Page 10 of Until Now
“Who’s going to be here?”
“Well, Ken is meeting us here in a few hours.”
“You’ve never asked me if you look good for him.” One finger points in my direction and makes little circles. There’s no words accompanying the gesture. An eyebrow raises.
“You’re too smart for your own good,” I say, holding back my chuckle.
The fact I didn’t deny his suspicions makes Bing happy.
The three of us make our way onto the property and down the side yard. Glad I brought the macaroni salad over last night. I’m carrying enough gear: towels, the requisite sunblock, swimsuit, and trunks. Bing has McFly’s traveling bag, with everything needed for the day.
My stomach is twisted, and I know why. Thankfully, I have a few hours to adjust to being around Maxen before Ken shows. Time to casually mention the fact my date is more acquaintance and less of a “boyfriend.” Not in the strictest sense of the word anyway.
Of course, when Ken gets here, he will immediately sense something’s up. I’ve been candid with him. He’s under no illusion that our relationship is going to be anything other than what it is. But he thinks if he holds on long enough, I'll change my mind. Come to a different conclusion. It’s been six months.
We’re buddies, basically. Friends without benefits. But it’s pretty obvious he would like to change our status. My libido wants more, but damn, I can’t talk myself into having sex for sex’s sake alone. My own ability to bring myself to climax has had to do.
Rounding the corner of the house, I almost run into July’s mother and father.
“Whoa!” November says, laughing.
“Hi! Oh, I was hoping you’d be here,” I say, exchanging hugs.
“We’re playing a game. You’re it now!” Asher says, removing the tall 4thof July hat and placing it on Bing.
“Cool! What do I do?”
“Next time you see someone arriving, you have to pass it on. Whoever the last guest to arrive is has to sing the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ before we start the fireworks.”
July is always coming up with holiday games. She’s started new traditions for not only her family but many of her friends.
“We forgot to bring the sparklers, so we need to make a quick trip home. We’ll be right back,” November says, taking her husband’s hand.
“Yeah, the sparklers,” he says, sounding like there’s a private joke between them.
As they walk away, I catch him giving her a love pat on the ass. Those two still act like they just met. It’s inspiring to a woman who hasn’t been around long-term love for awhile. When we reach the backyard, I spot July. She gives a wave and calls us over with a sweep of a raised arm.
Wes stands, dancing with baby Becca. But as he moves to the right, I’m rewarded with the sight of Maxen and his nephew. He’s looking directly at me, and he’s smiling. And he’s wearing swim trunks. Holy guacamole. My body goes on high alert.
“There’s July. Let’s go sit with them.”
“I’m going in the pool,” Bing says, peeling off his t-shirt and handing it to me.
I stop his forward motion with a hand on his shoulder. “Wait. Meet Hunter first. Maybe invite him to join you. He’s got his trunks on.”
“Okay.”
As we approach the group, I start to feel my confidence wither. It’s an unusual reaction for my personality. Men don’t define me. There’s barely been time for a personal life since Robert died. I define myself and know my worth. I try to teach Bing to be that kind of person too. But today, at this moment, someone else’s opinion of me counts more than usual.
“Bing, you’ve got the hat!” Wes calls. “I’m sure my father-in-law was happy to get rid of it. I would have liked to hear him sing, though.”
“Come, sit,” July says, making room between her and Maxen. What are friends for?
“Hi,” Maxen says with a warm smile. “This is my nephew, Hunter.”
“We’ve met. Hunter brought Boomer in a few times.”
The boy casts his eyes downward and mumbles something I can’t make out. Sounded like a hello, maybe.
