“I can understand that. But I promise you there’s nothing you could show me, or even say, that I will ever judge you on, okay?”
“Okay,” I mutter. How can he say that for sure when he doesn’t know me, though?
He comes back out into the hallway with me. “Want to watch some tv while we wait for the fruit tart?” Nodding at him, we head back down to the couch where Zander sits at the far end, giving me my space. “I know you guys watch the Food Network. Want to turn that on?”
I nod and grab the remote, finding the correct channel. Geez, things are awkward now. I messed up with my room and now I can’t communicate. I’m frustrated with myself. We sit quietly and watch Guy’s Grocery Games.
“I’ve never watched this network before. I assumed it was just people standing and cooking. This is great,” he says excitedly. “I love games.”
He really gets into the show, calling out to the contestants as they race around collecting ingredients, and he cheers when they find the secret ingredient. As the winning team races through the store, he chants “go go go” repeatedly.
Sue comes in to check on us and laughs when she sees Zander so invested in the winners.
“Oh man, they missed the last two ingredients. What a bummer,” he frowns. I’m sure he’s exaggerating his reactions to lighten the mood, which is greatly appreciated, but he might be a cheeseball.
“I’m going to have to order this channel when we get home, Summer. I’m afraid I don’t have it right now.”
Sue squeezes my shoulder, then comes around to sit between us on the couch. “The fruit tart needs 30 minutes in the fridge before we can eat it.”
Zander turns to face us. He observes me for a moment before concluding something, nodding his head. “Would it be alright if I talked to you ladies about a few things, or do you want to wait for another day?” He asks, looking between us.
Sue looks my way, raising a brow, leaving the decision up to me. “Is this a heavy conversation?” I ask.
“It’s not bad, but I’d like to discuss some decisions we need to make.”
“Can I video Sarah?”
“Of course, whatever you need, Summer.”
I jog upstairs and grab my laptop. Setting it on the coffee table, I dial Sarah. “Hi Summer.”
“Hey Sarah. Um, I’ve got Sue and Zander with me. Zander wanted to discuss some decisions we must make. I thought you could join the conversation?”
“I’d be happy to, Summer. Hi Sue. Hello Zander,” she calls out as I adjust the screen so she can hopefully see all of us. Both Zander and I slide closer to Sue to help.
I lean over to look at Zander. “Spring break in South Carolina is the week after next, which means you have two weeks before starting school. That provides some wiggle room for flights. I also wanted to invite Sue to fly down with us to Charleston when we leave,” he says. “My treat. It’s entirely your choice, but I wanted to make the offer if that made things easier on everyone.”
I look over at Sue, stunned. I was not expecting that at all. In fact, it never occurred to me. Sue looks thoughtful as she looks at me. “That’s very kind of you to offer, Zander.”
“Summer,” Sarah pulls my attention. “What do you think of that idea?”
I look down at my laptop. “Surprised. Honestly, I never considered it.”
“Do you think it would help you settle in Charleston if Sue were there with you? Or would it hinder your progress to move forward?”
I zone out for a minute to think, fidgeting with the cuff on my hoodie. Zander is nice. I’m still guarded around him, but I think that’s normal, given we just met. He’s gone out of his way to try to make me feel comfortable so far, and he was great with Jake. Would it be easier with Sue there? In a way, yes. She knows me and would be a buffer for me. But would it be a new beginning if she came with me? Or would it just make it harder when she leaves? Knowing myself, I’ll cling to her if she’s there, and be less likely to interact with Zander and my new home. Short term, I’ll be more comfortable, but it won’t force me to start fresh likeeveryone seems to think I need to do. I’m not ready to leave, but when I do, I think I should go alone. Might as well rip off the band-aid.
“Do you need to talk through what you’re thinking, Summer?” Sarah brings me out of my musings to focus back in on the room.
“No, I’m good, I think?” I look over at Zander and Sue. “It would be best to make a clean break when leaving.”
Sue grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “I think that’s best for you too, sweetheart.”
I notice Sarah break out in a big grin in my periphery. She looks almost giddy. “What’s that smile for?”
“You talked everything out in your head and decided, Summer.”
My eyebrows scrunch down. Uh…of course I did. Everyone does that, don’t they? “Is that new?”
