Page 42 of The Sky in Summer
“Everyone is having something different. You choose,” Nobel says.
Van turns to me and pretends he’s not fucking around.
“We have it all. What’s your pleasure?”
I would love to answer his question honestly, but I don’t want anyone to think I am a whore.
“I’ll have a beer.” I say the words, but my eyes give him the real answer.
“Let’s take some to the river. They must be thirsty by now,” Nobel says, going to the refrigerator.
“Scarlett, bring me the rolling cooler.”
We move across the open field adjacent to the house. The boys and their friends remain behind. No surprise. There are a few long-limbed girls in the group wearing short dresses. They look adorable.No. They look sexy.Going fishing is number two on Tyler, David, Sam, and Teddy’s list of things to do. I get it. We also lost Parish, who got a call from his editor. But in the plus column, we gained Aargon.
Summer wildflowers put on a colorful show. They’re everywhere. It is a bee and butterfly paradise. The scent is heavy in the air and I think it comes from those purple flowers that seem to be predominate. Looks like the end of the blooming cycle for the delicate blossoms. The edges are curling, and hundreds have dropped on the ground laying a jeweled carpet as its final act.
When we reach the thicket of trees, Nobel leads the way.
“Through here. Watch your step.”
“I feel like singing! Who’s with me?” Van says, clearing his throat.
“Here we go!” Aargon proclaims. “Hope you are into bursts of spontaneous singing, Layla.”
“Oh beautiful, for spacious skies.”
His voice carries over the sounds of the birds and the river. And amongst the trees, the sound seems bigger.
“For amber waves of grain,” I join in, followed by Aurora and Scarlett.
“Oh God, she’s one of them,” Aargon says.
“Quit being sticks in the mud,” Aurora calls between lyrics.
The brothers join us in song, and it makes such a lovely scene. This is so cool how the whole family interacts. They are playful. They enjoy their differences. Before we are done with the second stanza, we come out of the trees along the edge of an incline. Below, the Yellowstone River.
Ahead, Sam, Gaston, andtheDove Solomon stand in the shallows of the dancing waters. I want to laugh or giggle. Jump up and down. I’m spending the day with one of the most recognizable voices in America! Montana’s lead singer!
Dear Diary,
Today Dove Solomon and I went fishing!
She is every bit as striking as I thought she’d be, long blonde hair made into a braid like mine. But it looks hella better on her. Probably everything does. Even the jet-black shades, and the man’s white shirt that looks fabulous against the golden skin of her bare legs. Nobel watches her and wears a charmed smile. No wonder. I’m kinda under her spell too.
“There are our fishermen! Come on down,” she calls.
Aurora takes my arm. “Careful. I fell on my ass a few times doing this. It gets a little wet and slippery.”
We make our way down the narrow path, made smooth by the steps of prior visitors. There is an occasional rise or dip along the way, but it is navigable. Just as I am complimenting myself, my feet slip beneath me. I’m on my ass before I can think twice.
“Oh!”
I start laughing at the absurdity of the moment.
“You just warned me!” I say to Aurora.
Van reaches his hand out and pulls me up.
