Page 48 of One Southern Summer

Thoughts of Avery, sitting at the table in the coffee shop, with her notebook and her bold vision for the foundation’s future filled his head. Too bad she wasn’t here. She’d felt slighted when she hadn’t been part of the groundbreaking ceremony. He didn’t want to make that mistake twice.

Except he wasn’t being entirely honest with himself. What he really wanted was to see her again.

Somehow he had to find a way to separate the documentary about his work with the foundation and his friendship with Avery. He could do that, right? People struck a healthy balance between their work life and their personal life all the time.

Except he’d never been one of those people.

“Take me back to how this all started,” Max coached him. “What was that initial spark that inspired you to advocate for trafficking victims?”

Thoughts of his beautiful sister, perpetually eleven years old with her sable hair, contagious laughter and wide-set eyes, filled his head. Followed by Avery buying him frozen custard because she didn’t know how else to help him. He’d been so distraught.

“My sister, Kimberly, was abducted seventeen years ago. She was later murdered. I’ve always felt compelled to do something to help people, but couldn’t quite identify my passion. At first, I worked long hours at a law firm. One day on my commute, I heard a podcast interview about an organization in Nashville that helped women rescued specifically from human trafficking. That inspired me to leave the firm and take the role as director of Imari’s Place. I’ll never be able to bring my sister back, but this is meaningful and important work, and I truly believe we’re making a difference.”

Max nodded, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed hard. “That’s cool, man. I had no idea. I’m so sorry about your sister.”

“Thank you.” Cole gestured toward the house. “Generous folks here in Camellia, across the country and strategic global partners made the existing facility possible. Now we’re focused on a substantial expansion, so we can bring more women here. Ideally we help them get an education, either with additional vocational training or through a college or university. There’s counseling, medical care and each is responsible for caring for a certain aspect of the home.”

Cole paused then dug in his bag for a bottle of water. He could go on and on.

Max stopped recording and pocketed his phone. “Nicely done.”

“Thanks.” Cole drew a long sip of water, swallowed then twisted the cap back into place.

“One thing I failed to mention. The consultant I mentioned earlier has a much bigger vision. She’d like to see a separate facility constructed here in Camellia that would allow the women to produce a particular product line. Perhaps household goods or toiletries, something of that nature. The sales of which would go back into operations, community outreach, etcetera.”

Max studied him. “Sounds ambitious.”

“Indeed.”

Max clapped Cole on the shoulder. “Great start. My brother and I are on a fact-finding mission today. We want to chat with you, get to know you and your team. If you don’t mind, I’d like to connect with the consultant you mentioned. We’re going to want to hear more about that additional facility.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Cole said. “She left the reality television world and would prefer to stay off camera for now. Maybe she’ll change her mind later.”

“Maybe so.” There was that mischievous smile again. “After all, it didn’t take much to get Hemby to change your mind. Can you ask him to speak to this consultant?”

No way. “Where’s Charlie? Let me take a look at those waivers.”

After spending most of the night with an inconsolable baby, the last place Avery wanted to be in her sleep-deprived, irritable condition was Dalton and Whitney Crawfords’ driveway. But the invitation had arrived via text at the last minute yesterday. She couldn’t keep putting this off. Addison deserved to know her grandparents better.

“Whoa. Is this where I’m swimming today?” Addison asked, unbuckling herself and scrambling out of her car seat.

“This is the place. Pretty nice, right?” Avery infused her voice with as much optimism as she could muster. Mama and Greer’s house was equally impressive in comparison to the Crawfords’ sprawling white brick home nestled on a hillside in Camellia’s most sought-after neighborhood. Much like her own family, Dalton and Whitney had embraced a more lavish lifestyle. Mama had mentioned that The Oasis had several thousand members now. Quite a change from when they launched in a modest apartment complex clubhouse almost fifteen years ago. Avery shook her head. So pointless, sitting here overanalyzing why her former in-laws had purchased this ostentatious home. Frankly, it was none of her business.

“Come on, Mama. Let’s go inside.”

“I’m right behind you, baby.” Avery turned off the ignition and unlocked the car doors so Addison could get out. When Whitney had first mentioned she wanted to have the kids over to swim, Avery hadn’t expected to hear from her. Maybe Pax and Trey’s arrival next week had something to do with it. Whitney must’ve realized she’d be helping with the kids and decided a short visit today would make future visits more palatable.

“I want to swim, Mama.” Addison scampered around the back of the car, dancing and twirling.

“I know you do. Let me get Hayes.” He’d been fussing off and on most of the night and tugging at his ear. Avery had called the local pediatrician’s office and begged them to work him in. Thankfully a friend of the family managed the practice and had agreed. Avery had meant to schedule his first well visit as soon as she moved back to town, but the task had slipped to the bottom of her to-do list.

Avery opened the passenger door and unbuckled Hayes from his car seat. The pitiful tears on his pudgy cheeks and flushed skin made her wince. Poor thing. He looked miserable. “Come on, sweet pea. This will just take a minute.”

With Hayes tucked gently against her shoulder, she helped Addison get the tote bag with dry clothes, a towel, goggles, floaties and a few toys from the back of the car.

“That’s not the pool, is it?” Addison pointed toward the impressive water feature in the center of the well-manicured lawn. Three ornate tiers spilled water into a large round basin.

Avery chuckled. “No, that’s a fountain to make the yard look and sound nice. There’s probably a bigger pool around back.”

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