Chapter 12

“When?” I ask.

“I work late this week. I just got home when you texted. Saturday?”

“I have to finish up the stuff for Sunday’s market first.”

“I could come and help.”

“That’s not a real date,” I say.

“I don’t care what we do, as long as I get to hang out with you.”

I nudge his shoulder with mine. “Really? You liked cutting stars that much, did you?”

He rests his head on my shoulder. “Sure, I did.”

“Nelson, Nelson, Nelson. Are you too good to be true?”

“I don’t think so. But I guess you’ll just have to find out.”

“I look forward to it.”

“So do I.” 5

On Saturday, Nelson arrives after breakfast. Neither of us wants to wait any longer to see each other again, so at eight-thirty on the dot, he rings the bell. He greets me with a shy smile and a soft kiss with cold lips on my cheek. Grampa joins us and welcomes Nelson with his usual loud enthusiasm.