be the rock star in town.”
She nodded toward Silas.
“That’s right,” Silas said.
“He taught me everything I know on guitar,” Buddy said. He held Dot’s hand tight. “How did I do?”
“You did great,” Dot said.
“So what is this?” I asked. “Between you two.”
“Oh, that’s a long story,” Dot said.
“She was my high school sweetheart,” Buddy proudly announced. “I let her slip away. We went in different directions. For a little while.”
“A little while?” Dot asked. “How many years has it been since high school?”
“Shhh,” Buddy said. “We’ve got plenty of time. We’re young. Look at us.”
“Time means nothing, right?” Silas asked.
“Well… I wish,” Dot said. “This is so sweet. All of you taking part in this.”
I swallowed hard. I didn’t like the vibe I was suddenly getting.
“What’s wrong, Dot?” Buddy asked.
“I haven’t been around town much lately,” Dot said. “I like to keep here. Right at home. I work on my gardens. I like being outside when I can.”
“Everything looks amazing here,” I said.
“Dot?” Buddy asked.
She looked at him. “Oh, Buddy. You remember when I kissed you first?”
“Yeah.”
“I had to make that move. You were wasting my time.”
“I’m not wasting time now.”
“I know,” Dot said. “But I don’t have time. Not in the way you do.”
“We’re the same age.”
“Do you have cancer too?” Dot asked.
I gasped and covered my mouth.
Silas squeezed me a little harder.
“What?” Buddy asked.
“I’m sorry,” Dot said. “I had cancer ten years ago and beat it. It decided to make another appearance. This time, it’s going to win. There’s nothing I can do about it either.”
“Oh, Dot,” I said. “I’m-”
“Nope,” Dot said, cutting me off. “There is no being sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong, Mila. Nobody did. But I’m living right here. The way I want until I’m gone.”
Buddy’s face twisted with anger. But only for a few seconds.
Then he grabbed Dot’s hand and dropped to one knee.
“I’m not leaving,” Buddy said. “I’m not going anywhere, Dot. I’d rather have a month with you than a lifetime with someone else. I don’t care what it takes. What happens. I want to be there for you. I want to show you how sorry I am that our lives never crossed paths again.”
“Buddy, stop it,” Dot said.
“Dammit, Dot, no. I won’t stop it. Nothing can make me stop now. Do you really want to putter around here alone, waiting to die? I won’t let that happen. You can do whatever you want to me, Dot, but I’m not leaving. I’ll park out on the road and live in my truck. Just to make sure I get to see you each day.”
Dot shook her head. “You’re really going to do this to me now?”
“You’re damn right I am,” Buddy said. “I love you, Dot. I’ve never loved anyone but you.”
“I’m not going to be around for long,” she said. “It’s not good, Buddy.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Dot. I love you.”
She shook her head. “You’re just going to end up being too stubborn to listen to me, aren’t you?”
“Yes,” Buddy said.
“Stand up then and kiss me.”
Buddy started to stand but he paused.
He went right back down to one knee.
“Did your knee get stuck?” Dot asked.
“Yes,” Buddy said.
Dot moved down on one knee to meet Buddy.
My heart was ready to explode once more.
I looked at Silas.
He looked at me.
As Buddy kissed Dot, Silas kissed me.
We sat on the steps all staggered.
Dot had homemade sweet tea and it was delectable.
“You know, we could sell this at the restaurant,” I said.
“You can have the recipe,” Dot said. “Only once I’m gone.”
“There’s… nothing…?” I asked.
“No,” Dot said. “I don’t want to torture myself. I want to live and be happy. When the time comes, it’ll be quick. That’s what they told me. Until then, I’m going to enjoy everything around me.”
She looked at Buddy.
He grabbed her hands and kissed them.
“Thanks for not laughing at Buddy,” Silas whispered to Dot. “That would have made me look bad.”
“No problem,” Dot said. “Although you’re a much better guitar player. To be fair, if I was going to an end-of-life fling with someone, you’re probably a much better choice.”
“Hey,” I said.
Dot winked at me. “But I’ll just stick with Buddy.”
“I don’t even care,” Buddy said. “I’m holding your hands, Dot. I’m able to kiss you. I’m the happiest man in the world.”
“That’s so sweet, Buddy,” I said.
“Now let me say something here,” Dot said. “To all of you. Do not waste a minute of your life. Got it? Not a damn second. I know that’s such a cliché thing