Moonlight Beach

by Tammy L Grace

  He chuckled, reaching for his glass of iced tea. “You’re telling me. Unlike you, I don’t feel a need to explain things to Missy. Her reaction would not be positive and we talk so infrequently, it wouldn’t come up in conversation. Like you, I don’t know exactly what we have, but I know it’s good. I don’t want it to end and I don’t want to jeopardize it in any way.”

  She nodded. “I feel the same way. Izzy has room enough at her place that we can each have our own room. It’s not like we’re going away on some fantasy singles sex holiday.”

  He choked and sprayed iced tea across the table. Chuckling, he tried to mop up the mess with a napkin. They both laughed so hard tears rolled down their cheeks. The dogs stopped playing and Fritz hurried up the stairs, worried at the commotion and determined to check on Lily. Sherlock and Bodie followed him and the three dogs stood staring at their humans.

  A new round of giggling ensued at the cocked heads and confused looks on the dogs’ faces. Finally, Lily took a deep breath to compose herself. She gathered up the dishes and carried them inside, while Mac disposed of the carryout containers and cleaned off the table.

  She returned with a beer for Mac and a rare glass of wine for her. “That must have been our collective nervous energy spilling out, right?”

  He clinked his beer bottle against the edge of her glass. “Probably. This was all easier when I was younger. There was no thought at all, just hormones.”

  The giddiness that had taken over was gone. Lily took a sip from her glass and set it down, twirling the stem between her fingers. “I don’t think I could handle losing anything else in my life right now. You. Kevin. Mel. I finally feel like I can do this and I can’t risk the thought of anything upsetting the precarious footing I’m on. I’m not saying no to a more intimate relationship, just saying not right now. I’m not ready.”

  He reached across the table and took her hand. “There is no rush. I’m not here for that. Those days are long behind me. If, and like you, it’s a big if, I embark on a serious relationship, it will be for much more than the physical side.”

  Lily sighed. “Then, let’s go and visit Izzy and Kate. I think we’ll have a great time and we can just take it slow and enjoy ourselves without any pressure hanging over us. I’ll call Kevin to let him know tomorrow.”

  “Sounds great.” He winked and added, “I already marked myself out of the clinic just in case we decided to go. Are you okay to leave the cottages and Mel?”

  She smiled. “My season technically ends the weekend before, so I’m set. Mel is scheduled to take her driving test Wednesday and I predict she will pass, so she’ll be driving herself and can stay with Jeff and Donna, unless she’s comfortable here alone.”

  “Without the dogs, I think she’d be better off with Jeff and Donna.”

  Lily nodded and finished her wine. “I agree. She’s still skittish and I don’t want any worries while we’re away.” She reached down and ruffled the top of Fritz’s head.

  Mac took a long pull from the bottle. “Just to be clear, I wouldn’t say no to a fantasy sex holiday with you in the future.”

  That did it. They both started laughing again.

  Lily had arranged a small get-together at the pizza place by the waterfront to celebrate Mel’s successful driving test. If it didn’t go well, she was prepared to call it off, but was certain Mel would pass. While she waited for her, she reflected on the video chat she had with Kevin early yesterday morning.

  She had worked herself into a knot, her stomach roiling and her head aching, anticipating how she would present Mac and their trip to her son. Then once connected, her nervousness had become overwhelming, and she’d spewed out all the information, not doing a great job of any of the things she had learned in all the various communications classes she had taken over the years. She explained that she didn’t want him to think she was replacing Gary or had forgotten his beloved father and the man she would always love, then let him know that she wasn’t sure where her relationship with Mac would go. She felt comfortable with him and although they had initially bonded over their love of goldens and their shared grief, she felt there was more to their friendship.

  Without getting into the details she couldn’t imagine a young man wanting to discuss with his mother, she assured him their trip was just a chance to sightsee and spend time with each other and they were both committed to taking things slowly and would be staying in separate rooms.

