A Girl Named Summer (18 page)

“Don’t get all nervous. You’re good, Summer. Just give it your best shot. And watch that girl over there, the blond. She’s going to be your only real competition. I’ve seen her in action in other races.”

Summer glanced over to where Luke had motioned and studied the tall girl with interest. She didn’t look very formidable, but Summer knew that looks could be deceiving. “Why do you say that?” she asked Luke. “I mean, she doesn’t look that…strong to me.”

“She is, though. She took first place in track last year.”

“You’ll win,” Regina said with certainty.

Gregg joined them and held out his hand to Summer. “Good luck, kid.” Before Summer could stop him, he pulled the bill of her cap down over her eyes.

“Ouch,” Summer said as she readjusted it. She really wasn’t hurt and knew that was just Gregg’s way of being affectionate.

“Has anyone seen David?” She glanced around again, squinting against the bright sun as she looked for him.

“There he is, over by that tree,” Regina announced. “Don’t look, he’s staring at you.”

Summer of course immediately looked and saw that David was alone. It was now or never. Without giving herself time to waiver, she walked over to him.

“Good luck, David,” she said, holding her hand out for a handshake.

“Good luck to you, too,” he answered. He took her hand and shook it, but continued to hold on. “I see Gregg came to cheer you on,” he continued. “Ann says you two are going together and that it’s kind of exclusive. Is that true?”

“Good heavens, no,” she stuttered. “Why would she say a thing like that?” She knew the answer. Ann was merely eliminating any competition. She must feel more than a little threatened, after all. Maybe she considered Summer a real threat! What a nice thought, she decided, gloating.

“Gregg is nothing more than a friend. When I don’t have a date, Regina makes him take me.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really. What about Ann? I don’t see her around. Are you kind of exclusive with her?”

“No.” He acted embarrassed, and his next sentence told her why. “Ann’s here all right, but I didn’t ask her to cheer me. I don’t ask her out, Summer. She calls me, and I never know how to say no when she asks me to take her somewhere.” His cheeks grew pink, and Summer felt sorry for him.

“I think I understand. Ann doesn’t know the meaning of no.”

“She’s a nice girl, but I’m not interested in her like I…”

“Like what, David?” She held her breath and waited.

“I’ll tell you after the race. You don’t have a date for the picnic, do you?”

“No, I’m here with the family.”

He looked relieved.

“Good,” David replied. “I’ll meet you right here after the race.”

When she nodded her agreement, he grabbed her by the shoulders and quickly kissed her, in front of the whole world.

“Is that for luck?” she stammered.

“No,” he answered. “It’s for being you.”

In a daze she turned and floated toward the starting line. Her mind was filled with his explanation and his kiss as she nudged into the front line of runners.

All thought of anything but running was placed on hold with the sound of the starting gun. The pack ran
together for the first couple of miles, then one by one they fell behind Summer and the girl Luke had pointed out as her biggest competition. The two girls ran closely for the next few miles, almost matching each other stride for stride. Then, from the sounds of panting coming from her opponent, Summer knew it was time to make her bid. She escalated her pace and pulled away from the challenger. She felt free and almost superhuman when victory came into sight. The beckoning ribbon, stretched between two benches, became her focal point. In a final spurt, she raced on, a grimace of determination on her face, even as she broke through the finish line.

Victory was hers! She won by several yards. Her parents and grandfather were all hugging her at once, asking questions and cheering, but she was still trying to slow her pulse and get some air, and she could do nothing more than nod her head and cry.

As soon as she’d received the five hundred dollars and had her picture taken, she handed the check over to her father. “Will you take care of this for me, Dad,” she asked. “I want to find David.”

Before her father could reply, she turned and ran over to the spot she and David had agreed on for their meeting place. He was waiting for Summer, leaning against the tree, and he looked genuinely happy.

“I’m sorry that you didn’t win,” she said, “but Grandpa says to tell you that ‘fifth place is nothing to sneeze at.’ His exact words.”

David laughed and hugged her. “I’m so happy that you won, Summer. I’ll do better next year.”

“Thank you,” she said, trying her best to sound humble.

“It occurred to me that I’m the reason you were in this race,” he said. “All that work was to impress me, wasn’t it?”

She was too embarrassed to answer. She shrugged her shoulders instead.

“I acted like a jerk,” he said. “I made such a big deal out of your lying, and then I pretended I liked Ann. That’s the same as lying, isn’t it?”

“Are you saying you’re sorry?” she asked.

“Did you really like my drawings or were you lying then, too?”

“I liked them.”

“Here.” He thrust a folder into Summer’s hands. She immediately opened it and found a beautiful picture of a runner.

“It’s wonderful,” she said as she studied the picture. “Is it supposed to be me?”

“That’s not real tactful, Summer,” he said with a chuckle. “Guess it needs a little more work. You’re the first nonanimal I’ve drawn.”

“I’ll keep this forever,” she whispered. “Thank you, David.”

“You’re still flushed,” he said. “You must have pulled out all the stops. They say you won by a mile.”

“Not quite.” Impulsively she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. “Thanks for all your help with pacing and
everything.” It wasn’t what she wanted to say. She meant,
I love you, David Marshall
.

“I want to ask you something,” David said, a serious expression entering his gaze.

“Yes?”

“I was wondering if…uh, if you would like to go with me? You know, just be my girl,” he said in a rush. He was looking right into her eyes, and she felt as if she was going to faint.

“I’d like that.”

Her answer pleased him considerably, and he grabbed her by the waist and lifted her high into the air. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and then they both started laughing with delight. This was surely the most wonderful day in her life. She closed her eyes tightly and cherished the moment, willing it to last a lifetime. Her eyes slowly opened, and she gazed at her arms. A gasp escaped her. Spots—faint, pink spots!

“You’re so much fun to be with,” he whispered.

She started to laugh, and David slowly lowered her to the ground.

“What’s so funny?”

“David,” she sighed, “have you ever had the chicken pox?”

JULIE GARWOOD
is the author of numerous
New York Times
bestsellers, including
The Ideal Man
,
Sizzle, Fire and Ice, Shadow Music, Shadow Dance,
and
Slow Burn
. She lives near Kansas City.