The Summer I Met Percy Roberts: The Roberts Siblings, #1

By Amanda Rodrigues

When the shimmering spotlights of Hollywood become too much, Percy Roberts finds comfort in the small town of Eden Cove and in the arms of the beautiful Camilla Harris. A romance that's cut short when her ex-boyfriend comes back into the picture, leaving him heartbroken, and without a girl to take home to meet his family. 
Not wanting to face the knowing and pitying looks of his siblings, finding a fake girlfriend seems to be his only solution, and he's got just the girl in mind. 

 

With her best friend Jess away touring Europe, Avalon Wilson had plans for a normal and uneventful summer, full of long days working at her mother's pastry shop and morning walks on the beach. Then Percy Roberts - star of hit TV show Ryesmet - comes sauntering into her shop, with an offer she can't seem to refuse. 

Soon she's whisked away to LA, tasked with convincing his whole family that they are in a healthy, steady and loving relationship. Easy peasy, right? After meeting his family, she'd not so sure. ­

• Language: English
• Publisher: Amanda Rodrigues
• Release date: Jun 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223253198

Amanda Rodrigues

Amanda Rodrigues, is an avid reader and a true crime enthusiast, with a degree in sociology and a post-graduate in crime, differences, and inequality, she wrote her thesis about the representation of violent crimes by the Portuguese media. The McKinnon’s Secret is the first in a long line of novels she plans on releasing, so keep an eye out, and be sure to follow her reading and writing journey through her TikTok account, @amanda_writes_. Rodrigues lives in Barcelos, Portugal, with her partner and two fur babies.

Book preview

Prologue

Avalon inhaled deeply as she took in the breathtaking, picturesque view of the summer sunrise over the glistening waters of Santa Monica Beach from the comfort of her driver’s seat.

Her tears had long dried, but she was now left with that uncomfortable nasally feeling and sore dry throat she always got after a good cry.

Looking back on the whole ordeal, she couldn’t help but swallow the lump forming in her throat, threatening more tears.

How could she have been so stupid?

The last thing she’d ever wanted to do was hurt anyone, or lead them on. But this was worse. If she weren’t careful, she could be the cause of a rift that might never be fused.

She had thought long and hard about what she had to do. Yet, she knew she would never be able to face them without the comfort of the one person who had always had her back since day one. The one who had stood by her side when her dad had left, and held her close as she bawled after her grandmother’s passing.

Her best friend. Who she had been lying to and avoiding for the last few weeks...

A groan left her lips as she leaned her head harshly into the headrest. She had cut Jess out of this. Because of that, she had faced it alone. Worse of all, she had no one to blame but herself.

If she wanted the comfort only Jess could provide, she had to pick up the phone and grovel for her forgiveness. Then she would have to tell her the truth. The whole truth she had hidden behind the fragments of their curt text messages and avoided phone calls.

And when her friend asked the inevitable, How’d you get dragged into this mess?

She would have to start at the beginning and explain to her exactly how her life had changed at the beginning of this summer, the moment she met Percy Roberts.

Chapter 1

Percy hurried around his bedroom, his chest heavy as tears slid down his cheeks and he haphazardly threw whatever clothes were closest into his suitcase—which rested on top of his unmade bed.

His closet and all the drawers were open. Articles of clothing hanging out sadly or carelessly abandoned on the floor. At this point, he was just grabbing whatever was at hand. His tears prevented him from making out what most of them were, anyway.

When he couldn’t fit in anything else, he clumsily closed the suitcase and zipped it up, cursing harshly when he caught his finger in the process.

He grabbed the suitcase and placed it by the open door. His siblings would be home soon, and he couldn’t face them. He didn’t want Parker’s sympathetic looks or Piper’s comforting speech, and least of all Peter’s ‘I told you so’s.

With the sleeve of his jean jacket, he cleaned away his tears, trying to recall what he was forgetting.

