Sixteen

Sullivan held the chair out for Haley and scooted her to the table. He hurried to the other side of the table and sat across from Haley, next to Logan. She smiled, looking even more stunning than before. Somehow, she managed to grow more beautiful every day—or was that his feelings for her?

Sky and Logan were already deep in conversation. Thanks to Haley, Logan knew to avoid the topic of Aspen. They were discussing a local sports team. 

The waiter came over and greeted them with a smile. “Good evening Sullivan and Logan.” He turned to the ladies. “I’m Renaldo, and I’ll be your server. Can I start you off with an appetizer or drink this evening?”

They ordered some appetizers and drinks, and then Renaldo took off. Sullivan turned back to Haley. “How are you holding up in this heat wave?”

She glanced up from the menu. “I’m grateful for air conditioning. I don’t want to do anything outside until it cools down.”

“I know. I was showing a house today, and it had no AC. I thought for sure I would suffocate on the third floor.”

“Looks like you survived.” Her eyes shone.

Sullivan laughed. “Tease me all you want. I can take it.” He turned to Sky. “Is it any cooler in Seattle?”

“It was when I left, but I heard it’s even warmer there now than it is here.”

“Ugh.” Haley made a face. “That means it’s probably as bad in Portland.”

“Are you planning to go back soon?” Sullivan’s stomach tightened.

“Not until September. I’ll probably stay a little bit after my mom returns, but then I’m going back.”

“I’m sure it’ll be cooler by then.” Sullivan picked up his menu and stared at it, even though he knew what he wanted. Would it be possible to convince her to stay over the next couple months? Maybe if things kept going well between them, she wouldn’t want to leave, except to bring her things back.

Conversation drifted back to high school days. They all shared laughs over long-forgotten memories. After they ordered their meals, the ladies went to the restroom.

“Why do women always go together?” Logan asked. “I’ll never get that.”

Sullivan grabbed a crab cake. “Me, neither.”

“So, you seem to really like her.” Logan raised his eyebrows.

He nodded, not wanting to admit how right his brother was. 

“You looked like someone took your puppy when she said she was moving back.”

Sullivan couldn’t deny it—he probably had looked like that.

“On the bright side,” Logan said, “you have at least two months to convince her to stay. And if it doesn’t work out, you’ll be back to being the only realtor in town.”

Sullivan didn’t respond. He was growing used to her giving him a little friendly competition, and he kind of liked it—since it was her. It also forced him to step up his business, not that he’d grown lazy. But if he was being honest with himself, he’d grown a little too confident in the short time he’d been the only game in town.

Now when he thought about Haley, his heart soared high into the sky. He’d pretty much hand over any client she asked for, just to see her smile.

Logan hit him on the back. “You’ve got it bad. Look at you grinning like a kid in a candy store.”

Sullivan shook his head. He’d forgotten Logan was there. “Yeah, I guess so. How are you getting along with Sky?”

“She’s nice, and this is fun, but I don’t have time for a relationship. I barely have time to sleep. I’m happy for you, though. Have you thought of bringing her to a family dinner? Mom would be thrilled that you’re serious about someone.”

“She already knows about Haley.”

“Really?”

“I ordered two coffees, and that was all it took.”

Logan laughed. “You should bring her. She’d fit in nicely, and Mom would definitely like her.”

Sullivan shoved him. “You just want Mom to get off your case.”

He snickered. “Maybe.”

As they were growing older, their mom was getting more and more eager for her kids to marry off and have kids.

Haley and Sky returned, laughing together. Sullivan’s heart skipped a beat seeing Haley so happy. He wanted to jump up from his chair, scoop her into his arms, and kiss her. Instead, he ate another crab cake and smiled at her as she took her seat across from him.

 He needed to find a way to convince her to stay in Enchantment Bay.