Sweet Summer Days

by Sheryl Lister

  “I’ll see you on Sunday.”

  Still reeling from the kiss, Celeste nodded and watched him stroll down the walk to his car. She closed the door and leaned against it, her heart racing. The man could kiss! She hadn’t moved when her house phone rang. She had no doubts this time about who the caller would be.

  “Hello, Deborah,” she said when she answered. “Yes, we went to lunch and I just walked in the door.”

  Deborah giggled. “Well, don’t leave me in suspense. How was it and are you two going to see each other again?”

  She took the cordless into her bedroom, kicked off her shoes and reclined on the bed. “It was wonderful and so is Thad. And I invited him to dinner on Sunday.”

  Her sister paused. “You’re going to cook dinner for him?”

  “Yes. I don’t even know where the offer came from. One minute we’re talking about the good time we had and the next, I’m inviting him over for dinner. I don’t have a clue what to cook.” She hadn’t prepared dinner for a man in years. It dawned on her that she had no idea what he liked or whether he had some kind of food allergy.

  “Relax, sis. You’re a fabulous cook, and I’m sure whatever you prepare will be fine.”

  “But what if he doesn’t like it? Worse, what if I make something he can’t eat. Maybe I should just call and cancel.”

  “Don’t you dare cancel that dinner. Everything will turn out. Call Thad and ask if there’s something he doesn’t or can’t eat. See, it’s an easy solution.”

  “You’re right. It’s just that he makes me feel like…I don’t know.”

  “He makes you remember that you’re a living, breathing woman with very real needs. It’s a good thing, Celeste. So, did he kiss you?”

  “You are so nosy.”

  “Yep, I am. Now answer the question.”

  Her lips tingled in remembrance of the sweet kiss. “Yes.”

  “The sound of that yes tells me the man knows his way around a woman’s mouth. And if he knows that, he—”

  An image of his tongue snaking around the ice cream cone rose unbidden in her mind. “Okay, I’m ending this call.”

  Deborah chuckled. “Mmm hmm, you were thinking the same thing. Keep me posted and if you need me to help with dinner, let me know.”

  “I’ll think about it.”

  “Seriously, sis, this is a good thing.”

  “I feel like I’m moving too fast.”

  “Says the woman who met, dated and married a man in less than a year. You, of all people, know that relationships don’t have specific timetables. Just go with the flow.”

  Celeste sighed deeply. “I’ll try.” And pray she wasn’t making a mistake.

  Friday evening, Thad and Nolan stood in Brandon and Faith’s kitchen cutting and seasoning the ribs and chicken that would be grilled for Saturday’s baby shower. Brandon had enlisted their help, as well as that of his mother and two sisters. The women focused on the decorations, while the men handled moving furniture and food preparations.

  “I met someone this week.”

  Nolan paused in his task. “A woman?”

  Thad nodded. “At the center on Tuesday. She’d come with her sister to one of the support groups.” He shared the details of what transpired with Celeste, including the sparks of awareness he’d experienced. “It was the weirdest thing, and I kept telling myself I was too old for this sort of thing, but I know what I felt.”

  “Too old? If you’re old, that makes me the same, and I can assure you Dee has no complaints.” They laughed. “Hell, it’s even better now in my opinion. You know, you haven’t been serious about anyone since Annette.”

  He frowned at the mention of her name. He placed the seasoned chicken parts into the roasting pan. “I don’t know why you’re bringing her up.” Thad had met Annette Cohen at a business conference a decade ago and they’d dated for six months before she decided she couldn’t handle being with a man who wasn’t “whole”, as she’d termed it. He had gone out with a few other women who shared her sentiment, but Annette’s words hurt because she had said just the opposite at the beginning of their relationship. He later found out that her circle of friends had convinced her that she would be better off dating a man without limitations. Because they worked in similar fields, Thad had seen her at a number of functions since then. The last time their paths crossed, Annette had hinted at a reconciliation, but Thad had no intention of starting up with her again. Men didn’t want their hearts broken any more than women, and he was no exception.