Passport, he mumbled under his breath as he made his way back into his walk-in closet to retrieve the item from a little safe where he kept all his important documents.

Dropping his passport on the way out, he bent down to pick it up only to find the celebrity gossip magazine featuring the news which had started his whole meltdown. The headline read, ‘Is Alyssa Klotts cheating on Percy Roberts?’. The article went on to explain how she was, in fact, cheating on him. Aided by grainy pictures of a blond all over his raven-haired girlfriend.

Percy, having seen more than his share of scandals splashed across magazine pages, had called up Alyssa the moment his agent appeared at his doorstep to break the news.

However, his hopes that this had all been a big misunderstanding were crushed the moment she answered the phone. Her apology seemed insincere, especially since she appeared to be more concerned about explaining to him how their relationship had not been working to begin with. She had followed that with how she hadn’t meant for anything to happen until she had spoken to him, but one thing led to another...

When he stopped replying, she swiftly moved on to damage control, and that was when he had hung up on her.

Martin Johnson—his agent and manager—had given him a sympathetic look as he placed a comforting hand on Percy’s shoulder. However, his voice was all business when they took their seats in the living room and began to discuss the smart way to act on this.

Percy couldn’t find it in himself to care about what Martin thought they should do next, how he should approach the subject, or anything else, really. All he could hear was Alyssa’s voice in his head.

I’m so sorry, Percy. I never meant for anything to happen. Me and the cast were hanging out, and Jasper offered to walk me to my car, then one thing led to another. You know we weren’t working. But I meant to talk to you first. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this.

He wondered for how long she had felt that things weren’t working between them, and how many times one thing had led to another with Jasper.

He had met Jasper Fox, he thought furiously, at several events he had attended with Alyssa. Yet he had never suspected a thing. How could he have been so blind?

Percy! Percy! Martin’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

What? He questioned, voice low and thick with emotion.

Look son, I know this is hard. But you and Alyssa had a very public relationship. People are going to be expecting answers, at the very least a public response from you. We need to decide what our next move is. I should get Donna on the phone to see how she plans on spinning Alyssa’s side of the story. Martin moved to get his phone out of his pocket.

Just write whatever tweet or Instagram post you want from my account, Martin. I honestly don’t care right now. Although Percy’s calm and even tone, Martin recognized his anger, hiding just below his now composed façade. The boy could act, but Martin had known the Roberts since Piper’s—Percy’s older sister—first diaper commercial.

Tell you what, kid. How about you take the rest of the day and just work this out? Process and think about how you want to play it. Till then, I’ll work damage control. You’re on a break from filming. The shooting for the next season only starts in a few weeks. So, no pressure, we will figure this out. I’ll call Donna, see how Alyssa’s going to be replying, and then we’ll touch base tomorrow. Martin stated, as he watched Percy with pitying eyes, which only angered him more.

Alyssa has probably written whatever statement she’s going to release already. You should get to Donna now and see what role we’ll be playing. Our last public appearance was three weeks ago. She might try to spin a story about us having broken up in the meantime, Percy said. His otherwise impassive voice, colored by a slight edge of irritation, as he folded his arms across his chest, leaning back into the plush cream leather couch.

You ok with that? Martin asked in surprise.

I don’t care what she says, or how you spin my side. I just want it to involve very little from me. Talk to Donna, then get back to me before you release any statement. If we don’t agree with what she’s going to put out, we’ll have to beat her to it and force their hand. Percy and his siblings had been in the limelight long enough for him to know that Martin was right. This had to be handled with now. No matter how much he wanted to give in to his feelings and ignore everything for the time being.

Seems like the best course of action. Martin agreed, watching Percy carefully. It was like someone had flipped a switch, and now the emotional actor sat poised and calm before him.

I think I’m going to book a flight. Get away and enjoy my vacation. Can you take care of this?

I can. But do you think that’s a good idea?

