Catching Summer (Second Chances, #6)(29)

Nodding, I agreed. “I believe so. It’ll hurt to stop coming to you because it feels like we’ve grown close. I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Summer. I’m still going to come to the restaurant, and instead of analyzing you as a doctor, I’ll talk to you as a friend. You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He helped me to my feet. “Although I think I’m going to miss you. Your smile always brightened up this stuffy office.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him tight. “I’ll miss you, too. If something happens and I need to call…”

He held me tight around the waist. “Then you call me, okay? I’m always here for you if you need me.”

“Thanks, Philip. That means a lot to me.”

Letting me go, he stepped back and leaned against his desk. “So is there anything else you want to talk about before you go? It is your last session.”

Smiling, I shook my head. “I actually think I’m good. Maybe now when you come to the restaurant I can ask you questions instead of our conversations being all about me.”

“I look forward to that,” he murmured.

“Take care, Philip.” Opening the door, I breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at him one more time before walking out of his office and out of the building. It felt good to be on my own.

—

By the time I got to the restaurant, Lara was champing at the bit. She greeted me by the door and pulled me into the office. “Why haven’t you answered any of my texts?”

“Uh, maybe because I’ve been busy. What’s going on?”

“You and Evan are what’s going on. I saw the picture of you two. You both look so freaking adorable. They’re all calling you his girlfriend. They even mentioned the restaurant. How cool is that?”

“Has Grayson seen it? Have you talked to him?”

Her smile faded. “He’s not here yet. Do you think he’ll have something to say about it?”

I shrugged. “I don’t know. I keep wondering what Austin’s family is going to say. I don’t want them to think I’m going to forget him.”

Lara put her hands on my shoulders and squeezed. “No one’s going to think that, Summer. We all know you love and miss Austin. You’re twenty-eight years old. Surely they wouldn’t expect you to be alone for the rest of your life. And if they do, they can suck a big fat cock and get over it.”

We both burst out laughing and I hugged her. “Oh, sis, what would I do without you?”

“Go insane. I’m glad I can make you laugh.”

“You do more than that, and I love you so much for it.”

She squeezed me hard. “And I love you.”





Chapter 14


Summer


Grayson showed up right before the lunch crowd arrived, and we were slammed. It was busier than it had ever been. I was thankful we’d hired more staff because there was no way I could’ve handled it on my own with only Grayson behind the bar. Our chefs were amazing and the food tasted like heaven. Their love for cooking definitely showed up in the flavors; they cooked all of Grayson and Austin’s recipes.

Luckily, a break came around three o’clock and it usually stayed slow until around five. Grayson was wiping down the bar when I approached, and he greeted me with a smile. At least it wasn’t a look of disdain. “I’ve noticed you staring at me a lot today,” he teased. “I was starting to get a complex.”

I sat down, and he passed me a glass of water. “Thank you. I guess I’ve just been a little worried.”

“About what?” he said, focusing on me. “Evan?”

I nodded. “I was afraid of what you and your family would think.”

“Are you kidding me?” he laughed. “We’re happy for you. Mom called me today, crying. She said you looked amazing in that picture. They’re all excited about it. They like Evan.”

“Do you?”

“I do, but I think the question you really want to ask is what Austin would think about this.” Sighing, I closed my eyes and nodded. “Austin would want you to be happy, Sum. And if that happiness comes from being with Evan, then so be it. You can’t live your life in guilt if you fall in love with another guy. Have you been holding back because of that?”

“Kind of,” I admitted truthfully.

“Then stop and tell him how you really feel. Once you’re completely honest with him, you’ll be able to move on. Why don’t you go and talk to him?”

“Now?” I asked incredulously.

He rolled his eyes. “No, tomorrow. Yes, now. I want you to be stress-free for the night shift. Also, I want us to have a private party for our friends next Wednesday in celebration of our article. Invite the team and anyone you want.”

“But not Luke,” Lara said in passing.

Grayson growled low. “Now that, I agree with,” he said to me. “Don’t invite that scumbag.”

“Why, so you can have her all to yourself?” I teased.

Shaking his head, he circled around the bar and pushed me toward the door. “Get out of here, Summer. If you come back and the door is locked, just wait outside.”