Chapter 44
Justin
Anita parks me behind the bar and I spend the evening filling up plastic cups with wine and handing out sodas to the younger customers.
Pete keeps the music going, beach music to go with the theme of the night, and Summer’s mom looks happy as she talks with the readers lined all the way out the door for her signature.
I’m pouring a glass of wine for Ms. Dorothy, who’s beaming at being the neighbor of the guest of honor. She gives me a wink when I fill it all the way to the top and I hear my name, “Hey, Justin.” I look up and see Jessica. Isabel stands at her side.
“Hey girls, want a drink?” I point to the two offerings.
“Yeah, a diet Coke, please.” She points across the room. “And one for Lilah.”
Nick’s sister talks to him by his work. She has her phone out and snaps a few selfies.
“I didn’t know Nick was so talented,” Jessica says. “I mean, he’s always had that camera around, but I thought he was just trying to be artsy or something.”
“Well now you know better,” I say, pouring their drinks. I push the three across the table, wishing another couple would come along.
“That picture of Summer and her mom is gorgeous,” Isabel says. “Like, you can feel the intensity in the photograph.”
There is one main photo that Nick shot of Summer and Julia that’s very striking.
The two of them are along the barren road, near where Julia had been attacked.
Nick caught them in an unguarded moment and printed it in black-and-white.
The publisher used the photo on the back cover of Julia’s book, since there’s such a big family and redemption storyline.
Since Julia’s return, I can sense a change in Summer.
Not good or bad, just different. She’s a bit more carefree when her mom isn’t around, but she also seems a little lost—like she’s looking for her anchor.
All night she’s been glued to her mother’s side, ushering up fans for signings and conversation with her mom.
Avery, dressed up for the occasion and looking less like a skater bum than ever before, has been here since the doors opened.
He’s still wearing that hat that drives Anita crazy and he’s parked himself near the signing table, speaking with Julia whenever he has the opportunity.
I’m not sure why Anita hasn’t told him to scram.
“We heard about the drama the other night at Dusty’s,” Isabel says, taking a slow sip of her drink.
I shrug. “It was no big deal. Brent was just being a dick.”
“Like usual.” Jessica snorts then adds quickly, “Heard he accused Summer of being a whore.”
And like that, she has my full attention. “I told you, he was being a dick.”
“You know, she came in a few weeks ago to get a bathing suit and she was talking about how hot Whit is and that you two had an arrangement—”
“Agreement,” Isabel corrects.
“Yeah, an agreement.” Jessica’s green eyes hold mine.
“Like, Lilah saw her and Nick making out in his truck the other day. Which is cool, you know, if that’s what you’re into.” She shoves her hands in her pockets. Her jeans are so low that her hipbones are clearly visible. “I guess what I’m wondering is, does that mean you can see other people, too?”
Jessica is one of those girls that I never know what she’s really up to. Is she fishing for gossip? Stirring the pot? Flirting? Whatever she’s doing, I’m not interested. “My relationship with Summer is between her and me. It’s none of your business.”
A slow smile spreads across her face. “So it’s true, you are in one of those ‘open relationships.’ Is that big in Tennessee? Or is that what rich girls do in their fancy, all-girls private schools?”
“Jess, you need to watch yourself,” I say in a low voice.
She laughs. “I just wanted confirmation that you and the other boys are still on the playing field. Turns out, you are.”
My jaw twitches and just as I’m about to say something I may or may not regret, Summer walks by.
She gives me a sly, promise-making smile and slows, slipping her arm around my waist. Fueled by possessiveness, I pull her to me and kiss her boldly, tongue easing into her mouth.
She tastes like strawberry, probably from the fruit on the table, and smells so good.
There’s no doubt Jessica and Isabel are watching and to my surprise, Summer doesn’t hesitate in the least.
We ease apart and I ask, “Can I get you a drink?”
“Just a water for my mom.”
I reach into the cooler under the table and hand her a bottle. Summer looks at the girls and says, “Hey! I’m so glad you came. Are you getting a signed book?”
“Uh,” Jessica stumbles, cheeks slightly flushed. Her eyes flick between us. “Yeah, we should go get in line, right, Isabel?”
“Yes. Definitely.” She picks up the third drink from the table. “And give Lilah her drink.”
“Great! Make sure you tell my mom who you are, okay?”
The girls scurry from the table and I glance over at Summer, who has a small smile on her mouth.
“What?” I ask.
“I saw them over here flirting with you.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure what they were doing other than looking for trouble, but you either shut them down or started a fire.” She laughs but there’s a strain, and I squeeze her hand. “You okay?”
“Yeah,” but it’s not convincing. She frowns. “We need to talk after the party. Maybe in the morning.”
“Something bad?” My eyes flit around the room for the guys. Each is involved with whatever task they’d been assigned by Anita while engaging customers.
“Something weird.” She touches my stomach. “Not about you. Just…we’ll talk later, okay?”
The door chimes again and Shay enters, dressed nicer than anyone else in the room. Her eyes skim the crowd. “I think she’s looking for you.”
“Ugh, I think you’re right.”
“She’s still bothering you?”
She sighs. “Actually no, she’s okay, but I’m just ready to hang out and chill, you know? No parties, no fan mail, no interviews, just long lazy days at the beach.”
I kiss her temple. “Sounds like a real townie. All you want is to hang out on the beach, but real life beckons. Unfortunately, you’re not a tourist anymore. Welcome to our world.”
That does earn a real laugh and smile. “Can we be a tourist just for tomorrow?”
“Yep. All day. The three S’s. Sun, sand, and surfing.” She raises an eyebrow. “What?”
“I think you missed one.”
I’m trying to figure out the final S when she drifts off to greet Shay. But it comes to me as I’m filling the next glass of wine and she gives me a wink from across the room.
Sex.