Page 55 of The Summer Plans

“Summer. It’s obvious she’s into you and you’re into her. I think she’s good for you.”

Fuck. I thought we were being discreet about things. “Was I that obvious?”

“There was nothing subtle about the way you two were looking at each other. It was gross. Besides, you’re normally so grumpy, but it’s like you’re a completely different person around her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile this much.”

“And what do you expect me to do? Run through the terminal and stop her from getting on her flight?”

“That’s exactly what you should do.” She claps bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“And what possible reason would I give Raven for staying in her beach house with her best friend without kids?”

“Oh my God, you never listen. You found issues with the house. You didn’t want to leave her alone during the inspection. One of the kids knocked a hole in the drywall, and you want to stay and patch it up. Any of those are believable, but I’m sure you could come up with more.”

I stare at my daughter, dumbfounded. How many times has she used lies like this on me?

“And before you ask. I’ve never lied to you and Mom. I know that face.”

“We’re still getting a tracker for your phone,” I grumble.

“Seriously, Dad, your life is so boring. And you never date anyone. Mom moved on, you should too.”

Is she right? Should I pursue this? I haven’t seriously dated anyone since Jessica, only casual hookups. But this is Raven’s friend we’re talking about. Her best friend. If I fuck this up, I could fuck up their friendship too. She hasn’t been the same since her husband died, and I don’t want her to lose another person in her life because I couldn’t keep it in my pants.

“You look deep in thought. I’m just gonna…” She points over her shoulder as she heads toward the gate.

I take a step toward her. “I’m not letting you fly home by yourself.”

“Yes, you are. Auntie Raven already canceled your ticket.”

“She what?” I refresh the app, and sure enough, my sister’s updated my return flight.

“I guess you’re stuck here.” The gate attendant opens the door and announces our boarding group. Sophie hugs me. “I’ve got to go, or I’ll miss my flight.” She leans in close to my ear. “You should tell her how you feel.”

And then she scampers away, practically skipping to the gate.

Fuck.

I open my text thread with my sister.

You canceled my flight?

??

Don’t do that. My daughter is getting on a plane without me. What the fuck, Raven?

She’s 16. She’s flown out to visit me by herself before you moved back. She’ll be fine.

You should have asked me before doing that.

She said she talked to you about it. Said you were staying to fix some issues? Thank you for doing that. After Kris died, it’s been hard for me to set foot in that house.

Guilt nags at me. What am I doing? Thinking about fucking her best friend all over her late husband’s vacation home?

I’m catching the next flight home.

Don’t.

Why?