The Last Summer, page 19
“Sam and Lily aren’t here yet? Where’s the restaurant? Nearby, I hope. I’m starved.”
Luke bit back a grin. “We’re already here.”
I shaded my eyes and looked at the adjoining sign to the gas station. “The Rusty Armadillo?”
“Yeah. Jason, Sam, and I had lunch here the other day. The barbecue is amazing.”
I looked at the busy gas pumps. “Um. We’re eating at a gas station? You’re saying that the three of you, on purpose, meet at gas stations for lunch?” Jason’s truck pulled up at that moment and he hopped out.
“Dude, Sam’s not here yet? Why the heck are you two standing outside?”
“I’m still confused by the fact that the plan is to eat at a gas station?” I looked from one guy to the other and rolled my eyes at their wide grins.
Jason led the way toward the door. “Texas, baby. We know how to do barbecue. I swear, it’s the best chopped beef you’ve ever tasted. And the house barbecue sauce—”
“Trust us. It’s good,” Luke piped up.
We walked inside and pushed all three tables together. Sam and Lily walked in, Lily wearing a perplexed look on her face and groaning out loud that, “This is ridiculous and it better be good, y’all.” She then proceeded to tell me that there was a faculty luncheon at Glen’s church, so he and Addison weren’t going to make it for lunch. For a split second, I worried again that Debra would arrive and it would be a triple date, with me and Jason inevitably paired off, but to my surprise, Debra had to cover someone’s shift at work.
So the five of us sat down to eat together in a gas station (Texas, y’all.), and yes, it was the best chopped beef I’d ever tasted. I begrudgingly told Jason that he had been right. Luke sat next to me and for just a little while, over potato salad and chopped beef sandwiches drenched in barbecue sauce, things seemed normal again. Jason and Luke and Sam joking and teasing with each other, Lily and I chatting, a table and good food between us.
Luke was eating his second sandwich when I nudged his shoulder. “How’s your mom doing?”
He wiped his mouth. “Better. I hope to see her sometime during the holiday season. It’s taking time, but I think she’s finding herself.”
I grabbed my Styrofoam cup and his, then went to the counter for refills of sweet tea. When I came back, Lily, Sam, and Jason were arguing about whether or not we should all risk hypothermia and go tubing in the spring. I took my seat next to Luke, and he accepted the drink.
“Thanks, Sara.”
“Do you miss Colorado?” He gave me a side glance.
“Sure. Sometimes.”
“Would you ever want to move back?”
“Trying to get rid of me?” he teased, and I poked him.
“For real. Tell me. Do you want to stay here?”
“Yeah, I think so. I mean, it’s hard to get used to the mosquitoes, but what can you do? And the humidity is killer. Still, there’s a lot to love, as I’m sure you know. I’ve never met a Texan who wasn’t fiercely loyal to their state.”
“What do you love about Texas?” I chewed on the end of my straw and waited for his answer.
His eyes met mine. “You.”
I blinked in surprise at his answer, and my heart nearly stopped. He coughed. “And Deb and Sam and our group. I like the friends I have here. I like my job. The fact you can find stellar barbecue in a gas station is pretty cool too.”
He smiled that smile of his, and I sighed a happy sigh. I grinned back at him. “Yeah, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from scratch cards, Cheetos, and Skoal.”
“See? Only in Texas can you find a girl who says ‘a hop, skip, and a jump.’” He winked at me and I laughed. And it felt so good. So normal.
“Hey.” Debra stood at the end of the table, her narrowed gaze zeroed in on me and Luke.
“Deb! Hi!” I jumped up and moved to the empty seat next to Jason.
“We thought you had to work!” Lily said as Deb slid into the chair by Luke.
“No,” she replied slowly. “Someone else had already agreed to cover the open shift, so they let me go.”
“Are you hungry? Despite our unfortunate surroundings, the food is delicious,” Lily assured her. Debra looked at Luke.
“I texted you.”
He pulled out his phone and scrolled downward. “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear it. Do you want anything to eat? I’ll get it for you.”
