Closer: Closer, #1

By M.C. Vann

When Alexandria Summers (Ally) bumps into Henry Pearce during the Sunny Valley Tulip Festival, she never thought she’d see him again in her hometown, the Windy City. Despite several warnings telling her to stay away, Ally finds herself falling deeper for this strange man. But little did she know, their fated encounter is just the beginning of a larger scheme.



This beautiful man was flawed. 

He was real … real in a sense that he was human after all.

Fragile. Pitiful. Lonely.

Henry was all of these things — elements that I never could imagine him having.

The more I got to know Henry, the more I realized how much of a mystery he was. 

A dark, but beautiful mystery.

*** Book 1 of the Closer Trilogy 
*** Trigger Warning: Intended for audiences 18 and older. Contains situations some readers might find objectionable. Ends on a cliffhanger.

• Language: English
• Publisher: MC
• Release date: Jan 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9780999139806

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

April 11th

I looked around at the vast fields of tulips surrounding me. Red. Yellow. Purple. White. There were long lines of tulips everywhere I turned. The fresh scent of flowers in the air eradicated all of my worries from this world ... at least for a moment.

As I turned to my right, I noticed a young couple, hand in hand, walking a few rows over. They appeared completely smitten with one another. A short distance away from the couple stood a family of three: a father, a mother, and a little girl around five. The mother held the daughter on her hip as the father took pictures of them. An elderly couple walked three rows to my left. They were also holding hands like the young couple before. They all looked so happy. How could you stand here and not be happy? 

While observing all of them, I could only wish that my own story turned out like theirs. A story filled with a love full of passion, hope, and trust.

As I strolled along the path, someone bumped into me, forcing me to fall to the ground. My camera bag fell at my side.

I’m so sorry, ma’am. I didn’t see you there, he said with a soft, kind voice. Are you alright?

He must have bent down because when I raised my head to look at him, our faces were at eye-level, merely inches apart. My breath stopped when I was greeted with a beautiful set of sea-green color eyes. I was entranced in a lost daze at this handsome stranger. When I recovered my consciousness, I rapidly stood on my feet and moved a few steps away from him.

He was taller than me and probably most people. He had a handsome, robust, and clean-cut complexion. His messy black hair fell gracefully with just a touch of gel — it was barely noticeable. He wore a simple white V-neck T-shirt with khaki pants that rolled up a little higher than his ankles and a pair of brown boat shoes.

I shyly smiled. It was my fault. I should be the one saying sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. How about you? Are you okay?

Don’t worry about it. It happens. Here’s your camera bag, he said. A friendly grin appeared on his face.

Thank you. I took my bag, making sure I didn’t reach too close to him. Well, um … I should probably go now. I slipped the camera bag over my shoulder and began to walk away from this man when he ...

Wait, please, he began to say, causing me to turn around. If you don’t mind, may I walk with you?

I pondered his request for a moment. I don’t know if that’s a good idea. We’ve just met, and I don’t even know who you are. I don’t even know your name.

Henry. My name’s Henry. It’s a pleasure to meet you. He held out his hand adamantly, and since I didn’t want to be rude, I cautiously held out my right hand.

Alexandria or just Ally. That’s what everybody calls me by. Nice to meet you too … Henry.

His green eyes stared down at me, and I avoided his gaze by looking elsewhere, but when I looked back at him, his eyes were still focused on me. I felt so self-conscious standing there under this stranger’s surveillance. 

I want to apologize in advance that I’m not very good at communicating, I admitted timidly.

Henry’s lips curved out into another smile. You’re wrong. Everyone can communicate. You stumble only when you have an audience, he boldly stated. Like me.

That’s a good point.

He extended out his arm, signaling for us to start walking. We walked further down the mulched path as I led the way. He followed behind closely. 

Observing the beautiful scene of tulips around us, I purposefully avoided his eyes.

Is this your first time here? he asked. 

Yes, I’m here on a trip with my two best friends. They’re not with me because they wanted to go hiking today instead. How about you?

I’m traveling on a business trip to Seattle with some colleagues. Today’s our day off, and I chose to come here. Hiking didn’t sound like too much fun.

He chose tulips over hiking. Could he possibly … like men?

