Page 65 of One Southern Summer

“I haven’t posted any pictures. Besides, is that really our objective here? To be some kind of wholesome brand ambassador?”

“My goal is to get you to stop obsessing over a nonissue. She’s divorced. That means you both have the freedom to pursue a relationship. So what’s holding you back?”

Heat crawled up his neck. “A kiss isn’t going to bring any clarity to the situation.”

Hemby laughed. “You clearly haven’t kissed anyone in a while.”

Ouch. “Not helping.” He glared then popped a chip in his mouth.

“Somebody has to give you some tough love.”

Cole crunched on a nacho and pondered Hemby’s perspective. He didn’t want to cause Avery any more pain. She’d endured too much already. But how could he pursue a meaningful relationship with her? How could they build a life together on top of the rubble that remained of her heart?

“What do you think about her kids?” Hemby asked. “Have you ever dated a woman who’s also a single mom?”

Cole shook his head. “Addison’s a handful but she’s also a lot of fun.”

“And what about the baby?”

Their server stopped by with refills of their sodas. Hemby tipped his chin in acknowledgment. “Thanks.”

“Hayes is mellowing some. He fell asleep in my arms on the boat.” Cole smiled. He wasn’t about to confess how much he’d enjoyed holding Hayes, or the way the space between him and Avery crackled and fizzed when they’d first boarded the boat. Hemby would only take that information and run with it. Cole popped his straw into the fresh glass. “I never thought about what it meant to be a stepdad. I guess because I never had one. My mom stayed single all these years and I don’t keep up with my dad and his wife. That’s quite a leap from where we are now, so I’m trying not to think about it, to be honest.”

Hemby studied him then grinned. “There’s still hope.”

“What’s that mean?” Man, being this vulnerable was exhausting. As soon as he finished eating, he was out of here. Torrential rainfall or not. He’d take getting soaked on his way to the car over spilling any more of his feelings tonight.

“You’re easy to read, my friend. I can tell that you’re not giving up on the possibility of a relationship.” Hemby rubbed his palms together triumphantly. “Things are about to heat up. I can feel it.”

No, he wasn’t giving up. The faint embers of hope still burned inside. No matter how messy and convoluted this whole thing had become, he’d never be able to snuff out the feelings he carried for Avery. But could he step forward and be the man she needed him to be?

His phone chimed on the table and he leaned over to read the text message.

Hey Cole. Quick question. What’s this about a napkin and a pledge?

Oh, no. Cole’s stomach plummeted. He read the rest of Charlie’s text message.You’ve been holding out on me, man. We had no idea. Let’s talk soon about how to incorporate this into the documentary.

“Oh, no. Not again.” Julene’s words clamped like icy fingers around Avery’s heart. Squeezing. Clenching.

“What’s wrong?” Avery glanced up from the tablescape she’d put together featuring products from a local shop. Vibrant pinks and splashy turquoise fabrics with hints of paisley here and there acted as a backdrop for the pewter serving dishes. At the last minute, Avery had reached out to a local florist who’d happily contributed a stunning floral centerpiece. In exchange for a mention in the social media post, of course.

She ran her fingertip over a pewter ring encircling a cloth napkin.

Not bad. Not bad at all. She couldn’t stop a smile as she admired the flat lay. Her first styled tablescape since she’d left Raleigh. The collaboration had given her a boost of confidence and a place to channel her nervous energy in the four days leading up to Pax and Trey’s arrival.

The morning sunlight filtering through Mama’s kitchen windows had been perfect. Julene had shared a few tips she’d learned from styling a photo shoot at the magazine and together they’d captured the essence of the product line. She had less than an hour to edit and post the image before she had to pick Addison up.

The leader of the children’s program at Mama and Greer’s church had casually mentioned an opening in their vacation Bible school. Avery had claimed the spot before anyone else snatched it. She wasn’t the only one wound up about Pax and Trey’s arrival. Addison had her on pins and needles ever since Avery had told her that her daddy and Uncle Trey were coming. The news had sent Addison into a spiral of never-ending questions and understandable excitement. Every hour that Avery could keep her occupied was better for everyone.

Julene’s face was pale as she stared at her phone.

“Jules, what’s wrong? You’re white as a sheet.”

“I—it’s—I think you’d better sit down.”

Avery checked the images one last time then pocketed her phone. She bumped her hip against the corner of Mama’s table, knocking a tumbler over as she moved closer to her sister. She winced as water spilled across the nearest place setting. Bummer. She righted the tumbler then slid the damp place mat to a dry spot. “I’m cutting it close. As soon as this is posted, I’ve got to go. Just tell me. Better yet, show me.”

“Okay.” Julene’s hand shook as she slowly held out her phone. Avery leaned in for a closer look. Was that—no. Couldn’t be.

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