Page 95 of Songs of Summer

“It’s almost three a.m.! We should go. I’m leaving on the ten o’clock boat.”

They grabbed their stuff and headed home to collect Jason. Maggie stopped in her tracks in front of Matt’s house. The lights were out. The whole street seemed to be asleep.

“It’s so quiet and dark,” she remarked.

“I used to love that when I was a teenager. Coming home late at night when the entire street was sleeping. I would picture everyone cozy in their beds.”

“This place is unbelievable,” Maggie said quietly.

“It truly is.”

“Is every block like this?”

“You mean close?”

“I mean like family.”

“Some are, for sure. But I like to think ours is special.”

Maggie read Matt’s text.

Come by when you’re done.

Along with a selfie they took on the dance floor.

When she looked at the photo, her heart dropped to her stomach and an enormous smile crept across her face.

“What?” Bea asked. “What does it say?”

Maggie did her best to rein in her smile, but as soon as she flashed the picture to Bea, it escaped again.

Bea silently raised her eyebrows.

“Don’t,” Maggie said.

“I’m not,” Bea replied.

Their dynamic was already familial.

She texted Matt back.

Sorry it’s so late. I’m sure you are sound asleep.

Before she could walk away, the light in his bedroom flicked on.

“Damn,” she said under her breath.

“I’ll leave you be,” Beatrix offered, and headed home.

Matt opened his window and shout-whispered, “Come up.”

Maggie shook her head and pointed to her watch.

“I’ll come down.”

“Don’t,” she said, her eyes immediately filled with tears. She collected herself as best she could and added, “Come see us off in the morning?”

“OK, I will. And, Maggie…”

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