the summer you noticed me ↠ conrad fisher {1}

t h i r t y - n i n e

The Fourth of July in cousins is all about traditions for the Fishers, which they have happily allowed me to join in on over the years. Susannah decks out the whole house, Belly and Conrad's dad who's barley around all summer come up for the weekend, the boys steam clams and shoot of fireworks.

All the other Fourth of Julys, it was me and Belly on the outside. This year is different in more ways then one. First, Conrad is my boyfriend. Secondly, I'm not a prude like I was like year. When they brought out beer that they had snuck last year, I almost had a heart attack. I understand there is a time and place for drinking, and the Fourth of July is definitely an appropriate time to get fucked up in the safety of our houses.

"Can I finish your milk?" Jeremiah asks Belly.

"Here," she says handing him the bowl.

I smirk to myself, it's such a little thing to do but the way they did it was sweet. No hesitation, no weirdness by that action, just a here and hands it to him. I feel like tonight's going to be the night something happens between them. I really hope it is because it's rough watching from the outside, they're both so oblivious.

"Yo, I'm gonna go wash the claims. Did you get the lighter fluid?" Conrad asks talking to Jere. It takes him a fraction of a second to realize I'm sitting here too. I can tell when he does because a shadow of a smile passes on his lips and he walks over to me. "Hi," he grins placing a small kiss on my lips, and rubs my shoulder lightly.

"Morning," I say pressing a kiss on his forearm.

"Yeah," Jeremiah speaks up. "Already on the beach."

"Cool," Conrad says then taps my shoulder saying goodbye.

     Belly is grinning at me, and winks before taking her bowl over to the sink. "Are we done with the portrait yet?" Steven asks, walking in with a button up shirt and jeans.

     "Just for today," she smiles at him. "Which makes me think, if Belly doesn't hurry up and ask Cam to that ball you should take her." She says eyes flicking back to Stevens.

     "Ew no way!" Belly groans.

     "No, no, no. Yeah I'm already going with Shayla!" Steven protests.

     "To the debutante ball?" Laurel asks coming into the kitchen.

     "Yes," Steven groans loudly. He's embarrassed by all the attention he's getting and doesn't want to talk about it, and I grin pressing my hand into my palm that's resting on the table ready to enjoy the show. I love when they mess with Steven.

     "As an escort?" Laurel presses.

     He leans back into the counter, smiling. "Wrap your head around it, Mom. All right? Shalya's coming today with Nicole and Giji. So you'll meet her."

     "That's wonderful," Susannah coos, "oh and don't forget. Ms. Covington's first dance rehearsal is tomorrow. So, uh tick-tock!" Susannah says.

     I fight the urge to roll my eyes. I'd never want to be disrespectful towards her, but this pestering is driving me insane. I can't even imagine how Belly must feel, that thought makes me frown. I actually don't know how Belly feels. We never talks about it. I look over at her and feel more distance from her now then I did when we would FaceTime all the time back home when we were miles away. I miss her.

      "I'm asking Cam today," Belly sighs a breathy smile, nodding slowly until her eyes land on the table in front of her. That didn't sound very enthusiastic, but maybe it's because she doesn't want to ask Cam but Jeremiah?

     "I don't know my kids anymore," Laurel mumbles. Me either.

      "Wait," Susannah says catching everyone's attention. "Are you wearing make up, Laurel?" She asks.

     A loud mixture of gasps, and woo hooing erupts throughout the room. "Mom!" Belly screams.

      "So what? We're having a party!" She explains.

      "Mhm," Susannah teases. "Im sure it has nothing to do with John coming to the claim bake?"

     "Oh, please. The husbands always come for the fourth," she says.

      True, and in my case both of my horrific parents showed up this year. "He isn't your husband anymore," Belly reminds her.

      "Oops, yeah." She shrugs. "Ex-husband."

      "Speaking of Dads, yours call," Susannah said looking at Jere. "He's closing a deal, so he can't come."

      "What?" Jeremiah asks.

     The door closes and Conrad walks in holding a white bucket. "Did you say dads not coming?"

      "Mhm," Susannah mumbles.

      "But I got some serious fireworks for the
show this year," Jeremiah frowns.

      "We'll take a video," Susannah says.

       "It's not the same," Jeremiah grumbles.

      "I know," Susannah frowns.

      I look over at Conrad for any sign of how he's feeling. The smile that is forming on his lips makes me feel relived. He's happy he isn't coming. Of course he is, and I'm just reminded of why. His dad cheated on his mom, when she was in chemo.

      "Why are you smiling, over there?" Jeremiah snaps at Conrad.

      Conrad's eyes flick to mine and he smiles wider. "No reason," he shrugs.

*     *     *

     Jeremiah goes and helps Belly make the bed up for her dad and his girlfriend. It's crazy to me that Laurel is truly okay with this. The idea that they're going to be on the other side of the wall from Belly's room where I'm staying makes me nervous, I can't image how she must feel.

     THERE WE GO AGAIN. I DON'T TRULEY KNOW HOW SHE FEELS.

      "She's hot!" Jeremiah mumbles staring at her through the window.

      "Dude!" Steven whines.

       "I think he's just stating what everyone is thinking," I agree. "She's really pretty."

      "I wasn't thinking that!" Belly says, nose pressed against the window staring anxiously at them.

     "Yo, that could be their future step mom," Conrad gasps.

     I snort a laugh, just as Steven starts to go at him.