Page 67 of The Sky in Summer
David watches in horror, as his relatives willingly make fools of themselves.
“Whatcha goin’ to do about it, Jimbo?” Barbra makes her stand with a twirl of the long fork she’s using as a gun. “You forget my particular skills, Sheriff?”
“Oh God,” David adds in his own voice. “You are all crazy.”
“This is fun!” Barbra calls.
“Here, take this to the table,” Layla instructs her sister.
Barbra takes the blender of margaritas and walks off bowlegged. Just like an old gunslinger would.
“Yes, mam. The shootout can wait. I’m getting’ mighty thirsty.”
As the boys take the trays outside, Layla passes in front of me. Leaning in, she kisses my cheek.
“Thanks for coming.”
“Thank me later,” I say, leaning into her ear.
Birthday cake in bed. It doesn’t get better than these small quiet moments. In here, her legs wrapped around mine, the world feels right. There is no artifice. Just Layla and me naked and afraid of nothing. An illusion that taunts me whenever I am away from her.
I lift a forkful of thick frosting to parted lips and make like the airplane is going to land in her mouth.
“I know your favorite part of the birthday cake now. You’re the kid that always wants the rose.”
“Exactly. Now land the plane.”
She takes the bite. “Ummm.”
“I thought you only made that sound when I’m fucking you.”
“That’s not the sound I make. It’s more like, ahhhh.”
“Oh yeah. You’re right. Make it again.”
“Ahhhh,” she starts off sexy and ends up laughing at herself.
It’s the sexiest sound.
The gold bracelet glistens against tawny skin. She lifts an arm and admires the gift.
“I love it.”
“Maybe you’ll think about me when you wear it.”
There isn’t a response, but a look appears behind her eyes. A kind of sad acceptance for the inevitable. Are mine as certain of the outcome? I sure don’t feel that way. Clouds are gathering in my mind, and they are heavy with the coming storm. It is already done though. A new chapter, and I expect it to be a good one. All that I have dreamed about and what will surprise. There is only one thing I am sure of. Everything will change when she isn’t in my life.
“I won’t be able to celebrate your birthday or make it as special as you’ve made mine.”
“You never know. I could decide to come visit. Or you can come to Paris.”
“Let’s not bullshit each other, Van. Or ourselves.”
Point taken. There is nothing more to say. And as her head nestles under my arm. I put the plate down and snuggle into her warmth. Looking away from the runaway train that is coming for us.
16
Layla
