“Hello, you.” He gives me a quick peck on the cheek.
I giggle and glance around the shop. “People can see us.”
“Everyone already came here earlier. The guys grabbed some gear, my family stopped by when we opened, even though my dad wanted to stay longer. He was tired.”
“So, how’s everything with the new hot item? Is it popular?”
He winces. “I don’t think I bought enough inventory. We’re kind of almost out of skateboards.”
I reach out and touch his arm, rubbing it. “It’s fine. It’s a learning curve now that you’re doing something newlike this. You’ll just have to sit down, write up some numbers, and see how much you’ll need in the future. You’ll be just fine.”
“This is why I love you.” He grabs my hips, pulling me closer to him.
“When are you going to tell Ellie about us?” I ask, looking around.
His smile fades. “I don’t know. I’m nervous.”
“Then let me tell her.”
He shakes his head. “No, I need to do it. I just need to wait for the right moment.”
I snort. “Like when? Her wedding?”
“I was thinking about your fiftieth birthday.”
“Shut up.” I tap him on the arm.
“I’ll do it soon, I promise.”
We hear a group of rowdy teenagers enter the store, and August’s chest deflates with a huff.
“Need some help?” I ask.
“Please save me.”
FORTY-TWO
AUGUST
The following morning, Dad calls Ellie and me, saying he wants to talk. This could be about anything, but most likely, it has to do with his cancer.
Whatever it is, we hope it's good news. Maybe he's in remission. Maybe he changed his mind and is getting the surgery. As long as it's not anything terrible. I guess, depending on what Dad tells us, I could slide in there to tell Ellie about Riley and me.
I should wear a football helmet in case she throws something at my head for going after her childhood best friend. I'm sure us being together is the last thing she wants, but I can't let go, especially now that I finally have Riley back.
When I get to my parents' house, Ellie is sitting on the stairs of the front porch, gazing up at the clear blue sky.
"Hey," I say, approaching her.
"Hey."
"What are you doing out here?" I sit next to her on the stairs and rest my elbows on my knees.
Ellie drops her head to look at me. "I'm too scared to hear what Dad needs to tell us."
I shake my head and look down at the white wooden stairs underneath us. The faint sound of a bee flying near the flowers passes by.
"I get it."