  She had watched Kevin’s reactions, looking for any sign of angst or concern, and by the time she took a breath, the stress had her sweating through her shirt and her throat was bone dry.

  To her surprise, Kevin was thrilled for her. He assured her he was happy that she’d found someone to spend time with and trusted her completely. “Dad would never want you to be sad and alone, and neither do I.” Those words still echoed in her heart. She was beyond lucky to have such a wonderful son.

  Talking to Kevin and having his support had lifted a heavy weight from her heart. If she was honest with herself, Kevin was one of the main reasons she wanted to put off any kind of intimacy with Mac. The thought of her son disapproving or thinking less of her was something that scared her to her core.

  With that task behind her and a happy outcome, Lily was walking on air. If Mel passed her test, it would make it an even better week. A few minutes later, Mel emerged from the office, a smile filling her face as she waved her new, shiny license at Lily. “I passed. I got a perfect score.”

  Lily couldn’t help herself and reached out to hug Mel. “I knew you would. I’m thrilled for you. How about we celebrate with pizza tonight?”

  “Sure, that sounds great.” She was still admiring her license.

  “Before that, let’s run by the Mercantile and you can pick out a new coat. They just got in their new selection and I want you to have a good one for fall and winter.” She sensed an objection coming from Mel and held up her hand. “I’m not taking no for an answer. It’s in celebration of you getting your license. A gift. Let’s go.” She pointed to the driver’s door.

  Mel took the same care she always did, as she prepared to drive them the few blocks down the road. After perusing the racks, she selected a stylish three-in-one jacket in a pretty raspberry color that could keep the rain away and also add extra warmth. They were having a special sale and with the purchase she also got a free cozy vest that would be perfect for fall. She tried on several colors and agreed with Lily that the deep plum was gorgeous. Lily couldn’t resist adding on a pair of cute ankle boots and Mel’s love of them won over her reluctance to accept anything for free.

  “I’ll do some extra chores to pay you back for the boots,” she said, admiring them in the full-length mirror.

  Lily added them to their shopping cart. “Deal. They’re so cute, you’re going to love them.”

  Lily dragged out the visit, taking her time looking through all the racks and trying on a few pairs of boots, before adding another pair like Mel’s, for herself. She glanced at her watch. The others should be at the restaurant by now.

  When Lily led the way to the alcove in the back of the pizza place and Mel noticed everyone, her eyes widened and her mouth hung open in utter astonishment. Instead of happy, she looked scared, like she might bolt. Lily stuck close to her and put an arm around her shoulder, amid the shouts of congratulations.

  Jeff and Donna, Mac and Cyndy, Andy, Wade, and Barb all held balloons and noisemakers, showering Mel with hoots and whistles. Her cheeks flushed and she turned toward Lily, her eyes wide and shiny. “You did all this for me?”

  “Of course. You deserve a celebration. It’s not every day you get your driver’s license.” For the first time, Mel turned and hugged Lily. An actual hug from the girl who liked to keep her distance.

  “Thank you,” she whispered, her eyes brimming with tears. Lily suggested she go pick up the pitchers of drinks from the counter, to give her a few minutes to compose herself, and Mel hurried from the room. Lily signed to Andy that he could go
help Mel, and he nodded and followed her to the counter.

  She knew Mel didn’t like to be the center of attention, but wanted to do something special to commemorate her accomplishment. So much of the young woman’s childhood had been stolen from her, and she deserved every drop of happiness she could squeeze out of the little things in life. Most of all, Lily didn’t want Mel to feel like a boarder. She wanted her to feel safe and secure, as if she belonged.

  Soon after they returned with the drinks, the wait staff delivered three huge pizzas and everybody dug into their favorites. While they ate and visited, Lily pointed out Mel’s perfect score and Jeff beamed with pride. When they were finished with the pizza, they all presented Mel with small gifts. Before opening each one, she read the card, and held it close to her chest, offering thanks to the giver.

