7. Nash

7

NASH

I can't tear my eyes away from the charm trapped between the pads of Summer's fingers. She just explained how she ended up with the necklace as if it's no big deal. Of course, she has no clue.

"I don't wear it every day, but still, it's special. I keep thinking maybe I should add my wedding ring to it." She splays her hand out in front of her to examine her fingers. I notice her fingers are bare; it causes me to wonder, but it makes it easier for me to return my attention to the necklace.

My throat bobs as I try to suppress the memory because I've had enough memories today. "It's pretty."

Summer gives me a peculiar look. "Uh, thanks." The air turns stiff, and she must feel it too because she stands up. "I'm going to grab a water, want anything?" Wow, she's being hospitable to me.

Gently, I shake my head as she patters past me, and unfortunately, my mind drifts to why she has the necklace.

"I want to get her something really nice. She's special, and after getting married, a ring just doesn't seem enough," my brother explains as we peruse the jewelry store .

I'm not sure why I'm doing this to myself. They eloped out of the blue, and I do my best to see them less and less. I've barely spoken to my brother, but Zac is in Dallas for a medical conference, and since I have a game here, we managed to squeeze in a quick lunch. And now I'm being dragged to a jewelry store.

"How is she?" I pry, with a sting inside of me.

Zac doesn't bother glancing up as he studies the contents of the glass case. "Good. She's been my rock and seems content with work and living in Lake Spark still."

I'm happy for her... and him. This is what was supposed to happen when I locked my heart from Summer. I still feel like I probably left pieces in my trail, even if for the long run it's the best for everyone. Doesn't mean she doesn't cross my mind more than she should.

"There it is." My brother taps on the glass with his long finger. "A charm necklace. Perfect for someone you love."

"Because she loves you too." I'm not sure why I need the clarification so quick.

He stalls and draws his gaze to me. "Of course." Why didn't that feel more confident? It's a long moment before he occupies himself with the contents under the glass. "I bet she would love the flower."

Peeking over his shoulder, I examine the choices, and then my eyes lock onto one particular choice.

"Can I have a look at the flower charm?" my brother requests to the lady who scurries our way.

"Of course." She unlocks the back of the display with a key that was around her neck on a lanyard. "Everyone loves these. At Christmas, we have presents and trees."

Pretending to look at my watch, I pat his shoulder. "I'm going to head out. Need to get ready for the game." And I don't want to watch you buy Summer jewelry, because you're in love with the woman who should have been mine.

He gives me a healthy smile while the jeweler sets the tray in front of him. "Sure thing. It was great seeing you. You have to come back to Lake Spark more often. We all miss you."

"Maybe."

I turn to walk away and manage a few steps when I hear the jeweler speak. "It was the flower you wanted to look at, right?"

"Yes, the flo ? —"

"Zac," I cut him off. It takes a moment before I glance back and flex my jaw side to side. "The treasure chest. You should look at the treasure chest."

He looks over his shoulder, perplexed. "Why?"

I lick my lips, remembering the most ridiculous secret that Summer shared with me once. "I don't know," I lie. "Just… the treasure chest is a nice pick."

Now I'm in Summer's house with my brother dead and a necklace around her neck that I knew would make her happy.

Rubbing my hands over my face, I'm beginning to wonder why I'm putting myself through this. I should just ignore my brother's request and move on.

But it's Summer.

And a baby that's my nephew.

If she truly needs someone to help her like everyone suggests then I'll never forgive myself, because before my brother would protect her, and now there is only me.

Summer saunters back into the living room, oblivious to my mind having just gone down memory lane.

"You don't get a choice. I'm just ordering pizza, going to steal a slice, and then I'll give Bo a bath, bottle, and everything. By the way, he can try soft foods in little pieces, just stay away from honey. I guess you'll learn quickly. Also, he likes going for ‘swims.'" She uses air quotes. "At the Dizzy Duck. I know it's technically a spa pool, but Holden doesn't mind. The water is perfectly warm too. The other thing is Bo still wakes once a night, so be prepared for that." She's rambling again.

I grimace. "You're going to keep using his routine as our talking point, aren't you?"

She heaves a sigh because she's been called out. "Yeah," she answers bluntly. Summer climbs down to the floor and crosses her legs, getting comfortable as it seems she is willing to talk.

"We're out of our depth, Nash," she admits.

"We always were," I reflect.

"You're leaving in six weeks? Zac wanted six weeks."

I rub the back of my neck as I give a long exhale. "I don't know, probably. I can't think clearly."

Summer picks up a toy block that was on the floor within reach and begins to toss it between her hands. "You're bound to get close with Bo, so whatever you plan on doing, just remember you need to follow through. Don't just be an uncle for six weeks, play the long game."

I hold my palm up. "I understand."

She shakes her head in disbelief. "I don't trust you. We just need to look at history to know that you won't commit, and you always find a reason to stay away. But Nash..." Her warning turns sharp. "This isn't me. It's Bo, an innocent baby who is oblivious to life's heartaches. So don't you dare run away again."

I lift my nose slightly. "Are you really just talking on behalf of Bo?" I challenge, because underlying, she could mean her too.

She grumbles, clearly annoyed or wanting to escape the truth as she is quick to scramble to her feet. "Discussion over."

I have my answer.

