naturally. But we have enough regular landscaping jobs to keep us going even in the downtime.”
When the waitress came over, Kyle asked if we should get a bottle of wine.
“Um, I really don’t drink. But you go ahead,” I said hurriedly.
Kyle shook his head. “No, that’s okay. Can we get a bottle of sparkling water for the table? And the Aegean platter for a starter. Do you like shrimp?” he asked me.
“I love shrimp,” I answered with a smile.
Once the waitress went to put in our drink and appetizer order, Kyle gave me a sheepish smile. “I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have assumed you’d want wine. I’d noticed you don’t drink. I should have been more considerate.”
“It’s fine. I mean, I used to drink,” I waved away his apology.
Kyle’s smile turned to a grin. “Yeah, I seem to remember that time you did keg stands at Tucker Baldwin’s field party. You drank the entire football team under the table.”
I groaned. “I also spent the entire next day throwing up my insides. I’ve only had a hangover like that a handful of times in my life, but that one was the first and perhaps the worst.”
Kyle laughed. “You were always a force of nature. You were the best at everything, even keg stands.”
I laughed too. “I don’t know about being the best at everything, but yeah, I could hold my alcohol.”
“What made you give it up? I mean, good for you. I wish I could, but a cold beer after work keeps me sane,” he said with a smirk.
I started to pick at my thumbnail—a nervous habit. “Oh, you know, I just thought it was time. Getting wasted only led to bad decisions, and the party scene in L.A. is hard to keep up with unless you’re willing to leave your liver on deposit.”
“I can see that. I’ve read TMZ.” Kyle lifted an eyebrow, and I chuckled.
“If only it were always that glamorous. It’s a pretty dark place most of the time,” I found myself admitting.
Kyle looked as if he wanted to ask more, but our appetizer and bottle of water showed up, and soon we were too busy eating and laughing when he dropped feta cheese in his lap. Despite the awkward beginning, we fell into an easy banter. I couldn’t remember the last time I stopped feeling the heavy lump that had taken up residence in my chest.
We decided to order three different entrees because we couldn’t choose. “We’ll share,” Kyle suggested. “You can have some of my roast lamb as long as you share your calamari. And of course, we’ll split the Moussaka.”
“Deal.” I grinned. “Though if I eat any more of these shrimp, I won’t have room for dinner.” I put my fork down and sat back, playfully groaning.
“So how do you like being back in Southport?” Kyle asked, popping the last shrimp into his mouth.
“It’s strange. It’s all so familiar, but so different. It’s particularly odd living in my old house, sleeping in my old room, but my dad not being there.” I ran my finger along the rim of my glass.
“I miss your dad. He was a great guy. Always treated me like one of the family,” Kyle said, his mouth turned downward in sympathy.
“Yeah, he was amazing like that. Everyone that came into the house was immediately part of the tribe. He made everyone feel welcome.” There was an aching sadness that existed just behind my ribs that belonged solely to my dad. It seemed Kyle understood it without having to say anything.
“You’ve definitely been the talk of the town, though. Everyone is curious about what could bring the famous Whitney Galloway back to Southport.” Kyle took a long drink of water, watching me closely.
It was my turn to fidget slightly. “Is it so hard to imagine that I simply wanted to come home and help my mother out?” I didn’t mean to sound defensive, but I couldn’t help it.
“It’s not hard to imagine at all. Most people would do the same, Whitney,” he said softly.
“Yeah, but most people aren’t Whitney Galloway, are they? Royal bitch of Southport,” I spat out, balling my napkin.
“No one ever said that—”
“They don’t have to, Kyle. I know what people think of me. They think I believe I’m better than them. That because I had a successful career and moved to Hollywood, that makes me some alien lifeform that doesn’t belong anymore. They think I’ve changed. And maybe they’re right.” I let out a noisy breath.