An Agreement (Summer in New York Book 3)

by Lindsay Marie Miller

  “Well, I was thinking...”

  “Yeah.” He wiped a tear away with one of his long fingers.

  “When we get back to New York...”

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Will you go to therapy with me?” I asked. “It’s just so hard having to relive all of it by myself.”

  “You really want me there?” he said in disbelief.

  I nodded.

  “Sweetheart.” He gave me a hug. “Of course I’ll go with you. I just never realized you wanted me to.”

  I kissed him, burying my face in his neck. “Thank you.”

  He looked at me and smiled, touching my face. “What did Mom say?”

  “Oh.” I dried my eyes when he handed me a tissue. “She invited us to go out tomorrow night.”

  “Where?” he asked.

  “Umm. I think she said it’s a honky tonk. Dinner and dancing. That’s the way she described it.”

  “Are you sure you wanna go to that?”

  I narrowed my eyes at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “Just,” he shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s a different world down here.”

  “Do you not want me to go?” Now my heart was really breaking in two.

  “No, that’s not it.” He squeezed my hand. “But if you don’t want to go, you don’t have to.”

  I rubbed my eyes. “I was actually kind of excited about it. No one has ever taken me dancing before.”

  Reality struck him right in the face. I didn’t have to say it. He knew what I meant. The one time I’d been asked to a dance, it had ended with the worst night of my life. Because we’d never made it to prom.

  “Then let’s go.” He threaded his fingers in my hair. “And it will be great, I promise.”

  “Carter, if you don’t want to go—”

  “No, I do want to go.” He kissed the corner of my mouth. “I do. Forget what I said.”

  I smiled, happy that we’d resolved something today. But then his face fell.

  “What?” I asked, putting my hand on his shoulder.

  “I don’t have anything to wear.” He forced a laugh, looking especially cute.

  I curled my arms around his neck and grinned. “I wouldn’t worry about that.”

  Chapter 21

  Carter

  I looked in the mirror and it felt like I’d traveled back in time. I was wearing a black cowboy hat and boots to match. I never thought I’d dress up like this again, unless it was for Halloween or something.

  “Hey, Doc Holliday!” Beth skipped into the room dressed like a cowgirl.

  “Please.” I held my hand up when she got her phone out. “No pictures.”

  “Sorry, bro.” She snapped a couple quick pics while I escaped into the hallway. “Where’s Bailey?”

  “She’s upstairs getting ready.” She held up her phone. “Now get with Evan.”

  Groaning, I posed with her boyfriend so she’d leave us both alone. I loved Beth to death, but sometimes she could be a real pain in the ass. Besides, nothing seemed to ease my affliction like the moment Bailey walked into a room.

  Mom snuck up behind us and whispered, “Bailey is about to come down. Don’t give her a hard time about her outfit. I picked it out. But she might end up getting a lot of attention.”

  “I don’t think we’re the ones you need to be talking to about that,” I said.

  Dad was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t even sure if he was going out with us tonight. Hopefully, not. But knowing my luck, he’d probably roll in at the eleventh hour and ruin everything.

  I grabbed a beer out of the fridge to take the edge off. It was the only way I could get through looking like this tonight. Evan was subject to the same torture, so he’d become an adversary to bond with.

  “Here she comes,” Mom whispered, stepping out of the way.

  I heard footsteps on the staircase as we all stared at each other. When Bailey came into the room, my heart jumped into my throat. I eyed her from head to toe, catching everything from the black cowboy hat to the red halter top that made her look delectable. Then I spotted the black mini-skirt and red cowboy boots. I’d never admit it, but I was a goner the minute I saw those red cowboy boots.

  “Is it too much?” She looked up at me with fear in her eyes. “I can change.”

  “Don’t change!” Beth exclaimed. “You look hot.”

  “Yeah you do,” Evan said.

  “What?” Beth slapped his chest as I laughed.

  “Do you like it?” Bailey asked.

  Her lips were stained cherry red. My mother had done an excellent job with her makeup. Her hair was long, glossy blonde, sleek and textured. To be honest, she looked a lot like a supermodel.

