Catching Summer, page 12
“Gee, thanks,” I giggled as we walked inside the suite. We both sat down on the couch and I sighed. Now that I’d gotten up and walked around, I noticed my body was sore but I felt refreshed.
“You okay?”
Taking a deep breath, I leaned my head back on the couch and gazed at him. “Actually, I’ve never been better. I don’t think I woke up once last night.”
“So you slept better with me?”
“I did. I feel amazing.”
His grin grew wider. “You know what this means, right?”
“Not exactly,” I said, furrowing my brow. “Care to enlighten me?”
Clasping my hand, he lifted it to his lips and kissed my palm. “It means that if you sleep better with me, then it might be in your best interest to sleep with me every night. We can call it research.”
“Ah, so is that what you’re calling it? And where would we be staying, my house or yours?”
“Probably mine. That way we won’t wake up Lara if we get really into the research.”
“How long is this research going to take, exactly?” I asked.
Grinning, he rubbed his stubbly chin. “For starters, let’s do it for a week. That way, if you feel it’s beneficial we can do it for another week and so on.”
“What if it goes on for months?”
He leaned over and kissed me, placing his forehead to mine. “That’s what I’m hoping, but we’ll take it one step at a time.” Getting up, he reached for my hand, pulling me to my feet. “Now let’s take a shower and get the hell home. You have an interview to prepare for. Not to mention, we have to tell your sister that she’ll be short one roommate.”
I followed him to the bathroom and smiled. Lara would be free from feeling obligated to watch over me. She deserved the freedom. “I’m pretty sure she’ll be perfectly fine without me.”
Chapter 18
Summer
I was starting to think I was a bad influence on Evan. For two days in a row, he would’ve been late for practice if I hadn’t shoved him out the door. Hell, it took all the willpower I had to even do that. This morning, however, I really wished he could’ve joined me. I was nervous about the interview, but luckily Grayson and Lara were going to be with me. At the party afterward, I was going to open up a bottle of wine and celebrate with my family and friends.
By the time I got dressed and sauntered into the kitchen, I was shocked to see a bouquet of rainbow-colored roses and two blueberry scones sitting on the bar. Evan had left early, saying that Joel wanted him at the field. Sneaky bastard. Taking a bite of the scone, I noticed there was a note with my name on it.
Summer,
Good luck in the interview. I’ll see you tonight. I love you.
Evan
Putting the note in my purse, I snatched up the other blueberry scone and headed for the door. I could hear my heart pounding in my ears. My fear was that the journalist was going to get to the restaurant and turn right around, saying the Carolina Tavern wasn’t what they’d thought it would be. I prayed that wouldn’t be the case.
By the time I got to the restaurant, Grayson’s car was already in the parking lot. I didn’t see Lara’s. Inside, Grayson was straightening up the tables and chairs. “Good morning,” I called out.
He peered at me over his shoulder and smiled. “Same to you. You ready for today?”
I set my purse down on the bar and joined him. “I sure as hell hope so. The last thing I want is to sound like an idiot.”
Chuckling, he shook his head. “That’s not going to happen. Besides, you’ll have me and your sister there to help.”
“Speaking of Lara, where is she?”
He cleared his throat, averting his gaze. “She’s in the back.”
“So you two rode together?”
Sighing, he leaned against the table. “Is this going to be weird for you?”
“No, but I just don’t want to see either of you get hurt.”
“You mean me?” he asked with a smirk. I shrugged in response. Deep down, I knew Lara still had feelings for Luke. “Don’t worry about me, Sum. By the way she looks at Collins, I know she’s not over what happened. I’m hoping to change that.”
Stepping forward, I wrapped my arms around his neck, squeezing tight. “And I hope you can. You’re an amazing guy.”
“Am I missing something?” Lara blurted with her hands on her hips, grinning at Grayson. “You do know that’s not me, right?”
Chuckling, he let me go. “My mistake.” Then in a loud whisper he said, “Sorry about kissing you.”