A few hours later, Summer and I haven't really crossed paths. Only when she showed me how to handle a diaper and bottle did she actually construct a sentence around me. When pizza came, she gobbled down a slice, and we again focused on Bo who makes a mess when tomato sauce and melted cheese are involved. Then again, he can't eat the crust yet.

Still, despite dinner, I'm searching the fridge, not exactly sure what I'm looking for. I'm restless and on edge that I'll run into Summer.

My theory is proven correct when I hear the soft patter of footsteps approaching the kitchen. Sighing, I close the fridge and prepare myself to see the beautiful woman that's tormented me for years, and it's all my fault.

Flicking my eyes up, I see that Summer slows her step, and her face shows caution, yet it's gentle. Why does she have to wear an off-the-shoulder t-shirt that displays the curve of her bare shoulder?

"Hi."

Folding my arms against my chest, I lean against the counter. "Hi," I reply.

Her fingers twist the hem of her shirt. "I'm not sure what to say to you when Bo isn't around. You and I have an edgy relationship to say the least."

Glancing to the side, I do my best to gather composure. "Well…" I click my tongue in my mouth.

A long silence feels as though we could take a knife and slice it .

Summer rolls her eyes. "Great talk." She's not impressed, and I'm unsure if it's us or me. Frustrated, she turns to pick up a dirty bottle with aggravation. Her insistence to use glass baby bottles is not the best of ideas because as she twists to head to the sink, she drops it and glass shatters on the floor. "Shit."

I'm quick to take a few steps and lean down at the same time as her. She's already picking up little pieces which makes zero sense as she will need a dustpan and brush for sure. Her movements are as sharp as the shards of glass.

Placing my hand on the back of her palm, she stills. "Slow down," I whisper. At last, her eyes swing up to pin her face in my view, but she says nothing. I can't help it. That little scar, it's part of her for life. "Does it hurt?"

She understands what I mean. Her lips press together. "No."

Licking my lips, I drop my head down and pick up a big piece of glass. "Who the hell still uses glass baby bottles?" I attempt to make a joke, but she's in no mood.

"A normal person who just decided that life is already a little fucked up, so might as well add a fragile baby bottle that's a pain to carry around as it leaks. But hey, points for me for finding the funny little things in this living arrangement," she counters.

Here we go.

"Why are you always so feisty?" I wonder.

Her death glare is a bullseye to my chest. "I'm only this way with you."

"Lucky me."

She's quick to keep this debate going. "It's not my fault my mouth has a mind of its own around you."

I smirk. "I know, I remember your mouth."

Her eyes turn into saucers because I just reminded her of the fact that our bodies mold together with perfection, and we know exactly how to make one another see stars.

"Nice. Smug Nash is making an appearance tonight." Her sarcasm isn't appreciated.

"How about you just accept that I'm here." My voice has an edge.

"I'm trying," she grits out as our eyes stay locked.

"Could've fooled me." I whistle a sound.

Her tongue swipes along her teeth. "Are we just going to go back and forth?"

We both take a moment to sigh, and we collapse into sitting on the floor, completely exhausted from our little tit-for-tat.

Vulnerability kicks in. "I just want to do the right thing. I've only ever done what everyone needs."

She deflates and scoffs to herself. "What a lie. Then, you were only what I needed."

It surprises me that she admits that, and it twists my stomach. "But you're what he needed, and in the end, you have a son," I remind us.

Summer seems to grasp my theory, and she gulps a breath. "Can we just not talk about this anymore?"

"Agreed." I pick up a large piece of glass. "I'll clean this up."

"I can do it."

Now I have to laugh. "Let's not go down another spiral of arguing over stupid shit."

She bobs her head in agreement. "You're right."

Our eyes meet for a brief second. "Can I just do what I want to do? I'll take care of you. I'll clean this up. Anything else? A leaky pipe. Mowing the grass. There must be something. "

Anything to occupy me from wanting to take care of her in other ways.

Her head tilts slightly to the side. "I mean… I guess the sink does have a drip."

"I'm on it," I promise.

The moment that she rolls her shoulder back and seems to ease sends a whoosh of relief down my body. "Actually, I really could use some help…" Her finger twirls in the air. "Babyproofing, the crawling phase will hit us at any moment."

Reaching out, I touch her wrist. "No problem. I'll be a pro at it and earn myself another point on the baby-experience scale."

Her eyes flood with appreciation and proof that I'm chipping away a piece of our wall. Summer nods once before her eyes drop down to soak in the view of my fingers connecting us. After a moment, she begins to teeter up. "Thanks. Uh, if you're okay with this," she indicates to the floor, "I'll go finish some laundry and things. I guess… I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure."

We both seem to blow out a breath at the same time.

Upstairs, I try to adjust to the fact that I'm in a guest room that has empty drawers and a closet. It's a nice room, a log cabin meets modern feel with a quilt on the bed. Zac and Summer seem to have good taste in interior design.

Summer kept to her word that she would be busy with Bo, and I've heard enough squeals from a baby with the sound of water running to calm any nerves .

But it is a momentary pause, because when the upstairs grows quiet, anxiousness reappears with a vengeance.

Summer's on the other side of the wall, sleeping, alone in bed, with her heart in pieces. She's strong, but even warriors need breaks.

Walking, I stop and reach up to plant a palm against the white wall, wondering what she's like on the other side.

Is she sleeping or lying with her gaze stuck on the ceiling because we're breathing the same air under the same roof, and that alone can cause an earthquake.