After Kelsey dropped me off, I stood for a minute in the driveway, taking in the smell of hamburgers on the grill. My stomach growled, and my mouth started watering from the odor as I walked around to the side and let myself in the gate of the privacy fence.
Miles spotted me and waved just as I latched the door shut.
“Hey, Casey. I’m glad you could make it.” He set down the grilling spatula and pulled me in for a hug. It had taken me a long time to not flinch when he hugged me, and now I accepted them with only the slightest twitch.
“Thanks for inviting me. I’m so sorry I’m late. I take it Josie’s inside?” I gestured with a nod.
Miles shifted uncomfortably and ran his hand across his chin a couple times. “Yeah, about that. Just so you know, it wasn’t my idea.”
“What was —” My words were cut off when the sliding glass door opened, and I turned to see my sister step out. She broke into a huge grin when she saw me.
“Yay! You’re here. I didn’t hear a car pull up.” Josie hurried over, wrapping her arms tightly around me as she whispered, “Don’t be mad.”
I threw Miles a confused look. “Why would I —”
“Hello, Casey.”
My breath caught at that voice. I looked over Josie’s shoulder to see Philip standing inside the door frame, looking gorgeous as always in a tight navy t-shirt that only accentuated his broad shoulders, thick, muscled arms, and his tapered, narrow waist. He’d forgone his typical blue jeans and black combat boots for a pair of khakis and brown deck shoes.
“Hey, Philip. I didn’t expect to see you here.” My eyes darted quickly to Josie, who didn’t look at all guilty about her obvious matchmaking attempt. How I had missed his truck out front, I had no idea. Maybe because I’d been so focused on my breathing exercises and not throwing up. That sometimes took all my concentration.
He stepped onto the deck and made his way down the stairs to join us, his heat-filled glare directed at Josie. “I could say the same thing.”
I wasn’t sure if his words were meant for my sister or me. Either way, I was happy he was here.
“Well, I’m glad to see you regardless.” I smiled at him to let him know there wasn’t any awkwardness between us. We were still friends.
My heart skipped when he returned the smile, and I knew all was well. “Me too.”
Soon, the four of us were sitting around the patio table, passing the food around, talking, and laughing like usual. Miles was telling some corny joke, and Philip and I traded sly glances, communicating silently in our own secret language. It made me realize that everything was going to work out.