“Thanks for meeting us today,” Rhett says. “I don’t love dinners out before I ride.”
Jasper grunts. “Yeah. I hear that. Playing on a full stomach makes me want to hurl.”
My mouth twists. I’m in for an interesting evening of trying to make conversation with Jasper. At least it will distract me from the gnawing anxiety over Rhett riding again this weekend.
My phone rings loudly in my purse, much too loud in the quiet restaurant.
“Shit. Sorry guys.” I rifle through my oversized purse, desperately hoping to find it and shut it up, silently chastising myself for dumping everything in here including receipts I’ll never need.
My hand closes on the vibrating block and I pull it out right as the server comes to fill our tall, slender water glasses.
The name Doctor Douche flashes across my screen as I silence the ringer. My eyes shoot up to Rhett, who is staring at the phone in my hand looking equal parts amused and murderous.
“When did you do that?” I whisper.
“You left your phone unlocked one day,” he mutters, peering just over my shoulder, looking like a scolded little boy who isn’t sorry at all.
My mouth drops open, and I try to keep from laughing. “Really mature,” I reply as I click the phone off and toss it back in my purse while shooting Jasper an apologetic glance. “Sorry about that. So, tell me, have you ever been to one of Rhett’s events?”
“Not in a long time. Our seasons overlap and my schedule is usually packed with—”
My phone blares again, and I grimace, cringing internally as I yank my phone out again. I don’t bother glancing at Rhett because I can tell by the set of his body next to mine that he’s ready to break something.
We haven’t talked much about what we are or where we’re going. I want so badly to not be needy or clingy that I’ve been too afraid to ask. He hasn’t told me anything, but his body says it all.
His body says I’m his.
When I pull out my phone this time, my sister’s name flashes across the screen, which has my brow furrowing. She rarely calls me.
I shoot a concerned look at Rhett, whose expression tells me he’s equally confused.
“Sorry, I’m just going to take this,” I announce to the two men who respond with murmurs telling me to go ahead.
I slip my thumb across the screen and lift the phone to my ear. “Winter?”
“Summer, where are you right now?” Her voice is arctic, like usual, but there’s also a thread of something else in there.
“I’m out for dinner.”
“In the city or away?”
She’s never taken an interest in where I am.
“I’m in the city. Winter, what’s wrong?”
Rhett peers at me, concern etched on his face.
“Our dad had a heart attack.”
My stomach plummets. “What?”
“It’s very mild.” She sniffs, and I can just imagine her inspecting her nails right now, like I’m some sort of simpleton because I didn’t become a doctor. “He’s going to be okay. But he’s here at the hospital if you’d like to see him.”
My heart thunders against my ribcage. “Of course, I want to see him!” The words come out more forcefully than I intend as panic seeps into my veins. “When did this happen?” I’m already standing, shoving my arms into my coat.
The guys are standing too, ready to follow, even though they don’t know what’s going on. A twinge pops up in my chest at knowing I have people who support me. It feels unusual, and despite the anxiety bubbling inside of me, their silent support soothes me.
“A few hours ago,” Winter replies.
“Winter. Are you fucking kidding me? Dad had a heart attack a few hours ago, and you’re just telling me now?”
“Don’t be dramatic, Summer. It’s not like there’s anything you could have done for him with a law degree,” she scoffs, and tears sting my eyes.
“I could have been there with him! He’s my dad too, Winter.”
She sighs like I’m the most inconvenient person in the world to her. And I guess it’s possible that I am. She didn’t ask for this fucked up family tie. But neither did I, and I’m tired of being treated like I did.
“Well, he’s here now. And he’s fine. Staying a couple of days for observation. You’re welcome to visit.” She hangs up on me.
Rhett is talking to me, but all I see is white. White hot rage. Rage that I could have missed last moments with the only person who’s ever really cared about me. Rage that Winter and my stepmother continue to treat me this way as an adult.