My Summer Of Untold Truths

TEN

The sun has completely set, but thankfully we've made it into town where there's streetlights.

Ezra and I part ways with the rest of the group and head towards the grocery store. I check the time on my phone and put it back into my pocket. “We're eating dinner at nine,” I laugh.

“Whatever. It's summer. There are no rules when it's summer,” he says. “I know. I'm just really hungry,” I say. “Me too. I haven't eaten since breakfast,” he says. “Me neither. That's too long,” I say. “I can go long periods of time without eating, but I definitely am hungry,” he says.

We get to the grocery store and the ‘Open’ sign is off. “Shit. I forgot they close at seven on Sundays,” I say, smacking my palm against my forehead. “That's okay. We'll just get them at the gas station,” he says. “Good idea,” I say. We turn around and head towards the gas station.

“The gas station is still open, right,” I ask. “Yeah it closes at ten,” he says. “Just making sure,” I say. “Yeah it's all good. I used to work there, so I know for sure,” he says. “Oh, you did?” “Yeah. It was a few years ago. I was fourteen and needed some extra cash,” he says. “Yeah, I heard it pays well there,” I say.

“It pays really well. It's always super busy in the summer because it's lake season and everyone's stopping in town to gas up while they're on their way to their campers or cabins,” he says.

“Jordan works there now,” I say. “Oh does he? Good for him,” he says. “Yeah he has terrible shifts, though. That always bothers Camilla,” I say. “That's one con,” he says.

“I was going to send in an application when I was fourteen as well, but I got a summer job helping at the bakery instead,” I say. “Oh, well you should've. I worked there until I was sixteen, so we would've worked together for a couple months,” he says.

I'm glad I didn't, though. I feel like maybe I would've thought of him as just a co-worker and I surely do not think of him as that, now. “Yeah, but I liked my job there,” I say. “As long as you liked it and got paid well,” he says. “I did,” I say, smiling at the memories of being fourteen flooding back.
Working, then going to my friends’ houses, swimming in my pool with Camilla every day. Back when life was simpler.

We walk past the empty gas pumps and into the small building. I walk over to the drinks and Ezra stays in the candy section. I grab four Coca Cola’s and three Root beers. Probably two safe options. Ezra walks up behind me with a bag of Starburst and Airheads.

“For dessert,” he smiles. “You sure have a sweet tooth,” I say, walking up to the counter. “I have a major sweet tooth,” he agrees.

Behind the counter is the same kid that was blowing up balloons at the game yesterday. I put our items on the counter and he scans the drinks and the candy. I pull out my wallet and quickly hand the guy cash before Ezra can.

“Hey! I was going to pay,” Ezra says. “I got to it first,” I say, scrunching my nose. He let's out a loud sigh behind me. The kid silently hands me my items in a bag and my receipt. “Thank you,” I tell him before walking out.

“Well at least let me carry the bag,” he says. “Fine,” I sigh and put my hand on my hip. “But only because it's heavy,” I add. “Sure,” he teases. He takes the bag from me with a smug expression.