Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  As she ate the tender chicken parmesan and nibbled at the pillows of cheese ravioli drizzled with a garlic and butter sauce, she relaxed. Every bite was delicious and knowing Mel was safe, she was able to enjoy the meal, chatting with Mac while the dogs lounged across the floor after finishing their dinner.

  She reached for more garlic bread. “I hope Mel is able to work through what happened and focus on her coursework. She seemed so excited about it.”

  Mac nodded as he finished his last bite. “The poor kid. She seemed like she was starting to settle in. I’m curious what Jeff found out after talking with the police in Seattle.”

  Lily’s cell phone chimed and her brows lifted when she saw the screen. “It’s Jeff. He wants to know if he can stop by.” She hurried to wipe her hands on a napkin and tapped in a reply.

  A few minutes later, her phone alerted her to Jeff’s arrival, picked up by one of her security cameras. She went to the door and led him into the kitchen. He took her up on the offer of a glass of iced tea and took a chair next to Mac.

  “Mel is finally sleeping, so I thought it would be a good time to fill you in on what happened.”

  Lily placed his glass in front of him and nodded. “Mac told me about Sally’s involvement and the two men, who are now in custody, along with how Mel managed to get help. She’s a smart one.”

  “That she is. Sally has also been arrested. She was on thin ice as it was with her curfew violations at the shelter and was on probation. She tested positive for drug use, so she’s going back to jail.”

  Jeff went on to explain the two men who abducted Mel were low level street dealers, who will most likely turn on their boss and the police are hoping to work their way up the chain and find out more about the people at the top of the drug business. “Mel was embarrassed and upset that she had fallen for the story about her aunt. They took advantage of her desire to connect with family and used that to entice her.”

  Lily’s eyes narrowed. “That was all Sally’s doing. I’m sure that while Mel was at the shelter, she confided in her or said things that helped Sally use it against her and conspire with her scummy friends. Have you looked into the aunt and tried to find her?”

  Jeff’s face fell. “I spent the afternoon doing just that. Mel told me social services could never find her and she didn’t have any information about her that we could use. No birthdate or address, just the vague location of Oak Harbor.”

  “From the look on your face, I’d say you found her and the news isn’t good.” Lily ran her fingers over the handle of her fork as she waited for Jeff to share the story.

  “I’m afraid you’re right. It took some doing, but I was able to work through the system and databases and confirmed late this afternoon that her aunt died two years ago. She was living in Oregon at the time and it was ruled an accidental overdose, as it seems she was addicted to opioids.”

  Mac blew out his breath and hung his head. Lily leaned back in her chair and slammed her fist on the counter. “The hits just keep on coming for her, don’t they?”

  “I’ll tell her tomorrow, after she’s had a good night’s rest,” said Jeff. She was exhausted, but Donna managed to get some food into her after Mel had a shower, so we thought it best to let her sleep. We’ll bring her over in the morning. Donna talked to the people at the college and picked up her assignments, explaining she had a family emergency and they were very understanding.”

  “I’m going to call that doctor my friend recommended and see if I can convince Mel to go. She needs someone to talk to, a professional.”

  Jeff signaled his agreement as he finished his tea. “We can get her free help through the victims of crime funding. I can put her in touch with an advocate. The young men involved were on probation, so they’ll be going to jail and the police in Seattle are trying to get them to give up who they’re working for. The charges for abducting Mel will be part of that package that the prosecutor will negotiate. If it goes to court, it won’t be until next year.”

  Lily nodded her understanding and retrieved the pitcher of tea to refill Jeff’s glass. “I’ll talk to Mel and suggest she meet with the advocate. She’s a stubborn one, so I’m not sure she’ll do it. Maybe if Donna works on her a bit, between the two of us we can convince her?”

  He took an Italian wedding cookie from the container Mac passed to him. “Speaking of Donna, we were thinking it might be best if we can figure out some transportation for Mel to and from the library and also school, so she’s not on her own.”