I need a break. I want away from the public eye during this drama. There’s a small town in Maine, where my parents used to take me and my siblings when we were younger, and I think that’s where I’ll go. Just keep me posted on what’s going on and show me everything before posting. Try to keep the drama to a minimum. And no interviews until I say I’m ready for one. 

I don’t know, Perce. Maybe you should put off the vacay for a week or two to see how this pans out.

Martin, you’ve got this. Besides, this will only be big news until the next celebrity couple breaks up. Mark and Angelina from Social Network haven’t had a blowout in about a month. It’s due to happen soon and take the limelight off of me and Alyssa.

Martin knew he was right, but that didn’t mean they could ignore it. Measures had to be taken, and stories set straight.

Fine, kid, Martin reluctantly agreed. I’ll talk to Donna and then get in touch with you. But postpone the trip at least for a few days, ok? He tried to compromise as he got up from the overstuffed off-white armchair.

We’ll see.

Martin held back a sigh as he set his jaw, knowing that was the best he was going to get.

Call me if you need anything.

Will do. By the way it was said, it was clear he wouldn’t.

Martin paused in the doorway, a worried look on his face. Do you want me to call Piper? Or your parents? Maybe I could stay with you until someone gets home.

There’s no need Martin. I’ll be fine. The edge in his voice told a different story, but Martin knew his client well enough to understand when he needed to be left alone.

Once the door was locked behind his manager, Percy let the weight of his emotions take their toll. He screamed in aggravation, punched a few throw pillows, and then broke down crying on the way to his bedroom. The magazine Martin had brought with him, still clutched in his hand.

Looking down at the news article now made Percy feel sick and angry all over again. He threw it back onto the floor before he left, passport in one hand, suitcase clutched tightly in the other.

He was almost out the door leading to the garage when he remembered he’d have to warn his family. With a sigh, he dropped his bag and rushed back to the kitchen to leave a note. They were going to be pissed at him, but they’d live.

Need to clear my head, so I’m going to Eden Cove for a while. Call when I get there. Love you, he whispered as he wrote the words on the notepad on the fridge.

Chapter 2

Avalon hummed to herself as she got the trays together and began wiping down the counter. It had been a long day at her mother’s pastry shop, made even longer due to the fact that school was out and the amount of customers had increased. They were still far from the tourist rush of late August, but the rise in flow was still a noticeable one.

The day had dragged on, especially because Avalon’s best friend Jessica hadn’t been there to work as a distraction between customers. Her parents had whisked her away right after the last day of the semester, to spend a few weeks vacationing in Europe. Her Snapchat and Instagram hadn’t stopped buzzing all day with pictures Jess sent her. But it wasn’t the same.

Jess hadn’t been there to liven up the mood, or make fun of the usuals. Like ‘ball cap guy’ who always orders his coffee extra hot and then proceeds to burn his tongue every single time. Or iced coffee Britney, who always takes forever to decide, yet orders the same cold-brew coffee and blueberry muffin, every single time.

Just as she had finished wiping down the counter, as if hearing her thoughts, her phone went off. Playing the Lauren Parks song she had chosen as Jess’s ringtone.

Isn’t it like 4 a.m. there? Avalon greeted as she pressed the phone to her ear and leaned her hip against the counter, her back to the door.

That just goes to show how much I love you, came Jess’s cheeky reply, which caused Avalon to laugh. How was your day? Your mom had that baker’s convention in Portland today, right?

Yeah. It was more of a workshop.

Long day then.

Yep. Had to come in early and prepare everything and open up. Then Martha and Sue worked the morning, me and Seth the afternoon, and I stayed till closing. Now I’m just cleaning up the shop, and setting some things up for tomorrow. Then I’ll be heading home.

Jess agreed with a small hum.

So, how’s France?

The people are rude. The places are lovely. And the boys are hot. Jess’ bubbly voice rang through the speaker and Ava could feel the stress leaving her body. I missed spending the first day of vacation together, especially since I haven’t seen you since finals started.

I missed you too. But that’s probably the same thing your parents were thinking when they planned this vacation.

