That Summer With Me - Julie Prestsater Page 0,22

scanned the clothes on the floor and bed, holding her hair back with one hand and fanning herself with the other. When she woke up this morning, it never occurred to her picking out something to wear was going to be this difficult. She didn’t want to be too casual or too formal. Actually, she had no idea what look she was going for.

Melody guessed she was going for the one that said, “Please give me a thumb’s up. I love your best friend, and your approval matters.”

Luna must have lost patience, because before she knew it, her daughter stood before her, placed her hands on her shoulders, and said, “Stop. Whatever you put on next is what you’re leaving in. You are amazing. You love Jordan. He loves you. Even though neither one of you has admitted it.” She rolled her eyes. “Millie will love you, too. She’s going to be like the sister you’ve always wanted and the aunt I’ve always wanted. Now, get a move on.”

“When did you become the adult here?” Melody asked as she headed into her closet.

“It’s a tough job, but somebody’s gotta do it.”

JORDAN

“Relax, Jay,” Millie said. “I don’t know why you’re so nervous. I’m like the nicest person I know.”

“And the hungriest, apparently.” He watched as she ate a bowl of cereal at his counter. “We’re going to dinner, you know.”

“Think of it as an appetizer,” she said. “I worked up an appetite earlier.”

“I swear you’re the only one I know who has a one-night stand in the middle of the afternoon.”

Millie shook her head at him. “It’s called a nooner. Live a little.”

“She’s here!” he said, a little louder than expected.

“You should prescribe yourself some Xanax,” she called out as she took her bowl to the sink.

“Hi,” Melody said when he opened the door. She looked beautiful in jeans and a soft peach sweater. Her cute toes were showing in her strappy sandals—something he always seemed to notice now. Since they started seeing each other again, she hadn’t once worn the big black boots she was known for that summer.

Jordan leaned down to give her a soft peck on the lips. With his eyes still closed, he stood up straight, exhaling a deep breath and enjoying the moment. He felt every one of their kisses to his core. It was as if a wave of happiness came over him, pushing and pulling at his heartstrings.

“Hey, beautiful,” he told her. “Come on in.”

“You can’t keep her from me forever, Jordy. Melody, come here, girlfriend,” Millie yelled from the kitchen.

Jordan flashed a big smile and wide eyes at his love. “You ready?”

“No.” Melody let out a slight laugh.

He took her hand and started toward the kitchen. He glanced back at her, and there was something about this moment that made him feel. Before he knew it, he was opening his mouth and saying, “I love you.”

The moment was gone in a flash. Though, he couldn’t believe he had said the words aloud, he was sure he meant them. There was no doubt in his mind that he loved her—with his whole heart kind of love. The same kind of love he felt for her at seventeen and then some. The kind of love that was enough for her, for Luna, and for Mama Annie.

And now, he knew Millie would love her, too.

“Melody, meet Millie,” he said.

His two favorite women exchanged a quick hello, and then they both went in for a hug.

“I’m sorry,” Melody said. “I’m a hugger.”

“Me too,” Millie replied. “But, I’m not sorry.”

“Me either.”

The two of them laughed and hugged again. Jordan watched them both, smiling ear to ear, relieved they were off to a great start.

“I feel like I know you,” Melody said. “Jordan talks about you all the time.”

“I know the feeling,” Millie said. “He’s been talking about you for decades.” She punched him in the arm. “I can’t wait to hear more about your outreach work. I would love to connect with your students if any are interested in art.”

Melody’s eyes brightened. “That would be amazing. I’m always looking to connect my kids with the community. They need mentors who are doing the things they love.”

Millie reached into her bag and pulled out a business card. “Here’s my info. Give me a call or shoot me an email, and we’ll set something up.”

Melody took it and said a quick thank you. Jordan noticed her look down at the card and do a double take. Her brows furrowed as