Summer Falls in Love

Chapter 21

Chapter 21

When Jake finally got Summer back all to himself, he snatched her away for another dance. The talented live band performed an array of song genres, ranging from ballroom, to classical jazz, to even party music (which was when all the younger people started to sway their hips). At last, they returned to a slow song, where Summer could wrap her arms around Jake’s neck and they swayed slowly to the relaxing, soothing music.

  “So what did you want to say just now?” Jake said as they conversed.

  “What?” Summer scrunched her eyebrows.

  “You know,” he coughed uncomfortably, “before Alex whisked you away from me.” Was that a pinch of jealousy she sensed?

  “Oh,” Summer smiled sadly. He remembered. She looked away. “It’s nothing…” She wouldn’t want to ruin the mood now…

  “Come on, Sum,” Jake said, gently touching her chin and tilted it to face him. She had no choice but to look into his mesmerizing eyes. “Tell me.” It was almost like Summer was in a hypnotic trance.

  She had to say it. Now’s the time. “I-” But of course, clinging of glass had to steal their attention.

They both whipped their heads to the source of the metal-clinging-glass sound and it led them to a majestic Natalia in the center of the room, not very far from them, gently tapping on her glass with a silver spoon. The music stopped and they paused. All eyes were on Natalia.

  “Attention, ladies and gentleman,” Natalia started, her voice low and slightly mysterious, a knowing smile plastered across her flawless face, “now we reach the highlight of our evening.”

  Summer looked at Jake, her eyebrows scrunched and a small smile on her face. Jake grinned. This was his planning. Though he was still running mad with curiosity on what Summer wanted to say.

  Three ladies rolled three easels covered with white sheets of cloth behind where Natalia was standing. Natalia was grinning happily. “This is the first time ever having this in a Dawson Christmas Ball, so,” she paused dramatically, “ladies and gentleman, feast your eyes!”

At last, the three ladies, each standing next to one easel, took the sheet of cloth off the easels, unveiling the artworks. Summer widened her eyes in shock. Jake watched her, grinning from ear-to-ear. Gasps and oohs-and-aahs were heard from the crowd. Summer covered her mouth with her hands. No way.

 

On those three easels were three of Summer’s most spectacular paintings. She had completed them over a series of times over the years. She turned to Jake and he grinned handsomely and knowingly. He did all of this?! How did he manage to get hold of them?

  He stood up and offered his hand to her, in which she slowly took and then stood up, still in awe. Natalia smiled at Summer, “Ladies and gentlemen, these are the works of Summer Falls, my stepson, Jake’s, girlfriend.”

  The crowd clapped and she blushed, but Summer felt her heart go mushy at the word ‘girlfriend’. Jake squeezed her hand comfortingly and it soothed her nerves. All eyes were on her now. She slowly made her way over to Natalia with her hand in Jake’s.

  “Wow,” Summer said, “I had no idea…”

  “That’s why it’s called a surprise, honey,” Natalia winked and the crowd erupted into laughter, Summer’s cheeks turning into a shade of red as she laughed nervously. “But they’re gorgeous, Summer!”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Dawson,” Summer smiled.

  “Oh please,” Natalia waved her hand, “Call me Natalia.”

  Summer smiled and nodded.

  “Well then,” Natalia addressed the crowd, “there you have it, folks, the secret talent of Summer Falls!”

~*~

When the crowd started to function and move again, Summer dragged Jake to a quiet corner as she shook with curiosity. Her eyes were as big as the moon and clear astonishment was  expressed on her face. Jake laughed at her cuteness.

  “Where did you find them?!” She gasped, a permanent smile present on her lips.

  “I had…” Jake smirked, “a little help.”

  “But…” Summer scrunched her eyebrows, “how did you know about them in the first place?!”

  “Your carelessness,” He winked, “You might’ve left them lying around your place when I was there.”

  Realization dawned on Summer’s face and her eyes widened as her smile enlarged, “You sneaky-”

  “Boyfriend?” He cut her off. She pursed her lips but couldn’t hide her smile. “Shouldn’t you be thanking me right now?”

  “For what?” Summer retorted.

  But before Jake could respond, an elegantly dressed lady approached them, “Excuse me,” she said politely. She looked to be near her fifties. But her eyes shined with warmth. “Summer, right?”

  “Hello to you too, Aunt Marianne,” Jake said, sighing sadly.

  “Oh shut it, Jake,” She said with a smile, “I want to talk to your new lady here.”

  Jake merely laughed.

  “Yes, I am Summer,” Summer smiled at Jake’s aunt but not knowing where this was leading.

  “I am Marianne Dawson, Jake’s aunt, as you can already tell,” she eyed Jake with a playful smile, “Well; my husband and I were just admiring your paintings over there. And I was wondering whether you’re selling them?”

  Summer widened her eyes once again and Jake wondered if her eyes could grow any bigger, “For s-sale?”

  “Yes, my dear,” Marianne laughed. “Are you selling them?”

  “W-well I-I,” Summer stuttered but Jake came to the rescue.

  Jake snaked an arm around her waist and sent her an assuring smile that urged her to feel confident about her choice.

  “Come on,” Marianne continued, “those artworks are one of the most flawless we’ve seen. Name your price. Two million? Perhaps, four?”

  “F-four million?” Summer said, barely a whisper. “U-um, I-I’ll think about it…”

  “We’ll give you a call, Aunt Mari,” Jake said smoothly, saving Summer yet again.

  Marianne eyed them, “Alright,” she said, “but save them for me!”

When she was gone, Jake turned to face Summer with a big fat smirk on his face.

  “You should be thanking me for that,” Jake responded to her earlier retort at last.

  Summer pursed her lips, unable to come up with a witty response, “Fine!” she said, “Thank you!”

  Jake laughed and grinned at her, “Now,” he said, gathering her hands in his, “isn’t four million a little too cheap for a priceless artwork?”

~*~

Hey guys! :)

I think you guys are pretty bummed over my late update cause you didn't leave any comments in the chap before... :(

all my fault, Im sorry :( And sorry this chapter is a little short! I feel like it's shorter than my usuals...

Anyways I am uploading a day earlier  because I might miss it tomorrow since I have xtra tuition replacements, but if I do find time among my crazy hectic weekends, I'll try to upload but it might not be as long. 

so, comment? c:

Julia :)