I texted my parents, explaining Cal had left for a few days with work, and that I was heading into town with Rosie.
When I heard the car honk outside, I smiled, seeing the familiar car at the end of the drive. It felt just like old times as I slid in the seat next to her, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Oh,God, it’s so good having you back here. It’s such a drag with just Sienna for company. I’ve missed you so much.”
We chatted about her college course in childcare as we pulled up, my eyes falling on a familiar Ford Ranger. My stomach sank as Rosie looked over at me with worry in her eyes.
“Do you want to go somewhere else?”
I shook my head, aware that I needed to get used to seeing Luke considering I was spending the entire summer here. It may be easier without Cal around, I suppose. It didn’t stop my heart from racing when we walked in, my eyes automatically scanning the room for him.
He was leaning against the bar with a soda in his hands, his football jersey still on from practice. I knew he was now playing football professionally, and that he was fantastic at it. I smiled as he raised his soda in my direction before turning to Rosie, who bit her lip nervously.
“Are you guys good? I don’t want any drama.”
I found an empty booth at the opposite end, and made a beeline for it, grateful it was out of his eye line. I gave her a reassuring look as I pulled my phone out to see if Cal had texted to say he had landed yet.
Nothing.
“We’ll be fine,” I stated, my eyes flickering over to the direction he was in.
We ordered our usual lattes and Rosie listened as I regaled her with tales of New York, leaving out the part where I was kidnapped.
“Your life is so interesting and mine is so boring,” she moaned as she slid out of the booth. “I’m just heading to the ladies,” she flashed me a smile as she walked away, and I sipped my latte.
“No Cal tonight?”
I looked up, dread coursing through my veins.
Luke studied me, his electric-blue eyes burning into mine.
“I just wanted to ask if we could catch up, I feel bad about the other day,” he looked at the floor before he met my eyes, and I saw the sincerity in them.
I swallowed knowing I should say no, but itwouldmake things easier around here if we were cool. Plus, Cal wasn’t here, and he wouldn’t know about it.
“Okay, sure. Is tomorrow any good?” I offered and his eyes lit up.
“Yeah, you still have the same number? I can come and pick you up if you like, say ten a.m.? If you still get up early that is.”
I chewed on the inside of my lip as I nodded.
“Yeah, same number. Ten is fine. Thanks,” I realized I was talking like a robot, and I tried to relax as he turned to see Rosie heading over to us, concern on her face.
I felt for our friends, it must be hard for them when we were all together.
It was fine, I decided. I was going to smooth this over so we couldallhave the best summer ever.
Right?
Part Two: Chapter Nineteen
GRETCHEN
I was glad my parents were at work, for if they’d have seen Luke pulling up, they would have had a heart attack, I’m sure.
I pulled the door shut behind me, glad I had dressed down. I wasn’t about to give him any ideas, so I had my grey joggers on with a loose hoodie, refusing to even wear makeup.
No way was he thinking there was more to this than there was.