  “Good idea. I’m sure she’ll feel vulnerable and I know I’d feel better if she wasn’t out by herself on her bike,” said Lily. “All three of her classes are on Thursday, so that will make things less complicated. I think she needs a cell phone. I’m going to get her one and add her to my plan. I’ll get on that tomorrow. I’ve got guests arriving Thursday and if Mel feels up to going to her classes, that would be her first day.” Mac’s cookies looked so good, she plucked one for herself.

  Jeff stood and said, “I better get back.”

  Lily walked him to the door. “Thanks for everything, Jeff. I’m so glad you were able to bring her back and I’ll do everything I can to help her through this. Whatever we have to do to make sure she feels safe, I’ll make it work.” The dogs had followed her and she shooed them back into the kitchen, where Mac was clearing their dishes.

  He turned from the sink, wiping his hands on a towel. “Dishes are done and leftovers are in the fridge.”

  She smiled and reached for his hand. “Thank you, again. For the ride, for dinner, for everything.”

  He squeezed her hand. “You need some rest. Sherlock and I are going to get home and if Mel is up to it, let’s plan something at my house this weekend. Maybe Sunday?”

  “That sounds great. I’ll keep you posted.” She held his eyes for a moment longer than usual.

  He inched closer and brushed his lips against hers. “I’m so glad you’re home.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll see myself out. You get some rest.”

  That whisper of a kiss conveyed so much. It was the only time she had kissed another man since marrying Gary. Her feelings for Mac had deepened and the kiss made it clear he shared those same feelings. Part of her craved that closeness and wanted to melt into him, just let him hold her. That part that longed for him fought against the guilt that plagued her, thinking she was betraying Gary. She never imagined finding someone special again, yet here she was. She felt so conflicted and was going to have to figure out what to do, but right now she was too tired. She just knew having him in her life made her happier.

  Lily woke early and wasn’t sure if she was still adjusting to the time change or if the anticipation of seeing and talking to Mel was the cause. Regardless, she typed an email to Kevin, explaining Mel’s ordeal and then unpacked the suitcase she had been too tired to tackle last night and tossed in a load of laundry. While her coffee brewed, she took the dogs down to the beach, ready to get back to their morning routine.

  Their romping and wagging along the trail made it clear they were thrilled at the idea of heading to the beach. She sat on her favorite log and let the two run into the water along the shore. Like past mornings, she felt at peace watching the brilliant golden light rise above the water. The first rays of the day shimmered across the water, dancing as the gentle waves rolled toward her, delivering the hope and promise of a new day. A new beginning. A new chance.

  Sunrise at the beach was her special time. Along with the tranquility and peace the morning view provided, she sensed Gary’s calming presence. Like a comforting arm around her shoulders, she savored her mornings. The gentle breeze, the cool, coarse sand, and the soft sound of the water lapping along the shore reassured her.

  When she had first arrived in Driftwood Bay and made the trek each morning, she could have sworn Gary was sitting next to her. There were times she felt his hand in hers, the warmth of his strong shoulder next to her, and smelled his woodsy scent mixed with citrus shampoo. The sensations defied lo
gic and made no sense, but she clung to them. They brought her such comfort she didn’t care that it seemed crazy.

  She had lived for each morning since that first visit. It was like getting to spend secret time with Gary. Logically she knew it was impossible, but she chose to feel only with her heart and let the phenomenon she couldn’t explain comfort her.

  But since that evening she had spent at Mac’s watching the sun sink into the water from the bluff, when she had heard Gary’s voice in the rustle of the breeze and listened as he bid her farewell, the sensations were fleeting and many mornings absent altogether. She longed for him, with her eyes closed and her mind open, searching for the slightest of signs that he was there—but as much as she tried, she hadn’t felt any signs of his physical presence since that night.

  Instead, she sensed the calmness and protection he always provided. While the feel of his body next to hers was no longer there, she remained alert for the tiny signs she believed he sent her. The glimmer of light that flashed across the water, the cool breeze that ruffled her hair, the one star that twinkled a bit brighter than all the others, the scent of his favorite apple pie baking in the oven, and the comfort of Fritz resting against her, all served to remind her that he’d always be there.

