One Hot Summer Anthology Read Free Page B

the wound.”
                  “It sounds like you understand perfectly, Naja. That’s exactly what this entire experience has been like. I guess I just never expected this to happen to me. I also feel like I should’ve known this was coming. The housing market hasn’t been good for a while. My judgment was off. I fooled myself into thinking things were better than what they were.”
                  “Don’t be so hard on yourself. This wasn’t your fault. You were operating on good faith. We all have to do that sometimes, some of us more than others.”
                  “Well, I don’t want to make this a complete pity party. Tell me what’s going on in your world.”
                  “Not much. I’m sleeping, eating and breathing events for the local dignitaries. On one hand I’m having a blast. On the other I’m about to lose my mind.”
                  “And you love the chaos.”
                  “Fortunately I do. Even so, some of these folks are a pain in the butt. I’m just grateful I have two assistants who act as buffers. They keep me from having to deal with a lot of the monotony.”
                  “I still don’t know how you do it.”
                  “Probably because it’s in my blood.”
                  Imani laughed. “That’s the truth. You’ve been planning events since we were teenagers. I thought Dad was going to have a massive coronary when you told him you planned to major in hospitality management so you could become an event planner.”
                  “He was okay once I explained I’d also be qualified to manage a hotel if things didn’t work out with my first career choice.”
                  “You’re right. Speaking of our parents, have you heard from them?”
                  “I spoke with Mom last night. She’s busy packing a few last minute things for their three week southern Caribbean cruise.”
                  Imani chuckled. “I think our parents may be more with it than we are.”
                  “Maybe more hip than you, but definitely not me. I’m just glad they can be hip. They raised two successful daughters, have a great marriage and are still healthy enough to enjoy life. They’re doing exactly what I would want to do at their age.”
                  “You sure you won’t be partied out by then?”
                  “No more than you’ll be.”
                  “Well, that’s not saying much since I hardly go out.”
                  “Hopefully you’ll get out and party a little while you’re at the beach house. It’ll help you relax.”
                  “Oh no, Naja, that’s the last thing I’m here to do. I’ll leave that to the summer goers who don’t have a care in the world.”
                  “Technically, you should be one of those people. You’re supposed to resting and relaxing, remember? Going out on the town a night or two during the week could help you.”
                  “How do you figure?”
                  “Imani, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the beach house, but I know for a fact there are some very gorgeous men running around that place who’d be more than willing to show you a good time and help you relax.”
                  Imani released a pent up breath. “I’m not here to indulge in casual sex with complete strangers. If anything, that will make my current situation even more complicated.”
                  “Only if you let it.”
                  “Naja.”
                  “What? You know I’m telling the truth. You need to relax. I’m not even there and I can imagine you’ve been doing nothing but pacing back and forth in the living room, trying to come up with a plan to