Hot Nights Forever (Hot Summer Series) Read Free Page B

sounds good.  I need to get
my bags from the car.”  Brian wanted to see all the things that interested her
and learn as much as he could about this wonderful woman.
    “Ok.  I need to wash up and change
clothes.  Do you want to go to dinner somewhere tonight or eat here?” 
Stephanie was about to jump up and down with excitement. 
    “We can go somewhere and eat.  Your
choice.”  Brian kissed her swiftly on the lips and turned to go out the door.

Chapter Seven
     
     
     
     
     
    Brian could tell that Stephanie was
excited about them going to the park and out to eat afterwards.  Brian was
looking forward to it too.  He planned on this next week to learn everything
about her.  He had deep feelings for her but he was still afraid of spending
every day with someone for the rest of his life.  Part of his fear came from
his parents.  They were married for 15 years and then one day his dad up and
left.  He was 13 years old and can still remember his mother’s heartbreaking
cries every night. 
    “Ok, we’re here.”  Stephanie turned
and smiled at him. 
    He squeezed her hand.  “I’m ready
for you to show me around Columbia.”
    They both got out of Brian’s Dodge
Charger and began walking up the path holding hands. 
    “Columbia isn’t rich in history or
beauty like Savannah but we do have some interesting things to see and do.” 
Stephanie had an idea of their first stop at the Riverfront Park.
    They made their way to an old
textile mill that was at the far end of a large lake.  It was four stories high
and made completely of brick.  There were narrow windows that provided outside
light to come in.  Several windows were broken on the top two levels and gave
the building a slightly eerie feeling. 
    “What is this?”  Brian asked,
looking up to the roofline. 
    “It’s an electrically operated
textile mill.  This is the oldest in the state.”  Stephanie pointed to the
lower levels.  “It’s still in operation but only the lower part of the
building.  The top floors are used for storage I think.”
    They walked around to the back of
the building.  On the side that faced the lake, there was a large wheel that
circulated in the water.
    “This is the only mill in the state
that is powered by water and electricity,” Stephanie said as they made their
way closer to the bank. 
    “What do they make here?”  Brian
pulled Stephanie in front of him as they looked out over the smooth surface of
the lake. 
    “Mostly denim.  Sometimes they get
large orders for canvas materials for tarps or boat covers.”  Stephanie rested
her head against Brian’s hard chest. 
    “This looks like it’s a large
employer for the city.”  Brian had heard of towns being built around a textile
mill. 
    “Not as much as it once was but
they employ about a thousand workers.  My dad has worked here for almost 26
years.”  Stephanie had pride in her voice as she spoke of her father. 
    Brian could tell that she loved her
father.  “He must be a hard worker.”
    “He is.”  Stephanie smiled.  “Come
on.  I want to show you something else too.”
    They began walking on the path that
bordered the water’s edge.  There were a few people walking and jogging along
the trail.  Brian was holding her hand and began asking her questions about her
family. 
    “So you’re the youngest of three
sisters.  What’s that like?”  Brian thought about his own younger sister and
how she tormented him growing up.
    “Well, we had lots of petty fights
over girly things like makeup, clothes, and shoes growing up.  We get along now
with only an occasional argument.”  Stephanie thought of her two older sisters
and wondered what they would think of Brian.
    “Do they still live here?”  He
rubbed the pad of his thumb over her hand. 
    “No.  My oldest sister, Shannon,
lives in Charleston and Brittney lives west of here in Lexington.  They are
both married.  Shannon and David have one son.
    As they were