The Apple Tree by Kara Jimenez Read Free Book Online

conversation turned toward movies. When they debated the greatest movie of all time, Bianca argued for Gone with the Wind while Stephanie and Kate chose The Notebook . Peter declared them all wrong and claimed the greatest movies of all time were the Star Wars Trilogy . The girls laughed at his statement.
    “ I knew you couldn’t be as perfect as you look,” said Stephanie. “Here, Peter.” She pushed her empty glass toward him with a huge grin. “Why don’t you use the force to fill up my glass?”
    He laughed, a deep booming sound, drawing the attention of the people around their table. Then he did as he was told and returned from the bar a few minutes later with new drinks for them all. His sense of humor pleased Bianca. Some men were intimidated by Stephanie’s teasing and boldness, although her friend always meant well.
    “ So Peter, what do you do?” asked Kate as he handed her another pinot noir.
    “ I’m a photographer.” The candlelight danced in his eyes, temporarily entrancing Bianca. The man was drop dead sexy, but there was something deeper, something almost dangerous in his gaze and it made her shiver. Although, she wasn’t sure if it was from nerves or excitement.
    “ Ay, don’t tell us,” said Stephanie. “You’re looking for models and you want us to come back with you to your hotel room so you can make us famous, right?”
    Peter laughed again. “You’re funny.” He pointed toward Stephanie. “But no, I mostly do landscapes. Sometimes I’ll do an event or two.”
    Bianca smiled at him, wishing she could see some of his work.
    “ I love photography.” Kate looked up through her black mascara covered lashes, “I’ve always wanted to learn how to take better pictures.”
    A wave of annoyance washed through Bianca at the look in Kate’s eyes, but she pushed it back and forced herself to stay pleasant.
    “ It’s not that hard, I taught myself,” Peter said. “You can learn anything you want to on the internet these days.”
    Kate nodded and reached across the table to the triangle folded bar menu, knocking her drink over in the process. Deep red liquid spread over the table like blood.
    “ I’ll get something to clean it up.” Bianca hurried to the bar where a stack of white napkins sat beside the straws. Bringing them to the table, she helped Kate clean the mess. Peter’s eyes followed her carefully, making her a little uncomfortable. “What?” she asked.
    “ I’m sorry, nothing. It’s just…” His eyes narrowed. “You remind me of someone I used to know.”
    Unsure how to respond, she offered a shy smile.
    “ It’s getting late, girls.” Stephanie glanced around the table at her friends.
    “ You’re right,” said Bianca. The thumping music was starting to give her a headache anyway. “It was nice to meet you, Peter.”
    “ The pleasure’s all mine.” He nodded toward her. “But before you leave, give me your number.”
    She bit her lip, considering. Something about his charming smile and flirty eyes convinced her to say yes.
     
     
    The sound of her ringing cell phone woke Bianca the next morning. Groaning, she reached for the phone and looked at the caller ID. She sat up, surprised and panicked for a moment, unsure if she should answer or let it go to voicemail. Finally, she took a deep breath and pressed the button, squeezing the phone to her ear.
    “ Hello.”
    “ Bianca, hi. It’s your father,” said a deep gruff voice. “How have you been? I’ve been meaning to call you.”
    It’d been over a year since he’d spoken to her. “I’m fine. How are you?”
    “ Doing good, yep.” An awkward pause. “Still work at that pizza place?”
    “ Yes.”
    “ Oh, okay.” He sniffed and they suffered through another moment of silence.
    “ How’s Amber?” Amber was the woman he’d run away with six years ago. She was twenty years younger than him and thought spandex was appropriate everyday attire.
    “ Actually that’s why I called, Amber’s