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“Yes. It was a pretty party at a big white house. Green shutters—”
“Fancy cars and buttoned-up crowd?” His grin is genuine as he takes a sip of his beer.
“Yeah,” I reply, my hackles lowering when his dislike of that crowd turns into support for me. “A giant buffet, full party on the other side of the swimming pool. Grass so green . . . It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.”
Sitting forward, he rests his forearms on his knees. “Did they treat you with respect?”
Harbor comes to mind, standing in the hallway with that devastating smile asking to spend time with me. Feeling that weak in the knees for someone will only get me in trouble. Saying yes to him once would free the floodgates to a thousand yeses right after. It’s best if I don’t lose focus on a gorgeous guy and keep my attention on my school and applications. “They did. They were very kind to me.”
I receive a nod in satisfaction as he gets up to check on the burgers. “Remember, don’t flip until they’re almost fully cooked. That way, the burgers don’t dry out.”
Seeing right through his own tactics of changing the topic, I ride along with him on the detour by getting up and taking the spatula from him. “Do I keep them on the flame or move them off?”
“Right on the flame, but don’t walk away, or they’ll burn at this stage.”
When the burgers are ready, we eat in front of an old box TV and watch the game. At halftime, he walks me outside and looks up. “It’s getting darker earlier.”
The cue for me to get going is his subtle concern for my safety and makes me feel loved. He’ll worry about me riding home in the dark until I text him that I made it. He tries his best not to treat me like I’m his little girl, but he’ll always look out for me.
I look at the sky and the golden light peeking through the trees. “I think we have another month before it gets dark earlier.” Taking my bike by the handlebars, I swipe the kickstand with my foot and swing my leg over.
He gives me a hug. I bury my head against him. “I love you, Dad.”
“Love you, too, Pipsqueak. Text me when you get home.”
“I will.”
I roll down the driveway and into the street, waving as I ride in front of the house. “Love you.”
My dad is the best anyone could ever ask for. He stands there on the small steps and watches, waiting until I’m out of view. I wave one last time as I turn the corner.
Though I’m stuffed, I know it will be a late night of studying, so I ride the extra two blocks to the gas station since I know we’re out of coffee at home. It was Amanda’s week to buy the staples, and well, I know how that goes. She probably spent her money while out last night.
I park my bike against the side of the building near the ice and peek through the window. If that guy is behind the counter, I’ve already decided I’ll suffer without the caffeine. I don’t want to deal with him tonight.
When I spy TJ, I’m relieved. Although that’s replaced with a feeling of disappointment by the absence of Harbor, which is completely ridiculous. It’s not like he’s a regular here. It was a one-time thing. Let it go.
I tug the door open, setting off the bell to chime above. TJ, the owner and the convenience store’s namesake, spots me when I pass the lottery ticket machine. “Lark, what brings you in tonight?”
“Coffee.” I trek straight for the aisle, hoping he has stocked a variety to choose from. “How are you?”
“Hanging in there. Debbie, that beagle down the road had a run-in with a porcupine a few days ago. Patsy asked me to deal with that disaster.”
I stop and turn back to ask, “How’s she doing now?”
“Patsy’s always been a hot mess.”
I laugh. “I meant Debbie, the dog.”
“The vet says she’ll heal right up and be fine.”
Scanning the aisle, I find the tiny coffee selection. “That’s good. She’s a cute dog.”
“She’s about to have another litter. Want one?”
I start to laugh. “I can barely pay my bills, TJ. I definitely can’t take care of a pet.”
“I hear you. Did you see I got pumpkin spice coffee?” The door chimes just as I bend down to see the bottom shelf with the new coffee. It’s a few dollars out of my league this trip. He adds, “Figured you’d like that.”
