Gunnar, Andrew, and I headed back toward the picnic area. The park lights were on and I watched people packing up and clearing out.

“Where’ve y’all been?” Micah asked as we approached.

“Hide-and-seek,” Andrew said, which obviously only confused Micah even more.

Gunnar thought it was funny, though. “I think I won.”

“I don’t know,” Andrew said. “Sophie found us, so I think she won.”

Micah’s gaze shifted between Andrew and me and she gave me questioning eyes. I mouthed, “I’ll tell you later.”

She nodded. “Caroline already left. She said she had a pounding migraine and that you’d have to clean up without her.”

I laughed. “I always clean up without her.”

“I know. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying that very thing.”

Andrew nodded toward his dad, who was packing away dishes. “Speaking of cleaning up, I better go help.”

“See you later,” Micah said.

“Is the next big event really not until October?” Andrew asked.

“Are you going to miss us?” I asked.

“Not you, Evans, but Micah for sure.”

I smiled, but the jab didn’t bother me as much as it normally would have.

“You don’t have to miss me,” Micah said. “I’ll text you. Let’s do something.”

Andrew’s eyes flitted to me, like he thought I suddenly wanted to hang out with him outside of work. I just held up my hands. “Have fun, you two.”

He joined up with his dad, and Micah said, “What was that about? You two looked as thick as thieves walking out of the dark night together.”

“With my little brother,” I reminded her.

“Little brother or not, I know a happy glow when I see one.”

I made a face. “Give me a break. More like an angry glow. Andrew had just gotten through telling me that he didn’t think I’d make it in New York.”

“He said that?”

“Yes.”

Micah pursed her lips. “That was not very nice.”

“It doesn’t matter what he thinks. It doesn’t matter what anybody thinks.” At least that’s what I told myself.

“Atta girl.”

I picked up half a grape off the table and held it up. “Who puts grapes in potato salad?”

“Apparently Jett Hart,” Micah said.

“And now your dad. Is he happy that he’s doing this yet? Is it going to work?”

“He’s decided to see it through. He got a call to cater a fancy benefit dinner in Birmingham in August.”

“Birmingham? That’s almost two hours away!”

“I know.”

“I thought you guys were going to try to expand to closer areas.”

“We are. But two hours isn’t bad and people in the city are willing to pay more money.”

“Really? That’s good news.”

Micah nodded. “My parents were having a heated debate last night about whether or not Jett himself had convinced the party host to hire my dad. But either way, it’s a job, right?”

“Which side of the debate were you on?” I asked.

“I was Switzerland.” She gathered some used plastic forks off the table and put them in the trash. “Which side would you have been on?”

“Do you want me to be honest or encouraging?”

“Honest.”

“I think Jett had some pull. This town has been averse to the changes Jett’s made. So I can’t imagine that word of mouth has caused some fancy benefit host to call in.”

“You would’ve been on my dad’s side.” Micah held up a finger. “But we’ve gotten some good reviews online, like my mom pointed out. Mostly from her friends, but out-of-towners don’t know that. And my dad is hoping that because the people won’t have any preconceived notions of what the food normally is, that they won’t have already formed an opinion about it.”

“He makes a good point. The food is pretty amazing.” I flicked another grape off the table. “That said, I don’t know if our town is ready for this change. Jett might be a little out of touch with his client base.”

“I’ve heard my dad say that to Jett so often that I’m surprised Jett hasn’t commanded it never to be said in his kitchen again.” Micah was quiet for a moment, then said, “I’m sorry Jett didn’t turn out to be an in for you.”

I poured the water from a vase onto the grass and tucked the empty vase away in a box. I shrugged. “I don’t need an in. I’ll get there. I’m just glad he seems to be working out for you guys. Maybe the Birmingham event will lead to more referrals.”

“That’s what my dad hopes.”

“Well, I’m sure Andrew will feel much closer to home in Birmingham.”

A shadowy figure walked up behind Micah and into the ring of light from the overhead park lamp. It was Kyle.

“Hey, Soph, you want to go grab dessert?” he asked.

My stomach jumped in surprise. “Right now?” I looked at my phone. It was after ten o’clock.

“Yes, you should go,” Micah said too quickly. “I’ll take Gunnar home in the flower van for you.” She had arranged this, I was sure of it. She widened her eyes at me.

If I hadn’t wanted to go out with Kyle, I wouldn’t have gotten so upset about his rejection earlier. This was what I wanted, right? “Right. I mean, sure, okay, sounds good.”

“Cool.” Kyle walked toward his Mustang. Apparently I was supposed to follow.

“Cool,” Micah echoed.

“Can’t decide if I’m mad at you,” I said.

“Have fun,” she said with an innocent smile.

I caught up to Kyle just as we passed Andrew and his dad loading the last of their things into their car. Andrew lifted his hand in a wave and I moved to do the same when Kyle reached back and slid his fingers between mine. By the time I got over the shock of Kyle holding my hand, Andrew and his dad had climbed into their car and driven away.