“I’m not hungry,” she answered, glancing at me. The table quieted. She didn’t say anything else after that curt, short answer, and Luke quickly finished his sandwich. Debra’s usual bubbliness seemed to have been replaced by moody annoyance. The silence alone on her part told me something was off. And where a few moments before Luke had been laughing and talking, now he didn’t take his eyes off the sandwich in his hands. Jason and Lily and Sam picked back up their conversation like nothing was wrong. That left me awkwardly silent with Luke and Deb for a few minutes. I pulled out my phone and checked Facebook.
“How’s Everett doing, Sara?” Debra finally said. I dropped my phone back in my purse.
“He’s really looking forward to the wedding. I think he flies in the middle of next week.”
“You must be excited to see him.”
My head bobbed up and down. “Definitely.”
She turned her gaze back to Luke, but he stood up to throw away his empty cup and plate. I leaned in toward Jason.
“I’ve got to get going,” I said in his ear. He nodded.
“Yeah, me too.” We both stood up and that started the round of goodbyes. Luke asked Debra a question in a low voice, and she answered in a hurried whisper. The rest of us discreetly left them behind for some privacy. Luke barely looked my way when I said goodbye to him. My last glance before getting in my car was of the two of them, still sitting at the table inside. Who knew what they were talking about … but I had a feeling there was trouble between our lovebirds.
“All right then, Sara and Everett, the two of you are next,” the church coordinator for the wedding ceremony instructed. This would be our third walk down the aisle together. The rehearsal seemed to never end.
I held tightly to Everett’s arm as we walked down the long aisle. If we had to keep walking together, at least I was going to enjoy being so close to him.
“Third time’s the charm, right?” he said through clenched teeth. I smiled pleasantly.
“We can only hope,” I whispered back. We slowed our step as we reached the altar and went our separate ways, with Everett giving me a quick wink. Addison and Glen went through the ceremony, and then again we all filed out to the sound of the wedding recession music. Standing side-by-side in the lobby, Everett and I waited to hear the verdict.
“Okay, guys, let’s head to the restaurant for dinner,” Addison announced after talking with the coordinator.
Everett threw his arm around my shoulders as we walked through the church’s dark parking lot. I unlocked my car and drove us to the nearby steakhouse where the rehearsal dinner was being served.
“You’ve got to be exhausted, Sara,” Everett said, massaging his neck once we were in the car. “This wedding stuff is completely draining, and you’ve been holding Addi’s hand through every step! The two of you have breathed wedding plans for days.”
I chuckled. “It’s not so bad, and it will all be over in a matter of hours! I can’t believe it. It feels like yesterday that Addison told us she was engaged.” I paused for a moment, thinking of the other announcements that had been made that night. “How do you feel, knowing your sister will be married tomorrow?”
He shrugged. “I’m a guy, Sara. My sister’s getting married to someone I really like. I feel fine. I’m happy for her. She and Glen are a good team.”
“She’s crazy in love with him,” I said, and Everett nodded.
“That’s obvious.” He reached over and played with the ends of my hair. “Is it obvious I’m crazy about you?”
I giggled. Again with this guy making me giggle! Good grief, he was cute.
“No,” I answered. He leaned back and smiled.
“Well, maybe I’m being too mysterious then. I’ll have to work on that.”
We parked at the restaurant and made our way to the reserved banquet room where Addison and Glen’s families and most of the bridal party were already mingling. We ended up sitting next to Addison and Glen and across from Luke and Debra. Lily and Sam sat at the opposite end of the table. My nerves heightened as I glanced at Debra, who looked uncharacteristically tense, then shot a look down at Lily. She shrugged as though she couldn’t help where they were seated.
The room buzzed with multiple conversations. Oblivious to Debra’s slight change in temperament, Everett seemed to still be feeling flirty and in great spirits.
“Luke and Debra,” he said after our meals were served, “Sara says it’s not at all obvious that I’m crazy about her. What do you think?”
I blushed and poked his shoulder. “They wouldn’t know!”
“Sure we would,” Debra answered, her voice wavering. “I think it’s obvious. Don’t you, Luke? Isn’t it obvious that Everett is crazy about Sara?”
