Page 11 of Love Shots

A knock on her door had her peeking up from the woolen cover. She wasn’t expecting anyone. It was her day off. Thank God. Besides, the entrance to her apartment could only be accessed through the back of the bar, so it wasn’t exactly easy for people to show up unannounced.

Maybe it’s one of the bar staff. Or Teddy. Oh God, please don’t let it be Teddy.

Crawling off the couch, she winced as each step toward the door rattled her still-pounding head.

“Ivy! What are you—”

Ivy jumped into Summer’s arms with enough force, it managed to back her further into the apartment. “Summer! It’s been forever! I can’t believe you’re back!”

Once Teddy’s sister finally untangled herself, Summer had a chance to get a good look at the woman she’d become. Her long, dark hair was tied into one of her signature braids. As usual, she looked effortlessly beautiful in just jeans and a vest. But there was something different about her. She was glowing.

“You’re looking really frickin’ fine, girl.” Summer beamed and reached for her hand, pulling her further into the living room. “Come on in, I’ll make us some coffee.”

Ivy followed her into the connecting kitchen and leaned against one of the granite counters. “Coffee sounds great. How long are you back for? I would’ve been by sooner, but Teddy only told me you were back today! Can you believe that? When he mentioned you’d been back a week, I swear to God I almost punched him. A week. A whole week, my dumbass brother doesn’t tell me you’re back in town. You must have thought I was being so rude not coming to see you.”

Summer couldn’t help but smile. Ivy liked to babble when she was flustered, it was good to know that hadn’t changed. She realised then just how much she’d missed Ivy. She was like the little sister she never had. Even though there was only a few years difference in their age, Summer had always felt protective of her, and that would never change either.

“Don’t be silly, you’re like the least rude person I know.” She passed Ivy a mug and grabbed her own. “I’m sorry I haven’t managed to come over to the ranch to see you yet. Teddy mentioned that it’s doing really well and—” Summer’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, is that what I think it is?”

Ivy’s smile was dazzling as she lifted her left hand and allowed Summer a closer inspection of the ring. “Yeah, I guess it is. I kinda met someone.”

“Holy shit. That’s the biggest emerald I’ve ever seen! You marrying a prince or something?”

Her friend giggled. “No, not a prince. His name is Ace. He’s friends with Brady Mitchell—you remember him, right? Well, they served together. You’re gonna love him, I know it.”

“Yeah, I remember Brady; how’s he doing?” Talk about a blast from the past. “Oh, I’m sure I’ll like him. If he makes you smile like that, then he’s already got my vote.”

“Oh, Brady’s good. He’s a cop now and married. You’re gonna love his wife, Ali, she kinda reminds me a bit of you. Oh, and her sister, Lily. Lily’s married to Jake McAllister—you remember him too, don’t you? Well, you’ll love her too.” Ivy paused for a second and then excitedly screeched, “I know! We should arrange a girls’ night so you can meet them. I’ll set it up! You’re working at Mickey’s now, aren’t you? It will have to be on one of your nights off. Hmmm. Okay. I’ll plan it. You still haven’t told me how long you’re in town for? Please don’t say you’re leaving soon?”

Summer tugged on Ivy’s hand again and led her back into the living room and onto the couch. Summer had a feeling seating would be required for the type of catch-up they were about to have. Once they were both settled into the cushions, Summer put Ivy out of her misery.

“I’m not leaving anytime soon. In fact, I’m here to stay. Permanently. And yes, I’m working here. And yes, a girls’ night sounds good. I can’t wait to meet them. And your man. Brady and Jake were always great guys, I’m glad they found equally great women.”

Ivy opened and closed her mouth several times before she finally said something. “You’re staying here? For real? You quit your job?”

Letting out a slow breath, Summer nodded. “I did. I’m back. For good.”

Ivy launched herself at her once again and hugged her so tightly, Summer struggled to breathe for a moment. “That makes me so happy Summer, you have no idea. Does Teddy know you’re staying? For good, I mean.”

“Yeah, he knows, why?”

“Oh, uh, no reason, just wondering.”

Ivy was never the best liar. But for now, Summer would let it slide. She was more interested in learning more about Ivy’s ranch, her fiancé, and her new friends. So that’s what she did.

***

Mickey’s was bustling. It felt like the whole town was out tonight. Which meant they were slammed behind the bar. Summer couldn’t even remember taking a breath in the last two hours, let alone a break.

After her last wine order though, she realized pretty quickly there was a problem. They were low on clean glasses. They’d obviously been pouring quicker than the glasses were getting cleaned and restocked. She knew she needed to leave Teddy and Kelly behind the bar and do a round. Mission Collect Empty Glasses was on.

Spinning around to face Teddy as he poured yet another beer, she didn’t have to wait long to garnish his attention.

“What’s up?” He side-glanced her.

“I need to do a glass run ... you gonna be okay back here while I’m gone?”

She knew he would, but it didn’t mean she didn’t have to ask. “Good thinking. Yeah, Kels and I will be okay. I forgot to mention that Jacob is on his way in too to help us out.” He took a minute to scrub his free hand over his stubble before fixing those big green eyes on her again. “I don’t know what in the world is going on tonight, or where all these people are coming from, but thank you. I’d be screwed if you weren’t here, or if you weren’t so damn good.”

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