One Night-Chapter 7
After taking in the news, we are silent the rest of the way, although the problem still lingers in the air. We finally make it home, and I unlock the door.
"I think I better check on Willow and try to smooth things over from earlier." Peeta says.
"She loves you, and just wants to keep you around like I do." I reply.
"I know. I can't stand the thought of her sleeping now and mad at me." He smiles and gives me a quick kiss. Walking upstairs then, I follow as he opens the door. There is a small glow from the nightlight, and I can see the bundle of hair above the comforter. Peeta steps over and gently sets down the bed before lightly patting Willow on her shoulder. I hear a small moan and then her body moves a little until it is sitting up.
"Daddy?" she calls out sleepily.
"Hi, sweetheart. I just wanted to see you again before I left. And tell you I'm sorry that I upset you earlier." He is speaking gently to her while brushing her dark locks with his hand.
"Don't go," Willow cries softly. I notice Peeta's body visibly slacken from the effect of his daughter's words.
"Sweetie, please believe when I say that more than anything I want to stay here with you and your mommy," he explains. "But the truth is that right now I don't live here, sweet pea, and I will have to go back at some point." Willow begins to turn away from him and tries to lie down again, but Peeta gently grabs her and pulls her onto his lap.
"Can I promise you something, though?" our little girl nods her head. "I promise you, that even though I will have to leave for a little while, that I am going to find a way so that I won't have to leave and we can be together as a family."
"Mommy too?" Willow says so innocently which makes Peeta (and I) chuckle.
"Of course, Mommy too. All of us together." Even from a distance I can see the smile of my daughter light up the room. She finally nods and goes back to sleeping. Peeta leans over to give her a kiss on the forehead, then gets up to head toward the door.
"Goodnight Daddy. Goodnight Mommy." She softly calls out.
"Goodnight sweet pea. We love you to the moon and back." I reply and close the door behind us as the exit.
It is silent as we emerge out of the house and onto the porch. I let out in a breath the tension I didn't know I was holding. Peeta comes over and begins to knead my shoulders with his hands.
"Did you mean it?" I ask.
"Every word," Peeta replies. "Like I told you earlier, we'll find a way. For now, I'm here and not going anywhere at least for awhile."
I breathe out, finally calming for the moment. I decide it's a good time to change the subject. "So, how are you planning to handle the reporters?"
"Well," he begins. "They will want to spend most o their time talking to me, but they will want to ask you a few questions, as well. Are you okay with that?"
"I guess so," I tell him. "What do you want me to say?"
"Just tell them the truth," he states. "Answer their questions honestly."
I tense a little about the thought of answering personal questions about my relationship with Peeta. "About everything?" I inquire tentatively.
He nods. "I wouldn't worry about it too much. Chances are that they will only ask you about the bakery itself. But I say if they do ask you something more personal, go ahead and answer them. It'll be okay." I give my own nod of understanding.
"And you?" I am curious as to his plans.
"I'll do the same," Peeta tells me. "I'm not afraid."
"Even if your mother reads about it?" I ask. "She won't like it."
"So be it," Peeta scowls at the thought. "Let her find out that way. I don't care anymore. I want her and everyone to know how I feel."
"You don't think she'll do anything when she does find out?" I know I am letting my nerves show, and Peeta instinctively takes his steady hands in mine.
"She might," he says, "but I won't let her keep me from you. I'll take whatever comes."
He seems so assured, that I can only nod my head. He gives me one last sweet kiss before leaving, and I immediately miss his warmth. I stand there and try to hold on to the promise of someday that feeling of his closeness never leaving me.
The blissful weekend passes too quickly as we continue to build our family relationship, but the reality of Monday does come. As I walk into the bakery, I take a deep breath before opening the door. I smile at Effie, who as usual is the first one here. She gives a wave back while talking into her headset. To whom I don't know. She walks over towards me and has ended her call by the time she reaches the spot I am at.
"Morning! It's a big big big day," she chirps.
"Yeah, I guess so." I try to gather as much enthusiasm as I can.
"They just confirmed that they would be here around 9:00." Of course, Effie is nothing but efficient to make sure an appointment happens on schedule.
I nod. "Thanks, Effie. I appreciate it." In that moment, I decide to lift my spirits by having a little fun. "By the way, how's Haymitch."
