Page 46 of Be My Summer

“Hey.”

At the thought of her, she appeared on the stairway. Extending my hand, I offered her the fresh flowers I’d picked up.

“Hey.”

“Thank you.”

Graciously, she accepted the tulips. Her cheeks were rosy. Her teeth were on full display. She pushed hair behind her ear, folding under my watchful eye.

“You look pretty, Momma.”

She was in oversized painter overalls, loafers, and a top that fit her like a glove. Glasses framed her face perfectly. Her hair hung down her back. Gold jewelry littered her body like diamonds in a jewelry case. It was plentiful and so strategically placed.

“Thank you.”

I removed the overnight bag from her hand.

“We need to get you more comfort items at my place, I see.”

She shook her head.

“No. I have specific things I want to wear this weekend in mind.”

“So, more clothes in the closet?”

“I’m fine, Saul. I promise.”

“You are–” I agreed, “You’re definitely fine, Summer.”

“Stop it, silly.”

“Nah, but seriously, I’m ready for you to be able to leave this bag at home. I want you to have everything you think you need at my place. Can we make sure you get that this weekend?”

She nodded. “Yes.”

“Thank you, Miss Summer.”

“You ready?”

“Your father has summoned us to the dinner table.”

“That’s why he’s been in the kitchen all day?” She asked.

“I assume. He made an entire dinner. Did you not know?”

“I thought he had a boost of energy and decided to cook himself dinner. I didn’t know it was for us.”

“I can’t deny him.”

“And, you shouldn’t. He has been taking frequent breaks and timing himself well, but he’s been at that stove all day almost. I wouldn’t want you to.”

“Turkey wings, cabbage, mac, and cornbread. Can’t pass that up. My stomach growling just thinking about it.”

“Mine too.” She chuckled.

“Come on.”

We entered the dining area to find Ray with two plates in his hands. One for me and one for Summer. I rushed to his side to grab them both. It was a struggle trying to carry them both with his oxygen tank trailing him.