Waterfront Weddings by Annalisa Daughety Read Free Book Online Page B

is send in a demo.” He’d been trying to get Luke to submit an entry for weeks. “And the final round judges are some big names. People who might actually record your songs if they like your style.”
    Luke shrugged. “Nah. I wouldn’t even know which one to submit.” He slowed the truck down as they came to a red light. “I do have a couple of unfinished songs though. I’ve been thinking about finishing them.”
    “You should do it, man. I think the deadline is at the beginning of July.”
    Luke sighed. “I’ll think about it.”
    “So it was great to see Summer tonight.” Justin had always liked Summer a lot. She’d gone out of her way to make him feel welcome every time he’d been over to their house. Once when his hot water heater had gone out at his apartment, she’d even insisted he stay in one of their guest bedrooms.
    “Yeah. I’m glad to see her get out a little bit. If she’s not working, she’s off at some committee meeting or something.” He shook his head. “Usually she just wants to stay home and watch some chick flick on TV.”
    “And I’m glad to finally meet Ashley.” Justin had heard about Summer’s coworker, but somehow they always missed meeting one another.
    “Ashley’s great. She’s been a real lifesaver. You know how bad things were there for a while. . .” Luke trailed off. “And Ashley stepped up and ran the company on the days when Summer couldn’t handle it all.” Luke pulled into an empty space in front of Justin’s apartment. “You know, I didn’t think about it earlier, but I don’t think she’s dating anyone.” He raised his eyebrows at Justin. “I’m not positive, but I can find out.”
    Justin had wondered about her status. “Cool.” He opened the door. “Thanks for the ride. See you next week.” He hopped out of the truck. Once he was on the sidewalk, he motioned for Luke to roll down the window. “If you guys want to go with me to church on Sunday, I think we’re having potluck.”
    Luke’s jaw tensed. “I think I’ll pass.” Without so much as a wave, he backed out of the space.
    Justin pulled his keys out and unlocked the door. He knew it made Luke mad when he invited him to Sunday services.
    That didn’t mean he was going to quit asking. He’d just pray about it a little bit harder.

Chapter 8
    L uke hated get-togethers with Summer’s family. He always felt like such a nobody around them. Granted, her grandmother had always been good to him. Even the house they lived in had been a gift from her, something that hadn’t set too well with her other grandchildren. She’d said it was her prerogative and they’d all have to get over it.
    He pulled on a faded pair of jeans and an old brown T-shirt he found hanging in the guest bedroom closet where his casual clothes had been relegated to. This might pass muster on stage, but he had a feeling Summer would hit the roof when she saw it. “Too bad,” he muttered. “I’m not going to pretend to be somebody I’m not.” He looked in the bathroom mirror and raked his fingers through his hair. Not bad.
    “You ready?” he called up the stairs to Summer. He hadn’t seen her yet this morning. He’d gotten in so late last night that he’d slept in the downstairs guestroom. Summer usually stumbled downstairs first thing for coffee, but one glance in the kitchen told him that the pot he’d made for her hadn’t been touched. She must’ve slept in.
    He checked his watch. If they didn’t leave within the next fifteen minutes, they were going to be late. He sighed. “Summer?” he called.
    No response.
    A sudden panic gripped him, causing his stomach to lurch. He hadn’t gone upstairs last night to check on her. The alarm was on when he got home though. And her car was in the driveway. But still. That didn’t mean she was home.
    Luke took the stairs two at a time, bile rising in his throat. His beating heart pounded against his chest as he threw open their bedroom door.
    She was curled up