"Oh, just fine," the chirpy woman smiles. "I actually got the man to properly eat a meal at home for once instead of that greasy diner. He may have that gruff exterior, but he's coming around to my way of thinking."
I can't help but chuckle at the thought of a domesticated Haymitch. "I'm sure he is, Effie. I'll talk with you later." She gestures to me and turns around to make her next call.
I make my way to the backrooms. I obviously need a jolt if I am going to get through today, so I immediately head to the breakroom for a cup of coffee. I see a fresh pot already made for which I am grateful and pour a cup. I pass by Peeta's office on the way to mine and see that he is focused on a document in front of him. It must be important because he waves at my but doesn't get up to talk. I'm sure we will have plenty to discuss later anyway.
I spend the next hour turning my computer on and going over emails. I get so lost in the work that I actually relax and have lost track of the time when there is a knock at the door. I think it might be Peeta so say good morning, but it is not him that I find in my doorway. Instead it is a man and woman, obviously from the Capitol from the way they look. He is decked out in shiny silver pants with matching t-shirt, all topped off by his hair slicked back into the ponytail. She is in all hot pink, from her feet to the top of her shoulders, the only thing different is her head which is completely shaved with green vine patterns tattooed on.
The woman sticks out her hand towards me. "Hello! Miss Everdeen, is it? I'm Cressida, head business writer for Panem News." She gestures over to the man. "This is Pollox, my photographer. He's going to be taking all of the pictures for the article."
At least on the surface they don't seem to be out for any juicy gossip. I stand up and shake Cressida's hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Katniss."
"Katniss," she repeats. "Thank you for having us here today. The place looks fantastic."
"No problem," I scowl inwardly. As if we had a choice. "I'm glad you like it. How can I best help you get started?"
"Why don't we go around and take the shots we need of the bakery first, and then meet back up with you here after that for some questions?" she offers.
"Sure," I reply. The two nod then leave, and I am mercifully left alone for the next half hour or so. But they do eventually come back.
"Do you mind if I sit down here?" the reporter asks.
"Of course," I answer and she sits in the chair opposite me. I notice that Pollox has quietly taken a place in a corner and is taking my picture from there. I don't necessarily want my photograph anywhere in the article, but it's all for the publicity, right? I have to make the bakery look good. For Peeta's sake if nothing else.
"So, I just have a few questions for you as the new manager here," Cressida begins. "Tell me what drew you to this particular job. What is it about Mellark's that made you want to work here?"
At least that part was easy I tell them about getting experience at Sae's and the encouragement she gave me to apply for the job. I talk about getting an interview and being hired, followed by my plans for the position and the bakery when she asks. I discuss the vision to make this particular branch of the bakery like it was when it was first in Twelve, in essence taking the company back to its roots.
"Sounds like a great idea," the reporter notes as she writes something on her pad, then looks back up at me. "So tell me then, what is it really like to work for the 'famous' Peeta Mellark?"
Ok, there it is. The one question that could lead to so many more. I decide to start by giving an honest, yet very general answer. "He's great," I finally respond. "He really knows what he is doing."
"It must be nice having him back in District 12," Cressida continues. "You look to be about the same age…did you know him when his family lived here?"
Ahhh. So she is trying to get some personal stories. "We went to school together." I reply
"That's great," the woman is writing furiously. I obviously have her attention now. "What was he like as a young student?"
"Pretty much as he is now," I explain. "Hard working, kind, friendly to everyone…" I trail off as I figure Cressida can fill in the rest, but she is persistent if nothing else.
"I'm sure you can tell us more," she states. "Did he have any girlfriends? Did he get into any scrapes back then?"
I scowl a little at her getting away from the business and getting personal. "Peeta was a model student. Never once did he get sent to the principal's office. He always helped those in need. And as for girlfriends…" I take a deep breath in before continuing my mini rampage, "he was only twelve when he moved to the Capitol. Don't you think that's a little young?"
"Of course," she smiles wickedly. "Just wanting to paint a picture of what he was like then. You seem to know quite a bit."
I stare and blink as the Capitol blonde looks down and finishes writing down my statements. Once done, she looks up and around my office. She nods toward the picture I have set out of Willow. "Beautiful girl," she notes, "especially the eyes".
I can't help but be proud and smile. "Thank you." I tell her. I look at her and notice a flash of some kind of recognition in her eyes. I wonder if somehow even this person so unconnected with us can see the resemblance.