He continued, I’m not a flower kind of guy, but tulips are my sister’s favorite flowers.

His tone was bitter for some reason. I wished I’d have asked, but I didn’t.

Really? They’re my favorite flowers too. What a coincidence, I said, a little overexcited all of a sudden. Where is your sister? She couldn’t come with you?

He stared far into the distance where the mountains stood. She passed away years ago.

So that was why his voice was a little melancholy. I’m so sorry.

Henry managed a grin. It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. Every time I see a tulip, it brings back memories of her.

By the way you speak of her, you must have cared very much about her.

A seemingly cold expression materialized on Henry’s face, and I didn’t know why my words would have triggered this attitude from him.

More than myself and anyone else in my life, he said. But let’s talk about something that’s more interesting? Hmm? 

A smile reappeared on his lips, one that puzzled me more than it should have.

Sure, I said.

Henry bent down at his knees to study a red tulip closer. He gingerly held the neck of the flower with his fingers, turning it around slowly while he lightly traced the ends of the petals. Have you ever heard of the origin of the tulip?

No, I’ve never heard of it. Why? 

People say that the tulip started out with a history full of thievery, trickery, and broken hearts. 

Trickery and broken hearts?  I repeated, pouting in disbelief. I didn’t know beautiful flowers like tulips would have such a tragic past.

It’s hard to believe, but now you know.

We continued walking around the fields with a few exchanges here and there, and after what seemed like forever, Henry looked at his watch, which I noticed was a Kinberg Cederschiöld. The article was worth more than my life. The only reason I recognized the Swiss watch brand was because my friend Adam showed it to me once in a business magazine. I looked up at Henry with a perplexed expression. Who was this man? And how could he walk so carelessly around wearing a watch worth thousands of dollars? 

Is there something wrong? Henry asked, noticing my reaction.

I blinked my eyes away from him. It’s nothing.

Sorry, this is where I have to leave you, he said. He took out his iPhone from the back pocket of his khakis. My colleagues should be arriving back at the hotel any time now.

No, it’s totally fine. I understand, I said with an excited tone, hoping to finally be relieved of this strange man.

Maybe we’ll run into each other again in the future, he said, his eyes fixed on mine.

Yeah, maybe. Maybe meaning never, I thought.

He smiled tenderly and took out something from his back pocket. Here’s my business card. Just in case you might need it in the future.

Thank you, I replied, taking the card without looking at it. Goodbye Henry. It was great meeting you.

Goodbye, Alexandria. He turned around and walked away. 

Before continuing on my solo venture, I snuck a final glimpse at his back, and to my surprise, Henry was already looking my way. His lips curved into a ghost of a grin, and I reciprocated the gesture, causing my cheeks to slowly warm.

Something about him made me curious, and I wasn’t sure which part of him it was. Maybe it was his hair? His voice? Physique or personality? 

No, I thought. It was something more daunting. The first part of him that I first saw — his eyes. Those captivating, emerald eyes.

I strolled around for another hour in the tulip fields, taking pictures and cherishing this scenic view. 

Until next time, I muttered aloud to myself. I hoped the next time was soon.

It was six in the evening when I returned to my room at the Sunny Valley Casino Resort, just in time to eat dinner and play slots at the casino later. 

My friends, Adam and Lily, were already getting dressed up for the night. Lily was putting a dark maroon lipstick on while Adam styled his hair in the same mirror when I strolled through the door.

Girl, you’re finally back, Adam said smugly. We thought you hit it off with some guy and abandoned us here. Why did you return so late?

Sorry, Adam, but you know me. When I’m around tulips, I just lose track of time. You guys should have been with me. The view was just amazing! I gushed to them even though I knew they didn’t possess any appreciation for flowers. 

We had more fun hiking! Lily raved. We also ran into some friendly people there. You could have met someone totally eligible. I rolled my eyes. Please hurry up and get dressed, Ally. I’m starving.

Okay, Peaches, I said, pinching her cheek on my way to the bathroom. 

Although Adam and Lily always took the longest to get ready, I’d never mind. I took a quick shower since I knew those two were growing impatient already and after blow-drying my hair, I threw on the most formal thing I had. I didn’t pack many clothes, so I just chose a beige knee-length laced dress with a camel belt and white flats.