Lara rolled her eyes. “Now, I know that wouldn’t happen. She’s too far stuck up Evan’s ass.” Then she held up her hands. “Which is a good thing. Donna and Jerry are excited to meet him.”
“Are they in town already?” I asked, wide-eyed. I hadn’t seen Austin’s parents in over a year.
Grayson nodded. “They got in late last night and made a surprise visit.” By the way Lara blushed I could only imagine what they’d interrupted.
“I see.” I giggled. “I’m glad I wasn’t there for that.”
Lara scoffed. “Tell me about it. I couldn’t look them in the eyes for the rest of the night. Thank God we left this morning before they got up.”
“You two are too much,” I said, shaking my head. I glanced over at the clock and saw we had thirty minutes before our appointment with the journalist. Traipsing to the bar, I pulled out a bottle of whiskey and three shot glasses. Grayson and Lara joined me with amused smiles on their faces. “What do you say, guys? A shot to loosen us up?”
Lara laughed and slapped her hand on the bar. “Hit me up, woman.” I poured the whiskey and slid them both a shot glass. Taking a deep breath, I held mine up in the air.
“To our future. May this day be the beginning of something great.”
—
The interview went amazingly well. Susan Jenks, the journalist who interviewed us, was a graying middle-aged woman with bright blue eyes and a kind smile. She asked us so many questions about how we got started. Her enthusiasm made me feel perfectly at ease. She loved our décor and the overall ambience of the tavern, saying that it was the epitome of southern charm. Pictures were taken, and she said she was even going to put one of Austin in the article.
“You sure do know a lot of people, don’t you?” she asked, admiring the photos on our walls. Throughout the restaurant, I’d put up candid shots of the football team and some of their fans. I even had some of Mason Bradley, a local hero for being the best undercover detective and MMA fighter. He was a legend and had been Austin’s best friend.
Standing beside her, I smiled at a picture of Evan with his arms around two high school football players. I remembered that night. Those boys were ecstatic to get their picture taken with him. “They’re my friends. I have to say I never thought I’d be so lucky to know such a great group of people.”
She turned to me, holding out her hand. “Not many people can say that. You have a wonderful place here, Summer.” I shook her hand and walked her to the door.
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for the party?” I asked. “You can meet a lot of the football players.”
She chuckled. “I would love to, but I have a two-hour drive back home, and we both know how bad Charlotte traffic can get.”
I opened the door for her. “That I do. And again, thank you for coming out here. It’s an honor to know that we’ll be in your magazine.”
“It was my pleasure. Out of the fifteen years I’ve done this, I’ve never met any owners that were as down to earth as you and Grayson. It is refreshing.” Slipping on her sunglasses, she marched to her car and left.
“I think that went really well,” Lara said, bumping me with her shoulder.
“That it did. Thank you for being such a great help. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
“What are sisters for?”
“Exactly.” Putting my arm around her, we waltzed back inside and started preparing for the party. We had lots of celebrating to do. “How long do we have left?”
Lara pulled out her phone. “Just a couple of hours before party time. I’ll check on the chefs to make sure they’re all ready to rock.”
“We’re all stocked back here,” Grayson called out from behind the bar.
Lara scampered off to the back just as I heard the front door swing open. The second I turned around, I was tackled by my mother, her arms wrapped tightly around my shoulders. I laughed and hugged her back. “It’s good to see you, too, Mom.”
My father walked in the door and waved. His gray hair was thinning and he’d lost weight since the last time I saw him, but he was still a handsome man. “Hey, pumpkin.” Then his gaze turned to Grayson. “How’s it going, Grayson?”
Grayson waved. “Can’t complain. It’s good to see you again, Mr. Jacobs. I have a bottle of Crown back here for you.”
My father grinned. “Good deal.”
