for her, but couldn’t stomach the idea
of traipsing around Wal-Mart. So I faked
sick. Asked Tanya to pick one up.
Walter is puttering around the garage,
playing with his tools (or something else).
This is what I’ve been hoping for—a few
private minutes to try and call Kyle.
But when I dig out my cell, there’s
a message waiting for me. From him.
Summer. Call me. Please. Can’t stand …
Can’t stand not having you with me.
His voice trembles. Crying? My own
tears start to fall as I think about
his arms around me. The comfort
of his kiss. All this love, wasting …
I speed dial his number. He answers
almost immediately, as if waiting
for my call. Summer? How are you?
Oh God, I’ve missed you so much.
“I’ve missed you, too. I’m okay….”
We spend a few minutes talking.
I tell him about the blonde and the bear
and my faux sisters. He tells me about
coming to Fresno to visit his aunt
for the holidays. I have to see you.
Maybe we can get together
while I’m there. What do you think?
Get together? How? I’m pretty sure
dating is a solid foster care taboo.
“You know I want to, but I don’t