Yeah, yeah, I know. And it was sweet of them, but I miss you.

You’ll be back in a few weeks, Avalon reasoned, as if she hadn’t been thinking the exact same thing only moments ago.

I know that! But time with my best friend is precious. Besides, the first day of summer vacation is sort of our thing... Any who, she continued after a brief pause, did I miss anything?

Avalon held back a sigh at Jess’s words. It was true. Two years ago, they had started their college careers, and although they shared a campus, making plans wasn’t as easy as it had been in high school. Yet, despite it all, the first day of summer vacation had always been their day. But things change. People grow. There was nothing wrong with that. Even in her own head, that hadn’t sounded convincing.

Nothing spectacular, Ava played with the rag in her hands as she spoke. Brown eyes alight with amusement, knowing the reaction her ‘news’ would extract from Jess. Though Camilla and Jason decided to use the pastry shop as the stage for their break-up this year.

Oh my God! Was it dramatic?! Jess laughed, thirsty for all the details, although the break-up within itself was nothing new.

Ever since ninth grade, when Camilla and Jason had started dating, they made a big deal break-up scene somewhere public, always dramatic, and loud. They then got right back together before school started. After they had spent the summer seeing different people.

The first year they had done it was a surprise to all. The second year was less shocking, but still unexpected. By senior year, everyone knew what was coming. No one had thought they would continue this little dance once high school was over. And yet, they had. Each year becoming more public and ridiculous.

Although everyone was expecting something this year. It still came as a surprise, at least to her, when Camilla poured her Iced Caramel Soy Latte over Jason’s head, and told him how much of a pig he was. Information, which Ava relayed to Jess.

I wish I had seen that! Jess exclaimed. It’d be so cool to see Mr. Perfect all messed up, coffee dripping from his perfect hair. Jess’s laughter was contagious and soon Ava joined her.

I don’t get the fuss. They’re both college students. You’d think they would have matured somewhat since high school. They’ll just get back together before the summer’s out, leaving a trail of broken hearts in their wake.

Of course they will, Jess agreed. Camilla will date some poor sap vacationing in Eden, and Jason will hook up with as many girls as possible during his time away.

When will they grow up? Ava’s comment caused both girls to laugh at the prospect.

Growing up in a small town meant everyone knew each other’s business at all times. So, even though, making fun of the star quarterback and head cheerleader’s relationship had become somewhat of a running gag between the student body of Grover High. It was just as relevant gossip then as it was now, years after their class had graduated.

Despite their obviously messed up relationship and extremely public breakups, Ava actually believed that they cared for one another. In their own weird way.

She grabbed the trays and made her way to the kitchen as she continued her conversation with Jess.

Something else happened today which I think you’ll be pretty excited about, Ava sing-songed in a teasing voice.

What? Jess dragged out the word, her tone suspicious.

Well, Erik with a K, asked for you.

Shut up! Jess squealed on the other end. Forcing Ava to pull the device away from her ear, with a slight chuckle.

He did.

Jess had been crushing on Erik ever since he began to frequent the pastry shop three years ago. He had walked in sometime during his freshman year at the community college, and Avalon and Jess’s senior year. Jess had gone all starry-eyed as soon as he had walked in, all tall, dark and awkward. Dressed up in some slacks and a button-down shirt, seeming extremely out of place. By the way he held himself, he must have felt that way as well.

When Avalon had asked for his name, after he’d placed his order, he just said, ‘with a K’, before blushing profoundly and stuttering out Erik.

They had affectionately nicknamed him ‘Erik with a K’ ever since. Soon after, he became a regular during the weekends, sometimes even popping in during the week. He’d sit in the back, in a corner, and type away on his laptop, as both he and Jess stole stares. Which drove Avalon up a wall at their lack of confidence to make a move. Their interactions never evolved from a small greeting or his order. It had been three freaking years! Yet, today had been progress, and Jess hadn’t even been there.

