Page 80 of Summer Love

Shane dribbled the ball between his legs and then behind his back. "It's a big deal at the school."

"You're getting good at dribbling."

His tongue popped out in concentration. "I've been practicing."

"The father-son basketball game must be new. I don't remember doing that when I went there."

His face screwed up. "Yeah, and the girls have some sort of dance."

I chuckled. "That doesn't sound fun to you?"

"No," he said with disgust. Then his eyes brightened. "Is your friend coming today?"

"Elena?"

He nodded. "Yeah, the girl who came last time."

"She's a woman, but no, not this time. She had work." I didn't want to invite someone to our get-togethers too often. This was the one time he got my undivided attention.

He stopped dribbling, lining up to shoot. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"We haven't put a label on it." I didn't want to advertise our relationship, but Shane was a kid, and I wouldn't lie to him.

His nose scrunched. "What does that mean?"

I got his rebound for him and bounced the ball back to him. "It means we've spent time together, but we're not calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend."

He lined up for another shot. "Why not?"

"It's new."

He shot and missed. "She's pretty and nice."

"Are you saying you would have asked her to be your girlfriend already?" I asked, amusement tingeing my voice.

He paused and looked at me point-blank. "Duh."

I shook my head. "I'm fairly sure your mother doesn't want you using that word."

Shane shrugged. "She's not here."

I gave him a look, and he finally relented. "Sorry."

"You're probably right. I should tell her how I feel."

"How will she know otherwise?" he said matter-of-factly.

"Is your mom dating anyone?" I asked, genuinely curious about his home life.

His face screwed up. "Not right now. The last guy was a jerk."

"Shane—"

"What? It's true. Mom even called him a jerk. She said that most guys don't have patience for so many kids."

My heart went out to him. "The right man for her will be thrilled to get you guys with her."

His eyes lit up. "You think so?"

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