  She hated that he had said goodbye when she hadn’t been ready to let him go. Maybe he knew she would be okay. She had Fritz and Bodie, now Mel, along with Cyndy and Mac. Maybe Gary knew something she didn’t. He had left her when she had been at Mac’s. That had to mean he trusted Mac to be there for her.

  Mac had certainly proved to be trustworthy and kind. Beneath their easy-going friendship and bonding over the dogs, there was the flutter of attraction. Was she ready for something beyond friendship? That was a complicated question.

  Her phone chimed and she dug it out of her pocket. She scrolled to the motion alert from the camera system and smiled when she saw Mac placing a box she recognized from the bakery on her front porch. Before she could text him to thank him, her phone dinged again with a text from Mac wishing her a good morning and prescribing she and Mel eat two donuts and then call him with the results.

  She hollered for the dogs, who from the looks of their muddy paws and faces would need a bath. They hurried home, where she gave them each a quick hose down and dried them off before leaving them to rest on the deck. She retrieved the box of pastries and sent her thanks to Mac before jumping in the shower.

  She put in a call to Dr. Clay, the therapist her friend had suggested, and explained Mel’s situation to the receptionist. After a brief hold, she returned and told Lily Dr. Clay did some pro bono work with victims of crime and would be happy to see Mel on Friday for an initial evaluation and visit. Lily booked the appointment and hoped Mel would agree to it.

  She had just brewed a pot of tea when the doorbell rang. She opened the door to Donna and Mel. Bodie and Fritz rushed toward Mel, tails in full swing as they circled around her. “Come in, please. I’m so glad you’re home.” Lily put an arm around Mel’s shoulders and felt her flinch.

  “Mac dropped off some bakery goodies for us.”

  Donna handed Lily her key. “I’ve got to get to work. I told Mel to take the rest of this week off so she could concentrate on her classes and get caught up and she can start back on her volunteer schedule next week.”

  “That sounds great. We’ll have plenty to do around here, won’t we?” Lily smiled at Mel and was rewarded with a shrug.

  Donna’s eyes conveyed her sympathy as she waved a hand to say goodbye and disappeared out the front door.

  Lily twirled the key ring around her finger. “This is your key to the house.” She passed the rhinestone covered dragonfly to Mel.

  Her dark eyes widened. “You trust me with a key?”

  “Of course. I want you to be able to get in, if I’m ever out and about when you get home. I know you’ll keep it safe and secure.” Lily took a step forward and then turned back to Mel. “I try to keep my keys in the same place, to keep track of them, but if you happen to lose it, just let me know and we can get the locks changed.”

  Mel followed Lily into the kitchen and accepted her offer of tea. Lily noticed Mel’s brows raise at the selection of pastries and donuts stacked in the box on the island counter. She passed her a plate and nodded toward the box.

  Mel selected a huge cinnamon roll dripping in cream cheese frosting. Lily handed her a fork and a stack of napkins and chose an almond croissant for herself. The dogs stuck next to Mel resting their heads as close to her feet as possible.

  After they each had a few bites, Lily refreshed their mugs of tea. “I know you’ve been through a horrible ordeal and I don’t want to cause you any further pain. I do want you to know you have some options. First off, I hope you’ll come with me today and pick out a cell phone. I can add you on my plan and use it as a business expense, since you’re helping me here with the cottages. Secondly, there is a doctor, a therapist, who is willing to see you for free because she likes to give back to the community and she can take you on Friday. She comes highly recommended and it would just be you, not a group setting. I know Jeff said there is also a counselor available through the victims of crime funding, so you also have that option. Lastly, and this one is non-negotiable, we’re going to arrange to drive you to school and to the library for a few weeks. I don’t feel comfortable with you on your own just yet.”

