Catching Summer (Second Chances, #6)(50)

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We got to Evan’s house, and I packed an entire bag for him with clothes and toiletries. “I want to stop by the café and get him some apple fritters before we go back,” I called out to Lara.

“I swear, you two are so cute it’s sickening. Why weren’t you like that with Austin?”

Grabbing one of Evan’s shirts, I brought it to my face and breathed in his scent. I loved Austin and always would, but what I had with Evan was different. It was stronger. “I don’t know,” I admitted honestly. “My relationship with Evan runs deeper than I’d ever imagined.”

“Do you think maybe it’s because you were meant to be with Evan and not Austin?”

“Could be, but they are complete opposites. My life stopped with Austin and then picked back up with Evan. He healed me.” Lara blew out a heavy sigh and sat down at the kitchen table. She fumbled with her phone and let it drop on the table. “Why are you asking me these questions?” I asked. “Is there something on your mind? Or perhaps someone?” Before she could reply, a knock sounded on the door. “I wonder who that could be.”

She followed me to the door. When I opened it, I wasn’t prepared to see Luke there with Jason beside him. His eyes immediately caught Lara’s and he froze.

“Hi,” I greeted them. “I wasn’t expecting you just yet.”

Jason glanced back and forth at us all and stepped forward when he realized Luke was going to stand there in a stupor. “I’m sorry to barge in on you, but we tried to call. We went to the hospital and Kate said you were here.”

Opening the door wider, I waved them in. “No, it’s fine. My phone must be dead. It hasn’t been charged in a while.” Jason stepped forward and so did Luke. Unfortunately, Lara backed away and disappeared down the hallway, slamming the door in her wake. “It’s been an emotional day,” I said, giving her an excuse. Then I turned to Luke. “Just give her some time.”

His jaw clenched. “More time for her to run back to Grayson? Yeah, that’s exactly what I want.”

Jason elbowed him in the side. “We’re not here for your love life, asswipe. We’re here for Townsend.”

Luke huffed and shut the door. “Then let’s get to it.”

We sat down at the kitchen table and Jason pulled out a notebook. I told him everything I knew. I mentioned Levi and what had happened in Arizona along with everything Evan had told me about the accident.

“Personally, I think you should investigate Jax, too,” Luke suggested. “It’s obvious he hates Evan. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had something to do with all of this.”

Jason wrote Jax’s name in his notebook. “Good point. After what you told me he and Lindsey did, it could be possible. I’ll investigate them both.”

“Do you think that’s enough to go on?” I asked him.

He shut his notebook and stood. “Oh, yeah. It might take a few days to get everything I need, but I’ll do it as fast as I can. Tell Evan I’ll be in touch.”

“I will.”

I walked them to the door, but Luke stopped and turned around. “I’m sorry for losing my shit earlier. I didn’t know Lara was going to be here.”

“It’s okay. I think she’s a little confused right now. Love seems to do that to people.”

He snorted. “No shit. I’ll see you back at the hospital tonight.”

“Good, because Evan and I are going to watch the game. The more the merrier.”

“Then I’ll bring the chips and dip. I’m sure Evan’s going to be sick of hospital food by the time everything’s said and done.”

I laughed. “I’m sure he will. See you tonight.”

After I shut the door, Lara came out of hiding. “So you’re hanging out with him now?”

Sighing, I grabbed Evan’s bag and slung it over my shoulder. “He’s Evan’s best friend, Lara. He’s going to be around, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Straightening her shoulders, she marched to the door. “Whatever you do, don’t ask me to hang out with him. I don’t think I can do it.”

“Are you ever going to talk to him?”

With her hand on the knob, she glanced back at me, her gaze sad. “I don’t know. My anger keeps me away, but I can feel my control slipping. I think it’s best I stay away from him.” And with those words, she opened the door and said nothing more about it. I could only hope she was making the right decision.





Chapter 24


Summer


Before going back to the hospital, I dropped Lara off at the restaurant and stopped at a favorite café of mine and Evan’s so I could buy him some apple fritters and me some blueberry scones. They had only four of each so I bought them all.

“Hungry this morning?” a voice called out behind me. Gasping, I turned to find Philip, dressed in a pair of gym shorts and a tank top, smiling widely. But his smile disappeared when he got a good look at my face. “What the hell. Are you okay?”

“Not really, but I will be.”

Gently grabbing my elbow, he pulled me over to a table. “What’s wrong? Do you want to talk about it?”

I sat down and rubbed a hand over my face. “You haven’t seen the news?”