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“Which is?”
“Just some things I’m still sorting out. But it’s fine. He’s not going to say anything. Nothing’s changed.”
But the way Leo was silent the entire way to the Shrimp Shack, the way he didn’t even complain when I turned on country music—something was definitely wrong. And I couldn’t help but feel like maybe everything had changed.
Chapter Eighteen
I didn’t hear from Leo the next day. We were in the habit of texting every morning to check on the “summer tour schedule.” I didn’t realize how much I’d come to depend on him being a part of my days until he wasn’t. I didn’t hear back when I texted him. I wondered if Jasper had something to do with it.
I had another doctor’s appointment to check my ankle and was feeling a little worried; I’d been pushing it, out and about with Leo doing more adventuring than when my ankle was in one piece. But the doctor gave me a clean bill of health.
After the appointment, I asked Mom if she could drop me off at Tino’s.
“Yes, I have to pop by the hotel and deal with some sort of frazzled customer. I swear the place falls apart without me,” Mom said, rolling her eyes. “Call if you need me and when you want to go home. Unless that popstar of yours is going to tote you home.” She said it with a hint of sarcasm but also a smile.
“Thanks, Mom,” I said. The good news about Leo Turner was that I wasn’t home as much to hear Mom and Dad’s incessant planning about my future. I had room to breathe, to think, to dream again.
Grace was at the bar when I hobbled in. She dropped what she was doing and rushed over, wrapping her arms around me.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she exclaimed. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was close. She whispered, “That new girl is atrocious. Wait until I tell you all the things she’s done. I cannot wait for you to come back.”
I took a seat at the bar. “Is Tino here?” I asked.
“Please. It’s before noon on a Thursday. He’s resting up for his boy’s night at the restaurant,” Grace said, returning to polishing some glasses. I reached for an extra rag and got to work, but she batted my hand away. “Don’t you dare lift a finger when they refuse to pay you or give you work accommodations.”
Grace spent the first ten minutes catching me up on the new girl and pouring drinks for the single customer at the bar.
“Enough about Tino’s. What’s going on with lover boy? With you?”
I sighed. “Well, honestly, it’s been great. We’ve gone out to the beach and to a painting class. And we even did karaoke. We’ve been just kind of hanging out almost every day.”
Grace smiled and winked. “It’s good to hear he’s getting you out of the house and exploring. No more tucking in with chamomile tea like a grandma?”
I shook my head. “My mom also tried to set me up with Carl because she thinks Leo is going to break my heart.”
Grace made a puke face. “Not boring Carl. What is Connie thinking?” Grace shook her head vehemently. “And so what if Leo Turner breaks your heart? It’s worth the risk, don’t you think?”
