Page 47 of Summer Serenade
She didn’t see her uncle Bob or her cousin Roxane in the lobby. For the best, if they reacted like Ivy’s immediate family had. Ivy rode the elevator to the top floor and then knocked on his door.
It opened. Nash greeted her with a kiss. “I missed you.”
“You saw me a few hours ago at my apartment.” He’d run by changes to a song he was working on.
“Doesn’t matter.” Nash took the food from her hand. “I enjoy being with you.”
She stepped into the suite. “I enjoy it, too.”
He closed the door behind her. “Something smells good.”
“Tacos and sopapillas.”
Nash shook his head. “I meant you.”
“Thanks.” He was so cute, and she still couldn’t believe any of this was happening with him. Country star with a small-town waitress. It was crazy, but she was enjoying herself and focusing on the now. “Let’s eat before it gets cold.”
Nash got them each flavored water from the fridge before joining her at the table where they dug into the food.
“These tacos are so good.” Nash ate another. “I can’t believe Ciran is related to you, too.”
“Many people in town have a connection to our family, but Roxane gets a prize for adding the taco truck guy to the clan.”
At last year’s Fourth of July picnic, Ciran and Roxane had been dating. Now they were married with a baby on the way. Funny how a year could bring so many changes.
Ivy wondered what the coming year would bring for her—the same old same old or hearing Nash sing her song on a streaming service and watching the music video online. Music aside, she hoped he was a part of her life in twelve months. If not as they were now, then as friends.
Would that be enough?
It would have to be. She finished a second taco.
Nash ate a sopapilla. “Your family must have the best potlucks.”
“We do because Ciran isn’t the only talented cook. There’s Bethany, my mom, Betsy, Grams, the list goes on.” This provided Ivy an opening for mentioning the upcoming family gathering. “Speaking of which, do you have plans for the Fourth of July?”
His gaze met hers. “Other than spending it with you, no.”
Her heart bumped. That was all she wanted, too. “My family throws a huge Fourth of July picnic at the Quinn Valley Ranch each year. Would you like to go with me?”
Nash’s mouth fell open. He went still. “You’re inviting me?”
Panic flowed through Ivy. She couldn’t tell if he was excited or shocked in not a good way. Her stomach sank. “Yes, but if you’d rather not…”
“I want to go,” he blurted.
“You do?”
He nodded. “Will your grandmother be there?”
“Of course. Her, Grandpa, and more Quinns than you can imagine. Not everyone shows up, but many do.”
“Good, because I want to meet her and all your family.”
Ivy wiggled her toes. “It’s a date.”
He picked up another sopapilla. “What should I bring?”
“Yourself.” His asking, however, was adorable. She knew Grams would like him despite the past. “It’s a potluck, but you’re a guest. I’ll take care of the food.”
