Summer At The Store

Punch Problems

The next day, Peter wasn't at work. Mrs. Kavinsky said he had a high fever and was ordered to stay in bed all day. The days dragged on when she didn't have him to talk to. The store seemed boring and her usual treasure exploration didn't seem as exciting. Everything felt 10% more dull when he was away.

Mrs. Kavinsky was in and out of the store all day for appointments. Lara Jean was organizing perfume bottles when she came in near the end of the day. "Hi Mrs. Kavinsky!" she smiled.

"Hey LJ!" she put her purse down on the counter. "How's it been today?"

"Pretty slow actually."

"Happens to the best of us." She took out her iPad and looked at the notes she had taken at her appointment.

"Is Peter feeling any better?" she questioned. She was desperate to talk with him. They had left things so strangely and she hated feeling so distant from him. This was the first time they had really been away from each other for the entire summer. She didn't realize just how she missed the little things about him. The sound of his sigh after she accidentally said something dumb, the twinkle in his emerald eyes that when he laughed, the dimple that formed in his left cheek when he was really trying to concentrate on something.

"I think he's starting too. Owen said his fever went down, but he's been in bed all day. Rest is the best thing for your body when you are on the mend though." She smiled.

"Great. Let me know if you need anything. I'd be happy to make cookies or something."

"Oh Lara Jean, you do not have to do that. He'll be fine by the morning." She smiled and pat her hand. "I never got to thank you for going to pick up those chairs. I know the quick trip became more of an adventurous weekend."

What had Peter told her about the trip? She knew Peter usually kept things pretty private. Would Ms. Kavinsky hate her now? She tried to remain calm. She faked a smile back at her boss. "My pleasure."

She wasn't used to walking into Gabe's house alone. She always had Peter or Chris by her side, but both of them had gone early to help set up. The first time she ever came here was to go to a party with Peter when they first started fake dating. She was so nervous she could barely sit still. Gen tried to intimidate her, but Peter put his arm around her and the world felt calm. She thought of that moment every time she walked past the massive fish tank in the foyer.

Lara Jean made her way to the kitchen, where Trevor and Peter were mixing a pitcher of some kind of alcoholic drink. Trevor was shimming along to the 80s song playing on the speakers outside. "Hey Lara Jean!" he bobbed his head, making his sunglasses fall onto his face.

"Hey Trev." She waved. She quickly stole a glance at Peter. "What are you guys making?"

"This punch recipe that my cousin learned in her sorority." Trevor held up an empty solo cup. "Want some?"

"Sure." She answered cheerfully. Her eyes darted to Peter. He was staring down at his hands. She wished she could flick a magic wand and have things go back to before they broke up. She admired his muscular arms in his loose-fitting tank top. It was the kind he used to only wear to the gym. Lara Jean thought he always smelled extra manly when he'd come over after a workout wearing one of those. "Hi Peter. I'm glad you're feeling better." she needed to get his attention.

"Hi." He gently smiled at her. The words hung in the air for a while, both not knowing how the other was feeling.

Trevor looked back and forth between them and shook his head. "Wow, the conversation is riveting." He held the drink out for Lara Jean. "I'll see you by the pool."

Peter saw LJ bite her lip nervously. She looked so cute. Kitty had obviously platted a pretty fishtail braid that laid down the left side of her neck. "Did you end up going to the diner?"