even an hour, something would have her chickening out. That had caused another lengthy discussion on the guilt she carried over ruining our summer.
Nothing I could say would change her mind on the breakup or the guilt. So I continued to do the only thing I could—support her. The rest was on her. I’d given her a week of my undivided attention, and now it was time to focus on my life with my guy.
When we turned the corner, Shane was leaning against my building. I had texted him once we hit the city. He had yet to see us, but the way his head twisted expectantly with each car that drove by was adorable. Those well-worn jeans that molded over thin hips and long legs, that tight black T-shirt, and a pair of dark sunglasses just like the ones my dad favored made him look like the rock star he aspired to be. But what warmed my heart were the dog tags I had gifted him for graduation, holding their place of honor around his neck. The entire Shane Lair package sparked that familiar ache deep in my core. I really missed him, and despite Kim’s misery, I couldn’t stop the smile from spreading over my face. Damn, I had it bad.
As the car slowed and shifted to the curb in front of the awning-covered entrance, Shane grinned and pushed away from the wall.
“Someone is anxious to see you, Liv,” Mrs. Gambera said over her shoulder. “Where’s his partner in crime, Kim?”
“Home.”
Kim’s response came so quickly and angrily her mother twisted in her seat and asked, “Everything okay with you two, honey?”
“Yeah, I’ll see him later,” she replied with little emotion, and it caused her parents to exchange a questioning look.
“I’ll get your bag out, miss,” our driver announced, exiting from the large SUV and meeting Shane at the back.
Taking Kim’s hand in mine, I squeezed it encouragingly. “Call me later, okay?”
She nodded and whispered, “I dread this.”
“I know.” I gave her hand another squeeze, addressing her parents next. “Thank you for this week.” When the couple turned to give me a smile, I added, “I had a great time.”
“You’re so welcome, sweetheart,” Mrs. Gambera said. “It was a pleasure to have you with us.”
Her father climbed out of the car to prop his seat forward for me. “Say hello to your folks for us.”
“I will.” While Shane greeted Kim’s dad, I hugged Kim tightly before grabbing my backpack and slipping past her father to stand beside Shane.
“Hey,” he said, bending to kiss me, but I thwarted his attempt by offering my cheek, where his lips landed instead. Clearly annoyed, he quickly figured it out when my eyes cut to the idling car and remained there until Mr. Gambera retook his seat and they pulled away. But once the car was halfway down the street, I dropped my bag and practically knocked Shane down by throwing my arms around his neck to give him a harried, frantic kiss.
“Whoa,” he said, amused as I then pecked my lips all over his face. “Someone missed me as much as I missed her.”
“I really did.”
His gaze lovingly searched my face while pinching a lock of hair lightened by the sun. “Fuck, look at you.” My Puerto Rican roots afforded me the ability to tan well, and Shane always loved the results.
“There wasn’t much to do in Martha’s Vineyard but sunbathe.” And console Kim, but I’d tell him more about that later. Needing another taste, I lifted on my toes for another kiss, only to frown when he broke away far too quickly. “Why are you teasing me?”
“As much as I would like to continue making out with you out on the sidewalk, I’d rather take this inside.” He took the handle of my suitcase in one hand and my hand in the other. “I’m about to make your day.”
Grabbing my backpack off the ground, I asked, “Yeah? How?”
“My father called an emergency meeting at the studio. Something about the album release date. They are all there, and your mom just left for Trestan’s haircut appointment.” He wiggled his eyebrows as Walter opened the door for us.
“Hello, Miss Alivia. Welcome back.”
“Thank you.” I refrained from saying anything else, or even making eye contact, because I always felt Walter knew exactly what we were up to when no one was home.
Shane, on the other hand, thought it was hilarious and would usually engage with the old man just to tease me. But today, all