Page 11 of Inevitable

“What do you think?” I took a sip, the sweet and sour flavors lingering on my tongue.

“Yeah. I figured. I’d stay with them too. Not that your mom’s not awesome,” she added. “Wherever you end up staying, this summer is going to be epic. I’ve already got a party and a sailing trip lined up for us.”

“That sounds great, but I’m not sure how much partying I’ll get to do. I have a lot going on.”

“Yeah, but it’s flexible, right? I mean, you’re working on building your clientele, and these are all great opportunities to network.”

Piper had built a popular vlogging channel on YouTube and was an Instagram influencer. She had glossy brown hair that flowed down her back like water, though she no longer used it to hide her hearing aids. Expressive hazel eyes that changed color depending on the makeup she wore, or the colored contacts she’d put in that day. Cupid’s-bow lips that she tried a rainbow of lipsticks on.

While her job looked fun and easy from the outside, I knew how much time and effort went into her makeup and hair tutorials. How much pressure she put on herself to continue to produce quality original content. She was beautiful, but it was the way she encouraged her followers to embrace what made them unique that made her so popular. She wasn’t about covering up the “flaws”; she wanted people to be themselves. And we all adored her for it.

“True, but I sort of agreed to work at the Wolfe Group.” It was said in a rush, and I quickly braced for her reaction.

I hadn’t told Piper about the internship because I hadn’t been considering it seriously. At least, not until my dad and Lea had voiced their concerns about Jonathan.

She coughed a few times before setting her glass down on the bar. “Wolfe? As inJonathan Wolfe? The man you’ve been crushing on since middle school? The man—”

“Okay. Okay.” I rolled my eyes, wanting to put this embarrassing crush behind me. “I think that’s enough. That was years ago.”

“Yeah. And have you seen him since?” she asked, and I shook my head. “Let’s just say, the man has only improved with age.”

“Well, good for him, I guess.” What did she expect me to say? Hewasmy childhood crush, and he was going to be my new boss. Not to mention the fact that he was my dad’s best friend.

“I don’t understand. You aren’t interested in real estate, so how does this fit in with your coaching business?”

“It’s an amazing opportunity. I could really learn a lot,” I said, not willing to reveal what my dad and Lea had told me about Jonathan.

“I bet you could.” Her mischievous grin had me shaking my head. “In fact, I bet the big, bad Wolfe would be a very good teacher.”

I rolled my eyes. “You did not just go there.”

She snort-laughed then quickly covered her mouth. “Oh, hell yes, I did. If you’re intent on taking this job, you should seize this opportunity, and not just for what it could do for your resume.”

“This is a professional opportunity. Nothing more. Besides…”

She turned to me, her eyes homed in on me with a laser-like focus. “Yes…”

I shook my head. “Nothing.”

“You really haven’t seen him since high school?”

“I rarely came home, and he was often traveling for business.” Though sometimes I found it hard to believe myself. He’d been such a part of my life growing up, and then“poof!”no more. I’d missed him but figured it was for the best.

“A lot has changed.Youhave changed.” She assessed my curves before flashing me a wicked grin. “Besides, wasn’t he engaged or something back then?”

I swallowed hard but kept my mouth shut. “Mm-hmm.”

“Okay. Okay. I can tell you don’t want to talk about this, so I’ll move on.” She leaned in. “For now.”

“Forgood.”

She grinned but didn’t otherwise acknowledge my statement. I thought we were finally moving on when she said, “Wait. You never answered my question. How does this fit in with your coaching business?”

I stared at my glass, wishing I had an answer.

“Sumner,” she chided, and I could hear the disappointment in her tone.

“Yeah. Yeah. I know.” I waved a hand through the air. “Can we please just drop it?”