Catching Summer (Second Chances, #6)(40)

I laughed, knowing very well what she was referring to. “It’s because she’s embarrassed.”

She waved me off. “Honey, we might be old, but we’re not that old. We know what you kids do when you’re in love. Speaking of which, where’s the new beau?”

“He should be getting here soon.” About that time, Evan strolled through the door with the other players in tow. “And there he is,” I said, smiling widely. His eyes immediately found mine and my heart fluttered. I loved that feeling; it made me feel alive. I waved him over, and he squeezed through the crowd to get to me.

“Hey, babe, how did it go?” he asked, kissing me on the cheek.

“It went great. I’ll tell you all about it, but first, I want you to meet Austin’s parents.” He tensed for a second, but then loosened when he noticed Donna’s and Jerry’s warm smiles.

“It’s nice to meet you,” he said, holding out his hand.

Donna took it and wouldn’t let go. “The pleasure’s all mine. It is an honor to meet you.”

When she continued to hold his hand, Jerry chuckled and separated them. “You don’t want to scare the boy, darling.” Jerry shook Evan’s hand and let go. “I’m Jerry. It’s nice to meet you. Last week’s game was very interesting. Nice punch, by the way.”

Evan rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, that wasn’t one of my finest moments.”

“I thought it was great. Why don’t you get a drink with me and tell me all about it?” Jerry looked hopeful and Evan didn’t disappoint.

“I’d love to,” he replied happily. Evan kissed me on the cheek and winked. “I’ll be back.”

“Take your time. I have a lot of people to talk to. And my parents want to meet you, too. They’re around here somewhere.”

“Looking forward to it.” My parents were going to love him.

Jerry put his arm around Evan’s shoulder and they waltzed off to the bar with Donna following behind them. “You’re going, too?” I asked her.

“He’s adorable. I want a picture with him.” She waved and joined them at the bar.

“I told you they approved of him,” Grayson whispered in my ear. “You were worried for nothing.”

“Yes, I was. I was afraid you all would hate me.”

“You loved Austin, and I know you will for the rest of your life. That keeps him alive in your heart. I know you won’t forget him.”

Smiling, I bumped him in the shoulder. “Never.”

“Nice party,” a voice called out behind me. I turned around and greeted Philip, dressed in a blue polo shirt and dark slacks. He held out his hand to Grayson. “Good to see you again.”

Grayson smiled and shook his hand. “Likewise. I guess I’ll leave you two be. I want to find Lara anyway.”

“Yes, and make sure she stops avoiding your parents.”

He chuckled. “I’ll try. You know how silly she can be.”

Once he was gone, I turned to Philip and hugged him hard. “I’m so glad you came.”

“Me, too. How did the interview go?”

Taking his arm, I dragged him to a table and we sat down. “It went great. Susan loved the restaurant.”

“That’s good. I’m glad to see things looking up for you. I take it you and Evan are doing well.”

I nodded excitedly. “We are. I guess you can say I’ve temporarily moved in with him.”

His eyes went wide. “You what? Are you sure that’s a smart move?”

I shrugged. “It feels right. We’ve gotten really close over the past few weeks.” I turned in my chair to watch Evan at the bar with Donna and Jerry. My parents had joined them there and were shaking his hand. They laughed and talked as if they’d known one another for years. “Look at him over there. My parents love him. Austin’s parents love him. I couldn’t have asked for anything more.”

Philip grabbed my hand. “I see that, but you have to be careful. I’m not the only one who watched the game last Sunday. It looks like Evan has enemies out there.”

I squeezed his hand reassuringly, though the thought of what had happened bothered me as well. I still wanted to know why Levi had targeted Evan the way he did. “Stop worrying about me. You’re not my doctor anymore, remember?” Letting his hand go, I sat back in my chair. “Now tell me about you. Did you bring a date tonight?”

He smiled. “No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I don’t have time to date. I’m divorced and I work twenty-four/seven.”

“Then I suggest you get out more. I’m sure I could find someone for you. We could double-date.”

Chuckling, he shrugged. “Maybe. I’m a little picky when it comes to women.”

“Oh, yeah?” I said, cracking my knuckles. “Tell me what you like and I’m sure I can find someone.” Before he could open his mouth, Lara rushed over, breathless. I shot up out of the chair and grabbed her shoulders. “What’s wrong?”

“I need you, now. Luke texted that he’s in the parking lot.”

“You have got to be kidding me. What does he want?”

“To talk to me. I can’t do it, Sum. I…I just can’t.”