Page 10 of One Southern Summer

He tugged at the collar of his gingham-checked button-down. Two young women standing on the corner holding shopping bags jabbed at the silver button to change the traffic light so they could cross the intersection. Cole stood behind them. The hair on the back of his neck prickled. Cars traveling on Main Street cruised to a stop, yielding to the pedestrians. He racked his brain for something intelligent to say as his feet found their way across the asphalt.

Mrs. Crawford’s bright yellow dress fluttered in the breeze like a caution flag at Talladega racetrack. Her three-inch heels gave her a distinct height advantage over her former daughter-in-law. Avery stood tall with her shoulders back. Their encounter reminded Cole of the Westerns he used to watch on TV with his dad, featuring the hero and the villain pitted against each other in a showdown at high noon in front of the saloon. Hopefully no one in this situation planned to inflict harm.

At least not physically.

He couldn’t hear what they were saying, but he could tell by the anxious expression on Harper’s face and the telltale tip of Avery’s chin that this wasn’t an easy exchange. Harper caught his eye again. Her tight smile silently screamedhelp.

Man, this was a really, really bad idea. Maybe he should wave back then duck into the closest store and pretend he needed to buy a new tie. Then Avery shifted, and her blue-eyed gaze locked on his. Like a compass destined for true north, he couldn’t have turned away even if he wanted to.

“Cole? Cole Whitaker?” Her smile was like a ray of sunshine bursting through the clouds after a stormy day. “What are you doing here?”

His mouth suddenly dry, he stopped beside Avery and pretended not to notice Mrs. Crawford’s curious gaze. “Hello, Avery.” He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep his defiant arms from pulling her into an embrace. “It’s good to see you again.”

“You too.” Her voice sounded as sweet and melodic as he remembered.

“Harper.” He grinned. “It’s been a minute. How are things?”

“Splendid. I’m a teacher on summer vacation without a care in the world.”

“Enjoy your well-deserved break.” He turned toward Mrs. Crawford. “Good afternoon, ma’am. Cole Whitaker.”

Her near-perfect smile faltered as she regarded his outstretched hand for a long second then shook it briefly. “It’s nice to meet you, Chris.”

Ah. The accidentally on purpose mispronounced name.Well played.He wouldn’t abandon his Southern manners, though. Not even in these circumstances. Especially not in these circumstances. “It’s Cole. Not Chris.” He offered his most genuine smile. “I’m the director of Imari’s Place. By the way, we’ve invited you and Pastor Crawford to attend numerous fundraising events. It’s a shame y’all haven’t been able to join us.”

“Oh, right. You do look familiar. I’ll ask Dalton’s assistant to give your people a call.” She tried for another smile, but looked like she’d bitten into an onion. Or maybe she needed more Botox.

“Sorry to interrupt.” He held up both palms. Neutral as Switzerland. “I wanted to say hello.”

“You’re not interrupting.” Mrs. Crawford’s wide smile was back in place. Her gaze slid past him and settled on Avery. “I’ve got to get to a lunch meeting with the elders’ wives, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to welcome Avery back home. Give my best to the children, darlin’. You wouldn’tbelievehow busy we are. Tell those sweet grandbabies how much we love them. We’ll have y’all over to swim in the pool real soon.”

Avery’s mouth opened, but no words came out. Disbelief crossed her face. Cole shot Harper an is-she-for-real glance.

Then Mrs. Crawford leaned in and kissed the air somewhere in the vicinity of Avery’s cheek. “Enjoy the rest of this gorgeous day.” She stepped around them and strolled away, her heels clicking out a staccato rhythm on the sidewalk.

“Oh, Mylanta.” Avery tucked an errant curl behind her ear with trembling fingers. “She is really something.”

“That went better than I expected.” Harper released a shaky laugh.

Avery still looked stricken. “I don’t know what to make of her invitation. She can’t be serious. I mean, Addison loves to splash in the pool, but I’m not ready to drop her off at her grandparents’ house unsupervised. Hayes isn’t ready for pool floaties and sunscreen and—”

“One day at a time, all right?” Harper cupped her palm on Avery’s shoulder. “Let’s assume positive intent. Surely she wants to see her grandchildren and reconnect with you.”

Cole withheld a snarky comment. Whitney Crawford and positive intent was a stretch.Dude, not helpful.

Harper linked her elbow through Avery’s. “Cole, would you like to join us for lunch?”

Disappointment arced through him. He’d like nothing more. “I wish I could, but I’ve got a meeting as well.”

His gaze found Avery’s again. He had so many questions. Maribelle’s words echoed in his head.

You two were thick as thieves back in the day.

“Mama’s having some people over to the house tonight for supper.” Harper readjusted her purse strap on her shoulder. “Why don’t you come by around six?”

He hesitated. “I don’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding. Our stepfather built Mama a beautiful new lake house. She’s more than happy to give you the grand tour. I know Julene would love to see you too.”

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