Covering the Carolinas

by Casey Peeler

  Chapter 13

  GUNNISON

  Sunday morning comes with blinding sunshine while I attempt to sleep on the lounge chair on the deck. It’s useless. Standing, I recall last night and check my phone to see if Summer has called or texted. She’s going to be pissed I didn’t check on her but after having the hot dog, I got back to the house and crashed and dreamt that Marleigh was here last night… wait, I really did see them, didn’t I. Now I have to find Car and Tin to find out if it was all real.

  Walking into the house, I know if I thought Marleigh Anderson was actually here, I had to be drunk. There’s no way. Entering the kitchen, I run into Brett who’s pouring a cup of coffee.

  “What’s up?” he asks.

  “Not much. You heading toward campus soon?”

  “Nah. I plan on hitting the waves a little while today. You’re more than welcome to hang out if you want.”

  “I wish I could, but Coach has a meeting scheduled with the team after lunch today. Oh, hey, Paul crashed here last night too, when he wakes up, tell him I need a ride. I think I’m going to go down to the beach while I wait.” Brett nods and I make my way to the ocean. The salty air and warm wind remind me of that summer. I know I say I’m moving on and all that other bullshit, but there’s no way I’ll ever forget her. I take a seat on the sand and watch the waves roll in. I wonder what is really keeping her from being here because I know her dream wasn’t just to attend Coastal, it was to earn a degree in Marine Science, and you can’t get that degree just anywhere.

  Continuing to watch the sun rise over the waves, I think about how nice it would be to have her sitting here with me and how different it would be if we had followed our plans. For some reason, I just can’t shake the feeling that her sisters are avoiding me.

  MARLEIGH

  I wake up to my phone ringing and as I sit up to grab it, my head feels like it’s going to explode. What the hell? Then I remember margaritas and keg beer. Those two together are never a good combination. When I see “home” on the screen, I put on my mama face and answer.

  “Hello?”

  “Good mornin’, Mommy!” Gunner says cheerfully into the phone.

  “Mornin’, sweet boy! How are you?”

  “Great! Pap and I are going fishin’ right after church!” Listening to him talk about being with my parents makes me happy and makes this situation a lot easier.

  “I hope you catch one bigger than yesterday!”

  “Watcha goin’ do, Mommy? You and Aunt Tin and Car Car going to the beach?”

  “I’m not sure, but that does sound like fun. Guess what?”

  “What?”

  “I’ll be home in four days!”

  He begins to yell at my parents saying I’ll be home in four days and it warms my heart. Then my mama picks up the phone. She reassures me I’m doing the right thing and that Gunner is doing great. That makes me sad because it’s almost like he doesn’t miss me, but I know that he does. Once we hang up, I roll back over in the bed and attempt to go to sleep but it’s no use. I throw the covers off, change clothes, and make my way to my happy place—the beach.

  The beach is not as crowded this morning, with vacationers switching over today. I walk towards the water and take a seat on the sand where the tide barely brushes my feet. I sit and wonder how the next two years will change our future, and if keeping Gunner from his daddy is truly what’s best for him. I take a moment and pray that what is meant to be will be, and we all find our own happiness. As I watch the waves crash down, I think about the memories of this place, and let the memories wash away with the tide. It’s time to move forward.

  Chapter 14

  GUNNISON

  Before I even get close to campus, Summer is blowing up my phone. I already promised I’d stop by as soon as I got back to campus, but honestly, I just want to go to the gym. What the hell is wrong with me? Hot as hell girl wanting me and I want to go to the damn gym? Paul laughs as he hears my phone erupt again.

  “You really don’t like her, do you?” he asks.

  “Nah, I like her, but I just don’t want to have to worry about her all the time. Did you see her last night?”

  “Yeah, she was shitfaced. I can’t believe you just let her go home alone. If I was her, I’d be pissed, too.”

  “Well, honestly, I didn’t want to have to deal with her puking all night. I know that’s terrible. I just didn’t want to start my first night back like that. I’m sure her roommates made sure she was okay.”

  “You sure that’s all? Just let me know when she’s free game because I’m tellin’ ya now, I’m going after her.”

