Summer Desires

Chapter Thirteen

I wake up and throw my running clothes on to do my usual. To my surprise, Layla is awake and eating a bowl of cereal. I pour myself a cup of coffee and join her at the island.

"How did you sleep?" I asked, sipping my coffee.

"Honestly, so well. It is just peaceful out here. We live so close to a busy street that you can hear traffic at all hours." She replied.

"Well not here. There is no one for miles." I laughed.

"Where is Alex?" She questioned.

"He's at work, always is gone between 4:30-5:00a.m" I answered.

"Are you going for a morning run? I do that at home. Can I join you?" She perked.

"Of course you can, I will wait until you change." I smiled.

As I finish my coffee, I can't help but think about how much Layla and I resemble each other. She likes to sing and run. It's honestly so shocking. Until she leaves, at least I have a running partner. I mean yes Alex runs with me, when he's not working. So it will be nice to have someone all the time. She comes strolling out of her room, dressed in a cute two piece workout outfit. I am almost certain that outfit is nearly $80 for the whole set. Her mom must have an amazing job, well I guess so could Jack. I led the way and we just jogged down the dirt path, through the ankle high field of grass. As always, I stopped right at the dock.

"Can we swim in this pond?" Layla questioned.

"I mean I used to when I was younger. I haven't tested it out since moving out here." I replied.

"Maybe we could go sometime while I am here." She suggested.

"Absolutely." I smiled.

We jogged our way back to the cabin and chugged some water. Even though it's early in the morning, the humidity is strong and high. I let Layla know we can both shower and head to town, if that's what she wants to do. She insisted she wanted to see where I grew up and that she wanted to try the ice cream shop she found while searching the area before coming here. On the drive, I pointed out every house and told her everyone that lived there and how I know them. When we pulled up to Busy Bee's Ice Cream, I got anxious. I am not ready to answer the who and the whys and all the other questions. Quite frankly, I will just tell everyone to piss off if I have too.

"Hello, welcome to Busy Bee's, what could I get you?" The worker asked.

"Could I try your honey cone shake?" Layla requested.

"I will take a strawberry banana shake, please." I followed.

"That will be $10.50." The worker replied.

I handed the worker a $20 bill and tipped her $5. I worked here when I was younger and the tips do make a difference. We grabbed our shakes and decided to take a stroll down the main drag. Looking at all the murals and showing her all the locally owned business. Being in such a small town, everything is locally owned. We stopped at this little second hand store window.

"Do you mind if we just browse around? I love second hand stores. But my dad always comments on how these stores are for the poor and we are not poor." She sighed.

"I love that idea. I also love second hand stores. Sometimes you find hidden gems in places like this." I smiled.

We walked in and looked around. It was weird, because I can see some of my old high school clothes my mom donated, that's a glimpse into the past. I let Layla explore as I chat with the clerk. Linda used to sit next to my mom and I at church on Sundays. She is one of the sweetest old ladies I know. Always made my mom and I a batch of cookies which she sent home with us.