Page 67 of XOXO, Summer
Our eyes stay unblinking until she breaks our gaze. Giving me a cheeky grin, she says, “Best not. I’m the last person you want to deal with.” She pulls a bowl of veggies out of the fridge to set on the counter. When she looks back at me, she adds, “Go show her a good time. She deserves it.”
“I will.”
I leave the kitchen and text Mia:
Did Roman ask you about staying in Mountain Laurel Cove when I come to the city?
She doesn’t reply right away, so I start up the stairs to pack my bags. Before I reach Summer’s bedroom, my phone buzzes with a message:
He said he’s having the time of his life, so if you trust the family, I’m okay with it. How long?
I type:
Two nights.
Mia:
I’m good with that. He’s loving it and said some days he doesn’t play video games at all.
I reply:
He’s having an analog summer, and it’s been great to see him so happy playing outside. He never wants to come in.
Mia:
I’m happy to hear that. I’m heading out, but I wanted to tell you that I’m glad you two are having this time together, Daniel.
Me:
I am too.
Mia:
Have a good trip.
Me:
Thanks.
There’s a lot to accomplish in a short time, but having Summer with me and the private time alone have me ready to take on the world.New York, here we come.
CHAPTER 22
DANIEL
The reserved parking spot underground didn’t faze Summer. She said nothing about the private elevator that’s reserved only for the penthouse. But . . . I feel exposed when the elevator door opens, and we’re greeted by the expansive view of the city and the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Not because I don’t get a high every time I see it, because I still do. It’s a daily reminder of what I’ve accomplished.
I don’t want anything to change between us when she experiences my lifestyle, though. I get that it will be a shock. But I’ve never lied to her. So I’m nervous about how she’ll react.
“We’re here,” I say.
“Why so ominous?” She laughs, but I spot her nerves in the breaks of it.
If I weren’t carrying our luggage, I’d hold her hand. “Not ominous.” I take a breath just as the door slides open. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Her eyes pivot forward through the golden light flooding into the elevator. She doesn’t move. Not one step istaken, though her mouth hangs wide open. I set a bag down and lift her chin. “We’re here,” I say, hinting at next steps.
The elevator door starts to close, spurring her into action. “Oh.” She hops off, throwing her hand in front of the door to hold it open for me. Giving me the sweetest smile that I hoped would travel with us from Mountain Laurel Cove, she says, “That was close.”