  Mel took a slow sip from her mug. “The phone sounds like a good idea. I’m not so sure about a therapist or a counselor, and I’ll put up with you giving me rides, but not forever. I’m going to be okay.” Her voice cracked a bit on the last word and her eyes filled with tears. “I’m so mad I fell for Sally’s stupid lies. I’m normally so careful, but when she mentioned Aunt Tricia, all logic flew out of my brain. I just wanted to find her and have a family again.”

  Lily reached across the counter and patted her arm. “Jeff told me about your aunt. I’m so very sorry she passed away without you getting to reconnect with her. Jeff said she was living near Seaside. I thought maybe this spring we could take a drive down there and you could take her some flowers.”

  Mel’s eyes widened and her lip quivered. She nodded and whispered, “Thank you, I’d like that.” She reached for her fork and stuffed another piece of the cinnamon roll in her mouth.

  “Sometimes, family isn’t always related by blood. You’ll always have a place here and although we aren’t related,” she glanced down at the dogs, “you can see we’ve missed you terribly.”

  Mel swallowed hard and reached for her mug. The loud gulps reminded Lily of the dry lump stuck in her own throat. Mel was a tough nut, but the thought of her suffering alone and afraid broke Lily’s heart. She hoped, with time, all the cracks caused by the insurmountable losses Mel had endured would heal, and Lily wanted to be part of the remedy.

  Lily finished another bite of the flaky croissant. “Well, when you’re ready, we can head into town and find you a phone. I need to run by the market and restock the fridge and pick up a few things. We’ve got guests coming Thursday, so we’ve got today and tomorrow off.”

  Mel nodded, swigged down the last of her tea and took her plate to the sink. “I’ll just run downstairs and change my clothes.” The dogs followed after her, making Lily smile as she put the rest of the pastries in storage containers.

  Lily started a load of laundry and left the dogs downstairs before grabbing her shopping list and shepherding Mel into the garage. When she reached the end of the street, Mel reached across the console and clutched her wrist. “We need to go back. I don’t think I locked the downstairs door.” Her breath caught as she hurried to get the words out.

  “I’m certain it’s locked.” As Lily turned toward Mel, her forehead creased with concern.

  Mel’s face had become pale and her hands trembled as she shook her head. “No, I need to check it. I checked the front door, but not the downstairs.”

  Lily recognized Mel’s distress and made a U-turn, noticing Mel’s breathing calmed the clos
er they got to the house. Lily let Mel go through the gate with the keypad to the back of the house, understanding she had to be the one to confirm it.

  Minutes later Mel returned to the passenger seat, with a weak smile. “Sorry, it was locked. I just couldn’t remember.”

  “Not to worry. Better safe than sorry, right?” Lily pulled away from the house, glancing at Mel’s legs, jiggling against the seat.

  “It’s normal to feel a bit jumpy after what you’ve been through. That’s why it might be a good idea to talk to someone about what you’re feeling and experiencing.”

  Mel nodded, but didn’t commit to anything. They made quick work of their errands, with Lily convincing Mel to let her treat her to a few new shirts and jeans for school, and on the drive home Mel read the instruction manual for her new phone. While Lily put the groceries away and fixed lunch, Mel set her phone to charge on the desk. As soon as Mel finished lunch, she went downstairs to start on her homework. The dogs were at her heels and followed her into her bedroom. Lily marveled at their ability to sense those who needed them most.

  Lily threw in another load of laundry and stationed herself at the computer to get caught up on emails and take a look at her booking calendar. Her last weekend of the season would be the one before Halloween and she needed as many bookings as possible before then. She scanned the calendar and found several new reservations, bringing her to full capacity for this month and most weekends in October.

  Fall was a beautiful time in Driftwood Bay, but crowds naturally declined as it got closer to the winter months. Lily had to make money while she could and stash it away for the lean season. As she looked at all the blank spaces stretching across December and into February, a shiver of doubt rippled through her. She’d never faced having that much time on her hands. She was frugal and knew she could stretch her funds, but had to find something to do once Kevin went back to school in January.