That Summer With Me - Julie Prestsater Page 0,1

my daughter, Georgie, and I like to visit places where TV shows or movies were filmed. And we like to do so with some modern comforts of home. We’re a little spoiled like that.” Melody chuckled at the thought. “We’ve been meaning to get to Seattle for a while and finally decided it was time to make the trek.”

“Because of your mom being sick?” she asked.

“Yeah, life isn’t a sure thing. I didn’t want to look back and regret never taking my mom to Dr. Meredith Grey’s house.”

It was Dr. Thompson’s turn to laugh. “So, did you see it?”

“Oh yeah. We stood right on her front porch and snapped a picture.” Melody took her phone from her pocket, tapped on the screen a few times before she turned it toward her new friend.

“That’s awesome,” she said. “How have I lived here my whole life and never been there? I feel cheated.”

The two laughed together this time. It felt good to get her mind off the crappy news her family had received.

“So, which cancer center are you trying to get into?” She rolled her eyes. “Is it SoCal?”

“That’s the one,” Melody said.

“Hmm.” Dr. Thompson pursed her lips. She took out her phone, tapped on the screen, and handed it to Melody. “Type in your mom’s full name, date of birth, and phone number in there. I think I know someone who can help.”

“Really?” Melody didn’t wait for an answer. She started typing away and was done entering her mom’s contact info in a jiff. She’d take any help she could get.

“My husband is a surgeon at Seattle General. One of his colleagues is an oncologist who specializes in urology. It just so happens that he recently moved to SoCal. Maybe he can help.”

“Oh, Georgie,” Melody snuggled her pup. “Thank you so much for getting an ear infection and bringing us to Dr. Thompson.”

“I’m sure he will do what he can to help your mom.” The doctor stood and grabbed her tablet. “Plus, he’s easy on the eyes.” She wagged her brows. “And bonus, he’s single.”

Melody shook her head with a laugh. “Oh, no no no,” she said. “I’ve basically given up in the guy department and have sworn off the possibility of love. For… forever.”

“Forever’s a long time, Ms. Valdez.”

“Call me Melody.” She offered her hand.

Dr. Thompson took it and gave it a shake. “Joy. My name is Joy.”

“Great to meet you. Thank you so much for the talk. Not only does Georgie feel better, but so do I.”

Joy scratched the side of Georgie’s neck. “Wonderful to meet you, too. Now, take me out to that giant RV in my parking lot so I can meet your mama and your baby girl.”

Melody stood and led the way, feeling hopeful for the first time since her mother had been diagnosed.

Things were going to work out; she was sure of it.

Chapter 2

JORDAN

Jordan had just sat down with his morning cup of coffee and Greek yogurt parfait when he heard his front door unlock. He stole a glance at the clock on the microwave. What is she doing up this early?

“Don’t you know how to knock?” he asked, knowing he was wasting his breath. He questioned his decision to give his best friend a key to his place ever since he handed it to her. She had no boundaries, and it showed every time she popped in unannounced—which was always.

“Why would I knock?” Millie said. “I knew you’d be enjoying your breakfast, and I didn’t want to disturb your routine.” She looked at the bowl in front of him and rolled her eyes. “You’re so damn predictable. Would it kill you to eat Lucky Charms?”

“Didn’t want to disturb my routine, huh?” he asked, shaking his head. He ignored her jab at his breakfast. She was always poking fun at his healthy lifestyle. He was an oncologist. He knew the effects of processed foods. He sure as hell wasn’t going to pack his body full of things he couldn’t pronounce.

Jordan sipped his coffee and took small, slow bites of his meal while Millie helped herself to his pantry and fixed a bowl of the sugary cereal he kept just for her.

“So, what’s up?” he asked her when she sat across from him.

“How did it go?” She answered his question with one of her own while she stuffed her mouth full of cereal. He shook his head as he watched milk drip down her chin and marshmallows tumble from her lips into the bowl. She was