Page 26 of Coming Home

Nat lifted her head. “I know.”

Unbridled laughterswooshedout of Summer. “Girl, you’re a mess. You have glitter all over your face.”

“Oh, goddessdamn,” she grumbled, swiping at the glittery grains.

“Why do you always say goddessdamn instead of goddamn?”

“Because God is a woman.”

Summer’s brow creased. “What makes you say that?”

“Because women can have multiple orgasms. Nowaya man thought of that.”

“Sound argument,” Summer paused, her face scrunched in thought. “Haveyouhad multiple orgasms before?”

She sighed. “Only with Henry.”

“Who’s Henry?”

“My vibrator.”

“Why Henry?” Summer’s head tilted to the right.

“For Henry Cavill.” She fanned herself with an invitation, scattering even more glitter on her face.

She’d had good sex. There had been lots ofokaysex. However, there’d never been the leg-trembling great sex that Nat read about in novels or had seen when bingeing old episodes ofSex in the City. Not a single boyfriend or hookup made her scream their name and dig her nails into their shoulders, only to leave her in a puddle of jellied muscles after a mind-blowing orgasm. Let alone given her a second one.

Thank the goddess for Henry getting her through this very long dry spell. Although it was less a dry spell and more a self-inflicted convent living at this point.

“I think that is the one thing I miss about Max.” Summer frowned, referring to Liam’s dad.

Summer had been tight-lipped about all things Max. The only item she’d offered about her New York City live-in boyfriend of four years was that he wasn’t nice to her. When she discovered she was pregnant, she left.

Nat nodded, continuing to brush her face with her now-glittered hands.Goddess, I’m a mess.

“You’re making it worse.” Summer shook her head. “Stop what you’re doing.” She got up and walked to the sink. Wetting a tea towel, she moved back to Nat.

“You’re such a mom sometimes.” She giggled as Summer swiped the lukewarm towel along her face.

“I know. Maternal aptitude oozes out of me.” Summer’s grin was self-deprecating.

“You’re a good mom…one of the best. And I know good moms. You’ve met mine, right?”

Summer nodded, placing the towel on the table. “Thank you…I needed to hear that.”

“Why? What’s going on?”

It wasn’t like Summer to question her mothering skills. There were so many things she excelled at. The way she never forgot customers’ names and orders despite the chaos of the cafe. How calmness vibrated off her while coordinating an event. The steadiness of her shoulders as she supported her friends. Above all, she shined brightest with the supportive, loving, and patient nurturing of Liam.

“Liam’s struggled a lot this year. Academically he’s killing it, we’re dealing with some behavioral and social challenges. The school psychologist recommended an autism behavioral specialist in Buffalo.”

Two years ago, Liam was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder low needs. Since then, Summer devoured literature, joined mailing lists, and visited message boards to identify various resources and strategies to support his success. In asmall rural community like Perry, the services were limited for children on the spectrum. That didn’t deter Summer from being focused, resourceful, and a tenacious mama bear.

“Are they taking new patients?” she asked.

“Yes, in the fall, but it’s mid-day Thursdays. So, I’ll need to take off work, pull Liam out of school, and drive up there. Round trip it will be three hours, including his appointment, which I’m fine with. I just hate taking him away from school so much. Routine is important with Liam, and this will jack his routine up.”

“There’s nobody closer that offers the same services?”

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