Page 19 of One Sultry Summer

“Did you like the breakfast? I helped make it.”

“I did. I completely forgot to tell your grandmother it was pretty delicious.” I noticed she didn’t eat the eggs. “Do you not like eggs?”

“No, not really.” She scrunches up her face in disgust.

“That’s okay, not everybody does.”

“How come you don’t eat meat?”

“Well, I thought it would improve my health.”

“Did it improve?”

“Honestly? It’s about the same.”

“Well, you’re very pretty either way.”

“Awe, you’re so kind. You must take after your mother.”

“Daddy says I look and act like her a lot.”

“I bet you she’s a very special person.”

“Yup. Even though I don’t get to see her, I know she’s special.” My heart breaks a little by her response. Her parents must be divorced.

I hear footsteps behind me. “Here you go!”

“Thank you, Abby.”

“Ms. Masterson, I’ve asked my son to give you a tour of our town.”

“Oh, that’s very kind of you.”

“It’s my way of apologizing for his behavior.”

“That’s not necessary.” Behind Abby, a figure approached. He stood towering over her. His wavy chocolate-brown hair wasjust above his shoulders. The scruff on his face made him look rugged like a man who spends all his day working outdoors.

However, his skin complexion tells me quite the opposite. The way he has his arms folded across his chest suggests that he is quite displeased with this arrangement. “Abby, there’s no need for your son to show us around.”Especially since he’s hot, distracting, AND pissed. “I’m sure Devin and I can find our way around town.”

“So, you and your boy toy don’t need my help?”

I snapped back. “Not that it’s any of your business, Devin is my coworker, not my boy toy!” I took a deep breath. “Mrs. Woods, my apologies for my outburst.”

“No need. Men can get under your skin if you let them.” She gave her son a fierce glare.

He swallowed and exhaled a breath. “I’m sorry, I was out of line. Please forgive me. I’ll be happy to escort you around for the day.

“Mr. Woods, I don’t want to put you out. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

“My daughter and I were going to spend the afternoon at the festival. You are welcome to join us.”

“Are you sure it’s no inconvenience?”

“Daddy, we’re not going until this afternoon?” She pouted her lips. I would give in to her in a heartbeat and take her wherever she wanted. She was adorable.

“You’re right, I did promise that we’d go early. Maybe we could catch the parade? Ms. Masterson, would you and your coworker like to join us?”

“Yes, that would be lovely.” My mind wandered to the last parade I watched in San Francisco. It had to be back in February for the Chinese New Year. The parade featured lion dancers, acrobatics, and a 288-foot golden dragon. One thing I will miss while I’m here is the Pride Parade and Festival, which is happening in just a few days. The eventcelebrates the LGBTQ community by recognizing their accomplishments and advocating for their rights.

---