Page 54

“I love you too, Ellie.”

Chapter 20

Skylar

There was something so comforting about finally being back in the Cove. For the first time in weeks, Skylar felt comfortable walking around town hand in hand with Elena. She knew people would see them, but she doubted any paparazzi were there to care. Elena had schemed a plan to throw them off their trail by hiring a private plane to charter them across the country. Skylar had been blown away by the luxury but had to admit she loved it.

But Skylar also loved finally hugging Atlas again. He had been clinging to her side since they’d arrived in town. Atlas had been staying with her dad, but Skylar could tell she was glad to be back home. Skylar felt that on so many levels.

She smiled at Elena, who was sitting on the couch across from her. Their legs were beside each other while Atlas lay sprawled out between them. His head was in Elena’s lap, and she was stroking his fur while he drifted in and out of sleep.

“I think he’s won you over.”

“He’s so sweet.”

Elena seemed so much more relaxed than she had been in weeks. The Cove was good for her, and Skylar was glad she came home with her. Similar to Skylar, she was wearing shorts and a T-shirt to combat the warm summer sun. They’d spent the morning on the lake and had plans for an early dinner with Skylar’s dad.

Skylar checked the time on her phone. “We should probably head over to Dad’s.”

Atlas perked up as his tail started wagging.

“Do you wanna go see Grandpa?” Skylar rubbed her back as Atlas stood and jumped off the couch. Elena laughed, enjoying the way Atlas was so excited. “Are you wearing that?”

“What’s wrong with this?” Elena seemed offended, and it was then Skylar realized how her question probably came across. She pulled Elena to her feet as she laughed.

“I didn’t mean it like that. You look gorgeous. I just wanted to make sure you were ready. That’s all.”

“Mhmm,” Elena teased. “I was going to say you’re wearing the same thing.”

“We’re just going to Dad’s. There’s no sense in dressing up.”

Loading up into Skylar’s SUV, they headed across town to Skylar’s childhood home. Not much had changed about the small house. It still had the same shutters Skylar had painted the summer she turned fourteen. Even one was still crooked where Skylar fell off the ladder and broke her arm, missing several screws in the process. Her father never climbed back up there to fix it, and it always made Skylar wonder why. Steven was quirky that way, but Skylar loved him.

Skylar parked the vehicle in the driveway and let Atlas out. He ran around to the backyard as Skylar and Elena followed, hand in hand. They found Steven at the grill in a World’s Best Dad apron. He slipped something off the grill to Atlas.

“He doesn’t need any appetizers.”

“I’ll give him whatever he wants.”

He gave Skylar a quick hug before turning his attention to Elena. When Skylar had picked up Atlas the night before, Elena had stayed at home showering and getting ready for bed. Steven had been bummed not to see Elena again, which was why he’d insisted on dinner. And judging by the bear hug, Steven might have missed her more than Skylar.

“Elena Cruz! It’s so great to see you again.”

“It’s good to see you too, Steven.” Elena hugged him back equally as right. “I’ve missed the Cove.”

“And it’s missed you.” Taking a step back, Steven beamed like a proud dad. “You need to come around more often than once every few weeks, okay?”

“Totally.”

“Good.” Clapping his hands together, Steven turned toward the table that he’s already set for them. “Take a seat. The food’s almost done, and there’s a pitcher of margaritas. Glasses are on the table.”

Steven had gone all out for dinner. Not only were there the traditional Ford summer cookout staples of hamburgers and hot dogs on the table, but there were also racks of ribs, baked potatoes, and banana pudding on the outdoor table. Skylar felt her stomach growl as she pulled out a chair for Elena and then sat beside her.

“This smells amazing, Steven.”

“And I have corn and asparagus coming too.” He slipped another piece of asparagus to Atlas.

“Dad, I saw that.”