How did he ask? Like, what were his exact words? Jess asked excitedly.

He said, and I quote: Avalon began, pausing for dramatic effect. Wherever is Jessica Lynn Geller, the love of my life? I’ve finally grown a pair and decided to ask her out.

Ava! Jessica screamed on the other end, causing Ava to laugh harder than she already was.

Ok, ok. For real, he asked where my brunette friend, who sometimes works here, was. I told him you were on vacation and would be back sometime by the end of the month.

That’s better than nothing. Maybe he’ll ask me out when I get back.

Well, at least you know he likes you. Even if he doesn’t, you should. It’s better than always wondering what if, Ava added.

Because you’re one to talk, Ava! Jess was protesting when Ava heard the chime of a bell signaling someone had come into the pastry shop.

Shoot! Jess, I’ll call you back later or tomorrow. I must have forgotten to lock the door. Someone just came in.

It’s pretty late. Call me when they leave, Jess said in a worried voice. Ava agreed before ending the call.

I’m sorry, but we’re closed. She started as she made her way to the front of the shop.

Oh, I’m sorry. The voice came from a handsome blond stranger, who was standing before the pastry case, his jean-jacket resting beside him on the counter.

Ava would normally insist he left, but there was something about his sad blue eyes and disheveled appearance that made her pause. 

It’s my fault. I should have flipped the sign, she stated, giving a sympathetic shrug.

No harm done. He smiled at her woefully, before reaching for his jacket and glancing at the pastry case once more.

Well, Ava’s voice stopped him. I’m closing shop, but since it was my fault, I could still serve you something if you’d like. She continued, uncertain of why she was doing so.

A genuine smile broke out on the man’s face, and she felt happy at having done that.

I’d be really grateful. I drove here straight from the airport, didn’t think everything would be closed by the time I got here. He spoke sheepishly as he released his hold on his bag once more.

You haven’t had dinner? Ava asked, to which the stranger shook his head.

This was a pastry shop. They didn’t really serve meals. Ava wrung her hands pensively. She hadn’t realized she had spoken the thought out loud until he replied.

I’m not picky. Anything will do. I’m pretty hungry. His stomach growled as if to prove his point, causing the stranger to laugh bashfully.  

I can make you a sandwich from our lunch menu. But it might take a while. Ava once more wasn’t sure why she was offering to go out of her way. She could have just given him some of the pastries they had left from the day and he’d be on his way. But something about him was so sad and dejected that she felt the need to offer a friendly hand.

I couldn’t burden you that much. Some pastries and something to drink will be just fine, he insisted.

If you’re sure, you’ll be fine with just that.

I’m sure.

What can I get you then? She asked as she moved forward, grabbing a plate and the tongs to take the pastries out of their trays.

Everything looks delicious, he replied kindly, surveying the pastry case once more.

The only things left from the day were an assortment of mini-muffins, apple dumplings, a few slices of apple pie, and a few slices of chocolate cake and raspberry cheesecake. Not much of a selection compared to what had been available at the beginning of the day.

I’ll have... He paused as he bent down to read the names of the baked goods. A chestnut muffin, a slice of apple pie, and a slice of the raspberry cheesecake. As he spoke, she placed his order on the plate.

Why don’t you pick a table and you can eat while I finish cleaning up? She said as she handed him his order.

Thank you. He moved towards the table closest to the counter, draping his jacket over the back of a chair.

What can I get you to drink? She noticed the way his eyes travel towards the coffee machine before shrugging and answering whatever’s at hand.

It was her turn to smile. He had noticed the coffee machine was off and so hadn’t ordered one. The amount of regulars who weren’t that considered was overwhelming. The coffee machine in the kitchen, which was always brewing—since most of the staff lived off it during breaks—was still on. So, she went and grabbed him a mug.

She then left the coffee at his table, along with cream and sugar, and smiled when his eyes lit up.

Thank you. He smiled big as he made a move for the creamer.