Alright, I’m ready now, I said, grabbing my brown clutch. Let’s go.

Wait, let me fix my hair one more time, Adam said. Lily and I both giggled and rolled our eyes as Adam stepped in front of the mirror to check his hair again.

By the time we arrived at Sunny Skillet, it was half past seven, and many people were already seated for dinner.

And what can I get for you, ma’am? the waitress asked me when it was my turn to order.

I’ll get your Fettuccine Chicken Alfredo with a side salad please.

Perfect. Is there anything else I can get you? she asked.

We all genuinely said no.

So, honestly, what took you so long today, Ally? Adam asked with a curious face. He took a sip of his Diet Coke with a suspicious gaze that never left me.

Nothing, I said too abruptly. I already told you.

Come on now, girl. I know when you’re lying, Adam retorted. We’ve been friends too long for me not to know.

Tell us, Ally, Lily demanded.

Okay, guys. But I’m serious, it was nothing. I just met this guy, I answered, murmuring the last part.

What?! both my friends shouted.

Half of the restaurant turned their attention to our table, staring at the sudden outburst of loud noise.

Shhh, you guys, I hushed them quietly. 

What did he look like? What did he wear? Was he hot? Lily bombarded me with all the questions I knew she would ask.

One question at a time, Lily. He looked… I paused, thinking back to the image of Henry. He was… a handsome guy, honestly. Just a little strange.

Strange? Adam repeated after me. How?

He was fine one moment and then appeared depressed another, I replied. I got this odd vibe from him. Like… it’s telling me to stay away.

Sounds mysterious. Ally, baby, he could have been your Prince Charming, Adam excitedly said, and I rolled my eyes. He knew I didn’t believe in Prince Charming.

Did you get his name? Lily asked.

Henry, I said, remembering something. I almost forgot. He gave me his business card too.

Well, let’s see it! Adam insisted. 

Oh, I left it in the room. I stuck it in my camera bag. I could see the disappointment in my friends’ expressions. But let’s not talk about him now. I doubt we’ll see each other again in this lifetime.

My mind wandered back to his watch. He was obviously wealthy. We didn’t even run in the same circles, so I was certain I’d never see his face again. 

Enough of me. So how was your guys’ day? I asked, changing the subject.

Oh, mi amour. The trails and being out in the woods was spectacular! Lily raved. I have a newfound respect for nature.

You should’ve come with us, Adam added again.

I know. Next time, okay? I said with a chuckle. They would never understand my constant love for tulips.

The waitress arrived with our entrees at the right moment. Adam ordered the local sockeye salmon since he loved anything with seafood and Lily, the picky eater, ordered pork chops with mashed potatoes. As for me, I couldn’t wait to dig into that delicious Chicken Alfredo dish.

A few minutes into dinner, a waiter seated one group a couple tables away. The majority of the group was male, and they were definitely not hard to miss. From their attires, the aura they carried with them, this group didn’t look like ordinary tourists. The men wore what seemed like expensive brand name collar shirts with black and khaki trousers while the women wore designer, semi-casual dresses.

I enviously observed from a distance when one particular man, facing me, stood out from the crowd. That clean-cut complexion with that freshly-styled black hair. That ruggedly handsome look with that enchanting aura. 

He seemed so familiar, making me wonder if I had seen him somewhere. My eyes focused to get a clearer look. I almost choked on the piece of chicken in my mouth when I saw those eyes ... 

Oh, God, please tell me that isn’t him!

CHAPTER TWO

I started to grow uncomfortable in my chair and my appetite slowly dissolved away. I felt my heart pounding faster, and a sudden surge of warmth overcame my cheeks. When he looked our way, I immediately ducked my head lower and hid behind Adam. It was a good thing he was there to obscure me. 

What’s wrong, Ally? Adam asked, noticing my odd behavior.

Nothing, I said, rapidly and quietly. I could still feel Henry’s gaze in our direction, and I panicked. I have to go somewhere. I’ll meet you guys at the casino later. I’ll text you two, okay? 

I quickly took out my wallet and slipped a twenty on the table to pay for my dish before rushing out of the restaurant as fast as I could while hiding my face from Henry. When I got out, I let out a deep breath of relief. 

