A Girl Named Summer by Julie Garwood Page A

it all or, at the very least, growl a little, but she decided to present the picture of serene dignity.
    Introductions were made, and Gregg suggested that David and Ann join them. David seemed a little reluctant but finally pulled up two chairs and sat down right across from Summer and Gregg. Regina played the hostess at the head of the table.
    “David’s been telling me the funniest jokes on the way over here,” Ann said, giggling.
    “Let’s order another pizza,” Gregg suggested. “I’m still hungry.”
    “Why don’t we get a jumbo and all split it?” David suggested. “Everyone like anchovies?”
    “I hate them. They make me gag,” Summer said before she could stop herself.
    “Oh, I just love them,” Ann interjected.
    David leaned toward Summer. “I called you, and your mom said you were here, so I…She didn’t tell me you had a date,” he added in a halting voice.
    Gregg had just taken hold of Summer’s hand, but she tried to pull away. Gregg was having none of it. A tug-of-war was the result, and Summer lost. She gave Regina a look that demanded help, but Regina was talking to Ann and didn’t notice.
    She continued to pull and snapped at David, “But you had one anyway, so what’s the difference?”
    David looked so hurt that Summer felt like crying, until Ann returned her attention to her date. ThenSummer got good and mad. Why should she feel guilty when he was the one with the actual date? “I didn’t know you were dating Ann,” Summer said as soon as Regina dragged Ann over to the old jukebox.
    “Sort of,” David hedged, staring at Gregg’s death grip on Summer’s hand. “Ann’s father needs help with the run. He asked me to head the publicity part. It’s an important job, and I’ve already got it all figured out. Ann and I think we should make at least thirty posters and distribute them all over town. Mr. Logan showed me the T-shirts they’re going to sell, and they’re really great. Since all the money goes to charity, maybe the banks will help us out and put some on display. Ann thought it would be a good idea to sell them at the grocery stores, too. You know, set up a card table outside with a big sign and…” His voice trailed off, and he gave Summer a shrug.
    “Would you like me to help?” She couldn’t keep the eagerness out of her voice.
    “If you’re not too busy,” he replied. “I thought we could use your dining room table.…It’s so big, and we could do the posters there.” David went on to explain his strategy, and Summer began to feel a little better. When Gregg finally let go of her hand, she was able to lean forward, her chin resting on her hand, while she listened with rapt attention.
    The feeling that things weren’t so bad didn’t last long, however. Ann came back to the table and scooted her chair closer to David and proceeded to have a whispered conversation with him.
    Summer began to feel quite desperate, so she nudged Gregg. “Talk to David about something,” she demanded under her breath.
    Gregg still had one arm draped around Summer’s chair. “If anyone sees me with you, I’ll leave town,” he whispered in her ear.
    “Thanks, Gregg. I’m crazy about you, too,” she retaliated. She couldn’t look at him. Her eyes were glued to David, watching the way he smiled at Ann. Summer couldn’t remember him ever smiling at her that way! Ann took hold of David’s hand, and Summer was quick to notice that David didn’t seem to mind.
    The pizza arrived, but she didn’t eat any. Her stomach was too upset. She didn’t have the heart to join in the conversation and was almost relieved when Gregg said, “Think we could leave now? One of my friends might walk in.”
    “You really know how to flatter a girl,” she muttered. In a louder voice she said, “David, why don’t you bring the posters over tomorrow afternoon, and we’ll get started.”
    Regina stayed at the Pizza Paddle helping her father, and Gregg and Summer walked out together.