Page 53 of One Sultry Summer

“Well, you know that you can move in with me.” Toni reached out and held my hand.

“How much money do you need for the hospital?” Layla asked.

I looked at Layla, grateful for her question. “I haven’t figured out the exact amount yet, but I’m working on it. Every bit of support will help.”

“You know you can depend on us!” Rae nodded in agreement.

“I don’t think dreams always meansomething.” Toni ran her finger along the rim of the margarita glass.

Ronda took a sip of water and spoke. “I had one the other night. It was me running trying to find a convenient store to find a bathroom and to purchase a gun because zombies were outside. See, just a weird dream. However, I did wake up having to go to the bathroom.”

“Ronda, it was your body saying hurry and wake up before you wet the bed.”

“Great, all this talk about the bathroom, and now I have to pee.” Layla stood up. Pregnancy agreed with her. “I’ll be back in a bit,” she said, heading towards the bathroom. The rest of us exchanged glances and chuckled softly. Rae leaned in and whispered, “I wonder what kind of dreams she has. I bet they’re interesting.”

“Good God, I’m sure they’re all about Cameron.”

Toni laughed. “Damn, all my dreams are about my brothers getting married before me.”

“So, you feel left out?” Ronda asked. She knew that was always a sensitive subject.

“I guess, but none of them are in a relationship.”

“Stop worrying so much. You’ll find “the” guy when the time is right.” We all nodded in agreement.

The night went on with laughter and stories, making it hard to believe that things were about to change. I realized how much these moments mean to me. Each one of my friends was going to have to return home to their busy lives. Tomorrow, I will face my new reality, but tonight, I cherish the warmth of friendship and family.

Once the restaurant bill was settled, we walked back to the inn. The warm evening air was a change from what I had experienced before. The crickets were back and the sound they made was like a soft melody. We walked near the library and sadness came over me.

Damage to the roof had exposed some of the books to the elements. Layla stood by me as we assessed the damage. “Cameron would be so upset to see this.” She took photos from different angles with her cellphone and started typing out a text message.

“How’s he doing?”

“He’s doing much better. You know after Meghann was kidnapped it really shook all of us.”

“She’s such a sweet person. I remember Meghann was hesitant to get that make over.”

“Right? By the end of the evening, Ryan saw her in a different light, and they both knew what they had between them was something undeniably special.”

“How about you and Cameron? No more problems with your grandfather?”

“Nope. My grandfather is pretty excited about the baby.”

“I suppose he’s pressuring you to get married?”

“Surprisingly, no. After I talked with him itreally opened up his eyes.”

“Layla, I’m really happy for you that things worked their way out.”

We stopped at the walkway leading to the inn. “If you need me any time of the day, Valerie, just pick up the phone and call me.”

“I will.” The corners of my lips lifted slightly. Layla wrapped her arms around me and hugged me.

“If you decide to extend your stay here. All I ask is that you come back home for my baby shower, because it won’t be the same without you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be home for all the special occasions.” We walked arm in arm back inside. I was exhausted from today, and was looking forward to a shower and a goodnight’s rest.

Chapter 20

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