  “Dude, really?” Paul starts to laugh and if he wasn’t driving, I might have punched him. I might not be in love with her but she’s mine, or at least that’s what I keep telling myself.

  MARLEIGH

  After soaking in the morning air, I make my way back to the house. Carleigh is watching a Lifetime movie and drinking coffee while Tinleigh is still snoozing away. I take a seat beside her.

  “You’re up early.”

  “Gunner called this morning and then I couldn’t sleep. I just went down to the water and had a little time with the big man upstairs. Being here, where it happened, has made it harder than I thought.”

  “Whatcha mean?”

  “Just that I’ve told myself for the past three years that it was the worst week of my life, but that’s a lie. It will forever be the best week of my life. I’ve made my decision on letting him live his life, but being here isn’t like I thought it would have been.”

  “I’m sure it’s different, Mar, but just do what you know is right. I know you enough to know that once you make a plan you always stick with it until you need to make a new one, so everything will work out like it should. Right now, I want to know about you and Brett.” She winks.

  I chuck a throw pillow at her. “There’s nothing to tell. He’s really easy on the eyes, and those hands are nice and strong.”

  “So did y’all?”

  I shake my head no. “Believe me, I wanted to, but I just couldn’t. He’s a really nice guy, or seems to be at least. I will say it took every ounce of my being to stop what almost happened in that room. It’s been a long time since a guys even kissed me, let alone got me in a bed, or should I say a beach chair, with them.”

  Carleigh spews the coffee from her mouth. “Mar, it’s really been since GC?” I nod my head yeah. “Dear lord, we’re going to have to fix that.” I can’t help but laugh at the logical sister saying I need to get laid. “I think Brett just might be the guy to make you forget.” I think she just might be right.

  Once Tinleigh wakes up, we load up the golf cart and make our way to the beach. Today is a great day to soak in the sun, recover from last night, and get ready to do it again. We spend the entire day in our bikinis lying on beach chairs, sipping margaritas and listening to the radio. Being back with my sisters, I feel like myself for the first time in almost three years.

  At some point I doze off, and wake up unexpectedly to ice sitting in the curve of my back. I scream and jump out of my skin. As my sisters burst out laughing, I turn over and see exactly who’s behind this joke. Brett. “You’re so dead!” I say as I stand. He starts to laugh, but realizes I’m not joking as I dig my hand in the cooler, then he takes off toward the water. I run after him and follow into the water. He dives under just as I reach him. I stand and cross my arms, making my “B” cup look more like a “C” and pout. He comes above the water and notices me. He starts to laugh. “You don’t play fair, Brett,” I say and when he walks toward me, I can’t help but know he’s playing right into my hand. As he gets within one arms reach, I take a step as I’m going wrap my arms around him, but instead, I push him backwards into the water and take off back toward the beach. It doesn’t take him long to catch up with me and toss me over his shoulder. I kick and yell like a girl as he takes me back into the water. As he starts to toss me into the ocean, I realize that’s not his plan. Instead, he slides me do
wn his solid body and holds me in his arms looking me dead in the eyes. He stands there as if waiting for permission after last night, and I don’t give him permission, I just react. Wrapping my arms tighter around his neck, I can’t get close enough to him. He walks us further out into the water and I giggle as we step into a hole and almost go under. When he smiles, I can’t help but realize here I am, yet again, falling for a boy on this beach. I’m not sure if this is just for fun or what exactly, but for right now I’m living in the moment.

  “So Marleigh, would you want to go out tonight?” he asks as we float together in the water.

  “I’d love to,” I say and then I place my lips on his again.

  GUNNISON

  Finally breaking down, I decide to go by Summer’s apartment and check on her. On my way over, I stop to get a bouquet of flowers and a coke. Knocking on her door, I wait for a few minutes but no one answers. When I turn the doorknob it’s locked so I grab the spare key and let myself in. It’s perfectly still. I make my way to her room and quietly open the door. I see her hair is a complete mess and she is sleeping like only a princess can. I place the flowers on her dresser, slide off my shoes, and climb in bed with her. As I wrap my arms around her, she snuggles closer. I kiss her cheek and fall asleep.