Cressida doesn't say anything if she does, though, and both she and her cameraman get up at that point out of their chairs. "I think that is all we will need, Ms. Everdeen. Thank you for your time."
"You're welcome," I shake her hand once more, and the two walk out of my office and directly down the hall to Peeta's. I hear a knock, muffled voices, followed by a door closing. I try to go back to whatever I was working on, but am too distracted and desperately wanting to know what is going on in there. It is agony and either it's me , or they remain in there for an extremely long time. When I finally hear the door opening again, I check the clock and notice that it was at least an hour that they were in Peeta's office.
Moments later, I see the pair of journalists pass by my office and both give me the strangest of smiles, as if they had just received the biggest scoop of the year. It doesn't take me long to figure it out. Five minutes after that I see Peeta emerge in my doorway, leaning against it as he always does. His expression doesn't give anything away. He doesn't look overly happy, nor upset either. It's more…accepting. It's the final thing I need to see.
"They know, don't they?" I ask.
"Yeah," he replies. "They do."
I blow out a breath as Peeta continues, "At first it was just question about how I liked being back in Twelve and the plans for the bakery." he begins. "But then that reporter got much more personal, asking about if I had caught up with anyone I knew while I had been here. She brought up your name pretty quickly, and kept nagging me about my relationship to you." I nod as I continue to listen intently. "I didn't know at first how she seemed to already guess our relationship, but then it came out." He looks up then into my eyes. "She asked me about the picture of Willow in your office here and how it reminded her so much of me."
"Those eyes," I say quietly.
"Of course," he agrees. "And after that she wouldn't relent until it came out, at least the big details. I didn't tell her specifics. Just that Willow was my daughter and that we were dating."
"Enough to give her article the juicy gossip it needed," I state and take a deep breath to calm myself. "Okay, so it's out."
I just stand there staring off into space, unsure of where to go from here. So Peeta walks over to me and wraps his arms around me. "We're going to be okay. It'll be a few weeks of craziness and then it will die down. Just as long as you are with me on this."
"A few weeks," I state. "Together, right?" I smile.
"Together," he chuckles and hugs me tight.
"Did they tell you when the article will come out?" I ask.
"Cressida said it would be in next Wednesday's issue." he replies.
"Well," I tell him, "at least we have a little while before the rest of the media gets here. Prepare for the firestorm of questions."
"Yeah," Peeta nods. "We can talk about how we want to handle that in the next day or two. Right now, let's just focus on the work of getting this bakery ready to open. You have a training to prepare for a week from today."
He leaves me then and somehow I am able to turn my energies around and get work done. We head home and over dinner tell my mother and Prim what happened and what we plan to expect.
"I bet it won't be that bad," Mother hopefully notes.
"I agree," Prim says. "Pretty much everyone in Twelve knows anyways, so the news won't matter one bit. And, no offense, but who cares about those fangirls of yours, Peeta."
He chuckles at this. "I know I sure don't."
I think we both know that there is only one person whose reaction is the one we fear. And for now I choose not to think about her. Instead, I work, and spend time with Peeta, Willow, my family, and friends.
A few nights later, my daughter surprises us both when we are putting her to bed. Peeta has just tucked her in when she asks, "Are you still working on a plan, Daddy?"
He is taken aback for a moment, but soon breaks into a smile. "I am, sweetheart. I promise."
With his simple declaration our little girl wraps around him and holds him tight. "I love you."
I am without words, and my heart is swelling so hard it could burst. This is the first time that Willow has said those words to her father, and seeing this moment is magical.
Peeta is holding on to her like he will never let go, as he runs his hand through her silky dark hair. "I love you too, sweetheart. So much." As with the night they first met, tears are flowing from his eyes.
Eventually, we say goodnight to Willow and find our place to be alone. Peeta silently holds me close for a few minutes, but then quietly speaks. "I don't know how I could ever leave the both of you now."
"You don't have to," I reply.
"I will at some point," he tells me. "At least for a little bit. I have too many loose ends in the Capitol. I'm going to have to go back and settle everything." He pulls me away but gets me to look at him. "But, I am going to come back. I want you. I want Willow. You know that."
"I know," I say and settle once more into his warmth. I'm actually starting to believe it myself.
Days pass with our routine and I manage to mostly forget the visit with the reporter. My energies lie with Peeta, Willow, and my job. It's pretty monotonous, other than the one evening as I am heading home with Peeta that we notice Effie waiting at Haymitch's door.
