Hot Summer Nights

Hot Summer Nights
by Jen L. Lee © 2012


“You do realize that Summer has been returned to us from six foster homes,” Mrs. Naste said to Teal Connors. “She is almost 15 and we feel she is incorrigible and likely will never fit in anywhere,” she sniffed in a condescending tone. “Frankly, we all believed she would age out and be someone else’s problem.”

“There is no such thing as an incorrigible child,” the 34-year old socialite said as she adjusted her stylish hat. “I was not able to have children after the birth of my daughter, Nicole. We adopted Colleen and we were told she would be nothing but a headache. Quite the contrary, she has been a delight and a wonderful big sister to our Nicole. Children need love and guidance, give them that and most will turn out fine.”

“Yes, but as I have just said, Summer is not a child,” Mrs. Naste said. “She will be eighteen in a few years. We have several other children who …”

“My husband and I liked Summer from the beginning. She seemed to like us. Our trial weekend went swimmingly. The papers are signed, are they not?” Teal said, not letting this pushy woman dissuade her. Mrs. Naste nodded.

“Then I would like to take my daughter home, please.”

Summer was saying goodbye to the few friends she had when they came to get her. Summer was far from incorrigible, she was too bright for her own good, asked all the wrong questions and wasn’t afraid to stand up for herself or any of the other downtrodden kids she encountered. She and Mrs. Naste had almost come to blows on several occasions. When she met the Connors’, Summer thought they were too good to be true. Teal Connors was locally well-known and Patrick Connors owned several properties and was one of the most dynamic men Summer had ever met. With his steely blue eyes and dark hair, you noticed him when he walked into the room. If he had made a move on her, Summer would have been more than happy to fuck him. She wasn’t a virgin, having discovered sex the previous year. A lot of it had been with other girls and she was sure it was one of the reasons Mrs. Naste disliked her.

Teal greeted Summer when she entered the room with her one small suitcase. They went outside to the parking lot and got in Teal’s new Audi. “It’s really over?” Summer said as she looked back at the home she had been in and out of since the age of 2. “No more foster homes?”

Teal kissed Summer’s cheek and squeezed her hand before starting the car. “No more foster homes, darling. You’re my daughter now. You can call me Mom or Teal, whichever feels more comfortable.”

“I like Mom,” Summer smiled warmly. “I’ve never had a mom and I’ve always wanted one. You and Mr. Connors …”

“Dad.”

Summer smiled. “You and Dad are sure about this? You have two girls already, I’m going to be 15 in another week and …”

“Nicole adored you and Colleen can’t wait to meet her new sister,” Teal said as the car drove up the laneway to their home. “She’ll be home next week and the only thing she told me is that we’re supposed to buy you lots of pretty new clothes and spoil you rotten.”

Summer giggled. “That sounds good to me. I like her already!”

They got out of the car and the front door of the house swung open. Nicole ran down to meet her mother and new sister. She caught Summer up in a hug that nearly knocked the wind out of her. “What took you guys so long?” She chirped and then hugged Summer again. “Hi, sis!” She beamed.

“Since I’ve never had a sister, that will take some getting used to,” Summer smiled. “Hi yourself Nicky, it’s so nice to see you again.” During Summer’s trial visit, the girls had bonded so well that Nicole was almost in tears when Summer had to leave. Teal knew right at that moment they had to make lovely blonde a permanent part of their family.

Teal smiled at both of her daughters. “Have you heard from your father?”

“Daddy will be home in about 45 minutes, he sends his love to you and says I’m supposed to give Summer a hug from him,” Nicole hugged her sister again. “Oh, and Colleen called and says I’m supposed to spoil Summer rotten and she can use her room.”

Summer had slept in her own room the last time she was there. “We’re having your room painted,” Teal explained to her daughter. “We paid attention to a lot of what you told us during your visit so we’re having the room decorated to your liking. You won’t be able to use it for a few days, because of the paint fumes.”

“Oh Mrs. – oh Mom, I don’t want to be a bother, I’m sure it will be fine,” Summer smiled.

“Didn’t you hear your sister? You are a Connors girl now and we spoil our kids,” Teal grinned. “You can use Colleen’s room, you could have a party for twenty people in her room and not find them for a week,” she laughed.

“I’ve got a better idea, Mommy,” Nicole piped up. “Bunk with me Summer, we can eat junk food and stay up late …” Teal scowled at her daughters “… chill Mommy, it isn’t a school night. We’ll keep it down, but even if we didn’t, you and Daddy have kept me up enough nights.” That statement was met with a second sour look, but Nicole grabbed her sister’s arm and the pair ran upstairs. Teal laughed in spite of her daughter’s impudence. She knew that Nicole would do her best to help her new sister adjust to life as part of a family.

In her sister’s room, Summer looked at the sibling she already adored. “What were you talking about downstairs about Mom and Dad keeping you up?”

Nicole giggled.