Page 82 of Summer Love

He scuffed his shoe in the dirt. "Lessons probably and something to practice on."

I frowned. "I don't know anything about drum lessons. You want me to talk to your mom?"

He sighed, long and hard. "Mom can't pay for lessons. Do you know a way for me to earn money?"

"You're not old enough for much, besides lawn mowing, and we don't have a lot of that around here."

His shoulders slumped. "Maybe when I'm older then."

I didn't want to make him any promises. But I made a mental note to look into what he'd need to start lessons and how much they'd be. I didn't think his mother would like that though. I'd have to present it as an opportunity through the youth program. But I hated lying to her.

"Maybe you could get drum sticks and teach yourself a bit?"

He hung his head. "Yeah, maybe."

"You want pizza?" I asked, hoping it would keep his mind off what he couldn't have.

He whooped. "Yes."

For now, the drum lessons were forgotten. I wanted him to do whatever he wanted, but I understood his mother's limitations when it came to time and money. At the same time, I didn't want her to feel less than because she couldn't provide them. But I was here to make her and Shane's lives easier.

I had the money and the means, and I wanted to help him.

At the pizza parlor, I handed him coins to play arcade games. This place hadn't changed since I was a kid. I ordered our pizzas and sat on the deck to wait.

Elena's red car pulled up to the curb, and her and Kinsley got out. They chatted as they walked to the porch. Elena looked over and saw me, said something to Kinsley, and then broke away from her, walking over to me. "Hey. I didn't realize you'd be here tonight."

I stood and gave her a hug. I was conscious not to do anything too couply, but I still wanted to greet her. "I'm eating dinner with Shane. He's inside playing games."

"This place hasn't changed a bit, has it?" Elena asked with a smile.

I remained standing. "It's a blast from our past; that's for sure."

She waved a hand in the direction of Kinsley who was waiting for her. "I'm eating with Kinsley inside, but maybe I'll see you later?"

"Come on over. I'll leave the door unlocked." It had become a habit to spend each night at my place. Her grandmother didn't mind that she wasn't home. In fact, I was fairly sure she was rooting for us.

Elena dragged her fingers over the table as she turned and walked away. I couldn't help but watch her ass as her hips swayed. She sent me a sultry look over her shoulder, and I couldn't wait to get home.

Just then, the server came with our pizzas, and I went to get Shane.

"Hey, isn't that the lady you know?" Shane asked between cheesy bites.

"Elena. Yeah."

He sipped his soda. "Why aren't you eating with her?"

"She's eating with a friend, and I'm here with you."

His eyes widened. "I don't mind if you want to eat with her instead."

"I mind. This is my night with you."

His nose scrunched. "You're kind of mushy."

I chuckled. "Sorry about that. I just want you to know that you're important to me."

He smiled and said, "I know that."

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