"Well, well," Peeta remarks. "Looks like someone has a hot date tonight."
"I swear he will not hear the end of this." I reply as we laugh and hold hands together. In life's mundane events with Peeta and Willow, I truly begin to get the feeling like we are a family. I can't help but have dreams of the three of us and a future in our own home together. It seems silly. I mean, it's only been four weeks, but in a way it feels like so much longer than that. I think there is just comes a point when its right and you know.
Once more Monday arrives and it is time for me to begin training all of the new Mellark's Bakery employees. I get there an hour early for final preparations, and Peeta finds me pacing in my office reading over my notes for the thousandth time. He walks over and stops me, turns me around so that my back is to him, and begins to massage my shoulders. My reflexes kick in and I relax at his kneading.
"You're ready," he whispers into my ear.
"This is my first real test at this job." I state.
"And you're going to be great." The clock on the wall chimes the hour and my cue that I need to enter the meeting.
Peeta turns me around again to face him now and gives me a kiss on the forehead. "Go get 'em, tiger. You've got this. I believe in you."
I let out my breath and nod. Mustering everything I have to walk out and into the small conference room built with the offices. There are about 25 faces in there of new recruits, some of which I had a hand in hiring. I recognize a few of them, with number one being Rory. I lock eyes on him and watch as he gives me a small wave. I return with a small smile in his director as I move to stand behind a small podium and place my notes on it.
"Good morning," I begin. "Thank you all for being here today. We are excited to have you at Mellark's Bakery and hope you will be happy working here. Let's go over our agenda for today…" I continue on and go through my presentation step by step . The times when I notice that I seem to be losing the crowd is when I give them a break. We stop for lunch and I manage to chat a little with most of them while eating. The group are of varying ages and situations, but get along well. They all seem to be so enthusiastic about working here, too, and I try to build on that.
The afternoon continues on just as smoothly until finally we are done. I let out a breath and think that at least I have done my best. I tried to be clear about the expectations and what to expect while working here.
"Thank you all again for your attention. That's all I have. Please feel free to call or email me with any lingering questions you might have. I'll be happy to help. We are so excited to have you as part of the team. I hope you have a great day and we'll see you soon."
Everyone stands up then, and I scan the faces to gauge how everyone is feeling. Surprisingly, most are somehow smiling in my direction. I even get a few people who say "thank you" as they walk past me.
"Good job, Katniss." Rory whispers as he comes by. "I feel really prepared now."
"Thanks, Rory. You'll be great here. Come by and see Prim soon, okay?"
"Sure," he replies and walks toward the door.
With the room now clear, I pick up my things and turn with the hugest smile of accomplishment on my face. I immediately spot Peeta leaning against the doorway.
"Good night," he tells Rory as the young man goes by him. He faces me again, and I see that his brilliant smile seems to match my own.
"Great job, Ms. Everdeen," he says with that knowing voice. "Knew you could do it."
"Thanks," I answer as I move towards his direction. "I'm just glad it's over now. I think we have a really good group here, though."
"I agree," he agrees. "And you've done a good job with them. So now that it's over…" Peeta places his arms around me. "Let's go get Willow and celebrate." I nod and we turn out the lights and head out.
Our daughter, of course, is more than willing to join us for a dinner out. We head to Sae's and have just sat down when I notice through the packed crowd that Haymitch is not at the counter as usual. Tonight, he is sitting at a booth, and he is not alone, either. Effie sits across from him chatting away while he continuously munches on bread sticks. My first thought is that he is going through what to him must be like torture, but then I notice that the old man has a slight one sided smirk on his face. He's enjoying himself. That's interesting.
"Looks like love is in bloom after all," I note to Peeta as I give a nod in the couple's direction. He looks over and almost spits out the water in his mouth from disbelief.
"And I thought we were just making fun of him." Peeta says. "I wouldn't believe it if I didn't see it for myself."
Willow sees them and yells out, "Uncle Haymitch!" She runs over to their booth and climbs up next to him. We have no choice but to follow over behind.
"Hey there ladybug," Haymitch greets her. He doesn't seem to be drunk right now, so that was good. Must be Effie's doing. "You know my friend, Miss Effie, don't you?" the old man points out to the little girl.
"Yeah. She's at Daddy and Mommy's work," Willow replies.
