When he pulled her against his shirt, she began to cry, unable to stop. His hand was on her back, moving up and down. She felt ridiculous, crying over a guy who was never going to come back. Realizing how she must look to him, she gently pushed herself out of his arms.
"I'm sorry. This is…"
"It's fine, Frances. I get it. I miss Johnny too. Sometimes I miss him so much it hurts."
"I-Is he… Is he okay?"
Billy shook his head. "I don't know. I honestly don't know. I mean, I like to think he is, but Johnny's kind of a drifter, you know? He got me the job here, but I think he knew that he wasn't going to be working here forever."
"Yeah, that was my fault."
"No, it wasn't. He told me all about it. You were great. I wish I had your courage."
"Thanks, but-"
"No excuses. He contacted me shortly after he left. Said not to worry about him. He didn't know where he was going or if he was ever coming back, but I'm sure he's fine. Something tells me that if he weren't fine, I'd know it. But I'm glad you're back, at least."
"Well, it wasn't my choice at all-."
Billy laughed. "I don't think anyone actually chooses to come here. It's more of a responsibility."
Soon they were laughing together. "I'm sorry for bothering you. I know you didn't come in here to console me. There's really nothing to console. I just-I miss him so much and I think about him all the time. I keep thinking that we're going to run into each other someday or that he's going to show up at Mount Holyoke. Stupid, huh?"
"No, not at all. I mean, dreams are good, right?"
"Yeah, but I thought that school would keep my mind off him, or maybe I'd meet someone else, but neither of those things have happened."
"You never answered my question."
"Question?"
"Yeah. Did you want to have dinner with me?"
"Oh… Well sure, but… won't people talk?"
"Let 'em talk. What's a summer at Kellerman's without gossip here and there?"
She smiled and touched his cheek, pulling her hand away when she realized what she had done. But not before she noticed how incredibly smooth his skin was.
"Billy, I would love to have dinner with you."
"Great!"
She glanced at her drab green dress, wishing she'd worn something nicer and once again wishing that her clothes were as nice as her sister's."
"Ready?"
"Actually can I meet you there? I'm just going to freshen up a bit."
"Sure. But don't take too long."
The door closed and through the screen she saw him hop down the steps and dart across the grass. And the sight made her smile.
