Page 22 of Be My Summer

“You didn’t hang up.”

“I haven’t been able to bring myself to do it.”

“Sau–”

“I don’t want my time with you to end. I didn’t the first night. I didn’t last night. I won’t tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Go on a date with me, Summer.”

Yawning, again, she nodded.

“Okay. What time?”

“Seven.”

“Seven–” she agreed, “Under one circumstance.”

“Anything.” I rushed out, knowing there was nothing she could ask that would be out of my comfort zone. Summer didn’t operate that way.

Slowly, she lifted up from her cozy pallet. She stretched her arms and twisted her body from one side to the other. I waited patiently, taking note of every move she made.

“My father is dying.” She sighed.

“Su–”

“I’m not asking for sympathy, Saul. It’s something I’ve been grieving for nearly four years now. And, for the past four years there are a few things I’ve wished I did differently. One of those is dating. My father has never had the chance to open the door and find my date on the porch.

“He’s never greeted anyone with his kindness. He’s never met anyone I’ve spent time with because none of them were worthy of his presence. Should’ve been a sign they weren’t worthy of mine, but I digress. I’ve only known you for two days, but my heart tells me you’re much different from anything I’ve ever experienced.

“Anyone I’ve ever experienced. And, this is my last chance to get it right before h– What I’m saying is, I don’t want to meet you anywhere. I don’t want to come out to your car. I don’t want you to phone me a ride. I want you to show up at my door– I want you to knock on my door.

“Allow my father to greet you. Laugh at his nonsense and promise to have me home safe, whenever that might be. Can you do that for me, Saul?”

That and so much more, Summer.

“It would be my pleasure.”

“Yeah?” She asked, eyebrows high on her face.

“Of course.”

She fell back onto the pillows. Her hair was a beautiful disaster that she cared nothing about. Neither did I. With swollen cheeks, she stared at the camera.

“Goodbye, Saul.”

My heart ached at the sound of goodbye, but I knew it was time. I’d hung onto her through the entire evening, the entire night, and would’ve loved to continue through the morning. However, it was impossible if I wanted to get any work done.

“I’ll see you in a bit, Summer.”

My body’s temperature rose significantly. I wasn’t sure what type of spell Summer had placed on me but I wasn’t complaining. I wanted to be wrapped in her web for a couple of lifetimes if she’d allow it.

“I can’t wait.”

The call ended and my sorrows began. I couldn’t wait to be in her presence again.

Twelve hours.