The Kane Cross (Cross 1)

25 - Picnic

Ivy threw herself into her studies. Thanks to Jimmy, she had interviews with three different firms. In a few months, she could be working sixty hours a week. It would be the perfect solution to forget about Baxter. Every time they were alone his lips landed on hers and she was powerless to pull away.

Her head was aching from studying when her phone chimed. A text message from Baxter. Join me in celebrating the signed union contract.

He was presumptuous as he wrote a car would pick her up on Saturday at four. It was early for dinner. She could have a drink with him. He wouldn't kiss her in public. Public was safe. Her belly tumbled at the thought she no longer worked for him. With the barrier removed, what if he wanted to say goodbye? The thought of not seeing him again made her sad. But he kept kissing her. Maybe she should give herself something to be heartbroken about.

"You look like you're single handedly trying to solve world peace and climate change at the same time."

Ivy looked up at Eleanor. She had been staring at the text message. "Baxter wants to celebrate with me."

"He's so sweet."

"You may be the only Kane employee who thinks he's sweet. He likes his reputation of being tough."

"How do you know?" She smiled. "Have you seen his sweet side?"

"It doesn't matter. We'll never be."

Eleanor smiled. "I thought it was Jimmy?"

"No. He's a distraction. Baxter will marry someone acceptable." The same time next year romance was exciting in books, but Ivy didn't want to be Baxter's mistress.

"If it's mutual, Baxter will fight for you."

Ivy shook his head. "I don't belong in that house."

"Go celebrate your hard work. Let the future figure itself out."

A once a year rendezvous in Aspen. Just thinking about Aspen made her reply affirmatively. On Saturday, she paced back and forth wearing a tight mini dress and heels. When the car arrived, it was Jimmy's favorite hired driver. "Are you working for Mr. Sinclair?"

"Not tonight miss." The backseat was empty when she slid in. The streets of Boston came into view after they crossed the river. It was a warm October day and people were out in droves. Couples walking hand in hand caught her attention. She doubted she would ever walk down the street with the man she loved. She froze until she had to wipe her eyes. It was the first time she allowed the thought into her consciousness.

The car stopped by the harbor. As the driver opened the door, he said, "Slip twenty-three. Do you need an escort?"

She looked around. There were signs, so she shook her head. As she walked, she wondered what he had planned. One more thing to check off her list; she had never been on a boat before. She passed yachts and smaller boats. The boat in number twenty-three wasn't as big as the others, but the tall mast towered over the deck.

Just as she was about to call out, she saw him. His face lit up at the sight of her. He looked comfortable in faded jeans and a gray cotton sweatshirt. Meanwhile, she wobbled in her heels.

"I should have told you not to dress, but I'm glad you did. You look beautiful."

"What are we doing here?"

"A little sunset cruise. Come aboard." He reached out his hand and pulled her to him. She crashed into his hard body and he didn't let go.

"Hi." His voice cracked. "Come see."

She followed him down below. A table had been set with real dishes and candles. "Did you do all this?"

He smiled. "All by myself. I bought the food myself."