Page 13 of Summer’s Echo

Echo

“Oh my gosh, babe. It’s gorgeous,” Kourtni exclaimed, her voice lifting with excitement as we stepped into the grand ballroom at the Drake Hotel for Seth and Brooke’s reception and birthday celebration.

The hashtag #DanielsbyDestiny shimmered in elegant script across a sparkling royal blue carpet as guests entered the dreamlike space.

I watched as Kourtni’s lips parted slightly, awestruck as she took in the room’s grandeur.

“Yeah, it’s nice,” I muttered, doing my best to play it cool. But even I couldn’t deny, it was breathtaking. Kourtni looped her arm around mine as we made our way to our assigned seats at table number eleven per the hostess’s instructions.

Kourtni had been my on-again, off-again girlfriend for the past two years.

We met shortly after I moved to LA at the Indie Film Festival.

She and a friend were looking for a roommate, and I desperately needed a reasonably priced spot in a safe neighborhood.

Although Kourtni was undeniably beautiful, back then, I wasn’t in the market for a girlfriend.

I had just arrived in a new city and was channeling my inner Akeem from Coming to America , ready to sow my royal oats.

Kourtni was one of many I pursued during that phase, but we didn’t start taking things seriously until much later.

Things between us were complicated. She wanted more than I could give right now—maybe more than I would ever be able to.

I pulled out the golden chair, its back tied with a sheer ribbon and waited for Kourtni to sit before settling into my own seat.

I surveyed the space with casual detachment, though my thoughts were far from calm.

The tables glimmered beneath sequin-lined rose-gold linens, each adorned with vibrant floral arrangements in royal blue, blush rose, and bright sunflower yellow.

Our names were written in intricate script on place cards, which were perched atop an elaborate place setting.

My head swiveled, scanning the space for her.

My chest tightened slightly at the thought of seeing her in person after almost fifteen years.

I can’t speak for Summer, but the distance?

That was intentional on my part. At first, I was angry about how things ended.

She left for school and built a life in Atlanta, and I was doing my thing in St. Louis.

By the time I heard she’d moved back home, I had already left—first briefly returning to Chicago, then settling in LA.

All these years, and somehow, the universe had never aligned our paths to cross. Not until today.

Seth and Brooke had called me on FaceTime weeks ago to let me know Summer knew I’d be here.

“I had to tell her, Echo,” Brooke had said, her voice calm but edged with unease and understanding.

“I didn’t want her to be blindsided when she saw you.

It’s been so long since you two have connected.

” Her expression had been a mix of concern and compassion, the faint lines on her forehead deepening as she spoke.

Brooke knew everything about what had gone down between Summer and me.

Of course, she would worry about her friend.

I’d assured her it wouldn’t be an issue, though I wasn’t sure who I was trying to convince—her or me.

The head table was a centerpiece of elegance in the room, adorned with lush roses and garlands spilling over its edges like a waterfall.

Behind it, a floral wall of roses, sunflowers, and greenery framed Seth and Brooke’s monogram, symbolizing their new beginning, even though they had already been married for several months.

Guests began filing into the room, their chatter and laughter indicative of the love shared by the happy couple.

But as I looked throughout the crowd, I still didn’t see her.

“Echo Abara,” a familiar raspy voice called from behind me. A bittersweet pull of nostalgia tugged at my heart. I’d recognize Teresa Knight’s voice anywhere. I stood and turned to greet her, her sweet spirit bringing back a flood of memories.

“Ms. Teresa, it’s so good to see you,” I said, stepping into her open arms.

“ Mmm. It’s good to see you too, Echo,” she replied warmly, holding me at arm’s length to take a better look at me. Her hands stayed firmly on my arms, grounding me in her presence.

“Is Mr. Knight here?” I asked, though the question I truly wanted to ask burned on my tongue: Where the hell is your daughter?

She nodded. “Yes, honey. He just stepped away to the restroom. You know how it is when you get to our age.”

“Yes, ma’am,” I said

A sharp throat clear behind me jolted me into remembering my manners.

I turned to find Kourtni glaring, her eyes wide, clearly waiting for an introduction.

