Summer and May

Chapter Twenty-Six: Jeremy

*THREE DAYS BEFORE*

It was impossible not to be in awe by May. Everything she did was magic, but even the way she worked away at Sully's truck like she was swimming in water; seamless, floating on nothing--it amazed me. Since I knew she didn't want or need my help, all I could do was sip on a Dr. Pepper and watch her work. It was completely mesmerizing. I had to mentally slap myself in the face when I caught myself staring or wondering about her too long. I was practically dating her best friend.

I'd never considered myself as a douche. Not until this summer. But how could I explain myself, when I had met two beautiful women on a sunny morning, my first weekend in town? And how could I explain that both had a hold on me, yet I felt completely different about the both of them? It would sound horribly selfish if I said it out loud, so I kept it in my head, where I store almost everything else.

The clock was ticking on so many things; grandpa's health wasn't really improving, even with the numerous doctor visits and the care I've given him. The month of June was almost spent, yet there was so much more work to do for Sully's business. I had just finished making the property look perfect, but I've been spending so much time with Summer, that I had neglected a few duties. 

Summer; the stereotypical girl of my dreams. She was exotic and adventurous, unbelievably gorgeous and sweet. She had surprised me with how genuine she was. My first impression was off about her, and she continued to find her way deep into my mind. I had so much fun with her, but I can't tell what she wants. I can tell she's been hurt before, so she plays the game to protect herself, but I wasn't sure I was the man to knock down those walls.

But then there was May. She was Summer's complete opposite, and yet I couldn't get enough of her. She carried herself like she didn't need anyone else, but she's sensitive and kind all the same. She doesn't put her walls up to protect herself, like Summer. Instead, she acts carefully, always. I could tell she was doing that right now as she dodged the questions I asked her. May does nothing by mistake, which is why I can tell she has a heart of gold. She gave up a shift at work to fix this car for free, expecting nothing in return.

I was thankful Grandpa walked in when he did. If he hadn't, I'd find a way to convince May to stay longer, or fix something else, so I could continue asking her questions. I loved her non-answers, as selfish as it felt to admit it.

"Well, who's this?" Grandpa asks.

May's face lit up with a smile, her cheeks lifting to the sky. She removed her grease-stained glove, marched over to Sully, and shook his hand. "I'm May. You know my dad, John Everett."

Grandpa held her hand there for a moment, reliving an old memory. He took longer to respond, now, but May was patient. "Of course. Your father is a good man. So was your mother."

Was?

May peered at the floor, smiling again. "Thank you, sir."

He waved. "Call me Sully."

May didn't skip a beat. She motioned over to the car, yanking down the hood and closing the driver's side door. "I got a few things installed, but your engine is dying, Sully. I'm coming back sometime to fix it." she spoke with confidence. I could tell Grandpa was impressed. I smiled at the both of them.

"Cars and brownies? You're one a kind, Miss Everett. Stay for dinner... please. Let us thank you. Jere says you got us some goodies from Dockside the other night. How did you know their jumbo shrimp was my favorite?"

She shifted, spanning her vision directly over to me. I nodded. Dinner sounded nice, even if it was going to be another night of Hamburger Helper.

"Oh, it was nothing. I'm glad to help a friend." May looked directly at me when she said it. And for the first time since I met her, her words felt like a knife in the heart. Like rejection. In an instant, I felt angry. Angry with myself. Why did I feel this way, and how could I make it go away? Summer didn't deserve this. I couldn't have them both.