Page 54 of Beyond the Stroke

“Because you injured me.”

“Fair point. What other types?”

“Friends with benefits.” She clears her throat. “We’re definitely not that kind of friends.”

“No? I think there are a ton of benefits to being my friend.”

“You know what I’m talking about.”

Yeah, I do. While I’m disappointed we’re not friends with benefits, it’s also cool because I don’t think I could be Summer’s friend with benefits. I’d wantmore.

The thought surprises me.

What more do I want? Or have time for?

Hadn’t the end of my relationship with Daphne been because I needed space? I couldn’t put the energy into the relationship that she needed. Couldn’t take the next step she wanted; a proposal. But when I’m around Summer, she doesn’t drain me. It’s the exact opposite.

“Your ride-or-die friend,” she continues.

“Scarlett,” I say, reminding her she shared that bit of information. “She’s your ride-or-die?”

“Yeah.” She’s quiet a moment. “What about you?”

“Eli’s my best friend on the team. We’ve known each other for over a decade and are each other’s biggest supporters. He’s been keeping me sane and supported with my parents giving me so much pushback on my career decisions.”

“Your parents aren’t supporting your career?” Her tone reveals disbelief. “I would have thought they’d be super proud of you.”

“They are, or they have been. But they’ve always been one step ahead, thinking about the future. They know my career will eventually come to an end, so they want me to start preparing for that moment. They want me to settle down.”

“Settle down how? They want you to stop swimming?”

“They’re pressuring me to get back with Daphne.”

“Really?” Summer rolls toward me, tucking her hand under her pillow for support.

“They’ve been pushing me to give it another go with my ex because her dad and mine are in business together. For them, it would be nice and easy if we got married and kept the business in the family.”

“Why’d you two break up?” she asks.

“I was injured and needed time to think about my next steps in my career. It wasn’t fair to her to put her life on hold when I didn’t know what I wanted. She wanted to get married, but I wasn’t ready.” I take a breath, and decide to be completely honest. “And I knew we weren’t right together. That I was staying with her because of our parents’ desires. I felt guilty about it for a while but I know I did the right thing by ending it with her.”

“I can relate.”

“You can?” I don’t know anything about Summer’s family or past experiences. She’s a woman living out of a camper van who is determined to only rely on herself. So, it makes sense thatthere might have been something or someone in her life that made her feel like she needed to be on her own.

She nods, but doesn’t elaborate. It’s late and I don’t want to push her. The fact that she let me stay the night is a huge step on its own.

If Summer can relate to my predicament, then maybe she’d be willing to help. In my head, a plan starts to take form.

“You know what would help me out?” I ask.

“No, but I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”

My lips twitch at her snarky tone, but I proceed anyway.

“If you came to my family dinner with me tomorrow night.”

“As your human shield?” Her laugh is easy and light.

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