AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Probably because I agreed to take all of them, even the dented and rusty ones,” Summer said.
She smiled at the host and accepted a menu before continuing, “But yes, it was a lucky find. I was planning to spray-paint any vintage lights I found, but since these are all the same color, I’m thinking I’ll just leave them as-is, to add character.”
Jenna’s Java was closed on Mondays, so Summer and Jenna had driven up to Livingston to hit the antique stores and have lunch while Brock met up with his buddies over at the Elk’s Head.
Summer was glad that he was finally taking some time for himself. But also felt strange to be away from him. They’d spent almost every day of the past month together, and she’d gotten used to having him around all the time. Even on the nights when she slept at the ranch rather than his place, they still spent all day together at The Yummy Cowboy Diner.
“And that old pharmacy counter is cool, especially with all of those drawers,” Jenna said proudly. She was the one who had spotted the long, dark-oak counter hidden away in the back of the store.
After measuring it, Summer realized it would be a perfect replacement for the diner’s plywood and Formica backbar. She’d purchased it on the spot, glad that she had borrowed Dad’s big Ford pickup instead of taking her own Subaru station wagon.
Dad had promised to phone his old friend Kevin Aberdeen at Aberdeen Kitchen & Bath Works, and ask if Kevin had any remnants left over from other jobs that he could sell Summer and Brock at a discount. Hopefully, there would be enough stone or quartz to top the new backbar with the same material as the breakfast counter.
“We scored big on our antique-hunting expedition,” Summer agreed. “I think that calls for a margarita!”
“I agree,” Jenna said. “And tacos, too.”
Their drinks and complimentary chips and salsa arrived. Summer raised her salt-rimmed goblet. “Here’s to hoping all the pieces actually fall into place for next week’s dining room renovation!”
“Hear, hear!” Jenna lifted her mango margarita and saluted Summer with it.
They drank.
“So, howarethings going at the diner?” Jenna asked, dipping a tortilla chip into the bowl of salsa. “I hear you guys have been making a ton of changes. Everyone’s still talking about the contest last month, and wondering if you’re planning another one soon.”
“Autumn’s been asking about that, too,” Summer said. “Maybe next month. Business has been great since she created those social media accounts for the diner. We’re getting guests from all over. Last week, we had a family drive all the way from Butte just for dinner. They weren’t visiting Yellowstone or anything.”
Jenna took another sip of her margarita. “And what about you and Brock? Still doing the EWB thing?”
Summer laughed. “I think we may have actually crossed over to Friends with Benefits territory. I have to tell you, when Grandma Abigail asked me to work with him, I was convinced we’d kill each other within a week.”
Jenna snorted. “You’re not the only one. Jason and Evie were actually taking bets on how long your partnership would last after Marlene told everyone about how you guys were always yelling at each other in the kitchen.”
“Marlene is really nice, but jeez, she loves to gossip.” Summer shook her head. “Brock’s actually a pretty cool guy, now that he’s adjusted his attitude. I mean, we still argue about stuff all the time, but he’s not mean or an asshole. Justextremelyopinionated.” She grinned at Jenna. “But I can usually change his mind if I work at it.”
No need to mention that the “working at it” part usually happened while she and Brock were naked.
Jenna nodded. “It’s nice to see that he’s come out of his shell since you showed up. After his mom died…” She frowned. “Well, he just kind of disappeared. He used to stop in for coffee and a cookie after the diner closed, but after the funeral, he never came by again. Evie says he stopped showing up at Pizza and Beer Mondays over at The Elk’s Head, too.”
“His mom’s death really knocked the wind out of him,” Summer replied. Sudden sympathy for him burned in her chest.
“Yeah, and you’ve been great for him.”
“He’s been good for me, too.” It was true. Over the past month, their dinner-and-sex sleepovers had slowly turned into something resembling actual dates. That point had been driven home last week, after their outing to Hot Springs Lake.
Their conversation over the cherries—and his reaction to finding out about her plans for SummerTime—had laid a real guilt trip on her, even though she’d never hidden her intention of leaving as soon as their ninety days were up.
As if reading Summer’s mind, Jenna asked, “And how does he feel about you leaving in September? Hell, how doyoufeel about it?”
Summer took a long pull from her drink while she considered how much to tell Jenna. “I won’t lie. I’ve had… uh… some thoughts about returning to Snowberry Springs for good.”
Jenna brightened. “That would be awesome!”
“But it’s just not workable right now,” Summer continued with a sigh. “Believe me, I’ve been thinking really hard about how I could make it work… and I can’t. I committed to being in San Francisco for the long run when I invested all of my savings and partnered up with Greg to open SummerTime.”
Jenna’s eyes widened. “Greg? Who’s Greg?” Before Summer could answer, she went on, “You have aboyfriendin San Francisco? Does Brock know?”
“No, not a boyfriend!” Summer shook her head. “Greg and I are—were—strictly business partners. We never dated or anything like that. He founded a software startup in the city, and he used to eat at Il Giardino Segreto all the time when I was the executive chef there. He was a big fan of my food. Eighteen months ago, he asked me if I’d be interested in opening my own place.”