"Hi there sweetie," she answers. "How are you?"
"Good!" It is then that the group takes notice of us. "Daddy! Mommy! Can we sit here?"
"Only if it is okay with Uncle Haymitch and Miss Effie," I tell her. "We wouldn't want to disturb the happy couple?"
I get a glare from the male side of the booth. "Why?" Haymitch finally grouches. "No way anyone can get a simple dinner alone, can they?
"Oh stop it you!" Effie brushes him off. "We would love for you to join us."
I turn to Peeta and he winks at me, knowing this is a perfect opportunity to have some fun with the new couple. "We'd love to." We sit down then and actually have a delightful time chatting about the bakery opening and other news in District 12.
Over dessert Effie and I chat animatedly about the new items she noticed at the clothing shop, when I turn to see Peeta and Haymitch deep in hushed conversation on the other side of the booth. What caught my attention was that it was Haymitch who seemed to be the one who was doing all the talking while Peeta was engrossed in what he was saying by the intense look in his eyes. I wondered what they were discussing.
As we left the restaurant with our goodbyes, we head home, and I ask Peeta about it. "What was going on in there with you two?"
"Business talk, actually," Peeta says as he takes my hand and we begin walking. "I had no idea that the old man was such a wealth of knowledge, but he was actually giving me advice."
"For what?' I ask.
"Going over my options for the future," he confesses. "I told you I was trying to come up with a plan, right? He's trying to help."
"Anything noteworthy?" I prod on.
"I want to let it all sink in and think about before I put it all out there. Is that okay with you?" he asks.
"Yeah, just talk to me when you are ready." I tell him.
"I promise," he says and gives me a kiss on the forehead.
Life goes on as it does, and I am deep in work, relationship, and parenting that time flies by. I am reminded of an important event, though, when I have just sat down at the office a week later on Wednesday morning, and almost immediately the phone rings.
"Hello?" I call out.
"Is this Katniss Everdeen?" the voice on the other end asks.
"This is she." I reply.
"Hello! I'm Caesar Flickerman with Celebrity Buzz Magazine and I wanted to know if you would be willing to answer some questions regarding the article that came out this morning about you and Mr. Peeta Mellark." The clipped voice reminiscent of Effie is obviously from the Capitol and most definitely one I didn't want to speak with.
The man's question did turn on the light bulb in my head. Oh yeah. The article about the bakery was supposed to come out today. I guess the cat is out of the bag, so to speak. I had to find a way to get out of this so that I can see what was written and discuss with Peeta before doing anything else.
"Um." I begin. "Can you call back later? It's not really a good time for me right now. I just got into the office." At least that was the truth.
"Of course! Of course! I will be happy to chat with you alter. Have a wonderful day dear." The phone clicked off then. UGH! This did not bode well for the day. I'm about to get up and head to the nearest magazine stand I can find when Effie heels click through my doorway.
"Hot off the presses!" she almost squeals.
"Did you read it?" I ask.
"Of course," she replies. "The people are going to eat this up!"
Oh boy, it must tell all, then. She wouldn't be this excited otherwise. "Let me have it then," I tell her.
She nods and lays the magazine on my desk before walking out. I pick it up and easily find it as the cover article for the month. I turn to the page noted and see the title first. Love and a Bakery: Details on the new Mellark's in District 12. I glance first at the layout of all the photographs taken on the bakery itself. I had to admit they looked beautiful. Finally, I dived into the article.
The first part wasn't so bad, just giving details on the bakery itself, and the plan for opening in the next month or so. There were quotes from Effie to that respect. But about halfway though, the tone of the article changed to being more personal. There were a few highlights especially that detailed their relationship.
This opening is definitely special for Mellark's owner Peeta Mellark. After many years in the Capitol he has come back to the district where he was born. "It's been nice return to Twelve," the handsome young man said. "To reconnect with old friends."
One special friend is Katniss Everdeen, 26 years old, who has been hired as manager of the new Mellark's. The two have known each other from their school days and with Peeta's return have been seen rekindling their romance. Sources from around the District have spotted them together multiple times having dinner around town.
This homecoming must be even more special as the couple has a three year old daughter together. While no details from either party were given about her. The matching picture of the beautiful girl in the offices led to confirmation by Mr. Mellark himself that she is indeed his daughter with Katniss.
"I look forward to sharing this bakery opening and many more with them," says Peeta. We wish them all the best in their happiness.