But honestly, I wasn’t as content as I thought I’d be. Something didn’t feel right. Was I being too shady? Regret filled my mind. I wanted to stay far away from this man, but something in my heart demanded otherwise. It was confusing.

I patiently waited in the casino lobby for my friends as half of my heart hoped Henry would unexpectedly turn up and the other half not to. God, I was being so foolish! I ran out of that restaurant because I didn’t want to see him — or him to see me.

It was around nine thirty when Lily and Adam finally arrived, thirty minutes later than I wanted.

Ally, why did you run out so fast back there? Lily asked.

I had an emergency.

What kind of emergency?

I had to use the restroom really bad, I said with an embarrassed smile, trying to convince them. Luckily, my friends believed my alibi. 

We walked around the casino, observing the different tables and slots until we stopped at a busy table to check out a table game. I had no idea what was going on, so I just joined the crowd whenever they cheered or remained quiet. After the players had finished putting their chips on their desired numbers on the table, the worker rolled a ball into the opposite direction of the spinning wheel. A man cheered as the ball fell into the numbered pocket thirteen and the crowd soon joined him.

It seems like someone is having a lucky night. Don’t you agree? a man beside me spoke.

Yes, it must be his night, I replied before I turned to look whose voice it came from. When I turned to him, my mouth fell open. 

Henry was standing right next to me with a gentle smile, wearing a light salmon collar shirt with sleeves rolled up to the elbow and black trousers. He looked so much more formal and intimidating in this apparel. I felt a mixed feeling of exuberance and weakness as I stood by his side.

My eyes scanned the crowd for Lily and Adam, but they were nowhere in sight. Of course, the two who desperately wanted to see him weren’t here while I, on the other hand…Well, maybe I was in the same hand.

Alexandria, right?

Yes, I murmured lowly. I wasn’t used to being called by my full name, especially by someone like him. Henry.

You remembered my name. I thought I saw you earlier in the restaurant before, but then you ran out so fast like you’ve just committed a crime, he said with humor. 

I laughed a bit out of nervousness but quickly regained my composure. I thought I forgot to turn the hair curler off in the room, so I went back to check, I lied. I hoped he wouldn’t notice my lying habits. 

I see, he said with a smirk, which probably meant he didn’t buy my alibi. Do you know how to play roulette?

No, I don’t know how to play any of these table games, but it’s still fun to watch.

In the short seconds that I was glancing up at him, his gaze grew too intense, so I looked away, searching the room again for Lily and Adam in vain. Where were they when I needed them?

Are you looking for your friends, Lily and Adam?

How do you—? 

I met them at the restaurant earlier. I asked them if I could accompany you tonight, he said with that smile again. May I?

I stood silent, caught off guard because nobody was ever this upfront with me, and I didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing. But what about your friends? 

They’ll be fine without me. I’m sure they can take care of themselves. Please? He raised his brows, anticipating my response.

I gave in with a smile. Alright, sure.

Let’s get something to drink first, shall we? Henry suggested, and I nodded. He walked ahead a few steps before turning around with a wicked smirk. I didn’t know you could keep your hair straight with a curler.

Crap! I was caught red-handed, and he wasn’t even mad. Maybe this was a good thing.

After getting our drinks, Henry, a Sierra Mist, and me, a Pepsi, we moved around to the slot machines and arrived at one with a beautiful goddess. Henry took out a hundred-dollar bill and slid it into the slot. It surprised me more than it should. He motioned me to sit down on the leather chair.

No, I can’t. It’s your money. It’s only fair if you play it, I protested.

I don’t like to gamble with chance, and if you must know, I’m a sore loser.

I smiled.

Come on, he said, grabbing my shoulders and pushing me onto the leathered chair.

My fingers were reluctant to push the betting buttons. Playing with someone else’s hard-earned money didn’t feel right to me. Henry leaned over me, his face hovering just above my right shoulder. He gave me a swift look before he gently took my right hand to press the bet button.

For the next few minutes, we went through a couple more slots, talking and laughing together at our wins and losses. In the end, Henry’s entire hundred-dollar bill was spent.

I don’t think anyone has any chance of winning here, I said.