My mother let me go and I rushed over to him. “I’m so glad you made it.” Keeping my arm around him, I turned to face my mother, who waved at Grayson before turning back to me. She, too, had lost some weight and looked better than ever. Her long, blond hair hung in soft waves down her shoulders and her face glowed with excitement. She was obviously happy with the change in me. I didn’t want her to worry about me. She’d done enough of that over the past few years. “Thank you for coming. You have no idea how much it means to me.”
With tears in her eyes, my mother smiled widely. “We wouldn’t miss it. Now, where’s your sister? I need to get on her for not calling me back. You girls need to start calling your parents more.”
Sheepishly, I sighed. “I know, I’m sorry. Things have just been crazy around here.”
“We know,” my father added. “We’ve seen the pictures in the paper. Why didn’t you tell us you were dating a football star? Not to mention one such as Evan Townsend.”
I squeezed my father’s shoulders and let him go. “It’s a long story, and I’ll be happy to tell you later. You’ll get to meet him tonight.” His gaze twinkled mischievously. “And don’t scare him off,” I warned him. “I know how you liked to give Austin a hard time.”
He chuckled. “I’m your father. It’s my right to scare your boyfriends.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I said with a roll of my eyes. “Why don’t you go to the kitchen and visit with Lara? She’s back there with the chefs. If I’m not mistaken, they’re making Austin’s chocolate cake recipe. I know you both loved it.” They hugged me again and took off for the back. The second my mother got back there, I figured she was going to lecture Lara for not calling her back. Little did they know that the reason for her negligence was the man behind the bar. Grayson winked at me and smiled. It was going to be a good night.
That evening, the restaurant was filled with our family and friends. Evan hadn’t arrived yet, but as soon as Austin’s parents walked through the door and saw me, I rushed over and hugged them. “It’s been so long,” I cried. Donna hugged me hard and then passed me to Jerry. Donna reminded me so much of Austin, with her light brown hair and green eyes. Jerry, on the other hand, had red hair like Grayson’s.
With tears streaming down her face, Donna put her hands on my cheeks. “You look so beautiful, my dear. I never thought I’d see you smile again.”
“I almost thought I never would, either. I heard you came in last night.”
Her face turned red. “Yes, we did. I think your sister’s avoiding us now.”
I laughed, knowing very well what she was referring to. “It’s because she’s embarrassed.”
She waved me off. “Honey, we might be old, but we’re not that old. We know what you kids do when you’re in love. Speaking of which, where’s the new beau?”
“He should be getting here soon.” About that time, Evan strolled through the door with the other players in tow. “And there he is,” I said, smiling widely. His eyes immediately found mine and my heart fluttered. I loved that feeling; it made me feel alive. I waved him over, and he squeezed through the crowd to get to me.
“Hey, babe, how did it go?” he asked, kissing me on the cheek.
“It went great. I’ll tell you all about it, but first, I want you to meet Austin’s parents.” He tensed for a second, but then loosened when he noticed Donna’s and Jerry’s warm smiles.
“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.
Donna took it and wouldn’t let go. “The pleasure’s all mine. It is an honor to meet you.”
When she continued to hold his hand, Jerry chuckled and separated them. “You don’t want to scare the boy, darling.” Jerry shook Evan’s hand and let go. “I’m Jerry. It’s nice to meet you. Last week’s game was very interesting. Nice punch, by the way.”
Evan rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, that wasn’t one of my finest moments.”
“I thought it was great. Why don’t you get a drink with me and tell me all about it?” Jerry looked hopeful and Evan didn’t disappoint.
“I’d love to,” he replied happily. Evan kissed me on the cheek and winked. “I’ll be back.”
“Take your time. I have a lot of people to talk to. And my parents want to meet you, too. They’re around here somewhere.”
“Looking forward to it.” My parents were going to love him.
Jerry put his arm around Evan’s shoulder and they waltzed off to the bar with Donna following behind them. “You’re going, too?” I asked her.
“He’s adorable. I want a picture with him.” She waved and joined them at the bar.
