Catching Summer (Second Chances #6)(28)

“It is,” I agreed. “I actually look happy. But how did they find out my name? I don’t even know what the article says.”

He squeezed my hand. “It doesn’t say anything about your past, if that’s what you’re worried about. And it’s the media, Summer. It’s not that hard to figure out who you are.”

“I understand that, but what does it say? And why did they choose that picture to print?”

“Hell, I don’t know, maybe because it was a good picture. They did the same thing to Cooper and Kate. It’s just the price you pay for being with me.” His lips tilted up in a grin. “And besides, now that everyone knows who you are, they’ll be checking out the tavern. I think it’s a win-win.”

“I’m not here with you in hopes you’ll get the restaurant more business, Evan. I’ve handled that on my own.”

“Yes, you have. But I’m here to help you in any way I can. That’s what you do when you care about someone.” He quickly glanced down at his phone and groaned. “All right, sunshine, I have to go before I’m late.”

We both stood, and he grabbed my trash and threw it away while I carried the bag with Philip’s bagel. Once outside, he wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me. “I’ll come by tonight after practice so I can see you.”

I kissed him again and nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you then.” He winked at me before taking off across the street and disappearing around the corner. I pulled out my phone, curious to see if anyone had texted about the article. It just so happened I had a gazillion from Lara, and a couple from Kate and Grayson. I could already imagine Lara’s with the overly dramatic exclamation points and shouts of happiness. Kate’s was probably the same way, since she and Lara were just alike. Grayson’s, however, had me worried. Instead of looking at them, I pocketed my phone and walked the block to Philip’s office.

Once at his building, I climbed the stairs to his suite and opened the door. His secretary, Anita Crabtree, welcomed me with a smile. Her brown hair was in the usual bun, and she had on the type of sweater vest you’d see older teachers wear. I think maybe she was one before she retired and started working for Philip.

“Summer, how are you this morning?” she greeted me warmly.

“Good and you?”

“Peachy, my dear. Dr. Parker’s expecting you, so you can go right on in.”

“Thank you, Anita.” His door was just across the hall, so I took a deep breath and entered. He had his back to me, holding the newspaper picture up in front of him. “I see you got the paper as well,” I said.

“Every morning,” he replied, swiveling in his chair to face me. His hair was shorter than it had been last week, and he was dressed in a pair of jeans and a blue-and-white-striped button-down shirt. More casual than I’d ever seen him. He even had more stubble on his face, a more rugged appearance.

I set the bag in front of him and took a seat. “I brought you breakfast.”

His smile brightened when he opened it up. “Ah, an Asiago cheese bagel. You know me so well.”

“I should hope so,” I said with a laugh. “I’ve been talking to you for almost two years. I consider you more a friend than my therapist now.”

“If I was your friend, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t have forgotten to tell me about your new boyfriend. What’s going on with you and the football player?”

Sighing, I leaned back in the chair. “I had no clue they were going to put that picture in the paper.”

Philip took a bite of his bagel and shrugged. “Well, you look happy in it. I have to give you that. I’m assuming everyone will know who you are once the story circulates.”

“Including Austin’s family,” I added sadly.

He sat back with furrowed brows. “Do you think they’ll get angry with you?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I hope not. This is all so new to me.”

“Are you two serious?”

“Not in the way you’re thinking. We haven’t even gone on a date yet. I do like him, though. He’s the first man I’ve felt anything for in a long time.”

“I see. And does he feel the same way about you?”

Looking out the window, I could see the football stadium. “Yes. It scares me because I don’t know the first thing about being with someone. Austin is all I’ve ever known.”

“Just take your time,” he suggested. “I know guys like that are used to getting what they want. I’d hate to see you pressured into doing something you don’t want to do.”

“He’s not like that, I assure you. Evan’s different. I’ve known him for a long time now.”

Philip got up and sat down beside me, studying me. “Good. Although, I have to say, you seem different today. This past week has changed you. Do we owe that to your newfound love?”

I laughed and shook my head. “Not exactly. Maybe half of it, but it’s also that the tavern is going to be featured in Southern Trends. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am. For the first time in my life, everything feels right.”

Turning toward me, he grabbed my hand and covered it with his other one. “That’s amazing, Summer. I’m so proud of you and how far you’ve come. From what I’m hearing, it sounds like you might be ready to be on your own. Don’t you think?”