Page 4 of Someone Like You
“Every May fifteenth.” A breeze whispered through the trees that lined River Drive. “See you, London.”
When she was gone he turned and stared at the house, at the expansive porch and rich white columns, and for a moment he remembered what it looked like the first time he had brought London here. The roof had been caved in on one side and deep cracks cut across the old tiled entry. The kitchen cabinets were black with mold, the walls had gaping holes, and every bit of the green shag carpet smelled like wet dog.
London had stepped over a rip in the vinyl and peeredaround a dark corner. “I wonder what happened to the dog?” She looked at him. “Assuming there was a dog.”
“He’s not here. It’s been empty six months.” Of course London would ask about a dog. As long as he’d known her she had loved animals. That day he and London had headed toward the back of the house. The door fell off with a single touch.
Oh, but the view on the other side of that busted-down door.
“Are you kidding?” London had gasped. “This is gorgeous.”
“I’ll transform the place.” He had picked up the back door and leaned it against the house. “And get a couple Jet Skis.”
“One for you and one for me!” She had taken hold of his arm, eyes wide. “I can’t wait!”
Dawson rebuilt the place from the foundation up.
Never mind that they were only friends, Dawson couldn’t picture anyone else riding beside him down the Columbia River. Back then he still assumed she’d wake up one morning, dump the guy of the month and give her heart to Dawson. It was just a matter of time, he had told himself. One day she’d see what his dad and her parents and everyone else who knew them had always seen.
Dawson and London belonged together.
Every year since that senior trip to Disneyland, they had celebrated their Grad Night Anniversary. And tonight, like every year on this date, Dawson would ask God to change her mind. Because if she was ever going to see him as more than a friend, it would be on a night like this. When they would celebrate everything about their relationship.
And maybe—just maybe—she might agree it was time to celebrate something more.
Dinner ran till eight o’clock. Gage Development was acquiring a hundred yards of riverfront on the Portland side in an area previously home to drug dealers and gang members. The spot wasn’t quite cleaned up, but it was about to be. Over rib eye at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Dawson and his dad nailed down details for the purchase of the land and the plans to renovate it.
On the way back to their cars, his dad took a deep breath. “That was all you tonight.” He stopped and faced Dawson. “I want to expand in the next few years. You’re ready, Son. You could run a division by yourself.”
The challenge shot adrenaline through Dawson’s veins. “What about you?”
“Depends.” His dad started walking again and Dawson kept up. A thousand stars blanketed the crisp, cool sky overhead. His father smiled. “I want to be near my grandkids.”
Dawson crossed his arms. “I need a wife before I can give you grandbabies, Dad.”
“Exactly.” His father laughed. “I’m just saying when you do find that girl, and when the little ones come along, I’ll sell everything to be where you are.”
His words touched Dawson to the core. “I’m glad.” He gave his father a long look. “You’re all I’ve got.”
“Same.” His dad winked at him. “Have fun with London tonight.”
For a long moment, Dawson stopped and faced his father once more. “She’s not interested. You know that.”
His dad shrugged. “I see the way she looks at you.” He didn’t break eye contact. “I mean, come on, Dawson.What’s not to like? Of course she’s interested.” A few more steps and they reached their cars. “She needs time. That’s all.”
If only it were that easy.“Okay.” Dawson knew better than to push the subject. “Good meeting tonight.”
“Like I said, all you.” His dad didn’t leave a meeting or workday without hugging Dawson, and tonight was no exception. “I love you, Son.”
“Love you, too.” Dawson climbed into his Chevy truck and called London before leaving his spot. “On my way.”
“I’m already here.” Her voice was soft against the sound of the wind on the river. “Out on the dock.”
Dawson smiled. “See you in ten.”
His dad turned right out of the parking lot. He lived in a condo a mile down the river, the place he bought after Dawson moved out. Dawson’s mother had died when he was seven. His dad never remarried. He dated a few times for a year or two, but always he would share the verdict with Dawson.She’s not your mom.
No one ever would be.
