Only for the Summer

CHARLOTTE

AS A TEACHER, I am used to putting on a fake smile, making my rounds, and saying hello to everyone I'd rather not talk to. My least favorite day of the year is parent-teacher conferences. I mean what could kindergartners have to work on? Unless they're one of those kids, it's unlikely I have much to say. So, a lot like then, tonight I plant a fake smile and make small talk with strangers all night.

Engfa is busy with her brother at first, helping all over the place but after I witness that bitch giving her a hard time, I know it's time to swoop in. I'm hoping it isn't too much. I know Engfa can defend herself, but she shouldn't have to all the time. For the rest of the night, that woman keeps giving us dirty looks. I stay glued to Engfa's side, just in case she needs anything. The anxiety I feel radiating from her seems to calm as I do. I hold her hand when it's empty, rub her shoulder when she needs it, and refill her glass as it becomes empty.

Being introduced to more of Engfa's family is daunting, but they all seem nice. It's her brother who keeps looking between us all night that has me wondering if Engfa told him the truth. It's too crowded to ask or even have a second alone, between the toasts and meeting everyone. By the end of the night, my feet are killing me, but I'm powering through. At least I'll look good for all the photos I'm in.

"Thank you so much for being here! I know it's hard being an outsider, but I'm sure it's made it easier on Engfa," Chanda smiles when Engfa disappears to grab another drink.

"I hope so." I smile back. I know there are reservations about how quickly this is, but Chanda is a walking green flag in my eyes.

"It does. I've seen how she is with you." Chanda touches my shoulder gently.

She's called away by one of her sisters before she can say anything more, but her words are just enough. She's an outside source only confirming that there's something between Engfa and me. Of course, that could be because of the act we're putting on, but some things are too real to fake.

***

ENGFA

Most of the grownups, aka our parents and grandparents, have left for the night, so a group of us gather by the old fire pit. Sun, Chanda, Char, and I all sit on old deck chairs, sipping on ice-cold beers as the fire roars in front of us. The night is cool, I probably could've grabbed a jacket, but I'm just thankful it isn't hot. It's almost July, and I've gotten used to unbearably hot New York summers.

"Did you guys have fun?" I ask Chanda and Sun.

"It was better than we hoped." Sun chuckles.

"I'm glad we had a better reaction to the wedding," Chanda agrees.

"It was nice seeing Win. I can't believe you didn't warn me he was divorced! I put my foot in my mouth with that one." I make a face at Sun.

"Shit, I thought I told you. He was definitely flirting with you though, Char," Sun winks.

"Well, he should know he doesn't have a chance with your sister's girlfriend." Chanda laughs.

"What?" I almost choke on my beer. Everyone looks at me with an eyebrow raised.

"So, how did you and Sun meet?" Char interjects.

"Oh, you don't want to hear that story." Chanda blushes.

"I do!" I insist. Anything to keep the topic of conversation off Char and Win. Something about the thought of them together makes my blood boil.

"Well, I was at Seaside swimming alone, which wasn't the smartest idea. But then a riptide took me under. Your brother happened to be there on a run, saw me struggling, and saved my life." She looks at him admiringly.