I guess luck wasn’t on our side tonight, Henry stated, and I shook my head. But if you must know, there’s a higher chance of us getting together than one of us winning big here.

I gaped at him with an astonished face as my mind searched for words to reply back, but I couldn’t find any. How could Henry have spoken those words so bluntly? We had only just met several hours ago. I didn’t even know where he was from and what he did for a living. I knew he wasn’t asking me to marry him, but beneath his joke lied something more and I couldn’t quite wrap my finger around it.

I apologize for saying that, Henry said, catching onto my reaction. My lips are working faster than my mind tonight. I apologize again.

I repeated with a smile. What else could I have said or done to rectify this moment? I didn’t want this to get any more awkward between us.

Would you like to go to the Winners’ Lounge with me? he asked.

I don’t know. It’s getting pretty late, and my friends might be wondering where I am.

Right, he said, clearly discouraged with my reply. I didn’t realize how late it was already.

I guess, as soon as I spoke, his eyes lit up, one more thing wouldn’t hurt.

Henry and I took open seats at a table near the DJ. As I watched the small crowd around us, I could feel Henry’s eyes on me. Frank Sinatra’s Always came on, and the couples in the room started walking toward the dance floor.

Would you like to dance? Henry asked, and I wished he hadn’t.

No, it’s alright. I’m not really good at dancing, and I tried to avoid it when I can.

Henry got up from his chair, determined despite my answer. Well, you can’t avoid it tonight. Let’s go and I’ll teach you. It’s easier than you think. I promise.

When I didn’t move, Henry seized my hand and led me toward the other dancing couples. I thought my knees were going to give out when we reached the center of the floor. Henry placed his hand gently on my waist and pulled me close to him, leaving just a few bearable inches between us. Then he took my left hand into his right smoothly. I looked up at him, pleasantly finding him in a happy grimace.

See. It’s not too hard, is it? he asked.

I managed a weak smile and shook my head.

Now place your right hand on my arm, he instructed. I cautiously raised my hand and placed it on him. And now, we move to the rhythm of the music like this.

We danced in silence, and it felt like hours when the beautiful song finally came to an end. Every second, I felt my heart racing in my chest. 

Who really was this man?

By the time Henry walked me back to the room, it was already close to midnight.

I had fun tonight, I said. Thank you and sorry again for making you lose all your money.

Henry chuckled. It’s okay, thank you for spending it with me. I enjoyed it very much.

He and I looked at each other for a long, perilous moment. Both of us waiting for the other to say something, but no words were uttered.

Um… I should go in now, I finally spoke, breaking the silence.

My fingers fumbled through my clutch for the room card. After I slid it and opened the door, Henry grabbed my arm lightly to stop me from going in. I glanced at his hand holding onto my left arm and then up at him, those captivating eyes already looking my way.

May I see you tomorrow for a while? he asked. 

I didn’t know if I had enough energy to see him again. My friends and I are leaving tomorrow already.

When are you leaving? he asked. I’m only asking because we’re leaving tomorrow too.

Seven at night, but we have to travel to Seattle to catch our flight.

Then can we meet in the morning? Eleven. What do you say, Ally?

Half of my heart wanted to say yes to this man, but the other half warned me not to. Gosh, I needed to make up my mind and soon before he changed his mind.

Okay, I finally responded. Eleven is good. We’re going downtown to visit Mount Vernon before leaving. There’s a river walk bridge if I remember correctly. Did you want to meet up there?

Henry smiled with a hint of satisfaction. That sounds perfect. Promise me you’ll show up.

He held out his right pinky which surprised me. To see a childish and playful side of him was quite adorable. 

I held out my right pinky and wrapped it around his. I promise.

Adam, Lily, and I woke up extra early the next morning to pack our things before we headed out. All the while, they were grinding me with questions about Henry again. Lily wouldn’t stop telling me how lucky I was and how super-hot he looked. She freaked out, even more, when she learned Henry had asked to see me again today.

After checking out of our room, my friends and I ate breakfast at the Sunny Express and then took a shuttle bus to Mount Vernon. We walked down the streets, stopping at the different antique shops and bakeries. 

When I looked at my watch, it was a little after ten already. Henry should be arriving any time now.

