A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1) by C.L. Richards Read Free Book Online Page A

"You know, I'll always be here for you Izzy. So will Nikki." I give him a subtle nod before he goes on to ask me the one question I was not expecting. "I've seen the way both you and Xavier look at each other, how do you feel about him?"
    "I'm not sure, I like him. God, what's not to like but it’s not the right thing to do. The timing's off, It feels wrong to have feelings for another person so close to losing Josh. I don't want to be disrespecting him, you know?" Kyle grabs hold of my hand, giving it a little squeeze. “You can’t change who you're meant to be with plus Josh would want you to be happy." He leaves me staring after him as he makes his way back to the car.
      On the ride home, Kyle keeps me entertained. Singing along with the radio, dancing in his seat. I can't resist the urge to chuckle, it feels great. To laugh without feeling remorseful. The rest of the day is spent, playing on the Xbox* and a considerable amount of laughing.
     
    ~#~
     
    It's quarter past six, and time to get ready for dinner. Feeling anxious is putting it mildly. Regardless I'm confused on why she needs me to go over, we've ever been close. But I Guess I’ll find out soon enough.
    I've had a decent time today, yet something is niggling at me. Why didn’t Xavier, join me last night?! He doesn't appear to be off or annoyed with me, yet there must be a reason or am I simply being paranoid. A tap sounds on the door, it opens to uncover Xavier. His hands are running through his hair, giving off a nervous vibe. "I want to apologize for not keeping you company last night. I was exhausted from sleeping in the chair and totally zonked out." 
    "It's okay, it’s not like you’re here to babysit me.” Crap, that came out bitchier than expected. Xavier's eyes shot to the ceiling, he's breathing hard. Gradually he begins counting to ten like he’s calming himself down. He sets his leveled eyes in my direction “I know I'm not here to babysit you, I like spending time with you. What's it going to take to make you realize how I feel about you?" he grunts before he turns and exits the room. Disappointed with myself, tears spring to my eyes, 'you will not cry' I chant over and over. I haven't got time for this shit, deciding to make it up to Xavier later.
      It's only a ten-minute drive over to the Andersons. The radio plays quietly providing background noise while I sing along to the music. Attempting to distract myself from the pending discussion. At Josh's burial service, Mrs. Anderson was hollering that I murdered her son. If it wasn’t for me he would still be alive. I come to a stop on the drive and stroll up the steps to the front door. I raise my hand to knock when the door bursts open. I'm surprised totally when Mrs. Anderson pulls me into a hug. "I'm sorry, dear." Without clarifying further, she directs me into the lounge. "Take a seat, sweetie, would you like anything to drink?" Declining her offer, she sits down alongside me, grasping my hand giving it a gentle squeeze. "I'm sorry for the way I responded at the service. I was considerably upset and looking to place blame. I know it wasn't your fault, yet, my own for not understanding sooner." How could it be her fault? I was the person who should've stopped him. "What?! … I don't understand." What should she have known? Before I could summon an answer. She shakes her head. "How about we have some food, then I will clarify everything." Feeling completely bewildered and confused, I oblige to what she inquires. Tailing her into the kitchen, "Will you lay the table please dear?" discovering the utensils in the typical spot, I go ahead and lay the table. Dinner smells flavorful. It's not often we have home cooked food particularly while our parents are away on business. My stomach lets out an almighty growl, which deflects the tension in the room. We both burst into a fit of giggles. "Hungry dear?" nodding my head in smooth movements "Okay, take the garlic bread to the table and I