“Oh, my bad.” I stumbled over my words. “Ms. Teresa, this is my girlfriend, Kourtni Lang.” It felt strange saying the words out loud, almost like I was confessing a secret I’d been hiding.

“Nice to meet you, Kourtni. You look so pretty,” Ms. Teresa said, her tone pleasant but tinged with a bit of nice-nasty, which she’d perfected.

The deejay’s voice boomed through the speakers, asking everyone to take their seats, signaling that the reception was about to begin.

“Well, you two enjoy yourselves tonight,” Ms. Teresa said with a slight smile.

“I’ll make sure Oliver says hello before the night is over.

” She gave a parting nod before gliding gracefully to her table.

The lights dimmed, and the bassline of Kanye West’s “Clique” pulsed through the room, commanding attention.

A spotlight swept to the ballroom entrance, casting a glow on the doors as they opened.

Although Seth and Brooke chose a private wedding ceremony, there was no way they’d skip the fanfare of a traditional reception.

Some guests rose to their feet, clapping and cheering as the wedding party began their grand entrance, one by one.

When Trinity’s name was called, followed by Hailee’s, I already knew who was next.

“And the third best friend to round out this best-friend trio, Miss Summer Knight!” the deejay announced with exuberance.

Damn . I blinked. Damn. Summer stepped out, moving to the beat with a natural sway that damn sure made me stand to attention.

Her pouty lips were pursed as she danced down the pathway, laughing and flashing that pretty dimpled smile.

The royal blue strapless bridesmaid dress clung to her body with a precision that felt unfair, showcasing every natural curve as though the dress had been custom designed just for her.

The sequin bodice glimmered, hugging her full, bountiful breasts, something I remembered her once being self-conscious about.

Her wavy hair was swept over one shoulder, leaving the graceful curve of her neck and shoulders bare, drawing even more attention to the slight shimmer of her amber skin.

The back of her dress dipped just low enough to tease, exposing a smooth expanse of skin and hinting at a sensuality that was equal parts timeless and electric.

The fabric hugged her waist, hips, and ass in a way that demanded attention…

my attention. The years had done her body good, and I couldn’t help but notice how her curves had filled out perfectly.

That ass in particular was its own masterpiece.

The royal blue hue enhanced the radiance of her complexion, while the sequins reflected in the spotlight, making her every movement shimmer.

She was magnetic, her presence so commanding, it was impossible to look away.

“Damn,” I muttered under my breath, the word slipping out louder than I realized.

Kourtni’s sharp glare pierced me, pulling my focus just long enough to feel her disapproval, but it didn’t matter.

Summer was still the most beautiful girl in the world to me.

That hadn’t changed, and seeing her now only made it more undeniable.

Dinner had been served, and the champagne toasts were behind us.

The room buzzed with excitement and conversation, but my focus had been singular: Summer.

I watched her from the moment she sat down to eat, catching glimpses of her and the way she lit up the mic with her well wishes for Brooke.

She wasn’t doing a great job avoiding me, though she tried.

Our connection had always been magnetic, even in a room full of people.

It didn’t matter how many years had passed.

As the party shifted into full swing, I decided enough was enough—it was time to talk.

But Summer wasn’t making it easy. When I first approached her at the bar, she darted off before I could say a word.

When she grabbed a slice of cake, I caught up to her.

“Can I have some?” I asked, my tone playful.

“Nope,” she said, not even looking at me before slipping away again, barefoot, her heels abandoned hours ago.

I’d lost track of Kourtni in the crowd, and honestly, I wasn’t looking for her.

She wasn’t the type to sit still at a party, so I could almost guarantee she was on the floor, picking up the latest line dance.

My eyes, however, found the beauty in the royal blue dress seated next to a man she’d been with for most of the night.

That had to be Summer’s boyfriend, Deshawn.

Seth had mentioned meeting him once at a gala Brooke had dragged him to, but I hadn’t asked for details.

Deshawn seemed more interested in his phone than anything happening around him, while Summer sat beside him, downing her drink like she was trying to wash away the night.

She tapped his arm, murmured something, and gestured toward the bar.

I moved slowly, weaving through the crowd until I reached it, cornering her before she could disappear again.