June First

by Jennifer Hartmann

“This is so good, Brant. You’re the best cook ever.” I still feel rattled, but I force a smile. “Only the best for you.” “You don’t love Wendy more than me, right?” “What?” Her question takes me off guard, so I turn my body until I’m fully facing her. “Why would you ask me that?” She shrugs, her hair starting to dry beneath the setting sun. “You looked at her funny. You always look at her funny when she comes over.” “I don’t…” My mind races with a proper response. “I don’t love Wendy at all. I could never love anyone more than I love you.” “You mean it?” Her eyes widen to sky-like orbs, looking even bluer outside in the natural light. “Of course I mean it.” “You went to sit with her today instead of playing with me.” A tinge of guilt ripples through me. “I’m sorry, June… I didn’t mean to upset you. The older we get, the more friends we’re going to have, so my time will be divided. But you have to know that you’ll always be the most important thing in my life. Theo’s too.”