Chapter 4
CHAPTER FOUR
I spat the paste in the sink and tipped the cap full of mouthwash over into my mouth. As I gargled, I peered at my phone’s screen. I didn’t have the nuts to end the call. Summer slept so peacefully on the line. She was surrounded by the things she loved most, enjoying a snooze.
Nature.
Pages.
Comfort.
Sunrise.
Our call had been connected since I dialed her digits twelve hours ago. It was now seven in the morning and I was heading to my office in a few. I wasn’t sure if she had anywhere to be, but I hoped she didn’t.
In fact, I hoped she never did. If she stayed in my world for as long as I wanted her to, she’d never have to depend on a clock to wake her up so that she wasn’t late to get on someone else’s clock.
She’d let her body wake her when it was ready.
When she was ready. And, her days could be spent doing whatever the fuck she wanted.
Her library would be stocked with enough books to keep her nose buried for years.
Our windows would be neverending so she could watch the sun rise and set.
Picnics in the park would be plentiful. So would date night.
And, we’d celebrate her birthday the entire month of September instead of one day, because she deserved thirty days of uninterrupted praise and accommodations.
I miss those eyes. I admitted, inwardly.
Though the phone was muted, I wanted to call out to her just to see her stir awake and reveal those big, brown rounds.
Summer. I prayed she heard my thoughts.
Wake up, baby.
I rinsed my mouth and dried it with the face towel before holding it underneath the hot water. A smile stretched across my face. She was snuggled under a blanket, in the midst of what looked like a hundred pillows. Her cell was propped up, still connected to the charger.
Summer.
I laid the towel against my face and inhaled the warmth, opening up my passageways and making breathing much easier.
Waking up stuffy after sleeping with the ceiling fan and air conditioner on was nothing new for me.
It happened more often than not, especially with the weather beginning to change.
Though subtle, the changes were notable.
Nights were cooler.
Mornings were cooler.
Temperatures during the day were down by a few degrees.
“Ahhhhhhhh–”
I removed the towel from my face just before my limbs locked completely. Summer’s voice disrupted my entire nervous system.
Be easy, I warned my heart.
Her yawn ended with squinted eyes and confusion that lingered on her features even when she realized where she was. She discovered her phone immediately. A gentle smile turned her lips upward.
“Good morning,” groggily, she greeted me.
Good morning, baby.
The words didn’t surface quick enough, but they were right on the tip of my tongue. For now, there were only stares. Intent ones. Ones full of admiration. Adoration. Inclination. Summer did something to me. Something for me.
“Good morning, baby.”
“I fell asleep on you, huh?”
“You did, but that’s alright.”
“You didn’t hang up.”
“I haven’t been able to bring myself to do it.”
“Sau–”
“I don’t want my time with you to end. I didn’t the first night. I didn’t last night. I won’t tonight.”
“Tonight?”
“Go on a date with me, Summer.”
Yawning, again, she nodded.
“Okay. What time?”
“Seven.”
“Seven–” she agreed, “Under one circumstance.”
“Anything.” I rushed out, knowing there was nothing she could ask that would be out of my comfort zone. Summer didn’t operate that way.
Slowly, she lifted up from her cozy pallet. She stretched her arms and twisted her body from one side to the other. I waited patiently, taking note of every move she made.
“My father is dying.” She sighed.
“Su–”
“I’m not asking for sympathy, Saul. It’s something I’ve been grieving for nearly four years now. And, for the past four years there are a few things I’ve wished I did differently. One of those is dating. My father has never had the chance to open the door and find my date on the porch.
“He’s never greeted anyone with his kindness.
He’s never met anyone I’ve spent time with because none of them were worthy of his presence.
Should’ve been a sign they weren’t worthy of mine, but I digress.
I’ve only known you for two days, but my heart tells me you’re much different from anything I’ve ever experienced.
“Anyone I’ve ever experienced. And, this is my last chance to get it right before h– What I’m saying is, I don’t want to meet you anywhere. I don’t want to come out to your car. I don’t want you to phone me a ride. I want you to show up at my door– I want you to knock on my door.
“Allow my father to greet you. Laugh at his nonsense and promise to have me home safe, whenever that might be. Can you do that for me, Saul?”
That and so much more, Summer.
“It would be my pleasure.”
“Yeah?” She asked, eyebrows high on her face.
“Of course.”
She fell back onto the pillows. Her hair was a beautiful disaster that she cared nothing about. Neither did I. With swollen cheeks, she stared at the camera.
