SUMMER'S END

new message glowing on the s

he beach. Hope you're hav

formed in h

im, but actually rep

ber. But then, she pictured his smile, his kind eyes, the way he laughed at he

nt, she typed bac

as. I'm go

ed genuinely interested, not just in a superficial way. He talked about his art classes, even

s, asking questions back. He wasn't jus

ay, a text

ome ice cream

"Stacy!" she called out, alread

h a towel wrapped around her h

Did he text you?

bled, feeling a blush creep up her ne

? I told you this summer would be

" Lisa said, sud

ked. "A proper date.

********************

ile on his face. He wore a simple t-shirt that

l. Nicholas listened intently as Lisa talked about her plans

e shared stories about his own life in college, the challenges o

ugh that surprised even herself. He wasn't what she expected from a

ts" became more frequent. Nicholas su

he enjoyed watching him explain different brushstroke

y, talking about everything and nothing. Sometimes Stacy joined them, always trying to set the mo

nd. The thought was like a buzzing fly she couldn't quite swat away. Nic

felt like such a huge step. Was she ready? Was

********************

acy back at the hotel, Stacy plopped onto Lisa's be

ed. "Stac

, Lisa! You've never even had a boyfriend. This is your chance to really experience som

" Lisa said, her voice small.

e summer flings. It's supposed to be light, fun. You don't have to mar

ad brushed hers when they reached for the same menu, the intensity in his

onal, against the warm, blossoming feelings she had for Nicholas.

********************

ersations. Nicholas always sought out her opinion, made her feel heard and i

r hand. One night, as he said goodnight, his thumb gently caressed the back of her

tars, he leaned in. His eyes, usually so playful, were serious, searching hers. He gently too

s a tentative, sweet kiss, tasting faintly of the mint gum he'd been chewi

left her wanting more. Stacy's voice about the bucket list echoed in her head, but this feeling, this real feeling, was all

umble of his voice when he was serious, the easy confidence in his movements. He made her feel seen,

ion wasn't if but when. And if it was with Nicholas, maybe it was