Page 54 of One Sultry Summer

Wyatt Woods

It was late as I stood outside Valerie’s door and contemplated turning around and going back home. My mom said Valerie had a difficult day and needed someone to listen to. I softly knocked, then I heard the click of the lock turn and the door open.

Valerie stood in the doorway in her pajamas. Her eyes were slightly puffy and red as if she had been crying, and her lips trembled slightly. Despite this, she managed a small, grateful smile, inviting me inside with a gentle nod. Her soft auburn hair hung past her shoulders. I couldn’t help but joke. “Do you always answer the door like this?”

“No. Sometimes I’m naked.” The corner of her mouth twitched slightly as she continued, “Just kidding. Come on in.” She stepped aside, allowing me to enter her cozy room. The soft glow of the bedside lamps created a warm atmosphere, making me feel at ease.

“Sorry to stop by so late. My mom said you might need someone to talk to, or a shoulder to lean on.”

“Your mother is sweet. I do want some company.”

I wiped the side of her face with the pad of my thumb. “Do you want to talk about it?”

She shook her head. “No. Can you keep me company until I fall asleep?”

“Sure, I can do that.”

“Unless you have Emily waiting for you?”

“Emily is at her grandparents.” I felt a surge of anger toward whoever was responsible for making Valerie upset. I sat on the edge of her bed, and she crawled under the covers, pulling themup to her chest.

“Can you lay beside me?” She pulled the covers back and I took off my clothes down to my underwear.

“No funny business lady.” She giggled, as I slipped into bed. “How’s it only been a day since I’ve seen you, but it feels like a week has passed by?”

“Awe, I missed you too.” She placed her head on my shoulder and wrapped her arm around my midsection. I placed my hand on her wrist splint and caressed her hand. “Thank you for stopping by to see me.” We laid in silence for a while, the only sound being the footsteps of people walking down the hallway. Eventually, her breathing slowed, and I knew she had fallen asleep. I gently tucked her hair behind her ear and whispered, “Goodnight Valerie.” and kissed her forehead.

The room exuded a sense of tranquility, with its soft, muted colors and plush furnishings. The gentle hum of the air conditioner blendedwith the quiet rustle of the curtains, which swayed slightly in the cool breeze. A delicate scent of lavender lingered in the air, adding to the calming ambiance as the night enveloped us in its peaceful embrace. It wasn’t long before I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep.

When I woke the next morning, I once again found myself alone in bed. Valerie has a habit of slipping away while I’m still asleep. I lay in bed staring at the ceiling when I heard the sound of the water running in the bathroom. I pulled the covers back and stood to join her in the shower.

A knock at the door stopped me in my tracks. I turned to look at the clock; it was only seven-fourteen. Who the hell is knocking this early? Could it be room service? I pulled on my pants and looked through the keyhole.

A man stood on the other side of the door that I didn’t recognize. I would guess he’s in his mid-fifties by the looks of his gray hair. I don’t think it’s her dad since he left her family long ago. Iunlocked the door and opened it.

The gentleman looked surprised to see me. “Can I help you?”

“Sorry, I was looking for Valerie Masterson.”

“She’s unavailable right now, and you are?”

“Her boss, Steven Graves.”

Behind me, Valerie spoke. “Former boss. Remember, I quit!”

I folded my arms and stood with my best menacing glare. “Listen, Mr. Graves is it? Where I come from, we don’t intrude on a lady’s privacy. Why not head downstairs for some coffee? She’ll find you when she’s ready to see you.” I took a step back and slammed the door in his face.

I turned to see Valerie standing in a robe with her hair wrapped in a towel. “Why did you quit? Was he harassing you?” I tilted my head and waited for her to explain.

She blew out a frustrated breath. “No, he didn’t harass me. I submitted my recommendation for them to build a hospital. When he said it wasn’tfeasible, I kinda blew up and told him I quit.”

“I appreciate that you stood up for Skybrook, but are you sure about quitting?”

She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know.”

I took a step closer, held her in my arms, and stared into her gorgeous eyes. “Perhaps your speech piqued his interest, and he flew to see you. There’s a chance you can change his mind if you give him a tour of Skybrook and let him see the damage caused by the storm.”

“You’re right. There’s no reason for him to fly out here. Especially not for him to personally pick up my resignation letter.”

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