Page 36 of Be My Summer

Text after text.

Conversation after conversation.

Encounter after encounter.

Letter after letter.

The wetness from my eyes rested on my freshly enhanced natural lashes. The slightest blink sent them onto the ledge of my window seal.

“To be desired. Wholly,” I whispered with quivering lips.

There’s a person in the world who made me feel as if it was impossible in this lifetime. And, even my father’s love couldn’t prove them wrong. But, here he was. A complete stranger. Enforcing all those things my father had ever told me about those who belong to you always finding you… always choosing you. No matter who didn’t.

I couldn’t fight my feelings. The beauty of the moment evoked unfiltered emotions, leaving me vulnerable and tender to the touch. I smoothed the wetness from underneath my eyes, sure not to smear my mascara before curling my fingers around the bottom of the frame and pulling upward.

The sound grew louder.

More beautiful.

More intense.

More invigorating.

I peeped my head out of the window. Autumn’s breeze kissed my cheeks. It lifted my loose strands, giving them wings.

My bedroom door crept open, startling me. Quickly, I glanced behind me. My father’s long legs remained behind the threshold.

“He’s some kind of special, Sums.”

I nodded, wiping another tear from my cheeks.

“Yes, Dad. Yes he is.”

My father nodded. “I want him around.”

Smiling through my pleasurable pain, I nodded.

“Me, too. He makes me feel good. He makes me feel wanted. Needed. Valid.”

“Su–”

“And, I know I don’t need a man or anyone to validate my existence. However, it feels good to experience it, nonetheless. I won’t deny that.”

“Her absence isn’t your identity, Sums. It’s your reality. Don’t keep letting her hurt you. She doesn’t deserve that glory.”

“I won’t give it to her anymore.”

“Good, then.”

He quieted his thoughts and grabbed the handle of my door to close it. I was Saul’s again. All ears. All eyes. All everything.

Every time he pushed air through, the saxophone roared. Each time his body leaned forward, it touched another part of my soul. When he reared backward, he awakened another part of my center.

In the end, my hands collided. Over and over. Loudly. Proudly. Pridefully. Gratefully. Happily. Confidently.

“Come here, Miss Summer. Your chariot awaits you.”

“Only if you promise not to have my home by midnight.”