Page 85 of Hearts on the Line

“For someone so busy,” I say, “you sure know a lot of what’s going on here in Merritt Point.”

“Can’t help it. I’m a nosy bitch. Besides, your wedding wasn’t exactly a private affair.”

Don’t I know it? At some point, I’ll need to face the fallout. I chuckle. “I missed spending summers here.”

“We really missed you.”

I peek into the rearview mirror, my heart squeezing when I realize Jack said we. It’s not too subtle, and he’s been teasing us all afternoon. Still, he hasn’t accused us of being together, and I’m glad because Ethan looks like he’s going to turn into the Hulk at any moment.

I prefer my lobstermen not green and angry—just a little salty and with a dirty mouth.

We finally arrive at the Murphys’ house twenty minutes after we stop at the market. Bridget and Gloria greet us outside wearing flamingo sunglasses. June rolls around on her scooter with a rainbow boa and a cowgirl hat.

“I thought we were having dinner,” Ethan grumbles. “Nana, did you steal Dad’s edibles again?”

“We both know Jack’s the favorite,” I tease.

Jack laughs. “Well, I missed these guys.”

“Maybe you should come back more often,” Ethan says.

Jack spins around, slapping his hand against the front seat. “That’s not fair. I came as soon as I could.”

Jack bursts out of the car, swoops up Bridget, gives her a kiss on the cheek, and proceeds to do the same with June and Gloria.

All three women cackle, clearly in love with Boston’s favorite forward.

“We missed you!”

“No girlfriend?” June asks.

“Sorry,” Jack answers. “You know me.”

Gloria makes a tsking sound. “One day, Jack Murphy, a girl’s going to steal your heart and you won’t know what to do with yourself.”

“Until then, I’m not against seeing older women,” he says, winking at her.

She blushes and whacks him on the shoulder. “You big flirt!”

He throws his arms around Gloria and Bridget, steering them inside. “I heard we’re having dinner, so I think we also need some margaritas.”

June cheers from her scooter.

Meanwhile, I stand at the edge of the driveway, my arms crossed. I feel Ethan approach from behind, and he stops short of touching me, even though I can tell he wants to.

I want him to.

His family means everything to him. I think sometimes he forgets that he means everything to them too. He seems so hell-bent on doing everything for everyone. It hurts to see him work so hard when I think he wants something else. It’s like he’s just making up for the fact that when he was eighteen, he made some bad decisions.

He’s just stuck there. Stuck with that shame and guilt.

I wish he could see what an incredible man he’s become.

“Come on, Chef!” Gloria calls out from inside.

Ethan walks around me, only glancing over his shoulder to make sure Wally and I are tagging along.

Bridget has a stack of caftans on the table. “We’re having a themed dinner tonight. Caftans for everyone.” She tosses one to me, to Ethan, to Jack, then to her two best friends.