Page 2 of One Sultry Summer

“Come on, the clock is ticking.”

“Are you talking about my biological clock?”

“I’m talking about my desire for grandchildren.” I place my hand on my forehead and sigh.

“Yeah, I’ll get right on that.”

“Great! You simmer on that for a bit, and I’ll pick up the suitcase tomorrow afternoon.”

“Goodbye, Mother.” I accentuate the last part and laugh at myself. I shake my head at her. I know she’s joking, but it makes me think that she’s not wrong. Even if there is a chance at immaculate conception, my chances are slim. Well, who knows? Maybe I can find my knight in shining armor at tonight’s gala.

A few hours later, the doorbell rang. I placed my lip gloss on the side table and descended the stairs to my front door. I could see the outline of a figure through the curtains as the sunlight cast a shadow on my front door. I pulled the curtain back a tad to see Devin standing there, rubbing his hands together. I quickly opened the door.

“Devin, come on in.” He looks devastatinglygorgeous in a suit.

“I’m not too early, am I?” We stopped in the foyer.

“No, not at all. We still have plenty of time. The car should be here to pick us up in about a half hour. Would you like something to drink?”

He swallowed. “No, I think I’ll pass, thank you.”

“What are you so nervous about?”

“Meeting the Mayor.”

“Oh, he’s nothing to get bent out of shape over. He’s just like everyone else. How did Samuel feel about you going out with me? Was he jealous?”

“What’s funny about it all, is he wasn’t jealous about me going out with you. He was jealous of me meeting the mayor. He thinks he’s super-hot.” I truly admire the incredible bond they share. It’s heartwarming to see how confidently they playfully joke with one another, showcasing the depth of their relationship.

“Oh, so he’s on Samuel’s hall pass list.”

“Yup, along with a long list of celebrities.”

“So, who do you have on your list?”

“How much time do you have?”

I laughed aloud and smacked him on the shoulder. “Come on up, are you sure you don’t want a glass of wine?”

The steps creaked as he followed behind me. “Okay, maybe one glass.” A smile stretches across my face. “You have a beautiful home. What year is this building?”

I popped open a bottle of wine, poured a glass, and handed one to Devin.

“It was constructed in 1902, not only stands as a testament to its time but also weathered the tumultuous 1906 earthquake.”

“Is it true that most of the destruction was caused by fires and not the actual earthquake?”

“Yes, that’s right; due to broken water lines.

He ran a hand against the intricate woodwork above my fireplace. “I love these old Victorian-style homes.”

“So do I. There’s something about their charm.” I watched Devin sip a longer swallow of wine.

“You would think it’d be cold and drafty, but it’s not.” I noticed his cheeks were slightly pink.

“Devin, I think that’s the wine hitting you. Are you okay?”

“Um, I may have drunk that too fast.” He displayed his empty glass. “Remind me not to drink at the party, I don’t want to embarrass you or me.”

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