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Natalie took a sharp turn a bit too fast.
“Slow down,” Cody warned.
“When is everyone going to accept that she’s not staying?”
Cody shifted in his seat. “At the next light, turn back for home.”
Natalie sighed, but did what Cody said.
The ride back was quiet, but when they turned into the longdriveway, Haley touched her hand. “Anytime you want to go to Wyoming, or anywhere, I want to go, too.”
Summer reached for her sister and pulled her into her side for a hug. She kissed Haley on the head. “I’d go anywhere with you, too.”
Natalie parked next to Cody’s Porsche. They exited the front.
Haley touched Summer’s arm before she got out. “Natalie is...” It seemed she didn’t know how to finish that statement. “She wants Cody to be happy. Just not with you.”
Summer wished it was different, but Haley had it right. “She loves Cody.”
“I love him, too,” Haley admitted. “But I think there are different kinds of love.”
“That’s very true. And when you love, you risk getting hurt.”
“But it’s worth it, right? To be loved the way Cody loves you and you love him.”
They hadn’t said the words to each other, but she felt it for him and knew it was returned. “Yes. Love is a connection. Everyone wants to feel and know they matter to someone. It makes all the difference sometimes. Being alone is lonely.”
“I think Cody’s been lonely for a long time. Brooke, too, because she lost her husband. But she looked happy with David.”
“He’s a connection she needed.”
“If you’re ever lonely, you can come see me or call me.”
Tears gathered in Summer’s eyes. “Thank you. That makes me feel very special. And you will always have me, too. No matter how far away I might be, I will always be there for you.”
Cody leaned into the car, his eyes narrowing when he saw her expression. “Is everything okay?”
“I was just having a heart-to-heart with my sister.” Summer turned to Haley. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Haley smiled, then got out on her side.
Summer took Cody’s hand and stepped out on hers.
Natalie eyed her and Haley. “What was that all about?”
“Just talking about boys,” Haley said, and walked up to the house, passing her parents as they came out to see Natalie again.
Natalie stared after her sister. “Are you seeing someone?”
Haley shrugged without turning, leaving all of them guessing, and Summer was impressed with how she told the truth, sort of, without giving specifics.
Cody hooked his arm around Summer’s shoulders and smiled at Natalie. “Have fun at your party tonight.”
Natalie’s smile couldn’t get any brighter. “I can’t wait to show everyone my new car.”
Nate pulled Natalie into a hug. “Be careful. Since you’re driving, I expect you to be responsible at the party. No drinking.”
Natalie pulled out of the hug. “I’m good, Dad. Stop worrying.”