“I told you they approved of him,” Grayson whispered in my ear. “You were worried for nothing.”
“Yes, I was. I was afraid you all would hate me.”
“You loved Austin, and I know you will for the rest of your life. That keeps him alive in your heart. I know you won’t forget him.”
Smiling, I bumped him in the shoulder. “Never.”
“Nice party,” a voice called out behind me. I turned around and greeted Philip, dressed in a blue polo shirt and dark slacks. He held out his hand to Grayson. “Good to see you again.”
Grayson smiled and shook his hand. “Likewise. I guess I’ll leave you two be. I want to find Lara anyway.”
“Yes, and make sure she stops avoiding your parents.”
He chuckled. “I’ll try. You know how silly she can be.”
Once he was gone, I turned to Philip and hugged him hard. “I’m so glad you came.”
“Me, too. How did the interview go?”
Taking his arm, I dragged him to a table and we sat down. “It went great. Susan loved the restaurant.”
“That’s good. I’m glad to see things looking up for you. I take it you and Evan are doing well.”
I nodded excitedly. “We are. I guess you can say I’ve temporarily moved in with him.”
His eyes went wide. “You what? Are you sure that’s a smart move?”
I shrugged. “It feels right. We’ve gotten really close over the past few weeks.” I turned in my chair to watch Evan at the bar with Donna and Jerry. My parents had joined them there and were shaking his hand. They laughed and talked as if they’d known one another for years. “Look at him over there. My parents love him. Austin’s parents love him. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”
Philip grabbed my hand. “I see that, but you have to be careful. I’m not the only one who watched the game last Sunday. It looks like Evan has enemies out there.”
I squeezed his hand reassuringly, though the thought of what had happened bothered me as well. I still wanted to know why Levi had targeted Evan the way he did. “Stop worrying about me. You’re not my doctor anymore, remember?” Letting his hand go, I sat back in my chair. “Now tell me about you. Did you bring a date tonight?”
He smiled. “No.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t have time to date. I’m divorced and I work twenty-four/seven.”
“Then I suggest you get out more. I’m sure I could find someone for you. We could double-date.”
Chuckling, he shrugged. “Maybe. I’m a little picky when it comes to women.”
“Oh, yeah?” I said, cracking my knuckles. “Tell me what you like and I’m sure I can find someone.” Before he could open his mouth, Lara rushed over, breathless. I shot up out of the chair and grabbed her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”
“I need you, now. Luke texted that he’s in the parking lot.”
“You have got to be kidding me. What does he want?”
“To talk to me. I can’t do it, Sum. I…I just can’t.”
“Do you need me to go out there?” Philip offered, getting to his feet.
“No, I can handle Luke. Just stay here and I’ll be right back.” I left Lara with Philip and rushed quickly to the back door. Even though he deserved it, the last thing I wanted to do was break Luke’s heart.
Chapter 19
Evan
After having a couple of drinks with Summer’s parents and Jerry and Donna, I figured it was time to find Summer. I introduced them all to Derek and Cooper so I could sneak away. But I hadn’t even gotten out of my seat when I was bumped in the arm by a man who sat down beside me.
“Sorry about that,” he apologized.
I grabbed my beer and stood. “Don’t mention it.”
“Wait, you’re Evan Townsend, right? I’m Philip Parker, a friend of Summer’s.”
“Her doctor,” I corrected.
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Used to be until she cut me loose. It’s nice to finally meet you. She seems happy now.”
“I’d like to think so. I’m sure she has you to thank for helping her through the past couple of years.”
“That I did. At first, I thought it was going to be impossible to bring her back. She was so broken.”
“Yes, I know.”
His mood completely changed, his gaze hardening. I stiffened. “Do you? Because I don’t think you do. I watched the game on Sunday. It looks like you have some enemies out there, Mr. Townsend. Did you for one second think about what that could mean for Summer? What if she ends up a victim again?”
