Page 29 of One Southern Summer

Avery hesitated then popped the top open. “Not really.”

Julene’s forehead creased. “Are you mad about the story in the paper?”

“It’s not just the story in the paper. I’m appalled that Pax and Trey have managed to spin their side of the story into something that garners positive media attention.” Her voice grew louder as anger blazed a fiery trail through her abdomen. “I was pregnant when I discovered their affair. They left me with a three-year-old and a baby on the way. Trey wiped out our savings betting on horses.Horses.Meanwhile, Pax somehow gets free publicity for his book tour in a front-page news story that’s supposed to be all about Imari’s Place and the good work Cole’s doing there. It’s not right.”

Mama and Harper turned around, concern etched in their expressions. Julene stared down at the aluminum can. The whir of Hayes’s bouncer seat was the only sound in the room.

“Wow,” Julene said softly. “That’s a lot. I had no idea about the gambling.”

Avery pressed the cold can to her flushed cheeks.

Mama started the dishwasher then she and Harper joined them in the living room. Harper sat on the floor beside Hayes’s chair. Mama stood, arms crossed over her chest. “You’re right, nothing about this is fair,” Mama said. “Pax and Trey made a series of poor decisions and no one faults you for being angry. Especially when it doesn’t seem like there’s a whole lot of accountability.”

“Um, try zero. There’s been zero accountability.” Avery took a quick sip of sparkling water. “Other than child support, their choices have cost them nothing.”

“So why don’t you say something?” Julene shifted to face her. “The press would be more than happy to hear your side of the story.”

“No way.” Avery shook her head. “I’ll have to deal with the backlash for speaking out and he’ll just sell more books.”

Harper’s frown deepened. “So you’re going to suffer in silence?”

“What choice do I have? I’m trapped between taking the high road and pretending none of this bothers me or publicly sharing my side of the story.”

“Isn’t there another option?” Mama asked. “I don’t want you or your children to be splashed all over the morning talk show circuit or anything, but I also don’t like to see you hurting.”

Mama’s loyalty softened the jagged edges of her pain. “I—I don’t know. The news about his book tour and the way he’s being presented as Camellia’s darling child is really starting to get on my nerves.”

“Maybe you need to be Camellia’s darling child then.” Julene picked at a loose thread on the hem of her skirt. “What you’ve agreed to do for Imari’s Place has amazing potential. That project will be far more meaningful than a forgettable memoir.”

“I’ve already told you how I feel about your partnership with Cole and his foundation,” Mama said. “But if you’re feeling unsettled about your decision, don’t let Maribelle or anyone else pressure you into doing something you aren’t comfortable with. You have the right to change your mind.”

“But if I back out then Cole has to find somebody else last-minute, and that only fuels more speculation. Doesn’t feel like the right decision, either.”

“Then you’ll have to identify your true passion and let that be your guide. You said you want to help women find redemption and second chances,” Harper said. “If that’s your passion, then it’s likely going to cost you something.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” Avery squeezed her fist against her forehead. “The Imari’s Place project will help young women start over. That’s meaningful work. But I’m still afraid and angry and I don’t want to give the public a front row seat to my family’s drama.”

“Then don’t.” Julene reached over and squeezed Avery’s knee. “I’ve spent some time studying your socials. Your audience adored you. So go back to what works. Reconnect with your people online, give them uplifting inspirational content, and prove that you’re an expert in your profession. Because you are.”

“Hardly.” Avery scoffed. “There are so many people doing a phenomenal job in the home design and nonprofit spaces.”

“But there’s no one who sees the world or has the exact same creative flare as you. Cole offered you the opportunity because he knows you’ll transform the new place into something beautiful and functional.” Mama’s eyes shone with pride. “We believe in you, sweetheart. You can do this.”

“Thank you for cheering me on.” Avery offered Mama and her sisters a grateful smile. “I’ll set up a design meeting with Cole so we can get started.”

Where would she be without her family to lean on? Moving home had been such a difficult decision. But their encouragement and advice helped her navigate the choppy seas of stepping back into the world professionally. If only she could figure out how to prepare for Pax and Trey’s return to Camellia.

Chapter Six

This wasn’t going at all like he’d hoped. Cole sat across the kitchen table from Avery in the Huntingtons’ lake house, his knee bouncing impatiently. He’d been thrilled when he got her invite for their first design consult. Beyond thrilled, actually. Insisted that Millie Kay reschedule today’s meetings so he could be here.

But something wasn’t right. Avery barely made eye contact with him and she’d hardly smiled since he got here. In the last thirty minutes, she’d spent more time dealing with Hayes than sharing any coherent thoughts. Magazines, fabric swatches, two samples of tile and a roll of something he couldn’t identify—wallpaper maybe—were spread out around her open laptop.

“Mr. Cole, play with me.” Addison’s huge blue eyes carried a hint of mischief as she wrapped her little fingers around his arm and tugged.

She was such a cute kid. He smiled. “Maybe later, kiddo. Right now, your mom and I are trying to have a meeting.”

Avery massaged her forehead with her fingertips. “I should’ve hired a babysitter.”

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