Summer:

My body began to shift and stretch In the small patch of sunlight trying to peek in through my curtains over my bed. I flipped over and looked at the clock on my desk table, 8:30 am. Wow, late morning for me. I've always been more of a morning person. I really enjoy starting my day with sun, meditating or doing some yoga.

Brit wouldn't be up for another hour at least.

I quickly cooked up a breakfast frittata and opened up all the curtains letting in the morning sun. My mother and grandmother would always open up all the curtains in the morning. I remember my grandmother saying to me in those early summer mornings, "OK Summer, breakfast is going, time to wake up the house!" then we'd walk around the house, opening up all the curtains as the yummy smells of breakfast began to fill the house. We'd quickly get ready for the day and wait for my grandpa to come downstairs so we could all eat breakfast together. Tears began to hit the corners of my eyes thinking about my grandma. I lost her a little over a year ago but we were very close. I still miss her presence in my life.

By the time I finished "waking up" the house and doing my morning yoga, I booted up my computer to work on some more designs. I answered all my emails, and updated my brother on how things were going on my end, then went to my room to get ready. 9:50am. Shoot! I better wake up Brit.

I jumped on the bed and started singing, "Oh what a beautiful morning" in my deepest voice possible. I giggled at myself as Brittany groaned.

"Why are you always so happy first thing in the morning. You're such a weirdo." Brit sat up and stretched.

"Why wouldn't I be happy to wake up again? The sun is up! I've got delicious food and coffee in my belly. My work is nearly done already, AND I get to hang out with some of my favorite people." I said as I moved in and out of my closet taking out the outfit we choose yesterday.

Brittany smiled, "You made breakfast? And coffee?" We both giggled. Brittany, Sean, and I all love food, but I also love cooking my own food. Brittany and Sean, on the other hand, have always been my number one taste testers.

"Yes, there's more in the kitchen. I'm going to hop in the shower. It's already 10."

Brittany shot out of bed, "Damn it Summer! Why didn't lead with that!" I was laughing as she shot out of bed and ran into the kitchen.

*****

10:50 and we are ready to go, just hanging out on the couch waiting for Sean to arrive. I'm wearing my short black and purple skater dress, with black lacy tights. The dress is sleeveless so you could see the tattoos on my arms and hands. My favorite piece of artwork, being a bundle of jasmine flowers, on my left forearm. Written in small block letters, underneath, is my grandmothers initials. I'm wearing my 3 inch heel black ankle boots with silver embellishments and I have my curls loose so it looks like a little afro. I put on my usual makeup, which is always more than the average girl but I love makeup. Brittany choose a pair of my black jeans with a white crop top and my white vans. She threw her hair up in one of those messy buns on top of her head.

"SO are you excited?!" Brittany threw her phone in her bag as she pulled me off the couch to the door. I giggled.

"Yes? I mean, I'm excited to see everyone I haven't seen in a while, and I'm excited to meet the DM. I've heard he's really funny." I grabbed my bag off the hook by my door. I reach for the door, swinging it open and I yelp.

We all bust up in a fit of laughter, as Sean stood at the door ready to knock, scaring the shit out of me. Brittany ran up behind me and gave him a big hug.

"You ladies ready?" He looked me up and down, "Damn Summer, you plan on taking someone home today?" Brittany punched him in the side, while I rolled my eyes.

"Be nice Sean." Brit chastised him as we walked down the driveway to his car. He pulled me into a big hug.

"What?! It's a compliment. You look great Summer. I'm happy you're coming with us. It's been far too long since you've hung out with all the kinky nerds." I laughed as I opened up the back door.

"I'm excited to hang out too. I just might join this Dnd group. I miss playing."

We got in the car and headed to the DM's house. The car ride was filled with Brittany telling some funny stories of the last time everyone met up. I spent most of the time laughing  and chatting, the time just flew by. I really love these people. Sean and Brittany never fail to show me a good time.

*****

Pulling up to the DM's house was surreal. It was obviously a new build, very modern. It was two stories and looked like something out of a magazine. Lots of large open windows, gray and blue exterior with a yellow door.

"Wow, who is this guy again? This house is amazing." I slowly got out of the car looking at the immaculate front yard with the beautiful gray fence that surrounded it. One large pathway lead right up to the covered porch.

Brittany wrapped her arm with mine, "I know right? He's a game designer I think, right shay?"

"Yeah, you should ask him about it Summer. You'd probably find it interesting." I nodded my head in agreement as we continued up the steps to this massive porch. I could hear the chatter and laughter happening inside. I smiled to myself. I recognized may of those voices.

Sean rang the doorbell and the door flew open.

"Sean! Hey man! Glad you could make it." A tall man with a big goofy smile stood in the doorway. He had long blond hair that was pulled back into a messy man bun. His beard was trimmed and neat. He had lots of artwork going up his arms. I imagine there's a lot more artwork left to discover. I was about to introduce myself when a saw the giant Husky running towards me.

"AWE! Hey lover!" I immediately bent down to love on this adorably large animal. He was so friendly and loving. I love animals and this one was begging for my attention. I just couldn't deny him.

"Eres, down boy, she's not that big." He snapped his fingers and Eres took a seat next to him as we walked in.

"Sorry about him, he's still learning his own strength." I giggled as Eres was still whining next to him.

"It's totally fine. I love animals..." I patted his head again before looking back up at this man who stood nearly a foot above me. His light brown eyes were so pretty and the lip ring he sported was making me weak in the knees. "... Hi, I'm Summer." I held out my hand.

"Hey, I'm Broc. Nice to meet you." When his big strong hand held mine, I could feel my body react. What was wrong with me? I only just met this guy. Eres whimpered again. We both laughed as he led me through the kitchen into the main room of the house. Whoa, this place was really something else. I lingered in the kitchen for a moment admiring all the brand new appliances. I noticed a few cookbooks on one shelf and I wondered if Broc actually enjoyed cooking. I continued into the main room as Eres stayed at my heels. This was the cutest dog ever. Finding a seat next to Brittany, I sat down with Eres laying at my feet. I bent down patting his head and telling him adorable he was before looking back at Brittany who looked a little stiff.

"Whoa, what's up with you?" I was watching Brit as she watched me pet Eres.

"Eres and I do NOT get along very well." I chuckled as she began to relax into Sean's side.

"Awe, but Eres is the sweetest." She huffed just as Broc spoke up to start the meeting. His eyes fell on Eres and I for a second. I smiled big and he winked back at us. My heart fluttered in my chest. Calm down Summer. You only just met him. You've literally spent more time with his dog than him. And yet, there was something about him. He was so sweet and goofy on the outside, but I got the sense there was a lot more to him.

Brittany leaned to whisper in my ear, "So you and Broc huh?" I shooed her away and told her to listen as I felt my cheeks heat up.

I spent the rest of the time trying to listen to all the details Broc was putting out there. I was distracted by his voice and the way he smiled when he looked at me.

We went around the room, discussing our characters, getting to know each other. Looking around the room, I knew most of the people here. Only a few new faces. There were 10 of us in all and we were all at various levels. We would have some very interesting adventures that's for sure. I had become so lost in conversation, I didn't realize Broc had disappeared. Eres was still hanging with me which made me smile. I bent down and rubbed his head again, "Where's your daddy huh?"