No problem. She replied, turning away and getting back to work.

Percy stared at his phone as more messages from his siblings piled up in their group chat. Some letting him know that mom and dad were pissed that he had just up and left (Parker). Others expressing how sorry they were over what had happened (Piper). And a long list of them explaining how irresponsible his behavior was, and how he should have come to them before or instead of just up and leaving without considering other people (Peter). He wasn’t in the mood to talk to any of them.

When he had landed, he had called Piper, as promised, to let them know he was fine, and that he’d be gone for a couple of weeks. He knew she would be the one to understand the most. Hence the one who would grill him the least.

He had texted his parents during the flight and had mostly figured out between himself and Martin what statement they would release on his social media pages come tomorrow, as a response to the article.

Alyssa had posted a long sentimental apology to her social media pages—obviously written by Donna—about how she meant no one any harm. Detailing how much she still loved him, and how she had made a mistake. She appealed to her fans’ compassion by reminding them she was only human, just like everyone else. And everyone made mistakes. She was sorry if she had disappointed them.

If Percy hadn’t been the one who’d been hurt in this whole mess, he might even have felt sorry for her. As it was, all he felt was empty and exhausted.

He and Martin had decided to go with something short, just to inform his fans that he was fine. Basically saying that he and Alyssa had spoken before the article came out, and although they broke up, there were no hard feelings. A nice little lie in hopes that his fans would give her no hate. Although he was hurt, he didn’t want the press to eat her alive. With cancel culture being so intense this could really damage a person’s career in their line of work. Even if he never wanted to see her again, he didn’t want to hurt her, or the career she loved.

He glanced up at the strawberry-blonde waitress, who was turning over the chairs and placing them on top of the tables. He wondered if she had been so sweet to him because she recognized him. Though he wasn’t sure, since she hadn’t said anything about it. Nor had she asked for an autograph or something of the sort.

Percy wasn’t aware of how much he had missed this small town until he had driven past the welcome sign. Even if there were no restaurants open after ten, he was sure he’d enjoy his time here.

His father had lived in Eden, until he had moved to LA for college. When his grandparents passed away, years before he or Parker were born, his parents inherited the house. Back then, and for part of his childhood, they had come here frequently. He could even recall a year they had spent the whole summer helping his great-aunt May prepare for her move to Delborn, to be closer to her children. 

The vacations had come to an end after Piper’s first real gig in the drama film Survivor. Which was about a woman running away from her abusive husband, with their only child in tow, and finding refuge in a small town. Sort of like this one. There, she rebuilt her life. But, of course, her husband finds her, and she’s forced to face her past. His sister played the daughter and had since reprised the role twice.

He sighed, turning off the notifications on his phone as the screen lit up once more. His siblings were still at it in the group chat.

Percy’s eyes wandered around as he noticed the waitress was now done cleaning. She was seated at the counter, with her own beverage before her on the counter in a Styrofoam cup. Phone in hand.

His eyes grew. He hoped she hadn’t taken any pictures of him to share on her social media, ruining his vacation before it even began.

Ava felt eyes on her and looked up to find the stranger eyeing her phone from where he sat. Which made her feel a bit uneasy, and grateful that she had texted both Jess and her mother explaining the situation.

How’s it going over there? She called out, shifting under his pensive stare.

Hum... His blue eyes moved from her phone to her face. Fine... Just fine. I’m almost finished and then I’ll be out of your hair, Miss... He trailed off, looking at her expectantly.

Avalon, she said, after a slight pause, to contemplate whether she should give him her real name. Mr.... She trailed off the same way he had, tilting her head in his direction.

He lifted a brow, intrigued. Hum... Percy. Percy Roberts. He reached out with his fork to start on the cake and pie still on his plate.

You seem unsure, amusement colored her tone.

It’s not that. He shook his head, the corners of his mouth twitching upward. Guess I just... He paused; eyes alight with an emotion she couldn’t read. "Never mind. It’s been a