Page 22 of Grown

Donny Hathaway, “A Song for You”

Billie Holiday, “The Very Thought of You”

Etta James, “A Sunday Kind of Love”

Minnie Riperton, “Lovin’ You”

Each song more dreamy, more magical, more bright. We’re speaking our own coded language. Dancing without touching. It’s hard to concentrate. Even in the mornings, when I diveinto the water at practice, my laps are in slow motion as I hum, notes bubbling to the surface.

After school, I wait for Mom on the steps while Shea heads to a friend’s house to study for midterms.

WYD? At swim practice or reading?

I smile. I love the way he remembers all the little details about me.

Reading. WYD?

Sound check. Want to see?

He sends a selfie of him in a massive, empty stadium. There’s a little gray in his stubble.

Are you about to fill all those seats?

And then some Ma!

He makes it sound like a walk in the park.

What U reading?

I can’t tell you. *Hides face*

What? LOL! I thought we told each other everything?

Wedo?

OK. It’s called Eclipse. From the Twilight series.

Bella and Edward right?

Yup.

I read that.

Really?????

Yeah. Why all the ?? U don’t think I can read?

No! Of course you can read. You just seem so busy.

Lots of time on the road.

And... I’m surprised you’d like that kind of book.

It’s a good story.

I guess.

Guess?