Summer Love Read Free Page B

ma ma ma,” Sabrina said, taking another step.
    “You’re doing it. Come on.” She released her daughter’s hands. “You got this,” she said.
    But her daughter sat on her butt.
    “She’s not ready,” her mom said, picking her up.
    “Nope, but soon.” Simone stood and went into the kitchen for a glass of water.
    Her mom stood as well, bringing Sabrina with her. “Are you really going to wear that?” she asked, eyeing Simone.
    Simone shrugged. “I am. It doesn’t really matter what I wear. Sam and I are going to talk. Well, he better do some serious talking. I’m going to listen… at least until I get so pissed I start yelling.”
    Her mom chuckled. “If that’s how the night is going to go then you’re in the perfect outfit.” She turned Sabrina in her arms and held her so their faces were close. “What do you think, Breeney?”
    “Breeney is on my side and yes, that’s probably pretty close to what’ll happen.” Simone opened the refrigerator. “Is chicken okay for dinner?”
    “What kind of chicken?” her mom asked in a baby voice.
    “Sautéed with mushrooms and onions with a salad and baked potato?”
    “Mmmmm, that sounds goo-ooood, don’t you think so, baby-girl?”
    Simone turned just in time to catch Sabrina smiling big at her mom. “Did you need me to cut the onion or the mushrooms?” she asked.
    “No, you holding Sabrina is a huge help.”
     
    ***
     
    Simone tried to eat when dinner was ready, but her stomach was in knots and she finally gave up.
    Her mom tidied up the kitchen after dinner and she held Sabrina. Her sisters came over and they had more of mom’s sangria and hung out.
    The evening was amazing. Spending time with them kept her mind off what would happen at midnight. At eight, she put Sabrina to bed. When she was finished, she walked back into the living room. Her sisters and mom had the TV on and were watching Doctor Zhivago . Simone hated that show. It was long and the end was awful. Mom called it realistic. Simone sat down next to her. “Why do you put yourself through this? You know how it ends. She picks the wrong guy.”
    Mom patted her knee. “Maybe she picked the wrong guy for you, but she ended up with the guy she needed.”
    Simone snorted. “You’re so practical.”
    “It really is a terrible show,” Heather said.
    Her mom faced her. “How are you feeling? Need to talk?”
    “Yes, if it’s about anything other than what I’m going to be doing in a few hours.”
    “Fine.” Mom turned back to the TV. “Let’s see how it ends first.”
    Simone crossed her arms and snuggled next to her mom and sisters even though she knew what happened. It was strange though because as the final scenes played out she still had hope the character would choose the right guy.
    Of course, she didn’t.
    As the credits rolled, her mom took her hands. “No matter what happens tonight. Be brave. Be strong. Even if what he has to say isn’t what you want to hear, know your sisters and I are here for you.”
    Simone felt like she might puke. Her body started trembling again.
    Her mom seemed to sense it. “He came looking for you. Let him share his reasons, listen, and then follow your heart.” She kissed Simone on the cheek.
    “Mom’s right,” Heather said and her sisters agreed, pulling her into hugs.
    “When you get home, if you come home tonight.” She winked. “Just scoot me over. I’m taking your bed.” Her mom stood as did her sisters. “Night.”
    Simone walked her sisters to the door. After they left, she kissed her mom.
    “Love you, Simone.”
    “Thanks, Mom,” Simone responded. She blew her mom a kiss, went into her bedroom, and closed the door.

 
     
    Merit Of A Man
    Four
     
     
    Simone walked to the end of the lane where wooden stairs led down to the beach. The tide was out, which meant the caves would be damp, but dry. As she descended, she tried not to think of the time she and Sam spent walking along this beach, holding hands, talking, and