Consequences of Dumping the Obsessive Boss: Stuck with Him Forever-Chapter 54: Two People Enjoying the Scenery by the Sea
Not long ago, Summer Lowell’s eyes had been red. She still had a bit of a nasal sound in her voice as she absentmindedly sipped from a water bottle.
Justin Huxley, in the driver’s seat, didn’t say anything else. He unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the car door, and got out.
Inside the car, Summer took the opportunity to sneak a glance at her eyes in the rearview mirror. Seeing her eyes so red, she rubbed her forehead and silently wailed.
It was so embarrassing.
She had just reunited with her old friend and already made such a fool of herself. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into.
At that moment, Justin suddenly returned. Summer quickly sat up straight and turned to look out the window, pretending to be lost in the sea view.
"Want some candy?" Justin sidled up next to her, offering something from his hand.
Summer looked at the candies in his hand, puzzled. "Justin, I can’t believe you have such girly candy?"
"Don’t misunderstand. These aren’t mine. They’re a gift from a client. I was thinking of taking them back to share with the team, but I remembered you seem to like sweets."
Justin placed a colorful gift bag in Summer’s hands. "There are lots more in here, all flavors you like. They’re yours."
"Thank you, Justin."
"No need to be so formal with me." Justin smiled. "Let’s take a walk along the seaside boardwalk? I had plenty of snacks at the party, and my stomach feels a bit heavy. I want to walk around and digest."
"Okay," Summer unbuckled her seatbelt. "Actually, it’s been quite a while since I last came here."
After closing the car door, Summer couldn’t help but glance at her eyes in the rearview mirror again.
Her eyes were still very red, and it seemed like the redness wouldn’t go away anytime soon.
Not far away, Justin was waving at her. "Come on over. The breeze here is warm and cool; it’s really nice."
"Coming," Summer called back, trotting over in the slip-on sandals Justin had prepared for her.
Because of what had just happened, Summer was worried he might ask about her relationship with Maxim Sinclair, so she intentionally slowed her pace to walk behind him.
Fortunately, Justin only focused on chatting with Summer about the scenery around them, not mentioning anything about what had just happened.
"It’s so comfortable by the sea. When we’re not busy, we should find a chance to come camping and really enjoy it."
Summer smiled gently in response. "It would be better to wait until it gets warmer. Camping is more suitable then, the weather now gets a bit chilly in the late night."
"That’s not a problem. I’ve been camping in The Nordlands, in freezing conditions, and I still had a great time." Justin spoke as he seemingly conjured a bottle of water from his pocket, offering it to Summer. "Just remembered I had a bottle of water tucked away, for you."
"You drink it, Justin," Summer said with candy in her mouth. "With candy, I’m good, not thirsty."
"After eating sweets, you’ll get thirsty later." Justin insisted, slipping the water into Summer’s coat pocket, pointing to the seats ahead. "Tired? Let’s sit there and enjoy the breeze in peace."
"Sure."
Summer followed Justin to the bench, where he, being tall, comfortably stretched out his legs and rested his head against the back of the bench. "Try it like I am. This position makes you really comfortable and helps you forget unpleasant things."
Summer adjusted her skirt, glanced back at him, knowing he was trying to comfort her. She stifled a laugh, "Doesn’t your head feel hard resting like that?"
"Not at all," Justin said, looking up at the night sky, encouraging Summer again. "Sometimes you have to try something out to know what’s the most comfortable. Want to give it a go?"
Convinced, Summer swept her skirt aside, undid her high bun, and mimicked Justin’s pose, resting against the back of the bench. "Actually, this angle really does make the night sky beautiful."
"See, there’s nothing more relaxing than lying by the sea, feeling the breeze and watching the stars. Maybe eventually I’ll get a seaside house, just to lay on the balcony anytime, enjoying the wind and stars."
The beautiful view lightened Summer’s previous gloom, and she laughed out loud. "That’s a great idea. I guess I better work hard to afford a seaside house too."
Justin laughed heartily. "If you don’t mind, I’ll invite you over when the time comes to enjoy the wind and stars."
"Promise," Summer raised her left hand, making a fist and lightly bumping it with Justin’s. "I’ll be waiting for your invitation."
"Of course."
Side by side like that, the wind began to pick up, and dressed lightly, Summer sneezed several times in a row.
"It’s getting colder," Justin sat up, withdrawing his jacket and draping it over Summer. "Let me take you back. It’s a workday tomorrow; I don’t want you to be late."
"Okay, thanks Justin," Summer rubbed her nose, slowly standing up, and walked with Justin towards the parked vehicle by the shore.
Once Justin started the car, he turned to ask Summer in the passenger seat, "Where are you staying?"
"I’m not going home. Can you drop me at the hotel? I have an early meeting and want to save commuting time so I can sleep a bit longer."
"You’re staying at a hotel?" Justin asked with surprise. "I didn’t expect Stellart to treat their design director like this."
"No, it’s my choice. I’ve several big projects to handle lately and don’t want to waste time commuting."
Summer smiled, offering a small explanation, then recited an address, "I’m staying there. It’s less than ten minutes from the hotel to the office, very convenient."
"You don’t have to push yourself so much for work." Justin turned towards the city center, sighing gently while waiting at a red light, "It’s been years, and the little girl who used to follow me around has become a successful woman."
Justin’s words made Summer a little embarrassed.
"Justin, don’t tease me. I’m just a workaholic trying to get by."
"I trust my judgment, and I believe in your capabilities. You have a bright future ahead." Justin took advantage of the red light to give Summer a thumbs up.
"I won’t let you down."
Half an hour later, they arrived at the hotel entrance. Summer unbuckled her seatbelt, sincerely thanking Justin. "Thanks for everything today, Justin. Let me know when you’re free; I owe you a meal."
"No need to stand on ceremony. We’re old friends. It’s just a small favor, and besides, it’s late, and you’re dressed so nicely. I wouldn’t feel comfortable letting you get back on your own!"