Luke slowly cut the steak on his plate.
“It should be obvious when someone’s crazy about you,” Debra continued, the waver in her voice noticeable enough now that I was sure Everett sensed the tension as well. Under the table, my hand found Everett’s.
“I think I need more salad dressing,” I stated. Everett and I both looked around for a waiter, our heads turning back and forth like standing, rotating fans. Everett flagged a waiter down. Across from us, Debra and Luke didn’t say a word. The four of us ate in silence while we waited for the waiter to deliver an extra side of ranch. I had about three pieces of lettuce left, but I doused them in the dressing once it came.
“How long have you two been dating?” Debra asked, her words sharp.
“Not as long as you guys,” Everett answered in a smooth voice. I nudged him, trying to telepathically communicate to him to change the subject.
“Well, that’s true,” Debra said. “Luke and I have been dating for about eight months. Which is a very long time—to me, at least. And we’ve known each other for years. Of course, we’ve all known each other for years, right, Sara?”
Why did this feel like a strange question leading me down a dark path at night? The inclination to run in the opposite direction hit me full force.
“Um, you mean our group? Yes, we’ve all known each other for several years,” I agreed. “Will they be serving dessert soon, do you think?”
“We may need to ask someone. I’d like some coffee as well,” Everett said. There was another moment with our heads rotating in search of a waiter. In search of any distraction, really.
“So Sara,” Debra said, her voice again taking me to that dark path. “Are you just as crazy about Everett as he is about you?”
I felt my cheeks flame.
“Deb,” Luke said softly, “I think you and I should step outside for a minute.”
Her eyes watered. “Why? Here’s what I want to know. Is it obvious that you’re crazy about me, Luke? Is it? What do you two think?” She looked at Everett and me frantically, but I didn’t think she really saw us. She kept blinking and breathing hard. Everett and I just gripped hands and didn’t speak.
Luke stood up and held out his hand to Debra. “Come with me, please,” he said in a quiet, calm voice. “We’re okay, Deb. Just come with me.”
She looked at his hand. I could almost see the invisible pull and the inner fight happening right in front of me. Her desire to be angry versus the longing to be reassured. She couldn’t fight it, and even I felt relief when she placed her hand in his. Luke’s hand closed over hers, and he pulled Debra to her feet and led her out of the room.
Everett and I both exhaled.
“That was…” He couldn’t seem to find the right word. I nodded my understanding.
“They probably just had a little argument before the dinner. It’s always worse when you’re trying to act normal in front of a crowd of people,” I said.
“That’s true.” The waiter finally came and offered us coffee and dessert. “I hope she’s okay.” Everett and I sat side by side. I scooted as close as I could to him, needing the support of feeling our shoulders pressed against each other.
“Should I go check?”
Everett looked at me and shook his head. “No, Sara. Definitely not.”
Luke and Debra didn’t return to the table, and my worry over them continued to escalate. During dessert, people started getting up and making speeches and offering their best wishes to Addison and Glen. It was a special time of reflection and laughter. Addison wept during every speech. During a small break, I found myself dragging Lily to the restroom with me, where I gave her an overview of what had happened. Lily’s brow creased with concern.
“Oh no. That doesn’t sound good at all. What can we do? Where are they? Have they left?” I shrugged helplessly at Lily’s questions.
“No idea. Should I text either of them?”
Lily shook her head. “No, I think you should just go back and enjoy your time with Everett. Let me text Debra.”
I went back to my seat after our conversation.
“Any sign of Luke and Debra?” I asked Everett.
“No. They probably just needed some time alone to talk, Sara. I’m sure they’re fine,” he said, his voice soft.
Part of me agreed with him. Another part of me kept seeing the frantic look in Debra’s eyes and the unsteadiness in her voice. It wasn’t my business, of course, but I couldn’t help wondering what was going on between them. They’d just been looking at rings, for goodness’ sake. What could be wrong? I supposed they could have had a disagreement about something, though I wondered what could cause so much tension. I thought back to the day when we’d had barbecue—there had definitely been tension that day as well. The look on Debra’s face a few moments ago kept flashing in my mind, and the tightness in Luke’s tone—I hoped Lily managed to get ahold of one of them at least and help somehow.
