My parents initially balked at the idea of an Independence Day get-together, especially my mom.
The house is messy.
It wasn’t.
We don’t have enough time to prepare.
I had Grant on my side. Preparation wouldn’t be a problem.
Can we discuss this when I get home?
No, we really couldn’t. I’d anticipated her reluctance and emailed the invitations out before telling my parents.
“Sara,” Grant said, staring down at my iPad. “You have responses from nearly everyone.”
I crossed the sunroom to look over his shoulder. “How are we doing?”
“Crystal Jones cannot attend.” He smiled. “She has to work.”
“Yay!” Lacey’s mom had a job. I hadn’t known that.
“Promising news, indeed. Henry will be at a sleepover, and Scott hasn’t acknowledged either way.” Grant straightened and half-turned to me. “Everyone else plans to attend.”
“Including Mr. Fuentes?”
“Yes.”
So what was up with Scott? “If I haven’t heard from Scott by tomorrow morning, I’ll text him.”
“It’s possible that he doesn’t check his email often.”
“You’re probably right.” I shut down my browser, took one last look at the plan file, and then turned off my tablet. “I know the wish is done, but can you hang out anyway?”
“We could make an excellent case for claiming that spending time together now will contribute to the ultimate success of tomorrow’s party.”
“I like that thinking. Want to watch a movie with me?”
“Certainly. Did you have one in mind?”
“The Martian.” I pressed my lips together to keep them from trembling.
“IsThe Martiana documentary or fiction?”
“What?” I studied his face. He was struggling not to smile. “Are you teasing me?”
“Yes, although apparently not well.”
I laughed. “It’s hard to tell with you. Maybe you’ve been to Mars.”
“Supernatural Beings restrict their travels to Earth.” He offered his arm. “Shall we adjourn to the family room?”
I tucked my fingers into the crook of his elbow. “Gladly.”
The movie ended. The screen went dark. I stayed where I was, sunk into the cushions of the couch, with Grant at my side.
Sean had been right. It was a great movie.
The moon climbed into view, and still we sat.
