Page 46 of One Sultry Summer

“Let me have a piece, I think mine is low too.” Ronda held out her hand.

Rae pursed her lips to hold back a giggle. “How about we sit down for dinner?” My mom stood with her arms folded. “Victoria, here’s a plate.” She paused and took it from Rae. Everyone began filling their plates with an assortment of steak,chicken, green salad, potato salad, steamed vegetables, collard greens, and lumpia.

We all took a seat outside on the front porch and watched the sun go down. The sky exploded with vibrant hues of crimson and violet, blending seamlessly into shimmering gold as the sun gracefully sank below the horizon. I could never get tired of the fresh air, and the breathtaking display of the golden sky reminds me of watercolors across the canvas of evening.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. There was a small part of me that wanted Wyatt to ask me not to leave. I was certainly not going to overstay my welcome. As everyone got up and took their plates inside, I sat in silence and contemplated my next move.

I’ve already sent Mr. Graves my report on Skybrook, letting him know that this is not the place for a hotel and golf resort. What is needed is a hospital, and I made sure I highlighted that fact in my report. Devin assisted in compilingstatistics on mortality rates correlated with distances to the nearest hospital.

Now, all I can do is sit and wait for his response. The frustration is not knowing. I wish I could do something to speed up the process. Devin came and sat beside me.

“Penny for your thoughts.”

“Just thinking about work.”

“When it comes to work, our backs are up against a wall. There are things you can’t control.”

“I know, but it’s still frustrating.”

“You know Mr. Graves values the work you do.”

“I guess. I’ve been waiting for him to address the concerns I brought up, and yet no response.”

“Valerie, I think it’s more than that. I saw your face when you came back in from talking to Wyatt.”

I nodded. “I guess it’s a one-sided relationship.”

“I’m sorry. I thought the feelings were mutual,especially the way he looks at you.”

“Well, it seems as if we were both wrong.” He pulled me in and let me put my head on his shoulder. We sat for a minute and listened to the crickets. Wyatt stepped outside and observed us, then made an about-face and went back to where he came from.

“Valerie, I could swear that his behavior just now revealed more than he intended. If he knew about my preferences, he wouldn’t have a reason to be jealous.” Devin let out a soft laugh.

“You have a point. Yet I’m not going to be the one to chase after him. He’s a big boy, and if he wants me, all he has to do is ask.”

“Good for you. Now, let’s go have some apple pie.”

“Absolutely, and I’d love a scoop of vanilla ice cream with it.” When we entered the house, there was a heated discussion about which dessert was better: apple pie or cheesecake.

“Fine! Let’s ask Valerie and Devin what theyare having, so we can have a complete tally from there.” My mother turned and waited for our answer.

“We’ll have apple pie, with ice cream.” We said simultaneously. There were a few boos, followed by a couple of yays.

“Why did you choose apple?” Rae rolled her eyes.

“Ladies, you all know I head up to the city of Placerville to Apple Hill Farms every fall. You had to know I’d answer apple.”

Emily sat at the counter, savoring a slice of warm apple pie. Each bite was a sweet delight, and a radiant smile danced across her face. My mother served us both a plate and I sat beside Emily.

“Earlier I saw you eat a small piece of steak.”

I took the spoon from my mouth and smiled. “I did.”

“I’m glad you changedyour mind.”

“You are?”

“Yup, why give up something you like? I mean, I like pie, and I don’t want to give it up.”

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