  I cradled her face in my hands as she hung on my waist. “You look gorgeous.”

  “Oh.” She lowered her head, hiding behind her cowboy hat. “I don’t know about that.”

  I tipped her chin up with my finger. “I do. And I don’t want you to change a thing.”

  She released a nervous breath. “Okay.”

  I wanted to kiss her, but I hesitated. “I don’t want to smear your lipstick.” So I left a peck on her cheek instead.

  She leaned in closer and said, “I wouldn’t mind it if you did.”

  I rubbed the small of her back until she went to use the bathroom before we left. While she was gone, I took Beth and Evan outside. Mom would be too excited, and I was afraid she might spoil the surprise.

  “I think I might propose to Bailey tonight,” I said, keeping my voice down.

  “It’s about time!” Beth punched me in the pec, but it was playful enough to be gentle.

  “Shh!” I held my finger to my lips. “Be quiet. Bailey doesn’t know anything.”

  “Do you have the ring?” Beth asked.

  “Yeah.” I touched my pocket. “It’s been pretty cozy in there for a while.”

  “You’ve been keeping it in your pocket? You’re lucky she didn’t find it,” Beth said.

  “Well, she hasn’t okay? But I want to do this here and I want to do it right.”

  “We can help,” Evan offered. “Where are you thinking of asking her?”

  I looked over my shoulder. “What about the barn?”

  “Ooh, that’s perfect! I can come back early and string lights,” Beth said.

  “I don’t know,” I hesitated. “Is that too much? What do you think she wants?”

  “Hey, I’m the girl, okay?” Beth sassed. “Trust me, she would love lights.”

  “Okay. Maybe I could pick up roses, too. And candles or somethin’.”

  “We could leave early tonight and get someone to bring her back here later,” Beth said. “After we’ve already set everything up.”

  I looked at Evan and he nodded. “I think that might work,” I said.

  “So you’re sure she really has no idea?” Beth asked. “Even after your first attempt?”

  “I never told her what that night was about. And do we have to talk about that right now?”

  “Sorry,” she said. “Better late than never, right?” She smiled and I couldn’t be mad at her.

  “Right, so I’d really appreciate it if you’d help me tonight. And please, don’t tell anyone.”

  “Not even Mom?” Beth whined.

  “Especially Mom,” I hissed. “You really think she’d be able to act normal if she knew I was proposing to Bailey tonight?”

  “You are?” Mom walked onto the porch as I sighed in defeat. “Oh, Carter! My baby.” She teared up and wrapped her arms around me, hugging the air out of my lungs. “I never thought that...”

  “Okay, Mom. I get that you’re excited, but you can’t say anything. You have to promise me.”

  “Little ol’ me?” she asked. “Honey, I won’t say a word. But I’m so happy for you. I just—”

  “What’s going on?” Bailey came through the screen door, and I hoped she hadn’t heard anything.

  “Nothing,” Beth jumped in. “Carter just found out some reall
y exciting news about his restaurant.”

  “Oh, you did?” Bailey looked excited. “What is it?”

  “Well.” I moistened my lips as everyone stared at me. “I think I found some new investors.”

  “Really?” she asked. “Did Uncle Austin help?”

  I nodded. “Yeah, I owe him one. He’s been great.”

  “Oh, baby.” She leapt into my arms. “I’m so proud of you.”

  I rubbed her back as everyone watched us with wide eyes. The truth is, I wasn’t lying. I actually had found new investors thanks to Austin. I just hadn’t gotten around to telling her yet.

  She kissed me right on the mouth in front of everyone. A soft, tempting kiss that left me yearning for more. When she pulled away, I caught some curious looks from my family.

  Evan was the first to explain. “You’ve got a little...” He pointed at my mouth.

  “Oh.” I remembered the lipstick.

  “Don’t worry.” Bailey wiped it off my lips. “I’ve got it.”

  “Why don’t you kids go on and get us a table?” Mom said. “I’ll come with your father later.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked, touching her shoulder.

  “Yeah, we’re right behind you.” She kissed my cheek. “See you in a little bit.”

