him.”
She lifted her head and shot him a puzzled look. “He told you?”
“I asked but he wouldn’t betray your trust. He’s a good man. They are hard to come by. If you like him, tell him. Sometimes we men are so smart we are stupid, and we need things said clearly.”
“He’s been kind. Very helpful. That’s all, nothing more. We just met a few days ago, and he’s leaving tomorrow. After that, we’ll never see each other again.” It was painful to think it, never mind say it. Whatever her father was seeing wasn’t going anywhere. It would pass. It better because it’s going to hurt like hell if it doesn’t. Nothing is worse than loving someone who doesn’t love you.
“Oh, my sweet Nita. If your mother was alive, she would be the one to guide you on the ways of the heart instead of this old man. But I love you and want you to be happy and enjoy your life.”
“I do, Dad.”
“Do you remember me telling you how I met your mother?”
Renita nodded, but she loved hearing any stories about her mother.
“I knew the moment I met your mother. She walked into my father’s bakery, and I heard her voice from the back. She sounded like an angel, and I had to stop what I was doing and find out who it was. From that day forward, she came to the bakery at the same time each day until I asked her to marry me.”
She saw a look in his eyes that was filled with joy and sorrow at the same time. Renita knew how much he missed her mother. This is exactly why I can’t leave you, Dad. I don’t want you all alone.
“You better make sure the champagne glasses are full, because it’s almost midnight.”
Ricco gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Happy New Year, Nita.”
“Happy New Year, Dad.”
She called over two of the waiters, gave them instructions, and did one last walk through. The countdown was about to start.
She walked over to the large window that overlooked part of a mountain that was not used for skiing. However, it was an amazing sight. There was a full moon, and the stars were shining brightly. Leave here? Why? So both Dad and I can be alone? It makes no sense. I’ll go when I have had time to adequately plan.
A shooting star came over the mountain, and she closed her eyes. It may be a childhood game, but one day she hoped one of her wishes would come true.
“Ten. Nine. Eight.” Renita didn’t need to turn to see the crowd or watch the ball drop at midnight. The room was reflected in the glass of the window if she watched at an angle. She scanned the images and for the first time she couldn’t see Vincent. Her father appeared out of the kitchen again, and this time the rest of the staff was with him. It was a tradition that all staff members rang in the New Year and celebrated, if only for a few minutes.
Dad? Maria? Her father hadn’t mentioned Maria was at the resort. Probably just checking on him like I asked. You’re a good woman.
“Three. Two. One. Happy New Year!” Gold and white balloons dropped from the ceiling, and she could hear all kinds of noisemakers going off.
As she looked again at her father, she was taken totally by surprise. He’d pulled Maria into his arms and was kissing her. Not a quick happy New Year peck either. It was a lip-locking, you’re my gal, type of kiss. Well, what do you know? Guess I don’t have to worry about you any longer do I, Dad? It would’ve been simpler to tell me instead of trying to push me onto Vincent.
She hadn’t heard him approach but only felt his arm come from behind her and turn her toward him. As she looked up into Vincent’s brown eyes, he said, “Happy New Year, Renita.”
His lips claimed hers. Light and tenderly, but not ending. The noise in the background was drowned out. Nothing at that moment mattered to her
except Vincent. She didn’t want to admit it, not even to herself, but she was falling in love with him.
At that very moment, Renita had made her choice: to enjoy what time she could have with him, even if tonight was all she’d ever get. Denying her feelings was causing her just as much pain as embracing them then watching him leave.
Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening the kiss. She was going to give him everything she had. Let him feel what she was feeling. Tomorrow is another day, but at least, I’ll always have tonight to remember.
Vincent had been watching Renita all night. People continued to come up to him to talk business or investment opportunities. He hadn’t cared about anything tonight, except for it to come to an end so he could steal her away and have her in his arms.
Once that clock hit midnight, he knew exactly where he wanted to be. Holding Renita.
When she pulled him down to her, he thought he’d lose his mind, but they were standing in a room filled with people. Her father being one of them. Although he didn’t want to stop kissing her, he needed to before it became something she’d regret later.
“Renita, I—”
“Vincent, please. . .” Her voice was soft and full of need.
The little control he’d had was lost. She needed him, wanted him, and he couldn’t hide the fact that he felt the same. “Let’s get out of here.”
“But the party isn’t over.”
He didn’t care about the party or what anyone was going to think. Maybe her father. He looked over to where he’d seen Ricco standing earlier. He was watching them. The look on his face wasn’t one Vincent could read, but he’d guess it was one of concern. I’m not the type of man I’d want for my daughter either. And Renita deserves so much better than me. Someone who’ll be with her tomorrow.
Although he wanted to pick Renita up in his arms and carry her to his room, he needed to think past this. I don’t know what’s different about you, Renita, but damn you’ve got me tied up in knots like I’ve never been before. He knew one night with her wasn’t going to tell him what he needed to know. I’m not sure how long I need, but I have to know what this is. Walking away right now is not the answer. Asking her to come with me isn’t either.