  “I’m just saying. Do you think this thing with Celeste will go anywhere?”

  “It would be nice. I really like her. She’s a widow.”

  “Does she know about—?”

  “Not yet. She knows I served in the military, but that’s all. We went to lunch today and she invited me over for dinner on Sunday. I plan to tell her then.” If Celeste reacted the same as the others, at least he’d find out before investing his time and heart.

  Nolan carried Ziploc bags filled with ribs to the refrigerator. “I really hope it works out. Speaking of women, how are you going to handle seeing Francis tomorrow.”

  “Same as always. I admit those old feelings crop up every now and again, but having my baby girl back has helped keep the anger at bay.” When his ex-wife divorced him, she had taken their two-year old daughter with her. It had taken Thad twenty-eight years to be reunited with Faith. Francis had remarried and, as much as he wanted to resent the man who had raised his daughter, he couldn’t. William Alexander had done a wonderful job raising Faith and she loved the man. Thad would never put Faith in the position of having to choose between them. He walked over and placed the covered pan on a shelf in the crowded refrigerator.

  “You’re a better man than me. I’d probably still be angry and bitter. But back to Celeste. When do you think we’ll get to meet her?”

  “You’re dating someone, Unc?”

  Thad and Nolan spun around at the sound of Brandon’s voice and saw him leaning against the counter with a wide grin.

  “Faith mentioned that you were talking on the phone to some woman and smiling about a date. By the conversation, I take it everything went well. So, I’ll repeat Dad’s question: when are we going to meet her?”

  Thad eyed him. “Brandon, don’t you have some furniture that needs to be moved outside?”

  Brandon chuckled. “If you need some dating pointers, let me know.” He gestured to his father. “Dad and Mom have been married too long, so he probably won’t be much help.”

  “Contrary to your belief, I don’t need any help. My dating game is just fine and has been since before you were born.”

  Nolan lifted a brow. “Boy, please. You act like we’re near death. And as for whether I can’t offer any help, ask your mother. I’m sure she’ll tell you I’m more than able.”

  Brandon’s face registered a mixture of shock and horror. He groaned. “Ugh, really, Dad? That’s just too much information.”

  Thad and Nolan roared with laughter.

  “What? You’re the one talking about my skills. And how do you think you got here? Immaculate conception?”

  He frowned as if he’d smelled something bad and held up his hands in mock surrender. “Just stop and forget I said anything. I’m out.” Brandon pivoted on his heel and stalked out, muttering something about parents and being gross.

  Still chuckling, Nolan said, “I bet he won’t be offering any advice again.”

  “No, he won’t. Like I said, I’m good on all fronts.”

  “Amen, my brother.” They did a fist bump. “And I’ll keep my schedule open for that double date.”

  “You do that.” If things went the way he planned on Sunday, a double date would be just the beginning. He and Nolan seasoned another batch of meat and cleaned up the kitchen.

  Faith came in as they finished. “Wow. You didn’t have to clean up, but I really appreciate it.” She kissed each of them on the cheek.

  Thad noticed she had her purse. A
quick glance at the oven clock showed the time to be almost ten. His brows knit together. “Are you going somewhere?”

  “Yes, to the airport to pick up Mom and Dad.”

  “You’re not going alone, are you?” Tomorrow would be soon enough to see his ex, but he’d push his feelings aside if Faith needed someone to go with her. He didn’t want her out alone this late at night.

  “No. Brandon is driving. Will you be here when we get back?”

  “Probably not.” He scanned the counters for anything they may have missed. “I have a few things to do tonight.”

  “Okay. Then I’ll get my hug now.” She embraced him and held on tight. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re here.”

  She didn’t have to. Thad knew exactly how she felt. “I’ll be here a little early tomorrow, in case you need something.”

  “Thanks, Dad.” She turned to her father-in-law and smiled. “Sorry, but Mama Dee said she wants to finish making the centerpieces and wrapping the silverware before leaving.”