I breathed out as I placed the magazine down. I supposed it wasn't that bad, and I guess it was the truth. There was nothing about the one night stand or me leaving Peeta for four years in it, at least. I get up out of my chair and head to Peeta's office. I knock on the door and he gives me the signal to come in. I enter and head toward the desk.
"I assume you read it?" he says.
"Yeah," I tell him honestly.
His face is still concerned. "You okay?"
I nod "Fine. And you?"
"So far, so good, other than the phone ringing non-stop already." He groans. 'Various sources wanting more news and interviews."
"Yeah, one has already called me too." I say. "Please tell me you said no."
"Of course I did, although it means they are just going to make up their own stuff," he tells me.
"Let them," I sigh. "I don't want to talk to any more reporters. It's our lives and they don't need to know about it. We know the truth."
"You're right, they don't. I'm just letting you know the situation. We'll have to deal with it for a week or two, and then it should die down when bigger news comes along." I nod my head in agreement. He has more knowledge and experience in this, so I should trust Peeta's judgment,
"As long as you are okay,," he once more looks me over to make sure. I nod my reassurance to him. He smiles then. 'In that case, for now let's get back to work. We still have an opening coming."
We do go back to work, but by the afternoon, I have to set my work phone to Do Not Disturb, and realize that I will have to change my cell phone number immediately. My mother calls at lunchtime to tell me that she had to take the phone off the hook due to the constant ringing. It's annoying, but I do my best to not pay attention. Madge and Delly both call to make sure I'm okay, and I tell them that I am fine with everything being public knowledge.
As we head home that day, Peeta and I notice the strange stares of the good citizens of District 12 as we pass by them.
"I guess this means that the word is definitely out." he whispers to me. "if they only suspected before, they know for sure now."
"Let them," I say. "We're not ashamed, are we?"
"No, not at all," Peeta states with a smile.
We weather the next few days together, trying to work amidst the phone calls, questions, and requests for interviews. As Peeta predicted, even though we made no more statements, the gossip rags made them all up on their own. Headlines kept coming over the next week with our names and pictures.
Bakery Businessman Has Secret Love Child
Mellark Reveals He is a Father
All of the articles basically rehashed what the first one said, with a few embellishments. We especially laughed at the outright lies some of the articles made about our relationship.
"They think we had secret rendezvous meetings for years?" I state after pickup up Capitol Weekly. "Hah! That's ridiculous."
Peeta comes over to look over my shoulder and read what I had seen. He begins to laugh too. "Yeah, and we might have secretly married at some point, too."
"Oh well," I say putting the nonsense writing. "Let them think whatever they want at this point. We know what we are to each other."
Peeta's face gets serious then. "I don't know, Katniss…do we? We've been dating for a month, but we haven't really discussed it."
He's right. "No, I guess we haven't." I'm a little trepedatious about what may be coming. I've never liked discussing feelings.
Peeta is determined, though. "So, what do you want, Katniss?" he asks. "How do you feel about us?
I think about it. As scared as I am about this, I know it is more than time we have this conversation. So, how do I feel? I think about Peeta. Our sweet friendship when we were young, and the pain of losing him then. I think of the connection and heat we felt the night we conceived Willow. I think about the joy that our relationship has brought me these past few weeks. How I love spending time with him and watching his growing connection with our daughter. I finally think about the hope that Peeta has brought into my life for how good life can be, especially with him. With that, I know my answer.
I must have taken a long time to think, because I see the desperate look in Peeta's eyes for an answer. I put my hand on top of his to sooth him.
"I want us," I tell him, trying to convey all my emotions in my touch and my eyes. I see the look of relief and joy come over his face. "I love you," I continue.
That does it. He takes me by my arms and crushes me to him, kissing me hard. When we part, Peeta speaks breathlessly. "I love you, too. And I want us to be together more than anything."
"So do I," I reply.
"What do you think" he says in between nuzzling kisses on my neck, "that this weekend when we are on our date if you stay the night with me?"
I can't deny that I understand the meaning of his question and that I like the idea. "Sounds good to me," I tell him. "I'll ask Prim if she can take care of Willow."
He nods, and then continues his assault of kisses.
My sister, of course, is ecstatic when I ask her, and more than willing to help us out. The next couple of days pass and I could almost call myself giddy with happiness. When Friday afternoon that week arrives, I am practically dancing out the door to say goodbye to Peeta.
