Page 38 of Stealing Summer

“Thanks, Chandler,” he replied, nodding appreciatively. “That means a lot.”

As I slipped into the bathroom and closed the door softly behind me, I looked in the mirror at myself, feeling more confused than ever before.

Suddenly, I heard Parker’s loud voice from outside the door. “Hey, did I just hear you talking about taking Caroline to the ball?” he asked Boston. I could hear mischief in his voice. “Think they’ll allow me to take more than one date?”

I felt a laugh bubble up in my throat, eventually spilling out into the open. I cracked the door slightly and shook my head at Parker.

“Who are these lucky ladies?” I teased, my voice lighter than it had been just moments ago. “And how do you plan on juggling them all night?”

Parker drew a look of deep contemplation, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Well, first off, there’s Amara from the coffee shop–-great sense of humor. And then, of course, there’s Kasie from the gym–-very athletic, obviously,” he said, ticking off names on his fingers. “And let’s not forget about Willow.”

“Okay, okay, we get it,” Boston interjected, rolling his eyes playfully. “You’re quite the ladies’ man.”

“Indeed,” he agreed with a dramatic sigh. “It’s both a gift and a curse, my friends.”

twenty

My mom, Willow, and I stepped into the brightly lit boutique, the scent of vanilla and freshly ironed silk enveloping us. Rows of shimmering dresses in every color greeted us as we made our way to the back of the store.

“Oh Chandler, look at this one!” Willow held up a lavender gown, her blue eyes glowing with excitement. “This would look gorgeous with your hair.”

I smiled, appreciating her enthusiasm. Dress shopping wasn’t my favorite activity, but I knew how much this meant to my mom. And if I was being honest, the thought of walking into the ball on the arm of Reese Carrington made my heart flutter.

“Go try it on!” Mom encouraged, ushering me towards the fitting room.

I must have tried on twenty dresses, none feeling quite right, before emerging in a strapless chiffon gown in a soft pink hue. My mom and Willow gasped.

“That’s the one,” Willow declared.

I turned and caught my reflection in the mirror, the skirt swirling gently around my feet. I imagined Reese’s face when he saw me in it, his eyes lighting up. This was the perfect dress.

The ball was going to be magical. I just knew it.

As I peeled off my dress in the changing room, I could hear my mom’s voice carrying on a conversation with someone on the phone.

“Cindee! It’s so wonderful to hear your voice,” Mom said, and I froze, recognizing the name. Boston’s mom. “Yes, tonight’s the big game, and I just wanted to make sure you’re still coming. You know how much this means to him.”

I leaned against the wall, peering around the curtain, watching as Mom’s eyes closed briefly in what seemed like a silent prayer. Her fingers drummed lightly on the armrest, betraying her calm demeanor. Representatives from the MLB would be there, and we all knew a good performance could set his future ablaze with opportunities.

“Of course, I understand. It’s quite the drive,” Mom continued, nodding even though Ms. Riley couldn’t see. “But you won’t miss it. Oh, that’s fantastic!”

The sigh of relief that Mom exhaled was palpable, and her shoulders relaxed. She caught sight of me peeking around the corner and waved me over with a bright smile, mouthing the words ‘She’s coming’ with barely contained joy.

“Alright, dear. Drive safe, and see you soon. We’ll save you a seat,” Mom concluded, placing the phone back in her purse. She turned to me, excitement dancing in her eyes. “Cindee is on her way.”

“Perfect,” I breathed out, the nervous flutter in my stomach easing somewhat. I couldn’t believe that she was actually going to make it to a summer game, and the most important one. For Boston, tonight would be unforgettable. And knowing that his mom would be there in the stands made my heart lighter, too. After all, no victory would taste as sweet without sharing it with those who cheered for you the loudest.

I sank into the plush velvet of the sofa. Across from me, my mom perched on an identical couch, her eyes were soft and brimming with unspoken thoughts.

"Chandler," she began, her voice carrying that maternal tone, "I was still a little taken back that you are going to this with Reese Carrington." She folded her hands in her lap, her wedding band catching the light. "He's not who I would have pictured you with."

I couldn't suppress the smirk tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Who did you picture me with, Mom? That tight end you love?” I raised an eyebrow playfully. "Pretty sure he’s taken."

We shared a moment, a silent understanding knowing how much she always gushed over him. She had a tendency to only watch football when her favorite player was on the screen. Her lips twitched, fighting back a smile before she laughed. "Oh, Chandler," she said, shaking her head in amusement. "That would be a disaster. If you were with him, you would never get anything done around the house. You'd always be laughing."

I leaned back, my fingers tracing a pattern into the arm of the sofa. "Sounds like a divorce waiting to happen," I conceded with a half-smile.

"But seriously," she continued, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Reese has always caused some trouble. With Boston... and even Parker in the past."

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