Amelia was going to come down for the last week so we could spend the holiday together before I head back to Valley for basketball camp, but this is even better. Four weeks on the water, kicking back, and enjoying my last real summer with my favorite person.

Next year I’ll have to worry about the real world and the responsibilities that come after graduation. But not this summer.

It’s dusk when we finally get to the lake. We stop at the grocery store and grab enough food and alcohol to get us through a few days, and then we’re pulling up to the house.

“Wow, Tanner, when you said that you had a place at the lake, I was picturing a condo or, well, something a lot less house than this.”

“It’s three bedrooms, three bath—basically big enough for the whole family to stay. That was important to my parents when they were looking for real estate out here. I think they’re hoping we can keep spending time out here even once Tara and I graduate.” I grab the bags from the back. “Come on, I’ll show you the best part.”

We go in through the garage and I drop the groceries in the kitchen and usher Sydney to the living room. It’s too dark to get the full effect, but Sydney still gasps beside me.

“Right?”

“Tanner, this is amazing. Holy shit. Are you sure it’s cool that I’m here?”

“Definitely.”

I watch as she scans the horizon and takes it all in. Her blonde hair is wild from the drive up with the windows down and her brown eyes are wide with excitement. Totally worth the entire trip to see her this excited.

The lake is lit up with boats. The moon shines down over the water and there’s a faint lull from the boat motors.

“Tomorrow, I’ll take you out on the boat, but it’s pretty killer sitting out there at night if you’re up for dinner and drinks on the deck.”

“Definitely. What can I do to help?”

“I need to turn on the water and check around the place, then I’ll cook. Grab a drink and relax. I’ll join you when I can.”

She doesn’t need me to tell her twice. She has a Malibu and Coke poured and is padding outside before I even get the groceries put away.

Tara calls as I’m pulling the toasted raviolis out of the oven and putting them on a plate.

“Hey, what’s up?” I hold the phone between my ear and shoulder and grab a mostly still warm beer from the fridge.

“Did you make it to the lake?”

I twist off the cap and toss it in the trash. “Yep, just got in about twenty minutes ago.”

“Ah, I’m so jealous. Stupid summer school.”