Page 54 of Be My Summer

“I’m saying exactly what you’re saying, Miss Summer. I’m saying I love you. I’m saying my heart is hurting knowing yours is hurting. I’m saying I wish I could dissolve your worries tonight. I’m saying I wish there was a way to make sure you never worried, feared, or managed to get hurt again in this lifetime.

“Because, I hate that look on your face. Those tears in your eyes. That damper on your spirit. But, I’m going to do everything in my power to lift it. That’s my job now. You’re my job, and I anticipate the hour I clock in each day.”

“I’m a work in progress,” Summer chuckled softly.

“You’re a woman watching the person she loves die. Each breath he takes could be his last and that pains you more than anything else in the world. The same man would do anything to stay here and watch you become his wildest dream. Meanwhile you’re still mourning the absence of the woman who decided not to stay and has yet to see the woman you’ve become. You’ve been grieving your entire life, Summer.

“This time, it’s actually someone deserving and you don’t know how to deal with that pain. Maybe you are a work in progress, Summer, but don’t forget that these are the cards that were dealt to you. Every card you chose on your own has been the right one. You’re everything you ever hoped you’d be. Every aspect of your life you have control of has turned out beautifully. Give yourself grace… Miss Work in Progress.”

She peered up at me with glistening orbs.

“Thank you.”

“I’m here now, baby, and I’m not leaving. Life can keep trying you, but you won’t go through it or get through it alone.”

I took her hand into mine and kissed the back of it. Her skin was as soft as she was. Quietly, we pulled into the dining hall, just six minutes after my designated time of arrival.

“You’re stunning,” I whispered in Summer’s ear as we stepped inside of the building.

Guests were scrambling about, trying to find their way. I was in awe of my mother’s ability to pull things together so well. Every image on her vision board had come to life.

“This place is incredible.”

“With eighteen restrooms. I’m thinking of sneaking you into one and seeing what’s underneath that dress.”

Sniggering, she pushed my hand from her waist.

“You know exactly what’s under this dress. You’ve seen it at least twenty times.”

“It might look a little different tonight.”

“You’ll know soon enough.”

“That’s good enough for me, Miss Summer.”

I took her hand, leading her into the main ballroom.

“Let me introduce you to the parentals. Don’t mind my mother. Tardiness is not her cup of tea.”

“Mine either. I will be sure to apologize.”

“There’s no need. She’ll be alright. I’ll explain later. Public confrontation isn’t her thing either. She’ll hold onto most of her shit until we’re alone.”

“A wise woman.”

“I told you– you remind me of her.”

“Saul! It’s so good to see you, baby.”

My grandmother pulled me into her bosom. After our embrace, I stepped back and pulled Summer forward.

“Good seeing you, too, Granny. This is Summer. Summer, this is Granny, my father’s mother.”

“Hello. Nice to meet you.”

Summer extended a hand, but was denied. Instead, Granny wrapped her arms around Summer and quickly reminded her that a mother’s love actually existed. The warmth she shared was crippling. I’d experienced it so many times before. Paralyzed with goodness and sureness, everything her embrace supplied, Summer tried regaining control of her body parts.

I chuckled, knowing exactly what was happening. It happened to everyone Granny encountered. She had a way about her. And, her hugs were healing.