  We hopped into Evan’s SUV, because there was no way my rental truck would hold that many passengers. Bailey and I sat in the backseat, listening to my sister talk about marine biology. It was the way she and Evan had met—not only a shared passion, they were both graduate students at LSU.

  “And the whales can’t help it, you know?” Beth said. “It’s their home, their habitat.”

  Bailey smiled at me, and it was like I could read her mind. She loved how passionate my sister was about sea creatures. And it was nice to hear that Evan felt the same way. He might be a good match for my sister after all.

  When Evan parked, I helped Bailey out of the backseat. Her skirt was a little short, so she had to tug it down. But I loved the way my mother had dressed her. She was sexy and adorable, all at once.

  We went in and got a table, watching the live band set up for the night. Bailey looked around at all the people. When she started drumming her fingers on the table, I grabbed her hand to make her stop.

  “Hey.” I stroked her arm. “Don’t be nervous. You’re the most gorgeous girl in here.”

  She blushed, and I knew that’s what had been bothering her. Past sexual abuse had dimmed her confidence. But I knew there was a light inside her somewhere. As cheesy as it sounds, I wanted to make it shine.

  “How long do you think it will be until Mom and Dad get here?” Beth asked.

  I shrugged. “You know Dad. Not sure.” I rubbed my hands together, smelling hot food.

  “Well, I’m hungry,” Beth said. “So I think we should go ahead and order.”

  The table agreed, so we all placed our orders. Soon, a basket of rolls came to the table. Since we were ravenous, we slathered the rolls in butter and ate them all. Bailey looked so cute in her outfit. I watched her the entire time I was eating, mesmerized by the fact that she blended right in. She looked like she belonged here. Then again, in my eyes, she was the one woman who stood out.

  When our burgers came, I think everyone was in a much better mood. It was nice to date a girl who had a healthy appetite. Bailey bit into her mushroom and Swiss burger with vigor.

  “What?” she said when she caught me staring.

  “Nothin’.” I shook my head. “I’m just glad you came.”

  Once we ate, I stood up and stretched. The band was done warming up, so people were starting to make their way to the dance floor. After everything she’d been through, I knew asking Bailey to dance would mean a lot to her. But she still seemed shy and nervous. I wanted her to relax, because this was going to be one of the best nights of our lives.

  “Do you want a beer?” I asked her.

  “I don’t think so. Not right now at least.”

  “Okay.” I touched her shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”

  I went to the bar and got a beer. Evan wasn’t drinking because he had to drive, and Beth wasn’t either. Now that I thought about it, maybe I should be taking it easy. If I was going to propose tonight, I needed to be present. But maybe that’s why I was so nervous. I just needed something to take the edge off.

  “Carter?”

  I looked over and froze. It was Vanessa’s mother, Joan and kid sister, Lucy. Although she wasn’t a kid anymore. When I left, Lucy was around ten. Now she must have been fifteen.

  “Joan, hi.” I smiled as she gave me a hug. Lucy gave me one, too.

  “I heard you were back in town, but I didn’t believe it,” Joan said. “Are you movin’ back?”

  “No, just in town visiting for the holiday. I brought Bailey home to meet my family.” I looked at her.

  “Is she—”

  “My girlfriend,” I answered.

  “She’s very pretty,” Lucy said.

  “Thank you.” I took a swig of beer. “I think so, too.”

  “Well, I didn’t mean to interrupt your night. But I’m glad you found someone,” Joan said.

  I looked into her eyes. Vanessa’s eyes.

  Joan touched my arm. “You deserve to be happy, Carter. Vanessa would want that.”

  “Thank you,” I swallowed, feeling like I might cry.

  “Well, we better get going.” Joan put her arm around Lucy. “It was good to see you, Carter.”

  “You too.”

  I watched them walk away, and it felt like a piece of my old life went with them. Not too long ago, they’d been a part of my weekly routine. Vanessa was so close to her family. We had seen them all the time.

  Even though Vanessa was the one lost forever, I missed them too. In my own way.

  Lucy looked back at me and waved. I held my hand up and smiled, happy I’d run into them.