  “Nolan shook his head. “Guess I’ll make myself comfortable.”

  “I guess so,” Faith said with a laugh. “See you later.”

  After she walked out, Nolan smiled. “Coward.”

  “What are you talking about?” Thad asked.

  “You’re just leaving because you don’t want to have to deal with Francis tonight.”

  “No, I have to make a stop before the store closes.” He’d invited her and William to the retirement party two years ago and they were cordial toward each other on the few occasions Thad had seen her, but he didn’t actively seek out conversation. He’d see Francis tomorrow. Tonight, the last woman’s voice he wanted to hear before going to bed was Celeste’s.

  Chapter 5

  Saturday afternoon, Thad removed the last batch of chicken from the grill and carried it over to where DeAnna and Siobhan stood arranging food on a long table. He had no idea where they would put the large pan, but he handed it off and went to grab a beer. He passed Morgan and Kathi, Faith’s best friend from Portland, coordinating a game that had to do with wrapping toilet paper around a person and shook his head. Before he made it to the cooler, he saw Brandon and Khalil standing off to the side.

  “Brandon and Khalil, why aren’t you two over there getting wrapped up like a mummy?” he asked teasingly.

  Khalil snorted. “Please. There’s no way I’m participating in that.”

  “Me, either,” Brandon said. “First, they were crawling around blindfolded on a blanket with a bowl and spoon trying to scoop up cotton balls. Next, they’re racing with an egg on a spoon, and now…” He gestured across the yard. “This. Nah, I’m good.”

  Khalil laughed. “True that, big brother. We’re about to break out the dominoes, Unc. You want in?”

  Thad grinned. “You’d better believe it. I’ll be over in a minute.”

  “You going to get your crying towel?”

  He leveled Brandon with a glare. “No, I’m going to get one for you. You didn’t learn anything from last night about starting something you can’t finish?”

  Khalil doubled over in laughter and divided a glance between Thad and Brandon. “Last night? What happened last night?”

  “Ask your brother.” Thad chuckled at the look on Brandon’s face. It was the same as the previous night. “Your dad and I had to remind him that we don’t need any help when it comes to women.”

  “Wait. What?”

  Thad winked and left them standing there, Brandon with a frown and Khalil with his mouth hanging open. He retrieved two beers and handed one to Nolan, then the two men joined the game of dominoes. Brandon and Khalil did lots of trash-talking, but Thad and Nolan ultimately came away as the winning team. Malcolm, Omar and Siobhan’s husband, Justin, declined a seat at the table, leaving the two older men with bragging rights until the next time.

  “The only reason we aren’t playing is because it’s time to eat,” Malcolm said.

  Nolan smiled knowingly and pushed back from the table. “Whatever you say, son.”

  Still laughing, they filed over and filled their plates with the many offerings. Thad sat at a table with Faith, Brandon, Kathi, Nolan, Dee, Francis and William. He’d been to nearly every Gray family function for almost forty years and, for the first time felt the pang of singleness. Immediately, his thoughts went to Celeste. He had no doubt she would fit in well. He realized he might be getting ahead of himself and refocused on the conversation flowing around the table. At the end of the meal, he went to dispose of his plate.

  “Thad, can I talk to you for a few minutes?”

  He shifted to face Francis and studied the nervous expression she wore. “Is everything okay? You’re not sick, are you?” Faith would be devastated if something happened to her mother.

  “No, no, it’s nothing like that.”

  Thad hesitated briefly, then gestured her toward the patio door. “We can talk inside.” Once they entered the family room, she sat on the sofa and he took the opposite chair. She didn’t say anything for several seconds and averted her gaze. “What’s on your mind, Francis?”

  Finally, Francis glanced his way. “I owe you an apology, more than an apology, really.”

  He went still.

  “I am so sorry for everything I put you through, Thad. You didn’t deserve it and I know I’ll never be able to make up for what I’ve done.”

