Page 4 of One Sultry Summer

“Perhaps you can save me a dance for later?”

“Now you’re pushing it.” We both laughed as we made our way toward the table. We mingled with individuals from companies I had the pleasure of working with before. They expressed a job well done. During our conversation Iwas approached by Ridgemont Capital about a high rise they wanted to renovate. I pulled out my business card and told them to call me at their earliest convenience. Devon made an impression with them as well as he talked about Ridgemont’s expansion project. His knowledge of the company gave us an edge among the competition.

Once the crowd started to disperse, we grabbed a cocktail and people watched. Breaking up the monotony of business with a touch of humor was a refreshing change. It’s amazing how finding joy in trivial things can bring a smile and lighten the mood. As we gathered around the table, I leaned in close to Devin and whispered, eager to share the key players in town—the movers and shakers who shape everything around us.

As my co-worker and friend, I wanted to take him under my wing and mentor him. With a good head on his shoulders and a good conceptof how Phoenix Construction is run, Devin is meant to do so much more than the receptionist position he currently holds. We’re fortunate to live in San Francisco, a city that fosters an inclusive and accepting environment for people from all social classes. A vibrant city that’s a melting pot of tradition that I’m proud to call home.

The evening is filled with dancing, and socializing. The venue radiated grandeur and opulence, adorned with lavish decor that captivates the senses. Every corner of space is meticulously crafted to exude elegance and sophistication. Around me, dishes are served featuring succulent fish, a delightful prime rib dinner, fresh vegetables, a crisp side salad, and decadent chocolate mousse for dessert. I was glad they could accommodate my request for a vegetarian dish. It’s not that I can’t eat meat, it’s a choice I made a few years ago.

Then, the moment we’d all been waiting forarrived. We listened to a speech talking about the mayor’s dedication to the homeless and the residents of San Francisco. I look over at Devin and he’s trying to keep his eyes open. I don’t blame him. I stifled a yawn by covering my mouth with the cloth napkin.

After the last speech, you could tell the mayor was ready to wrap it up and call it an evening. He accepted his award, with a lighthearted speech, which oozed with charismatic charm. He made the crowd laugh and thanked everyone for coming.

When the crowd started to clap, Devin’s head jerked up from his slumber.

I patted him on his hand. “Are you ready to go?”

“I’m sorry I nodded off.”

“No worries. Honestly, I’m a little worn out with all the networking we did. A good indicator of overdoing it is that I tend to lose my voice.”

“Do you want to get some hot tea or stop at apharmacy?”

“You’re sweet. No, let’s just head home. I’ll have the limo driver drop you home first.”

He stood and put out his hand. I picked up my purse and we made our way outside and waited for our limousine to come around. Even though I’m exhausted, I must admit this was a successful evening for the company, as I landed a new client. Now, off to home where I can have peace of mind of a job well done.

Chapter 2

Wyatt Woods

The early morning chores start before the sun comes up. I gather clothes around the house and place them in the laundry basket in my arms. I descend the stairs, passing various photos of Emily: her first steps, first tooth, and jumping into a puddle, to name a few. I paused to look at the pictures of Lauren and me from our wedding day.

I whisper, “Morning, Lauren,” and continue down the staircase. With each passing day, the weight of my heartache begins to lift, ever so slightly, as I find moments of solace amidst the pain. The only sounds echoing through the house are the soft rhythm of my footsteps andthe steady ticking of the grandfather clock, each tick a gentle reminder of time slipping by, in the stillness of the hallway.

I walk to the laundry room, open the washing machine lid, and dump the laundry inside. I hear my mother’s voice in my head telling me I should separate the whites from the colors. I laugh to myself and pour laundry detergent and fabric softener into their compartments, turn the dial to cold water, and press start.

I shuffle my feet and make my way to the kitchen. The sun hasn’t even peaked its head out on the horizon yet. I open the cabinet and pull out the coffee and a filter. I pop open the can and lift it to my nose. The aromatic blend of nutty, caramelized sweetness makes the corners of my mouth lift into a smile.

Mmm, my one vice is coffee; if I could put it straight into my veins I probably would. I hit the start button, and the sound of the coffee maker is music to my ears. I head to the mudroom and slipon my boots. Even though it’s the end of June, I slip on my blue flannel as it’s a crisp morning.

I open the door and stroll to the barn. Usually, the first daily chore is feeding the few horses we own. Having horses takes a lot of responsibility. One of them being to provide adequate forage like hay. They need regular grooming and hoof care. I check the level of the water trough and fill it as needed.

The sound of the rooster crowing makes my shoulders shudder. Damn, now Emily will be up sooner than I’d planned. I return to the house and pull off my boots. That’s when I hear the padding footsteps of Emily coming down the staircase.

“Daddy, daddy. Did you feed Magic, Stargazer, and Stetson?”

“Yes, honey.”

“What about Hubs, you can’t forget Hubs.”

“I fed them all.” I lean down and lower to one knee to be at eye level with her. “What are youdoing up so early?”

“I heard Sir Clucks-A-Lot’s cock-a-doodle-doo.” She rubs her eyes and lets out a yawn.

I lifted an eyebrow. “Ah, maybe it’s more of a cock-a-doodle-don’t.”

She giggles. “Your silly daddy.” She hugs me by wrapping her little arms around my neck and kisses me on the face. I turn and blow a raspberry on her cheek. “Eww, that’s gross.” She wipes her face with the back of her hand.

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