The second Robby

Valentina couldn't tell you a thing about the first Robby she was dating. Other than the fact, they went to prom. It was a short romance. It was mutual when it ended. No tears. Nothing.

Yes, a part of her felt rather artificial at the time. She'd needed to move on from Ollie. Perhaps it was a phase of being strong with herself. Not to let herself fall into anything with anyone. After all, Robby was moving to another state to start his college life. It wasn't a sad thing.

But then she met another Robby, which shocked her, sort of. He was in a sweater on a rather hot day which she found a bit peculiar. Did he not know what season it was? And this was Nebraska.

He had a superstar smile. He could have been in rags and she would have still pulled out her sketch pad and traced his expressions.

Oh, just what was it about this boy? He'd moved here from Texas. There he was right in front of her at the bakery one Saturday, wondering if they had a pecan pie.

He apologized for being overdressed on a  day in May. He thought it was a bit nippy out with all the flooding about. Naturally, Valentina couldn't help but grin. He was cute and probably knew it.

But the pie. There was no pie. Not pecan pie.

It was his dad's birthday and he needed a pecan pie. Valentina was up for the challenge. If he bought the pecans she would make it for him.

At least she wasn't silly enough to ask him over, she would make it at the bakery, even if it were after hours. Ste (the real baker of the bakery) stood back and watched her make the masterpiece that Robby picked up when it was cooled.

It was good to see him so happy. It made her all the happier. Of course, they were a bit clumsy around each other. They were both Juniors in high school with a lot to look forward too.

Suddenly, they were the best of friends. He came over for supper, always on a Friday night. They never really went anywhere, but it was cozy just the same and her head was filled with the new Robby. No sad thoughts about the past with Ollie, not a glimmer of that spring romance with the guy who might have been Ollie's friend.

It was anew and a beautiful summer awakening.