Chapter 6.

Summer and I leave the office and head into the living room where the Cohens are with a handcuffed Ryan on a table. Seth sees us coming but stands still when he notices Summer and me together. Before he can ask what's going on, Kirsten Cohen quickly says, "Summer, Alex, what are you guys doing here?"

"Seth called me to see if I could do anything, so it's done. You can walk out of here like you walked in. There will be nothing left on your record except a warning, like Luke Ward has," I say.

"Thank you, thank you so much!" Sandy says as he hugs me, the one I had the best relationship with.

"Thank you..." Ryan says softly. "But who are you?" he asks somewhat hesitantly.

"Ah, I'm Alexander van der Bilt. You can call me Alex. I'm a friend of Seth's."

After our conversation, a police officer enters, removes Ryan's handcuffs, and tells him he can leave with a warning.

As we leave, Ryan quickly approaches Summer and me, who are ahead of the group. "Alex, can I talk to you privately for a moment?" he says, not daring to look at Summer who is next to me.

"Yes, of course. Summer, can you go to the car?" I say as I hand her the car key.

"Okay!" she says, giving me a somewhat passionate kiss.

As she pulls away, Seth says, "So, what's going on between you guys?" He looks at me with some envy.

"Well...I was at her birthday party and one thing led to another, so you can say we're together. Why?" I say to him.

"No reason... nothing..." he says sadly.

"Well, I'm off then. Tell Ryan to stay out of trouble because I can't call in any more favors for him," I tell him as I tap him on the shoulder.

As I go to the car, I see Summer in the passenger seat asleep with the key in the driver's seat. I grab the key and start the car, heading to Summer's house.

< --- >

I park in the front driveway. Seeing Summer doesn't wake up or doesn't want to wake up, I scoop her up in my arms like a princess. Knocking on the door, a middle-aged gentleman in surgeon's pajamas opens.

"Good evening, Dr. Roberts. Summer fell asleep in the car," I say without looking away from his eyes.

"Okay... you can take her to her room while I walk you out," he says kindly.

"Okay... by the way, my name is Alexander van der Bilt. I've been here before for Summer's birthday," I say.

"I don't remember much... but your last name rings a bell," he says.

"Ah, maybe it's because we own the hospital where you work. We're making changes," I tell him.

"Ah yes, you're modernizing everything," he says with understanding.

"Yes, it was my idea, to streamline patient treatment with the digitization of medical records, reducing errors," I say excitedly.

"I agree, it has saved me a time or two."

After our conversation, we walk into Summer's room. 'How pink...' I think. Then her father opens the bed sheets, and I gently lay Summer on her bed.

"Then my work here is done. Good night, Dr. Roberts. I can get out of here alone. Have a good night," I tell him as I shake his hand.

"Good night..." he says as he sees Summer clutching a stuffed animal in her arms.

< --- >

The next day I wake up to a text from Summer.

Summer: Hey, this is still your number, isn't it, Alex?

Alex: Yes, Summer. Do you want to meet up somewhere?

Summer: That's what I was going to say. How about the pier in an hour?

Alex: Perfect, I'll see you there.

I get dressed in something casual and call for a ride to the dock after breakfast.

< --- >

As I walk to the dock, I see Summer standing near the end, looking out at the horizon. She smiles at me as I approach, and I notice she looks radiant and full of energy, as if the previous night hasn't taken its toll.

"Hi, Alex," Summer says with a beaming smile.

"Hi, Summer. How are you feeling today?" I ask, remembering how drunk she was last night.

"Much better, thanks for asking. And thanks for taking care of me last night. I really appreciate it," she says, looking at me gratefully.

"I guess you want to talk about what happened yesterday?" I ask her the obvious.

"Yeah... I wanted to talk about us, Alex. Last night made me realize that I wasn't thinking clearly, and that made me do something stupid. But I want us to be together, do you think so too?" she tells me, avoiding eye contact.

"Of course I do," I tell her as I grab both of her hands. "I don't want to rush anything, I just want to be with you," I say as I gently lift her chin.

"I want to be with you too," she says as she stands on her tiptoes and gives me a soft kiss on the lips. Then we walk down the pier in silence, pleasantly sharing our company.

"There's a casino-themed charity gala tonight. Do you want to go together? I've already promised Marissa I'd go," Summer asks.

"Of course, I'll be your date," I tell her, smiling.

< --- >

As night falls, I get ready for the gala, putting on an elegant black suit. Just as I'm about to leave, I get a text from Summer.

Summer: I'm ready, Alex. Meet me at the entrance of the gala.

Alex: Perfect. I'm on my way.

When I arrive at the gala, I see Summer waiting, stunning in a red dress. I approach her, and her smile lights up the night.

"Hi, Alex," she says, smiling as she takes my arm. "You look amazing."

"So do you, Summer. You look beautiful," I tell her, and together we walk into the living room decorated with bright lights and game tables.

Summer and I make our way to a poker table, where I win a few rounds, racking up a lot of chips.

"Want to go somewhere else?" I ask Summer.

"Sure! Let's play craps."

We head to a table to play dice. Summer picks up the dice and says to me, "I'm superstitious. Blow on them."

"Okay, haha," I say, blowing on the dice.

She rolls the dice and wins. "Ah! You're not going anywhere, Alex!" she says, smiling.

After a few more rolls, an altercation occurs where Ryan's drunk mother throws a waiter, creating a ruckus and souring the evening.

I say goodbye to Summer, leaving her at home after a long hug and a kiss.

<---------------------------------- >

Author's Note:

Tell me what you want to see in the next chapters, give some ideas.

Comment if there is anything you would like to add now or in the future. Don't be shy ;D