Page 7 of The Summer We Made Promises (The Destin Diaries #3)

A brief biography of twenty-five-year-old Roman Matteo quickly emerged from the local news stories, Facebook posts, and sports updates. Born in Melbourne, raised in Satellite Beach, played football at the University of Florida, and now, was a second-string receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Nice genes, Tessa.

And speaking of Tessa, she could walk in any second. So Lacey clicked out of the search and erased her browser history on the laptop. Then, she snagged her phone and tapped the Instagram app.

Please be public, please be public.

There were a few accounts with the same name, but only one was verified with ninety-seven thousand followers and Jacksonville Jaguars in the bio.

She clicked on his profile and slid down to a rare closeup. Clicking it, she dropped back in her chair, exhaling shakily.

This is him.

Her fingers hovered over the message button. Should she or shouldn’t she?

Was she throwing a monkey-wrench into happy lives…or inching two people who really should meet a little bit closer? Who deserved a son more than spectacular Tessa Wylie?

Or was Lacey just walking into something she should never start?

She took a deep breath and tapped the message square on his page.

Hey Roman,

This is a little out of the blue, but I promise I’m not some weird random fan. I know your biological birth mother. If you’re open to learning more about her, I’d love to talk. No pressure—just wanted to reach out.

Was that too bold? Should she send?—

“Lacey? Where are you?”

As the door popped open, her trembling finger accidently hit the screen and… shoot . It sent! Every drop of blood in Lacey’s head drained into a hot pool around her heart.

What did she just do?

Tessa stood in the doorway, arms crossed, her hair damp and hanging over a beach coverup.

“Closed door?” she asked with a teasing raised brow. “You job hunting? ’Cause you look like you’re about to commit a federal crime.”

Lacey forced a laugh. “Not today. Just…researching.”

“Researching what?”

She stared at her computer screen, as blank as her brain. What was her answer? What was she doing? Didn’t she have an alibi at the ready?

“Dating apps.” The explanation slipped out as she glanced at her phone. “And no, I don’t want to talk about it.”

A flicker of surprise flashed in eyes that were the precise color of the ones in the pictures she’d just seen.

“Good,” Tessa said. “Remember, I’m the one who told you to find a cute guy.”

Not this cute. Not that guy. But Lacey just shrugged. “It’s weird, is all. Don’t ask questions. I hate this part of the process.”

“Who doesn’t? Although, I’ve never done a dating app. Can I see your profile?”

“No.”

She drew back. “Well, okay.”

“I mean, it’s all just so personal and demeaning.”

“There is nothing demeaning about it,” Tessa said, coming deeper into the office, glancing around. “I know we have to work on Bat Mitzvah stuff today.”

That’s what her excuse should have been. The Bat Mitzvah flowers. Dating app? What the heck was wrong with her?

“But can I postpone that?” Tessa asked, obviously unaware of Lacey’s mental meltdown.

“Sure. What’s up?”

She closed the door, surprising Lacey. “I want to spend some time with my mother,” she said. “I have to use this unexpected chance to be with her.”

Lacey nodded, then frowned at her choice of words. “Use it?”

“Yeah.” She leaned against the desk, not noticing that Lacey very slowly and casually lowered her laptop screen. Nothing incriminating was on it…she hoped. “My mom and I aren’t…” She huffed a laugh. “We’re not close like you and Viv.”

Lacey nodded, not really hearing a word. She’d sent that text! What if?—

“I mean, there’s no animosity,” Tessa continued. “But she and Kate have always been so much more…sympatico, you know? I was a Daddy’s girl.”

Lacey nodded, knowing how much Tessa adored her late father.

“And she’s here, and really struggling more than she’s letting on.”

“Because of Maggie?” Lacey guessed, forcing herself to pay attention to the conversation.

“Because of Maggie’s coldness, yes. And grief. The same heavy burden I’m carrying. I think she and I need some alone time to just talk about Dad and help each other heal.”

“Of course you do, Tess.” Lacey reached for her hand. “I think that’s a great idea.”

“Whoa, must have been a winner on that dating app.” She lifted Lacey’s hand. “Your palms are sweaty.”

“Are they?” She pulled her hand away and swiped it on her jean skirt. “I’m just hot in here and nervous about…the Bat Mitzvah.”

“Don’t be, but I do think it’s a good opportunity for you to have more ownership of a project. I’m here, of course, and I’ll do client interface. Also, I have a couple of new business prospects. But can you do the heavy lifting on this party? I made that list?—”

“Yes, of course I can, Tessa!” She might have been a little too enthusiastic—guilt again? “I know exactly what needs to be ordered and arranged and I’d love to handle the catering meeting. You just go and have fun with your mother.”

“Thanks, hon. I’m taking her on the boat for some sun and relaxation time.” Tessa sighed, smiling at her and holding her gaze for several heartbeats. “You’re an angel, you know that, Lace?”

Oh, heavens. She was so not an angel.

“I just adore you, and Vivien better watch out because I want you as my daughter.”

Lacey tried to laugh, but more guilt crawled up her chest and nearly strangled her.

“Oh, Tess.” She reached over to hug her, hoping she didn’t get called out on the fact that her whole body was vibrating with nerves.

As she did, her phone buzzed. She jerked back to grab it and hide what it might say, knocking it to the floor.

“Whoops.” Tessa instantly was down, beating her to it. As she grabbed the phone, she glanced at the screen. “Oh, my, Roman Matteo? He’s your app guy?”

Lacey actually couldn’t see straight for a moment. “Do you…know him?”

“Why would I?”

Dizzy. She was downright dizzy and sweating. “Because he’s…an NFL player.”

“Really?” She squinted at the screen and Lacey thought she’d pass out. “Way to go, you.”

“You’ve never heard of him?” Lacey tried to snag the phone, but Tessa swooped it away.

“Pfft. Please. I don’t think I’ve watched a whole football game in my life. Come on, let me see him.”

“No.”

“Lacey! I have to have right of first approval.” She clicked the notification button and Lacey was certain she’d pass out.

“Whoa.” She dragged the word out. “He’s a cutie. And look what he said.” Tessa grinned and angled the screen so Lacey could read the message and take the phone.

“What?” she croaked.

“‘Yes, let’s talk.’”

“He wants to talk?” Her voice broke with nerves.

Laughing, Tessa pressed the phone into Lacey’s hand. “Looks like you have a date on your calendar, Miss Lacey Knight.”

“With…Roman Matteo.” She searched Tessa’s face. “You’re sure you never heard of him?”

“Told you, no football for me. But I guess I’ll hear of him now, since just the mention of his name seems to wreck you.” She laughed and pushed off the desk. “Have fun but be careful. He looks like a player. And I don’t mean football.”

She winked, pivoted, and disappeared out the door, leaving it open so Lacey could hear her footsteps disappear down the hall.

Only then did she collapse in horror and stare at the response from… Tessa’s son.

What the heck had she gotten herself into?