The Summer I Learned to Dive - By Shannon McCrimmon Page 0,22

other side of me.

“They hurt,” I said squeezing my left foot, grimacing from the pain.

“It’s part of the job, Finn,” she said patting me on the back. “You’ll get used to it.”

“So Finn, what made you come to Graceville?” Meg asked.

“I wanted to get to know Charlie and Lilly,” I said.

“Charlie’s never mentioned you before.” She sucked on her straw, swallowing some of her Coke. “But that doesn’t mean anything. He tends to keep to himself a lot.”

“Well, we don’t really know each other. I haven’t seen him a long time,” I said regretting that I had admitted that much information.

“I know what you mean. I haven’t seen my grandparents in forever,” she said unfazed by my comment. “So, did you just graduate from high school?” she asked changing the subject. She moved closer to me, her elbows resting on the counter, her hand under her chin.

“Yes,” I said, unsure of how to continue making conversation. I can talk to anyone about books, but basic conversation was difficult for me. “Did you?” I asked her.

“Last year. I’m going to cosmetology school. Hannah is a year older than me. She’s in nursing school,” she took a sip of her Coke. “You’re hair color is amazing,” she touched my hair. “Is it natural?”

“Yes,” I was surprised by lack of boundaries. She didn’t have any problems with personal space.

“People pay big money to have that hair color,” she said. “It would look great in curls. You’ll have to let me curl it sometime,” she offered. I wasn’t good with this girl stuff. I had never curled my hair. I was fine letting it hang straight against my shoulders or up in a pony tail.

“That’s okay,” I said trying to smile.

“I insist,” she said.

“Thanks though,” I said trying to be nice.

“Suit yourself,” she said nonchalantly. She handed me containers of sugar and a bag filled with sugar. “Here, fill these up.” We began filling the sugar containers and refilling the ketchup bottles.

Hannah turned up the jukebox, playing Buddy Holly’s Peggy Sue. She and Meg danced around, singing as they swept and mopped the floor. I watched them having fun, doubtful of how to join in. I was amazed that they had that much energy after working all day.

“Lunch is served!” my grandfather hollered from the kitchen. I had forgotten how hungry I was. Hours of working on my feet and staying constantly busy had made those thoughts disappear. He made grilled cheese sandwiches and French fries for all of us. This was by no means a basic grilled cheese sandwich. It was filled with different cheeses, with a variety of pleasant flavors. Nana was right, my grandfather could cook.

I said very little during lunch. Meg and Hannah did most of the talking.

“Are you coming back tomorrow?” Meg asked.

I shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I?” I wondered if I had been that obvious.

“The first day’s always rough. It’ll get better,” she added.

Hannah scoffed. “You’re one to talk, Meg. You almost quit after the first day.” I looked quickly at Meg who was glaring at Hannah.

“Whatever. Like you weren’t the same,” she replied annoyed.

They kept talking, mostly arguing. But they weren’t really mad at each other. It was playful banter between siblings. My grandfather barely uttered a word the entire time. Jesse asked him a few questions about the diner and he’d answer him. But that was all he said. I tried to not stare at Jesse. He caught me looking in his direction a few times. I didn’t say much throughout lunch. I was like my grandfather in that sense, more the observer than participant. I took my plate and cup to the kitchen and put them in the dishwasher. My feet hurt immensely. It was difficult to walk, especially since I had taken my shoes off, only to discover that putting them back on would be even more painful.

“Your grandmother will know what to do with your feet. I’ll have her take you to get a better pair of shoes tonight,” my grandfather said. I was surprised by his generosity.

“Thank you,” I said.

A laconic man, he simply said “Yep” and walked away.

Chapter 7

When I got back to my grandparents house, I had no energy left in me to do anything. I took a hot shower and crashed on the bed, not waking up until the next morning. My body was telling me to stay in bed. My mind made me get up and face another day of grueling work. I couldn’t quit, no matter how much