Page 53 of Summer Ever After
Jane
Did I tell you I went to breakfast with Ivy Brooks yesterday morning? You should’ve come. I didn’t even think to invite you. I’m not used to having you in town.
Capri
Ivy is more your friend than mine. I doubt she even knows who I am. It would’ve been weird if I came.
My brows drop. Yes, Ivy is closer to me than Capri. We were on student council together, but that was in high school. We’re all adults now. Just because Capri claims to be a wallflower doesn’t mean she can’t be friends with other people besides me. It’s time for her to get out of her shell.
Jane
Of course Ivy knows who you are. She finds out today how long she has to stay in Sunset Harbor. Maybe the three of us could get together before you leave town. What about tomorrow night?
Capri
We’re doing a family movie night at Tala’s house. Speaking of family, guess who stopped by for Sunday dinner yesterday?
Jane
Tristan???
Capri
No, Walker. We were so surprised when he showed up. He played dolls with Serenity, taught Jack how to golf, and even held Lucas. And on top of all that, he stayed and talked after dinner. It was wild—like he was actually trying.
I blink several times as I stare at her text.
Walker did what I said.
Something about that feels big, like he actually values my advice.
I don’t know why him connecting with his family makes my heart melt into a sloppy puddle and my stomach rapidly flutter, but it does.
It totally does.
And that sucks on so many levels.
Liking Walker is a complete betrayal to Capri. I haven’t been honest about my feelings for her brother our entire friendship. I’m sure she’d get over the deception from junior high, but what about now? I’m going behind her back, keeping her in the dark, and downplaying what I feel. But let’s set all that aside and just go with basic geography: Walker doesn’t live in Sunset Harbor and has absolutely no desire to stay. He said so himself. No amount of wishing this crush into real life is going to change that.
I have to find a way to shut these feelings down.
“Earth to Jane!”
My head jerks up. All eyes are on me.
“Sorry. I was reading a text.” I pick up my pen and scoot forward like I’m ready to work. “What did you ask?”
Mayor Barnes raises his brows at me. “How are the rest of the Fourth of July activities coming along?”
This is where I shine.
I sit up taller. “Marlyss Gapmeyer is running the pancake breakfast that morning and has everything she needs for that. Beau is going to finalize the parade route. We already have twenty-five entries, mostly small businesses and families who want to decorate their own golf carts and bikes.” I glance down at my paper, jogging my brain. “I’ve already coordinated with the vendors for food. The elementary school will take care of the beach games. Mo and the Kokomos are excited to headline the dance again for the fifteenth year in a row.” I smile at Mayor Barnes. “And you’re in charge of the fireworks that night. So I think everything is in place. It should be a great community event.”
Mayor Barnes nods in appreciation. “Nobody takes care of this island like you do, Jane. What would we do without you?”
“You’ll never have to know. I’m here for the long haul.”
They couldn’t get rid of me, even if they tried.
