"From This Day Forward (Part 3 to One Night Stand)"

"Late Night Conversations"

The rest of the night was a blur for Summer. She went on autopilot mode. She was numb from the pain & numb from the embarrassment. She knew this was going to be a long week & that she had to pull herself together. She wanted to stay strong for her Grandma & for Jack & be as supportive as she could for their wedding week. At the end of the night when the guests started to part ways, Grandma managed to get away & pulled Summer aside to speak to her. She comforted her, but also reminded her that she shouldn't make up a conclusion about Jay & their relationship altogether.

Grandma: Honey, all relationships have bumps in the road. I'm not telling you how to go about your situation, but I will say this... Don't make a permanent decision based on a temporary feeling.

Summer was grateful for her Grandma's word of advice & wished she would've heard those words days before. She built up a war in her mind against Jay & she hated it. She hated this feeling of anger towards him. She still loved Jay, but was hurt by him. She didn't know what step to take next & wish there was a clear sign of what to do. She didn't have her mom or dad guiding her, but she did have her Grandma.

Summer: Thanks, Grandma.
Grandma: Be sure to say bye to Tom. He was worried about you. We'll see you tomorrow, my dear.

Grandma hugged Summer tightly & then kissed her forehead. Summer then made her way to say goodnight to Serena & Miranda upstairs. Before she slipped out, she looked for Tom & then he tapped her on the shoulder.

Tom: Hey, Summer.
Summer: Hey, Tom.
Tom: I couldn't help but overhear what happened earlier.
Summer: Yeah, I think everyone pretty much heard the tail-end of my phone conversation.
Tom: It's ok. We're family. Look, I just wanted to say that I'm here if you ever need anything.
Summer: Thanks, Tom.

Summer reached up to hug Tom. Summer walked out of the house & got into her car & started it up. Jack ran out to the driveway to stop her. Summer put her car in park & rolled down her window to talk to Jack.

Summer: Everything ok?
Jack: I'm sorry, sunshine. I forgot to tell you that Dennis is also staying at the cottage with you. Can he get a ride with you?

Dennis walked out of the house with his backpack & luggage in hand. He waved at Summer & walked towards her car. Summer saw him & waved back.

Jack: I hope you're ok with the arrangements.
Summer: That's no problem.
Jack: Alright. You take care.
Summer: Goodnight, Jack.

Jack returned to the house & Dennis loaded his stuff into the trunk & hopped in the front with Summer.

Dennis: So, long day...
Summer: I'm just glad it's over.
Dennis: Tomorrow will be a better one.
Summer: I hope so.
Dennis: Speaking of tomorrow, isn't it the bachelorette party.
Summer: Yeah, it is.
Dennis: What are y'all doing for your grandma?
Summer: Well, during the day, we'll be at the spa & getting brunch at some fancy tea spot. And then my grandma wanted a naughty schoolgirl theme for the party at night with the bridesmaids.
Dennis: That sounds wild.
Summer: Yeah, I'm a little nervous with how it'll turn out.
Dennis: I'm sure y'all will have fun no matter what.
Summer: I hope no one gets arrested.
Dennis: Oh man! Let me know if you need to get bailed out.

Dennis's smile mixed with his southern charm & twang allowed Summer to be at ease in spite of her rough day. She liked how easy it was to talk to him. It was like she could talk to him about anything & everything. In the car, they had agreed to go over details for the wedding week & the rehearsal dinner. Once they reached the cottage, Dennis unpacked while Summer got freshened up.

Dennis's room door was open while he unpacked & got settled. He noticed Summer walk by & he looked down the hallway & could see Summer walking out to the backyard. He peeked outside his window & Summer was wearing her hair all up in a messy bun. She removed her floral robe & let it drop to the floor. He gulped as he could see her body in a bikini. He shook his head & tried to snap out of all the fantasies about her. Summer stepped into the jacuzzi & tilted her head back as she relaxed in the hot water.

Dennis walked out to the backyard. Summer's eyes were closed so Dennis lightly cleared his throat to get her attention. Summer opened her eyes & looked up at Dennis.

Summer: Oh hi there...
Dennis: Um, I think we were gonna talk about the wedding week.

It dawned on Summer that they were supposed to plan & prep for wedding week. She was embarrassed & apologized for seeming negligent.

Summer: Would it be weird if we had the meeting in here?
Dennis: No, not weird at all. I could use some relaxing too.

Dennis went back in his room to change & came back out minutes later in swimming trunks. He slowly entered the steaming hot jacuzzi & sat across from Summer.

Dennis: Good thing I packed these. I wasn't sure what to expect this week.
Summer: I'm sorry about the way I've been acting. This is completely unlike me. I've just been going through a lot lately.
Dennis: No need to apologize.
Summer: I just know that first impressions are important. I don't want you to think that your uncle is marrying into a crazy & unstable family.
Dennis: I didn't think that at all. My uncle Jack is lucky to find love again.
Summer: They both are.

They ended up talking for hours about life & managed to fit some planning for Jack's bachelor party. Dennis opened up to Summer about just about everything except for who Paige was. He wasn't ready to talk about her. Coincidentally, Summer didn't talk much about Jay except for how she was unsure about her relationship with him at this point. Summer checked her phone & saw it was well past midnight.

Summer: I'm so sorry. You must be tired since you're on Tennessee time. We should probably get to bed now.
Dennis: Yeah, you're right.

Summer stood up & dried off with a towel then put her robe back on. Dennis watched as she got out of the jacuzzi & checked her out. He couldn't help it & quickly looked away. Summer threw a towel to Dennis & he got out & dried himself off too.

Summer walked toward the house & turned back around.

Summer: Dennis...
Dennis: Yeah?
Summer: Thanks for staying up with me & joining me in the jacuzzi. I really needed the company tonight.
Dennis: Anytime. And don't worry, things will get better.
Summer: Goodnight.
Dennis: Night, Summer...

Dennis smiled & Summer smiled back.