“Goodbye, Saul.”
My heart ached at the sound of goodbye, but I knew it was time. I’d hung onto her through the entire evening, the entire night, and would’ve loved to continue through the morning. However, it was impossible if I wanted to get any work done.
“I’ll see you in a bit, Summer.”
My body’s temperature rose significantly. I wasn’t sure what type of spell Summer had placed on me but I wasn’t complaining. I wanted to be wrapped in her web for a couple of lifetimes if she’d allow it.
“I can’t wait.”
The call ended and my sorrows began. I couldn’t wait to be in her presence again.
Twelve hours.
“Twelve fucking hours.” I smiled.
With fresh tulips in my hand, a new line up, and the nerves of a high school kid with a crush, I waited on the other side of Summer’s front door.
The bell of the two-story brick home had been rung and the countdown to meet her father was underway.
I straightened my spine and planted my feet firmly on the ground.
I wouldn’t have needed the address Summer had sent through text.
All I needed was the street name and I would’ve found her home without hesitation.
It stood out from the others on the block.
It was equipped with all the things that made Summer special to me.
Everything that made me look her way twice on my run the other day.
The locks turned and the door opened. Behind the frame was a long, thin fella that didn’t look a day over forty.
Dying? I questioned.
Hadn’t he been towing an oxygen machine with a breathing tube stuffed in his nose, I would’ve called Summer a liar.
But she wasn’t.
And the gentle sounds coming from his mouth before he spoke was evidence. He struggled to talk though the words were there. The ability was there. The oxygen wasn’t. The restriction led to his delay and soft coughs in the corner of his arm.
“Can I help you?”
“Saul,” I greeted, extending a hand.
Hesitantly, he accepted it.
“How can I help you, Saul?”
“I’m here for Summer. We’re set for a date at seven.”
“It’s six–” he paused, taking a look at his watch while catching his breath. “Forty-nine.”
“If you’re on time, you’re late, Sir.”
“I’m with ya when you’re right.Raymond,” he introduced himself.
“Nice to meet you, Sir.”
“Oh hell, I might be dying, but I’m not that old. I’d rather you call me, Ray.”
“Ray, it is.”
Though he was making light of his situation, it stabbed me in the side hearing him confirm it. Summer’s heart would ache forever. My mother had died when I was just a baby, and her death still woke me out of my sleep some nights.
I didn’t get to experience her through life, but her absence affected me just as much as someone who had. Possibly more, because I’d missed it all–not just some of it.
“Come on in. She’s probably up there getting herself together.”
“Actually, I’m ready,” Summer’s voice hummed behind her father.
Joyfully, he turned, entire face lifting into a smile. The same smile I imagined on my face at the sight of my daughter. The same smile I managed on my face at the sight of his.
Deep, heavy coughs erupted from Ray’s body, shaking his entire frame.
“Alright, now, I think it’s time you had a seat,” Summer announced.
“You– you look– splendid,” he coughed out.
“Um hmm. Thank you so much. Now, let’s head to the couch.”
She was gentle with her words, but emphasized them with her actions. She ushered her father further into their home.
“I’ll be right out,” she promised.
“I can hel–”
“I’m fine, Sums. Go ahead about your day.”
It was obvious that Summer ran a tight ship in their home, bossing her father around in the hopes that it would buy her more time with him on earth.
I gave her space to handle her business while I admired her handiwork.
The colorful bed of flowers and big green plants full of life in front of their home was such a beautiful display of art.
I wasn’t sure how much time passed before she stepped out onto the porch. But, as she sealed the door, my irises followed the sound of her securing the lock. She was mesmerizing in cream. It reminded me of our time on the blankets the other day.
Summer approached me slowly, pushing her hair behind her ear. She smelled like something–something sweet and warm at once.
“Good evening, Saul.”
I didn’t have control of my limbs. I extended my right hand and pulled forward until Summer’s body was against mine. She fit perfectly. I drew in a breath of her air.
“Good evening, Summer.”
“More flowers.”
She buried her face into the tulips as she stepped backward, bringing her face back into full view.
“More flowers.” I nodded.
“Thank you. I’m going to sit them here if you don’t mind.”
She was across the porch in a haste, sitting the flowers inside of a bucket.
“There’s water inside. They should be fine until I return.”
“You’re the expert, Summer. I’m just the man who is growing fond of seeing you put your expertise to use.”