Chasing Forever (The Forever Series #1)(59)

Regan looked out the window. “Good. I finished the Summary Judgment Motion, which means I don’t have to work on Sunday.”

“Have you talked to him?”

Ah, yes. Everything circled back to Lucas. She wanted to have a Lucas free night. No. That wasn’t true. She needed a Lucas free life. It was less painful that way. “Nope.”

“Do you plan on it?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

Parker nodded. “You should give him a chance to explain. It’s only fair.”

Regan raised an eyebrow. “Since when did you become his advocate? I thought you were on my side, that you agreed with me.”

“Of course I’m on your side, but maybe you should let him tell you his side, especially if you plan to finish the summer working at Martin and Black.” He squeezed her leg. “You can’t avoid him for an entire month. He’s your mentor.”

“I can try, and if that fails, I can quit or become violently ill for the remainder of the summer.” She laughed mischievously, trying to keep the conversation light. She couldn’t do deep and emotional right now—not if she wanted to be a halfway decent date. “Didn’t you say your dad is a doctor? Maybe I should spend the night endearing myself to him so he can write me a doctor’s excuse if it comes to that.”

“Hmm, I’m not sure it would work.”

“Why not?”

He smiled wryly. “My dad’s a dermatologist so unless you want to develop an abnormal, highly contagious skin disease, you might need to find someone else.”

“Ew, yuck. I think I’ll pass.”

His parents’ home was a two-story yellow house with deep green shutters and a red brick sidewalk all enclosed by a low white fence. The home reminded her of Parker in a strange way. Maybe it was its simplicity and storybook look. They passed through the open front gate and walked around to the backyard.

“The party is in back,” Parker said, placing his hand on her lower back.

Soft music played in the background and she could hear the laughter and chattering of people. In the backyard, there was a charming herringbone brick patio surround by tall trees draped with outdoor fairy lights. The patio looked enchanting. She loved it.

“It’s lovely,” she said, feeling corny for her choice of words, but it was the only way she could describe the scene.

“My mom has a great eye for detail,” Parker said, smiling down at her.

“She does.” She could tell from the look in his eye how much he loved his family. It made her miss home and the days when her family was still intact. She hardly spoke to her dad, and she hadn’t seen her mom much since she moved to California. She sighed. One more reminder of how Olivia and Lucas’s entrance into her family’s life irreparably changed it.

“Let’s get meeting my parents out of the way so we can have fun.”

She nodded.

As they made their way through the crowd of people, she was glad she’d worn her light green maxi dress with the open back. It was perfect for a summer evening outdoor party.

“Mom, Dad,” Parker said, leaning in to kiss a woman with short blonde hair on the cheek.

“This is Regan Pierce.”

His mom stepped forward and hugged Regan. “It’s nice to meet you. Parker talks about you all the time.”

Uncomfortable, Regan shifted on her feet. “Your home is beautiful. Thanks for having me here.”

“Oh, so this is your date,” a man with a low voice interrupted.

Regan turned around, and saw an older version of Parker. Same blue eyes and slightly darker hair.

He held out his hand. “I’m Jared, Parker’s older brother.”

Regan smiled. “Congratulations on your engagement.”

He nodded. “How long have you been dating Parker?” Jared asked.

“We’re not dating exactly. I mean…” She paused, biting her lower lip. “This is kind of a date, but we’re mostly friends,” she said uncomfortably. She hoped Parker hadn’t told his family otherwise. She still felt as if she were in an emotional freefall after whatever happened with Lucas this past week. She wasn’t ready to revisit a relationship with Parker. She didn’t even know if Parker wanted that either.

Jared laughed and patted Parker on the shoulder. “It looks like you still have some work to do.”

Laughing, Parker wrapped an arm around her back. “Mind your own business or you won’t like my toast tonight.”

“Fair enough. I’ll keep my thoughts to myself.”

Parker bent his head toward her. “Let’s get a drink.”

“Good idea,” she said, ready to end the speculation about their relationship.

Two hours later, she and Parker sat at a small bench beneath a tree in his parents' yard. It was the first time they had the opportunity to talk privately since arriving at the party. He’d introduced her to all his family and friends, and while she liked everyone they’d met, she’d become increasingly uncomfortable as the night progressed.

Parker placed his arm along the top of the bench. “Are you glad you came?”

“It’s nice to get out of my house. Your family is great, and your parents are charming,” she answered evasively.

“But?” he asked with a raised eyebrow.