Free Adoring Addie by Leslie Gould

by the willow,” he said. “Meet me there.”
    I gulped, which he probably took as an affirmative nod.
    As I worked refilling the other salads, the baked beans, and the rolls and then putting out the cookies, pies, date pudding, and cakes, the stranger moved a little closer, all the while keeping his eyes on me. I would have felt self-conscious, but he looked so innocent, so harmless, and so open, that I wasn’t. Nor did his gaze offend me.
    When Cate and Pete, with Joe-Joe and Billy with them, started through the line, she asked me to join them.
    â€œI’ll be right there,” I said, holding up my hand and then heading toward the stranger, who had planted himself by the tool shed.
    â€œAre you going to eat?” I asked.
    â€œMay I?” He turned toward me, his blue eyes smiling.
    â€œOf course,” I said, thinking I smelled a hint of pine. His arms were crossed, his hands resting on his biceps. I couldn’t help but notice the tendons stretching toward his long fingers and the stain of varnish on his nails.
    He looked around for a moment, his eyes landing on Mervin and Martin, who sat near Daed and Onkel Bob as they turned pieces of chicken on the barbecue. Timothy sat with Samuel beyond the willow tree, farthest away from everyone.
    â€œDenki,” he said.
    Before I could say any more, Aenti Nell approached, calling out to me in a raspy voice. “Your mother needs to talk with you.”
    I kept my tone low and even. “Now?”
    She nodded, a serious expression on her face. “Come along.”
    I gave the stranger a little wave and then followed my Aenti.
    My mother reached out her arm but didn’t touch me as I stepped to her side, even though I extended my hand. “Phillip’s over there all alone,” she whispered.
    â€œJah,” I said. “I’m going to fill my plate and join him.”
    â€œ Gut .” She glanced over her shoulder. Phillip’s father stood by Daed and Onkel Bob, and his mother sat a few feet away. I wondered if she could hear us.
    Mutter continued whispering. “Talking to other young men isn’t wise—especially when everyone is watching.” She nodded her head in the direction of Phillip’s mother as she pursed her lips.
    â€œI’m going.” I stepped toward the tables, not wanting to endure any more of her chastising.
    I filled my plate, strolled toward the willow, and knelt next to Phillip, who had already finished eating. Tucking the skirt of my dress behind my knees, I slipped down to a sitting position, determined to engage Phillip in conversation that steered clear of the topic of us, as a couple. The longer I could avoid any talk of that, the more likely I’d be to sort out my feelings.
    Before I could speak, Timothy called out to me, but I ignored him. He and Samuel then left their plates by the willow tree—most likely for me to collect—and headed toward the edge of the lawn to the volleyball net. George and Danny had already finished eating and were batting the ball back and forth, while Sadie sat on the grass and watched.
    Mervin and Martin continued to stay close to Onkel Bob.
    â€œWhat was your favorite dish?” I asked Phillip, nodding toward his plate as I scooped up a forkful of potato salad.
    He waved his hand away from it. “Oh, I couldn’t say. It was all good enough.”
    â€œGood enough?” My hand stopped in midair.
    â€œNot as good as my Mamm’s,” he said, now brushing his hands together as if cleaning them.
    â€œOh?”
    â€œIt’s just . . . I mean . . . I think . . .” he stuttered, as if he realized he’d put his foot in his mouth. “It’s just not what I’m used to.”
    â€œOh, of course,” I said. “I know your Mamm is a good cook. There’s no reason to be embarrassed.” I wouldn’t hold an unintended remark against him. I took the bite of