Ally, isn’t it almost time? Lily asked, her eyebrows fluctuating with glee.

Yes, it is, I said. Needless to say, I was completely drowning in my own nerves.

Deep breaths, girl, Adam said. Just remember to be yourself.

I inhaled and exhaled for a few seconds before I felt slightly normal again.

Alright, I’ll go now, I said bravely, but my weak feet wouldn’t move.

What are you waiting for? Hurry up, he might be there already, Lily insisted, giving me a little push. I waved goodbye to them as I padded over to the bridge.

When the bridge came in sight, my eyes searched for Henry, but he was nowhere. There were tourists strolling down the streets and the riverwalk as I paced back and forth, keeping my eyes open for that strange, handsome man. The seconds and minutes went by, and Henry still hadn’t shown up. Our meeting time came and passed, and I began to think he forgot, or worse, that he lied to me. 

No, Henry wouldn’t do that. He wasn’t that kind of person, but then again, I hardly knew anything about him.

When noon approached, I lost all hope that Henry would appear from the corner. I suddenly remembered that he had given me his business card yesterday. Maybe I should give him a call, I thought.

But what if it was true? I was just one ordinary woman versus the other thousands he could have. How could a handsome man like Henry be attracted to someone like me? Or maybe it was my imagination from the beginning?

The memories we had together yesterday flashed before me: the tulips, the restaurant, the casino, the laughs, the dancing, and the pinky promise. It was all so surreal as if meeting him was just a dream … or a nightmare in disguise.

I took out the card from the pocket of my camera bag, and without looking at it, I crinkled it up in my hand and threw it in the nearest trash bin, hoping to never see his face again.

I called Adam and Lily to see where they were and met up with them at Pacioni’s Italian, a restaurant nearby.

Hey, mi amor. How did it go? Lily asked, smiling vivaciously when I approached their table. You better tell us everything.

He didn’t show up, I said. I tried to hide the evident disappointment in my voice, but my friends saw right through me.

Oh, no! Honey, come here, Adam said. He opened his arms wide to embrace me in a hug. Look at that face. We don’t want that now.

Lily also joined in on the hug, and I suddenly remembered why I was here. I was here with my friends, not Henry. Even though he stood me up, I was grateful to have great friends like Adam and Lily by my side.

The three of us headed back to Seattle International Airport right after lunch. We arrived at the airport three hours early for our flight, and while we waited at the terminal, thoughts about why Henry didn’t show up raced through my mind again.

He was just one guy. Why did he have such an effect on me?

Adam and Lily sensed my obvious disappointment, and they tried to comfort me, telling me I was better off without him. That the single life was the life. I was glad they didn’t ask anything more about him.

When the plane ascended off the runway, I took one last look out the window at the city and countryside of Washington below.

CHAPTER THREE

Two months had passed since I last saw Henry. Even though I hoped to never see his face again, I found myself thinking of him every once in a while.

While reflecting back on that day we met, I arranged some pink tulips and baby’s breaths into a vase. I finished off the arrangement with some white ribbons and placed the completed product into the fridge.

My boss, Nancy, came through the door. She was like a parental figure to me since my dad passed away a couple years ago. Nancy was a good friend of my dad, and if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t know how to cope.

She pushed her large oval glasses up her nose as she read a note in her hand. Ally, honey, we just received an order that has to be completed and sent in two hours.

What kind of arrangement?

A vertical arrangement with any kind of purple and white flowers, preferably tulips which I think we might have some in stock.

Sounds good. I’ll get right on it.

Oh, and would you be a dear and deliver it too? Nancy asked, handing the note to me and I nodded with a smile.

I went into the cold storage room where we kept the flowers to start. The purple and white tulips weren’t hard to find since they had always been my favorite. I could find them with my eyes closed. After selecting the flowers, I arranged them into a glass vase and finished the project off with some ribbons and extra decorations.

After placing the order in the back of my car, I looked at the note again. The place I needed to deliver to was called Pearce Hotel and Resort. I heard of this place before, but I wasn’t exactly certain of its location. I knew it was somewhere in downtown Chicago.

After circling through the crazy downtown streets for a couple of minutes, I finally arrived at the hotel. It was much bigger than I had pictured. The building must have been