  Back at the table, I sat down beside Bailey. “Who was that?” she asked.

  “Vanessa’s family.”

  “Oh.” Her face dropped. “How were they doing?”

  “Good.” I sucked down my beer. I wasn’t equipped to handle a conversation like this sober.

  She touched my hand when I hadn’t said anything for a while. “Carter?”

  Beth and Evan got up to dance, and I’m sure Bailey wanted to join them at some point.

  “It’s just weird.” I looked at the door. “How they’re not a part of my life anymore.”

  I don’t think Bailey knew what to say. Because she didn’t talk much after that.

  “Oh, Mom and Dad are here.” I waved them over and stood up in case they didn’t see me.

  “Carter, I don’t think—”

  “Well, look at you!” Mom interjected. “I want to take a picture. You two look adorable!”

  I put my arm around Bailey and we smiled for the camera. Then Beth started flagging me down at the bar. “Hey, I need to talk to Beth for a minute.” I whispered in Bailey’s ear, “I’ll be right back.”

  When I made it to the bar, Beth was alone. “Evan is starting the car. I think we’re gonna set up now.”

  “Already?” I asked. “We’ve only been here for an hour.”

  “Yeah, but I’m just so excited. Let me do the lights?” She folded her hands under her chin, pouting and begging.

  “Fine, do whatever you want,” I said with a smile.

  “And I’ll take care of the roses and the candles.”

  “I’m givin’ y’all money for all of this, okay? I don’t want you payin’ for it.”

  “That’s fine. Just trust me, big brother. Evan and I will take care of everything.”

  “Thanks, sis.” I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “I owe you one.”

  “See you soon.” She high tailed it out of there, since Evan was already waiting for her in the car.

  I had to admit, it was nice to have their support. I patted my pocket to make sure the ring was still there. I wanted everything to be perfect. B
ecause Bailey was perfect. She meant everything to me.

  When I returned to the table, Dad was in a crabby mood as usual. I thought about requesting a song before I asked Bailey to dance. Maybe a slow one. While I headed to the stage, someone snuck up behind me.

  “Mom,” I groaned. “What are you doin’?”

  “Oh, honey I’m so excited!” She clapped her hands together. “It’s so loud in here, she can’t hear us.”

  I looked at Bailey, who was at the table by herself. Dad must have gone to the bathroom. Thank God.

  “Beth told me they were leaving early to set up. And they’ve already gone!”

  “Mom, calm down,” I laughed. “Too much energy. You’re gonna let the cat out.”

  “No, I’m not!” she sassed. “Do you know how old I am? I can keep a secret.”

  “I hate to burst your bubble Mom, but I don’t think keeping secrets has anything to do with age.”

  “Can I see the ring?” she asked.

  “Mom! No! Are you crazy?”

  “We could sneak in the back and look at it,” she said.

  I rolled my eyes. “When we get engaged, I’m sure Bailey will let you look at it all you want.”

  “I know, but I’d really like to see it again. Besides, we have to make sure it’s still there.”

  “I know it’s there.” I patted my pocket and looked at the table. This time, Dad was there. But no Bailey.

  My heart stopped beating and I broke into a cold sweat. Something felt off. Really off.

  “Where’s Bailey?” I asked.

  “What?” Mom said. “She’s at the table with your father.”

  “No she’s not.”

  Mom turned around. “She was right there.”

  Maybe I was reading this situation all wrong, jumping to conclusions. But I felt it in my gut that something had happened, something was wrong. And it had already begun to tear me apart.

  I marched to our table and looked my dad in the eye. “Where is she?”

  “Who?” he asked with a furrowed brow, unapologetically smug.

  “What do you mean who? Bailey. Where did she go?”

  “The bathroom, I think,” he said. “Why?”

  I eyed him carefully, not trusting his tone of voice. It couldn’t be that simple.

  A flash of red caught my eye as I gazed across the room. It was Bailey coming out of the women’s bathroom. Her head was down as she walked towards the front entrance. She didn’t even look at us, maintaining a brisk pace, even as she bumped into people by accident.