Page 116 of Love in Riverbend
Ricky is waiting. He keeps his voice low. “Fuck, sometimes Galvin and Nick can get…” He doesn’t finish the sentence. He doesn’t need to.
I nod.
There are details of things I’ve done in private or in a hayloft—I think of BK—that never need to be shared. If I had a girl of my own, I’d be at home taking care of her, not droning on endlessly with friends about something I saw on the porn channel.
Chapter 8
Devan
Five weeks later
“Devan Marie Dunn.” My name echoes throughout Worthen Arena as I walk across the platform. The red and white tassel hanging from the mortarboard tickles my cheek as I reach for my diploma. It’s an empty folder, but after the ceremony, it will be filled with proof of my degree.
I smile as a photographer takes my picture.
Stepping off the platform, I hear my brother’s voice above the crowd.
“You did it, Devan.”
Warmth fills my cheeks as I peer out at the audience. This is our last ceremony of the day. We started earlier this morning in the quad. The sun was shining, and the air was thick with excitement as we listened to prayers and speeches. Now, we’re in Worthen Arena where both Marilyn and I receive our recognition.
Our parents are seated together along with Marilyn’s older brother and younger sister and my brother, Ricky. Seeing my brother, I shake my head. He’s standing and pumping his fist. I should be embarrassed, but I’m mostly proud—of graduating, of the gold cord around my neck signifying that I’ve graduated with honors, and of my family also being proud.
Ricky chose to attend a two-year college, earning his associate degree in bookkeeping.
I’m the first one to graduate with a bachelor’s degree. My mom earned an associate from Indiana University in Indianapolis. She’s been a dental hygienist in Washington all my life. My gaze meets hers, and I notice the tears in her eyes. It makes my heart swell to know they’re proud of me.
After the ceremony, our two families dine at a local restaurant. The table is filled with Marilyn’s parents, her siblings, and my family. Nine of us talking, laughing, and celebrating. Marilyn’s mom, Joan, sits back and looks at me, a smile curling her lips. “I wish you could talk Marilyn into moving back. First, Marcus moves to Chicago and now Marilyn is moving away.” She turns to her youngest daughter. “That’s it, you can never leave.”
We all laugh. Melissa is only fourteen. Her time is coming.
“I still can’t believe it,” Ricky says, talking to me. “I never pegged you for an RTS.”
“I guess college doesn’t count, so I’m not returning. I never left.”
“College counts,” Marilyn says. She turns to her mom. “And who knows what I’ll do after grad school. Maybe I’ll find a great kisser back in Riverbend.”
I elbow my friend as my stomach does a flip-flop.
“What is this?” my dad asks.
“Nothing, Dad.” My cheeks are on fire.
“You’re moving back for some guy?” Ricky asks. “Who?”
“Like I’d tell you, if that guy existed.”
My brother turns to Marilyn. “Does he?”
Marilyn shoots me an I’m sorry expression. “I’m just saying maybe I’ll find a great kisser. And it isn’t you,” she adds. It seems there has been a rift of sorts between my brother and my best friend.
“Ouch,” Ricky says, clutching his heart. “I’m so wounded.”
“Have you two kissed?” I ask, shocked.
“No,” they both say at the same time.
“And,” Joan says, obviously moving the subject away from Ricky and Marilyn. Her eyes are on me. “You’re going to live at home.”