  Thad always wondered whether she would ever apologize and had considered all the things he’d say. All the ways he’d unleash his anger on her. Now that the time was here, the bitter words would not come. His mouth settled in a grim line. “You’re right, Francis, I didn’t deserve it. And there’s no way I can ever get back the twenty-eight years without my daughter.”

  “I know,” she said on a broken sob. “I was wrong.”

  “Why did you do it?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.”

  He leaned forward and braced his forearms on his thighs. “Why did you wait until I left for my assignment, mail the divorce papers and take my baby girl away? Why didn’t you tell me how you felt? We were together for almost five years and I thought we were best friends.” They had met right after high school, dated and married within two years.

  Francis swiped at the tears running down her cheeks. “I don’t know. I was twenty-four years old and had no idea how to deal with what you were going through. The crying out at night and flailing around in the bed scared me and I didn’t know what to do. The one time I asked you about it, you said you’d be fine.”

  Thad conceded her that point. Back then, he had been embarrassed by the nightmares and hadn’t wanted to talk about them, fearing she would think him less of a man. “I should have told you about them.”

  Her soft gasp pierced the silence. “What are you saying?”

  “That you weren’t the only one who made mistakes. I could have dealt with the divorce, but not having Faith…” He closed his eyes to push down the rising emotions that always came with the memories. “Not having her nearly killed me.”

  “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t regret what I’ve done, and I’ll never be able to forgive myself for that. But I hope one day you can.”

  “I’ve already forgiven you. I had to for my sanity. The anger and bitterness almost ate me alive.”

  “Where do we go from here?” she asked, her voice barely audible.

  “Forward. We can’t go back.” With that statement, the weight of his long-buried anger lifted.

  “Mom? Dad?”

  They both turned at the sound of Faith’s voice.

  Faith divided a wary glance between him and her mother. “What’s going on?”

  “Your mother and I were just talking, sweetheart. Everything is just fine.”

  “If everything is fine, why are you crying, Mom?”

  Francis ran a hand over her forehead. “Faith, I just apologized to your father.”

  Her gazed softened. “I’m so glad you did.” She stood between t
hem and reached for both their hands. “So glad.” Tears misted her eyes.

  Thad was, too. “Did you need something?”

  “Yes. We’re getting ready to have cake and open presents.”

  He nodded. “We’ll be right out.”

  “Okay.” Faith kissed Thad and Francis on the cheek, then left.

  He stood and extended his hand.

  Francis hesitated a moment before placing her hand in his. She came to her feet and placed a hand against his cheek. “You’re a good man, Thaddeus Whitcomb.”

  “Thank you.” He started toward the door and she stopped.

  “I need to freshen up a little first. I’ll be there in a minute.”

  Thad watched her walk away and smiled, finally able to close the chapter on that part of his life. He’d told Francis they had to go forward and that’s the direction in which he planned to proceed with Celeste. Something about Celeste drew him in ways he couldn’t define. The only way to find out would be to continue exploring this thing pulling them together. He stepped back outside. Tomorrow’s dinner couldn’t come soon enough.

  Sunday afternoon, Celeste hurried through the house to make sure everything looked the way she wanted. The beautiful roses Thad had given her had fully bloomed and she sat them in the center of the dining room table where she planned for them to eat. She’d taken out her good china and cloth napkins and set the table to her grandmother’s exacting standards. She started to take a picture and send it to her, but that would open up a multitude of questions she didn’t want to answer just yet.

  Celeste went back to the kitchen to check the peach cobbler in the oven. Another ten minutes and it would be done. She’d texted him yesterday to ask about his food preferences, and he said he’d eat whatever she cooked. She decided on stuffed pork chops, sautéed spinach and some of the homemade dinner rolls her family always raved about. She had decided to go all out and homemade vanilla ice cream would accompany the cobbler. Celeste removed her apron and went to her bedroom to freshen up. As she applied lipstick, the doorbell rang. She peeked at her watch. Thad was fifteen minutes early. She did a quick spritz of her favorite perfume, smoothed down the peach-colored sleeveless dress and left to answer the door.