By the time we pulled up to my house, it was nearly midnight - and I could tell Conrad was exhausted.
Conrad was already out of the car and grabbing my bag from the backseat. I lean over the consol and say "Come inside. There's no way you can drive tonight".
"Belly, I'm pretty sure you're grounded. I don't think Laurel would appreciate you sneaking boys into the house".
I was so caught up in this car ride and my anxiety about Jeremiah that I'd forgotten how much trouble I was in.
I got of of the car and touched Conrad's arm gently so that he faced me. He rested his chin on my head and leaned against me.
"You're not just any boy. Mom wouldn't want you driving tonight either. Conrad you can barely stand up right now. Just come inside. Mom and Steven are asleep right now, we can explain in the morning".
I heard him mumble "Ok".
Conrad carried my things into my room and I followed after him, closing the door behind me. He reached behind me to open the door but I placed my hands on his stomach to stop him from leaving.
"Stay with me tonight" I say quietly.
"Belly-" He begins.
"It's not a big deal. And I'm too tired to make up the guest room. Let's sleep tonight and deal with the rest in the morning". I whisper.
And before I know it, Conrad is sleeping next to me. In my bed. In Philadelphia. There's something about him being here with me in my house in Philly that makes him so much more real. We aren't in the summer house anymore where all the fantasy unfolds. This is real life. And the summer boy of my dreams is just a boy living in this reality with me.