Page 6 of Stealing Summer
A lot of the local families who lived here were wealthy. Parker and I were by no means rich, more like middle-class. My mother worked as a teacher while my father worked in construction.
“Well, this cabin has charm,” I challenged. “And enough room for us.”
“Exactly,” Parker replied, a softness entering his eyes. “Who needs a tennis court when you’ve got the whole lake?”
Natural light flowed through every inch of the cabin, and the cozy furniture and rustic decor seemed perfect for lazy days taking naps in front of the fireplace.
“I’m pretty sure I could sit out here all summer,” Parker announced as he opened the screen door and claimed the first outdoor chair on the deck.
Soon, he and Boston were arguing over who would get the room that led to the patio, their grins mischievous as each argued their case. As I laughed watching them, it felt like the three of us were kids again.
Once they settled down, Boston leaned against the counter, and shot me that familiar smile of his. “I’ll make us something to eat.”
“You cook?” I blurted out in surprise.
“You know it’s always just been my mom and me,” he said, with a half-smile as he shrugged his shoulders. “Had to learn some skills to survive.”
“Good to know,” I grinned, happily surprised. “Because I’m nowhere near decent in the kitchen, and Parker… Well, let’s just say he shouldn’t quit baseball to be a chef.”
From the patio drifted in Parker’s voice. “Hey! I’ve been told the pizza rolls I make are superb, like no other!”
Boston gave me a sly glance, and we both stifled our laughter. “I’ll take your word for it, bro!” he called back, shaking his head.
“Really, though,” Parker’s voice floated in with humor, “you don’t know what you’re missing. Culinary magic, I tell ya.”
“You think he means tragic?” Boston whispered under his breath, earning him a playful shove from me.
“Well, maybe I can teach you a thing or two,” he quipped, turning his attention to the sizzling pan before him. I didn’t hate seeing him like this, showing a side of him that wasn’t just about sports or the crowd he hung out with at school.
“Okay, chef,” I said, playing along, “what do you need?”
“Grab some plates, will you?” He said as he turned off the stove.
I nodded as I opened the cupboard, reaching for the dishes. As we moved in the small space of the kitchen, laughter mingled with the clinking of plates. We sat down to eat, enjoying each other's company in this cozy cabin.
four
I made my way onto the wooden deck to lay out and get some sun. The planks were slightly heated under my feet from the midday rays. Boston cast another line into the lake and the lure plopped quietly into the still water.
“Think you’ll actually catch something today?” I teased, stretching out on a nearby lounge chair, my eyes squinting against the brightness of the sun.
I wasn’t mad about the possibility of having more of Boston’s attention. He wasn’t constantly surrounded by girls and friends like he would be at home.
“Oh, they’re about to bite. Just you wait,” he replied without looking back, his focus unfaltering.
“Uh-huh. I’m sure,” I laughed softly, letting the sun bathe my face as I settled in and listened to the gentle lull of water against the dock, which was the most beautiful sound. “I could get used to this.”
“Used to what? Me catching us dinner or you being lazy?” Boston responded, finally turning to flash me a smile. I could have easily spent my entire summer on this lounge chair just enjoying the view, and by view, I meant him.
“Definitely the second one,” I shot back playfully.
Looking back, I caught sight of Parker ambling down from the cabin with a baseball mitt tucked under his arm. “You guys hear the news?” he asked eagerly.
Boston raised an eyebrow. “That you finally learned how to throw a curveball?”
Parker shoved him good-naturedly. “No, that we were assigned to the Blue Devils team this summer! Coach Ivy must've pulled some strings with the Blue Devils coach.”
“No way!” Boston’s face lit up. He turned to Parker, a grin spreading from ear to ear. “You know what this means? The Blue Devils—that’s big. It’s where the best of the best play the summer before they get drafted…”