Page 35 of Morning Glory Girl
I lifted one shoulder, unashamed. “It makes the topping and cheese to crust ratio better for the last few bites.”
He scrunched up his face, said, “Let’s test this theory,” and took a comically large bite out of his own crust.
Luna and I made eye contact and chuckled as Luke struggled to keep his mouth closed while he chewed.
A few minutes later my phone vibrated loudly on the little wooden table, and then again thirty seconds later. Then again, three times, after that.
My hand shot out to grab it. “Sorry, group message.”
Luke grimaced. “I wouldn’t wish that many group texts on my worst enemy,” he said, dead serious, a look of utter disgust on his face. Not even a hint of sarcasm.
I giggled. He clearly meant it to his core, and for some reason, I found it hilarious. His expression remained disgusted as my phone continued to vibrate in my hand. Uncontrollable laughter bubbled out of me.
“I honestly don’t understand why you’re laughing. I’m being completely serious.” His expression matched his stony tone.
I clutched my stomach. “I know you’re serious. That’s why it’s so funny.” His face finally cracked. He turned to Luna, a glimmer of a smirk on his mouth. “I don’t get her,” he pointed his thumb at me. But Luna was also laughing. “Oh no, Luns not you, too.”
“Look, see.” I held up my phone, showing them both a picture of baby Mina trying to lift a Wiffle ball bat. “It’s pictures of my friends’ baby. And all the notifications are people liking the photosand saying how cute she is.” I turned the screen back and smiled at my phone as I swiped through the photos.
When I looked back up Luke was staring at me. “What?”
“Nothing,” he rasped. He shook his head, like he was trying to expel a thought.
Luke turned to Luna. “I remember whenyouwere that little. I can’t believe you’re going to be in third grade next year, Luns. You’re getting so old,” he teased her.
“You’re old!” she insisted.
“It’s true. I amsoold.” He rolled his eyes and Luna giggled.
I shook my head, cheeks tugging my mouth into a smile, as they’d done frequently throughout this meal—pizza off of paper plates at the local pizzeria.
When we were done, Luke insisted I take some slices home for Mimi.
I laughed at myself on the car ride home for the little crush I’d had on Luke after I first met him at Morning Glory Farm. Little did I know he’d end up being my employer.
I couldn’t help but wonder—again—what happened with Luna’s mom. I’d never ask. He’d have to volunteer that information at some point, or it would remain a mystery. It occurred to me as I turned onto Mimi’s road that I could do some sleuthing on social media, but I didn’t want to.
I wanted him to tell me himself. If he ever chose to share that type of thing with me.
16
As I drove up the cobblestone driveway to the Phelps compound, I felt almost proud that I had a date with an attractive, mature man on a summer Saturday. Theoretically, if things kept going well, Max and I could keep seeing each other back in New York. But that thought had me picturing returning to Peters & Dowling and brought my anxiety roaring back.Nope, not thinking about that right now.No need to get ahead of myself when we’d only been on three dates.
The sprawling seaside mansion came into view as I turned the last bend, along with Max, who leaned against the door that led up to his apartment over the three-car garage, sporting a more casual version of his usual uniform: long sleeve T-shirt, golf shorts, and boat shoes. When I stepped out of my car and closed the distance between us, I couldn’t help but notice how much newer his docksider boat shoes looked than Luke’s.
As we walked up to the main house, Max’s arm slung around my shoulders, an older man and woman stepped out the front door. I was momentarily starstruck by the sight of one of my favorite authors. He looked exactly like the photo on all his book jackets, albeit a little grayer at the temples. They both smiled when they saw us.
“Hey, son,” Edward called as the front door closed behind him. “Heading down to the beach?”
“Yes,” Max replied. We closed the distance, intercepting them halfway up the front walkway.
“Mom, Dad, this is Val. Val, my parents, Brianna and Ed.”
“Lovely to meet you, Val,” Max’s mom said with a sparkling smile, shaking my hand.
“You too, both of you.” I extended my hand to Ed, and he took it with a firm shake.
“Hope our son is being a gentleman.” Ed winked at Max, and a grin spread across my lips.Guess the winking runs in the family.
