Summer gives me a peculiar look. “Uh, thanks.” The air turns stiff, and she must feel it too because she stands up. “I’m going to grab a water, want anything?” Wow, she’s being hospitable to me.
Gently, I shake my head as she patters past me, and unfortunately, my mind drifts to why she has the necklace.
“I want to get her something really nice. She’s special, and after getting married, a ring just doesn’t seem enough,” my brother explains as we peruse the jewelry store.
I’m not sure why I’m doing this to myself. They eloped out of the blue, and I do my best to see them less and less. I’ve barely spoken to my brother, but Zac is in Dallas for a medical conference, and since I have a game here, we managed to squeeze in a quick lunch. And now I’m being dragged to a jewelry store.
“How is she?” I pry, with a sting inside of me.
Zac doesn’t bother glancing up as he studies the contents of the glass case. “Good. She’s been my rock and seems content with work and living in Lake Spark still.”
I’m happy for her... and him. This is what was supposed to happen when I locked my heart from Summer. I still feel like I probably left pieces in my trail, even if for the long run it’s the best for everyone. Doesn’t mean she doesn’t cross my mind more than she should.
“There it is.” My brother taps on the glass with his long finger. “A charm necklace. Perfect for someone you love.”
“Because she loves you too.” I’m not sure why I need the clarification so quick.
He stalls and draws his gaze to me. “Of course.” Why didn’t that feel more confident? It’s a long moment before he occupies himself with the contents under the glass. “I bet she would love the flower.”
Peeking over his shoulder, I examine the choices, and then my eyes lock onto one particular choice.
“Can I have a look at the flower charm?” my brother requests to the lady who scurries our way.
“Of course.” She unlocks the back of the display with a key that was around her neck on a lanyard. “Everyone loves these. At Christmas, we have presents and trees.”
Pretending to look at my watch, I pat his shoulder. “I’m going to head out. Need to get ready for the game.” And Idon’t want to watch you buy Summer jewelry, because you’re in love with the woman who should have been mine.
He gives me a healthy smile while the jeweler sets the tray in front of him. “Sure thing. It was great seeing you. You have to come back to Lake Spark more often. We all miss you.”
“Maybe.”
I turn to walk away and manage a few steps when I hear the jeweler speak. “It was the flower you wanted to look at, right?”
“Yes, the flo?—”
“Zac,” I cut him off. It takes a moment before I glance back and flex my jaw side to side. “The treasure chest. You should look at the treasure chest.”
He looks over his shoulder, perplexed. “Why?”
I lick my lips, remembering the most ridiculous secret that Summer shared with me once. “I don’t know,” I lie. “Just… the treasure chest is a nice pick.”
Now I’m in Summer’s house with my brother dead and a necklace around her neck that I knew would make her happy.
Rubbing my hands over my face, I’m beginning to wonder why I’m putting myself through this. I should just ignore my brother’s request and move on.
But it’s Summer.
And a baby that’s my nephew.
If she truly needs someone to help her like everyone suggests then I’ll never forgive myself, because before my brother would protect her, and now there is only me.
Summer saunters back into the living room, oblivious to my mind having just gone down memory lane.
“You don’t get a choice. I’m just ordering pizza, going to steal a slice, and then I’ll give Bo a bath, bottle, and everything. By the way, he can try soft foods in little pieces, just stayaway from honey. I guess you’ll learn quickly. Also, he likes going for ‘swims.’” She uses air quotes. “At the Dizzy Duck. I know it’s technically a spa pool, but Holden doesn’t mind. The water is perfectly warm too. The other thing is Bo still wakes once a night, so be prepared for that.” She’s rambling again.
I grimace. “You’re going to keep using his routine as our talking point, aren’t you?”
She heaves a sigh because she’s been called out. “Yeah,” she answers bluntly. Summer climbs down to the floor and crosses her legs, getting comfortable as it seems she is willing to talk.