  She took her time, untying the ribbons on her bags and packages and peeling away the paper, taking great care not to tear it. Her face lit up when she unveiled each gift, a flashlight, umbrella, car organizer, and gas cards, and then again when she passed them around the table. She admired them once more before placing them all in one of the colorful giftbags, then neatly folded all the paper and added them and the ribbon to the same bag.

  Donna had picked up a cake from the bakery and once the pizza pans and plates had been collected, unveiled it. The bakery had decorated the round cake with a set of car keys and a glittery, personalized license plate with Mel’s name. Road signs had been crafted and placed along the outer sides of the cake. Donna let Mel cut the first slice and then served everyone. Mel liked chocolate and was thrilled with the delicious cake and fudge filling.

  It was a perfect evening and one that Lily would not soon forget. Mel smiled more than she had in the last few months. The thoughtful gifts, though small in nature, had an impact that was far greater. The fog she had been under since her ordeal in the city seemed to lift, at least for tonight. Maybe for the first time in a very long time, just maybe, Mel truly understood that people cared about her. It may even be her first taste at what being part of a supportive family was like, albeit an unconventional one.

  9

  It was the last weekend of the season, although like her uncle, Lily was willing to accept off-season reservations from previous guests and referrals, but wouldn’t be tied down like she had been all summer. The three cottages were booked by five women who took a trip together each year and had chosen Driftwood Bay as their destination.

  Lily had listened to them giggling and visiting with each other late into the evening last night, but would be getting to know them better at her appetizer social tonight. Mel was becoming more involved at school and had signed up for a weekend art experience workshop. Since getting her driver’s license, she had become more confident and was beginning to blossom. She was still quite serious, but smiled more easily and was open to new ideas. She thanked Lily more than once for getting her a cell phone. That’s how students communicated with each other, so she would have been left out of activities and study groups, had she not had one.

  There wouldn’t be much work at the cottages for Mel during the off-season. Lily had suggested she think about getting a part-time job. Mel had already started checking out the local help wanted ads and had taken the big step of opening a social media account, which gave her access to some of the local groups and businesses. She was intent on finding something and assured Lily she would pull her own weight.

  Lily had no concern about Mel staying with her or anything else, but understood and admired Mel’s work ethic and desire to be self-sufficient. It was a respectable character trait in a young person and Lily intended to nurture it.

  Bodie had been working on staying and being calm around people. With five guests in the yard, he would be put to the test tonight. He had a tendency to get over-excited and wanted to be near people so much, that he often whined, while sitting in place. He knew what he was supposed to do, but let Lily know he didn’t like it much. Fritz was a good sport and sat with him, which seemed to make it easier for Bodie to relax.

  Lily was busy organizing the appetizers and wine for the evening when Mel called out that she was heading to the college and would be home when the event was over at ten o’clock. Lily noticed she was wearing her new furry vest and boots. She looked so grown-up and stylish. Both dogs were stretched out napping and at the last minute, Lily elected to leave them in the house, not certain the women were as excited about dogs as Bodie and Fritz would be about them.

  When Lily had checked with Cecilia, the woman who had made the reservations for the group, to inquire if the women drank wine or preferred something else, Cecilia had assured her they loved wine and were looking forward to the evening. She let Lily know they referred to themselves as the Winey Widows. Lily checked over what she had planned and grabbed two more bottles to take outside.

  The ladies, most of them in their seventies, had spent some time shopping and sightseeing downtown, but were already gathering around the fire pit while Lily was getting organized. Lily chuckled to herself, picturing them lined up for the early bird specials.

  They complimented Lily on her array of snacks and Cecilia offered to handle pouring the wine. Lily helped the ladies fill their plates and draped some throws and blankets over the backs of their chairs, so they’d have them within easy reach if they got chilly. She knew a few of their names, but couldn’t actually place names with faces yet, as she hadn’t been formally introduced to all of them.