The rehearsal dinner went well into the night, and Luke and Debra never reappeared. A quick whisper from Lily told me she’d text me later if she heard anything. Everett and I walked back to my car and drove to Addison’s townhouse.
“You’re worried about them, aren’t you?” he asked during the drive.
I nodded. “Debra seemed so upset.”
“She did,” he agreed.
I realized in that moment that I was obsessing over Luke and Debra rather than being present with Everett. I tried to shake off the worry.
“I’m sorry, Everett. I’m sure you’re right. They’ll be fine.” Everett raised my hand to his lips and kissed my fingers.
“They’re your friends, Sara. I know you can’t help being concerned.” He looked up at Addison’s townhouse, its porch light softly glowing in the darkness. “Addison’s home. I better go in. I need to make sure she gets some rest before tomorrow. Big day, you know.” He smiled at me. Impulsively, I cupped his face in my hands and kissed him. When I pulled back away, Everett’s lashes fluttered with pleasant surprise.
“What was that for?”
I laughed. “I couldn’t seem to help myself. You must be irresistible.” I touched his face. “Thank you for being so understanding,” I added.
Everett ran his thumb across my lips. It seemed like there was more he wanted to say, but he didn’t.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Sara. Save a dance for me.”
I kissed him once more. “You’re my date, Everett. They’re all for you.”
The morning of the wedding dawned bright and beautiful. A clear Texas December sky and just enough of a cold front to make things feel festive for all of us. I threw on a sweater over my jeans and blouse and left early for a hair appointment. I was having my hair done at my mother’s favorite salon before heading over to Addison’s house. The bridesmaids and a few of Addison’s female relatives were all grouping together at her house for brunch, then we girls would get ready together.
By 10:30 a.m. the hair stylist twirled the salon chair around for me to see the final results of my hairdo.
“Kelly,” I said, lightly touching the braid, “it’s so gorgeous.”
“Well, it’s a good thing you came in so early. Your highlights really needed help.”
I laughed. “True enough.” I looked at the blend of blonde and light-brown chunks of hair, woven together in a loose but classically elegant braid that swept over my shoulder. I grabbed my purse, paid the bill, and rushed to Addison’s house, which was already bustling with activity. I picked up a breakfast sandwich and took the stairs two at a time.
“I’m here!” I announced as I walked into the bedroom.
Addison sat on the bed, crying. Lily and Debra stood on either side of her, both looking pale and nervous.
“Um, what’s going on?” I asked, setting aside my sandwich.
“I don’t know why I’m crying.” Addison hiccupped. “I’m really happy. I promise!”
“We believe you, sweetheart,” Debra said in a comforting tone, placing a hand on Addison’s shoulder.
There was a tap on the door and then Everett pushed in; he fit the theme of pale and nervous too.
“Here’s your tea, Addi,” he said gently, crossing the room and handing her a mug. When she didn’t move to take it, I reached for it and set it on the nightstand. “Everything’s going to be okay, sis. Do you not want to go through with it? You don’t have to,” Everett said.
“I do! I want to!” Addison cried out. All of us stepped back.
“Thanks for the tea, Everett.” Lily dismissed him. “We’ve got this. Just keep everyone downstairs for a few minutes, all right?”
He nodded his immediate agreement and disappeared downstairs.
Lily sat down next to Addison. “It’s just nerves, honey.” She spoke in that calm way of hers. “And that’s okay. We’ve got hours before the ceremony. I promise you’ll be ready by then. Glen is God’s sweet, precious gift of a husband to you, Addison. He’s yours and you’re his. That man loves you with all of his heart, and men like Glen don’t come around very often. Weddings are stressful, love, but tonight, after all the fun of the ceremony and reception, you’ll lay down next to Glen and nothing will be more wonderful than that. You’ll wake up next to him tomorrow, and you’ll smile—you may even cry because you’re just so darn happy. And it’s all God’s blessing on your life.”