"Just wanted to tell you goodbye before I left to change for tonight." I call out to him.
"Hey, just the person I wanted to see. I wanted to give you some good news." I calm down enough to walk into his office.
"What's up?" I ask.
"I just got official word that we are going to officially open the bakery in three weeks," Peeta says gleefully. "With the official ceremony about a month after that."
I smile. "That's great, Peeta. It's really happening."
"It is," he states. "Great way to start our night, don't you think?"
"Sure is," I say, and go over to give him a quick kiss. "See you at seven."
"See you then," he replies as I walk out.
I get ready with dressing, making, hair, and packing a bag for the night. I spend a little time with Willow by playing Candyland, and my sweet girl has just about won when the doorbell rings.
"It's Daddy!" she calls out and runs to open the door and crash into his arms. I watch as he scoops her up and hugs her. "We'll see you tomorrow, okay sweetheart?"
"Okay," she answers and runs off to find Prim.
"Ready to go?" Peeta says to me. Something doesn't sound right in his voice, though. He turns and walks to the car. I follow behind and get in. I watch as he slams his door and harshly turns the key in the ignition. Something is definitely wrong. I've hardly ever seen Peeta this tense.
"Are you okay? What's wrong?" I ask.
"I…" he is hesitating, which he almost never does. This is not a good sign. Peeta looks down for a moment, then breathes deeply and turns toward me. "I have to go back to the Capitol." he finally says.
"What?" I cry out. I thought he wouldn't have to go until the Opening. Something must be going on.
"My mother," he begins. "I got a call right after you left. She's called a meeting of the Board of Directors for the bakery. She's concerned about the direction the business is going."
I am shocked. "She can do that?"
"Yeah," Peeta says as he runs his hands through his hair. "I technically own Mellark's Bakery, but my parents still hold voting position on the Board. Anyone on the Board who does has the right to call a meeting. I have to go."
No, this can't be happening. "This isn't about the business. This is about us." I rage.
"I know it is," Peeta agrees. "Mother railed at me over the phone about keeping her granddaughter and my true relationship with you a secret. She said it was going to be bad for the bakeries. I explained to her how everything happened and why I kept the information to myself. I also told her that I hated how she spoke about you and that she should not do so again. That's when she informed me that she would be calling a Board meeting."
"Could she do anything damaging?" I ask.
"She could, yeah. She holds major power on the Board, especially if she convinces the others. She could stop the Opening, for instance." He takes my hands in his. "I have to go and stop her."
I bite my lip, trying to hold back my tears, and the question I desperately need the answer to. "Will you come back?" I ask quietly.
"Yes," Peeta answer is certain.
"When?" I continue.
He shakes his head. "I don't know. All I know is if we are going to have a future, then I have to go now."
All I can do is nod my head. "When do you leave?"
"Early Monday morning." he replies.
"Do what you have to do," I say in defeat. "I just don't know how we are going to do without you."
"And someday , you won't have to be without me at all," he states. "Keep believing in that, okay? And for now, let's just make the most of the time we have right now."
"Okay," I say wiping the tears from my eyes. We drive off then and head the miles out of town to the restaurant Peeta has chosen for the evening. I can smell that unique flavor of seafood when we enter, and once seated we eventually get back into easy conversation. We talk about our friends, Willow, make fun of Haymitch, all the subjects except the one we dare not discuss right now. We laugh together and the tension is lifted from us in this bubble we have created. The dinner is delicious and as we finish, Peeta notices the live music playing outside on the deck area of the place.
"Would you like to dance?" he asks extending his hand to me.
I give a little giggle. "Sure." I reply.
We get up and head out into the night air and Peeta holds me tight as we begin to sway slowly to the music. His arms lock around me as if they never want to let me go. Our eyes catch each other and he brings one hand up to my cheek to touch it gently.
"So beautiful," he tells me with such adoration in his voice. There is nothing left for me to do then but kiss him. And I do. Peeta responds in kind and although it starts quite chaste, it builds in intensity quickly. I am definitely breathless when we finally part.
"I love you," I say, and then lean closer to his ear and whisper, "Do you want to get out of here?"
"That sounds familiar," Peeta notes. It's a memory four years earlier of the same question on another beautiful night. "And the answer is the same."
I look up at him with all the hope I have in my eyes.
"Yes."