  Cecilia knew how to fill a glass. They held far more wine than Lily would have poured, but the cheerful woman didn’t bat an eye and was a seasoned master, balancing the liquid without spilling a drop. Lily eased into her own chair and took a drink from her glass of iced tea.

  “Don’t you want some wine, dear?” Cecilia twirled around from the side table clutching a bottle and taking a step toward Lily, the colorful ruana she wore over her black pants and sparkly top flowing in the breeze. The slim woman had an engaging smile and gorgeous steely gray hair, expertly styled, and her jewelry matched the colorful tones in her wrap.

  Lily held up her hand, feeling underdressed in her jeans and sweater. “No, thank you, though. You ladies drink all you want, I have plenty, but don’t often drink.”

  The shortest one, who Lily guessed was barely five feet tall, with hair dyed a shocking dark brown, giggled. She wore chunky heels with her black and white print dress and black jacket. “I think there’s a story there, ladies. What kind of woman has all this wine at her fingertips and doesn’t drink it? You must tell us Lily.” She held up her glass of pink rosé and took a long sip.

  “Oh, Agnes.” Cecilia wagged a finger at her friend. “Leave the poor woman alone. You watch way too many detective shows.” She handed a glass filled with a beautiful golden white to the tall, almost bird-like woman. “Here you go, Norma.”

  Norma thanked her and turned her attention to Lily. “Cecilia and I are the oldest of friends. We both started working the same year at the local high school. I was the librarian and she taught math. We worked there together for thirty years.” Lily took in her short, mousy brown hair, the ankle length denim skirt and rather frumpy cardigan she wore, and agreed librarian fit her.

  Cecilia poured another glass, this one the color of rubies. “We had such fun in those days, but I think we’ve had even more fun these last, what, almost twenty years now since we retired?” She put the bottle down, lost in thought.

  She glanced at Lily, “Time goes by so quickly, it’s hard to keep track. We’re all widows, and while Norma and I have been friends forever, the rest of us met at a grief support group, over the last ten years. We’re all from the same area of Vermont and we take at least one trip together each year, more if we can make our schedules work.”

  She delivered the red wine to a plump woman with gorgeous skin and auburn hair. “Here you go, Jean.”

  Jean cradled her glass, her nail polish matching the wine, and smiled at Lily. “I just love the décor and elements you used in the cotta
ges. They are utter perfection.”

  “Thank you, but I can’t take the credit. My friend owns Bayside Gifts and I gave her free rein to design and decorate them. She did a fabulous job. Have you seen her shop?”

  Jean nodded. “Yes, it was lovely. I hope to go back tomorrow. I had an interior design business for years, so I’m prone to admiring and window shopping.” Her flair for design was reflected in her classy tailored pants and blouse, with a long cashmere sweater in burgundy and a scarf with gold metallic threads that added a bit of panache to her monochromatic outfit.

  “And giving her opinions about everything that is wrong with a room,” said the woman Lily remembered was Margot. Her voice was so gravelly, it was easy to distinguish. “She’s always wanting to feng shui my bookstore or add more chairs.”

  Jean chuckled as Cecilia splashed deep red merlot into two glasses. She delivered one to Margot and set the other one in front of her own chair. Margot and Norma were dressed more casually than the others, who looked like they were ready for a party or a board meeting, at least.

  Margot wore jeans with a thin gray turtleneck, topped by a gray waterfall cardigan and cute suede ankle boots the color of her wine. The gray tones and the long silver necklace she wore picked up the threads of silver in her dark hair. She raised her glass and thanked Cecilia. “I’m the only one of the bunch who still works for a living. I own a bookstore.”

  With the wine poured, Cecilia took her chair and began nibbling at the food on her plate. As they chatted, Lily learned Agnes had been married to a successful endodontist and had never worked outside her home. Cecilia and Norma lived off their pensions and Jean’s husband had been a realtor who had left her with no financial worries.

  Margot sat closest to Lily. “I read the notes in the binder in the cottage and learned these cottages have been here for decades. Have you always lived in the area?”