Page 41 of Lovers at Seaside
I have my own moments now.
“Yes.” She reached for Grayson’s hand. “Your dad’s a smart marketer.” She pointed to the storefront window display. “Putting plants in with the tools makes it feel less like a guys-only store.”
“Sky ran the store while Dad was in rehab, and she added those and some other homey touches.” He laughed under his breath and shook his head. “She even painted murals behind the shelves, because to Sky, everything is a canvas.”
“Including people’s bodies.”
“Exactly. She really brightened the place up. Dad had always worked alone, which I think fed into his drinking after we lost our mom. He hired a part-timer last year. Mira’s a single mother around Sky’s age, and I think the company’s been really good for him, too.”
As Grayson reached for the door, she reached for him. “Before we go in—you said you weren’t going to sit around and let me fall into a bottle, or something like that. I’m not a drinker, and I don’t want you to worry about that with me. I almost never drink. And I’ve never been drunk like that before. I have a glass or two of wine sometimes if I’m having dinner with friends, or with you, but candy and chocolate are my drugs of choice. That night…” She fished for the right explanation. “That night I couldn’t see a way out from under how much I missed Bert. It was definitely a rock-bottom moment. And that next day I couldn’t believe how much of the bottle I drank. It wasn’t like a three-day binge, or—”
“I know.” He kissed her softly. “You might not remember, but you spilled a good bit of the tequila. If you were a drinker, you’d have gone for it the very next morning, but you didn’t. Stop overthinking. I see who you are, and I like who I see.”
She craned to reach his lips, and he met her halfway in a long kiss that confirmed everything he said.
“Dude?” Pete came out of the store, a bell ringing behind him as the door swung closed. “I thought public displays were off the table?” He laughed as he reached for Parker and hugged her. “How’re you doing?”
She knew he was kidding about their kiss, but she liked kissing Grayson, and she didn’t want anyone to think otherwise. “I’m doing well, thanks. And public displays arenotoff the table.” A fluffy golden retriever pushed past him. Parker crouched to pet her and let the excited pup drench her with kisses. “Aw, hello. Who are you?”
“That’s Joey, Pete’s other daughter.” Grayson gave Pete a quick hug. “How’s Pop doing?”
“Good. Seems a little tired, but he’s on his feet a lot. Other than that, he’s solid as a rock.” Pete gave him a reassuring nod. “We’re just heading out. Haven’t seen you guys at Seaside. Come tomorrow for breakfast; we’ll catch up.”
Grayson looked at Parker. She loved that he checked with her before answering, though she wouldn’t have minded if he’d just accepted for the both of them.
“We’d love to.” The girls had been asking her to come over for breakfast, too. They’d had a great time on their outings. Earlier in the week they’d spent the day at the beach, and a few days ago they’d met for lunch and then gone to a library sale in Brewster. But she selfishly hadn’t wanted to give up her mornings alone with Grayson.
“All right.” Pete leashed Joey. “We’ll see you then. Pop’s in the office.”
As Pete walked away, Grayson asked, “You sure you’re up to going?”
“Yes. I love your friends, and you don’t have to worry. I’m not going to hole up, scarfing down candy and watching horror movies twenty-four seven. Abe will always be special, but he’s not Bert. I wish I could see him again, but I’m trying to respect his wishes.” She laced their fingers together and added, “Now, take me to meet the man who raised my amazing man.”
The bell above the door sounded as they walked into the store, and it suddenly hit her that she was meeting Grayson’s father, which was a big deal. An especially big deal for her since she’d never been in this position of meeting a boyfriend’s father before. Her first instinct was to slip into actress mode and make the best impression she could, but she stifled that urge.
“Hey, Grayson!” a pretty brunette called from behind the counter in the back of the store.
“How’s it going?” Grayson said as they walked down an aisle lined with cans of paint and brushes of varying sizes and color. “Mira, this is my girlfriend, Parker. Parker, this is Mira.”
“I think the whole town knows who you are. It’s great to meet you.” Mira had a wide, beautiful smile, olive skin, and a light spray of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
“You saw the picture?” She shouldn’t be shocked that everyone had seen their front-page smooch. Grayson’s siblings had teased them relentlessly, and the girls ended their jokes with,Wait! Let me get my camera!
“Saw it? Me and my friends drooled over it.” Mira gasped and waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, not like that. Not over Grayson. No offense, Grayson. You’re cute and all, but…”
“No offense taken,” he said with an amused grin.
“Whew!” Mira laughed. “What I meant was the passion searing off the page between you two was super hot and super cute. Totally drool worthy.”
She had an easy way about her that Parker instantly liked. “Thank you.”
“Neil’s been smiling about it for days.” Mira lowered her voice. “You can thank Sky for that.” The bell above the door sounded again. “Duty calls. Nice to meet you, Parker. Don’t be a stranger.” She hurried toward her customer.
“Iloveher,” Parker whispered as they headed to the office.
“Maybe I should grow my hair longer and paint on a few freckles.”
She laughed. When they came to his father’s office and she saw the picture fromUs Weeklyframed in the center of his desk, she nearly swallowed her tongue.