  I wake up to Summer kissing my neck and my entire body wakes up. “I guess you feel better.” She smiles and her lips begin to trail down my body. She shows me just how great she feels as she takes me in her mouth and brings me close to climax. Quickly, I pull her from me and remove her clothes. I begin to trail kisses on her neck and as she encourages things to go further, I take a condom from my wallet and waste no time making her scream my name.

  Chapter 15

  MARLEIGH

  As the sun begins to set, we say goodbye to the guys, pack up, and make our way to the house. I have a little over two hours to be ready for Brett. Just thinking about going on a real date is making me so damn nervous!

  “Quit biting your lip,” Tinleigh says, “it’s just a date.”

  I roll my eyes and she bursts out laughing. “Y’all, I haven’t been on a real date since freakin’ prom and that was with Wesley, which doesn’t even count. Having a kid doesn’t exactly attract guys our age.”

  “Speaking of that, are you going to tell him?”

  “Hell no! I mean, if we got serious maybe, but no.”

  “Sis, just so you know, Brett doesn’t date too many girls. He pretty much focuses on the team and classes. He always has a date to the formals and always finds a girl at a party, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like he was today, and we hang with them a lot since we live so close.”

  “That’s good to know, but y’all, what the hell am I gonna wear?”

  “Easy, wear what you would wear on a date here. Personally, I think you need to wear a short sundress with cute wedges,” Tinleigh states, and I know which dress she’s referring to and she’s right. It’s perfect.

  At six fifty-five, there’s a knock at the door and I feel sick to my stomach. Deep breaths. One… two… three. Carleigh comes to see if I’m ready. “Dang. He’s gonna be speechless,” she says as I start to follow her. When I round the corner, Brett is standing inside the door. He looks perfect in a surfer boy kind of way, but it’s his emerald eyes that hold my attention. Suddenly I feel like Dorothy in the Emerald City.

  “Wow. You look amazing, Marleigh.” I smile as I grab my purse and make my way to him. He kisses my cheek and I feel the fever rush to them. Looking at my sisters, they are smiling like proud parents. I toss them a wave as we begin to walk out the door. Just before the door closes, I hear Tinleigh say something about being home by midnight. I just shake my head and mouth “whatever”.

  Brett walks to my side of his BMW and opens the door for me. I slide in as he makes his way to the driver’s side. He smiles at me as he puts his seat belt in place, and I know tonight is going to be a night I’ll never forget.

  As we leave Garden City and make our way down highway seventeen toward Murrells Inlet, I’m curious to know where he’s taking me.

  “So you want to tell me where we’re going?” I question.

  “Do you like seafood?” he asks.

  “I love it!”

  “Have you been to Wicked Tuna?”

  “Yeah, last summer. Their Mahi is amazing. It like melts in your mouth.” Just thinking about it makes my mouth start to water. “It’s got a neat atmosphere, too. Is there a band there tonight?”

  “I think so, but I thought if nothing else we could walk on the marsh.”

  “That sounds perfect.”

  Brett is a complete gentleman as he opens the door for me yet again and pulls my chair out for me at supper. The electric blue of the restaurant makes his green eyes darken and I’m lost in them completely. After ordering, we talk comfortably and it feels wonderful to be out with someone my age who is interested in me. As the food arrives, we get quiet and enjoy our meal. When my phone buzzes in my pocket I try to ignore it, but hearing the distinct ring, I can’t ignore this call.

  “Um, Brett. I’m sorry, but I have to take this call. I’ll be right back,” I say as I stand and make my way to the marshwalk. Hoping there’s enough light, I answer the Facetime call. “Hey, Mommy!” He waves.

  “Hey, little man! You goin’ nite nite?” I ask.

  “Yup. You look pretty, Mommy. Where you?”

  I smile. “Thank you! Mommy’s eating supper with a friend.” Then I see my mama peak into the camera and I can read her expression. Her eyes give a warning, and I know exactly what she’s thinking—be careful and remember why I’m there. I know I’m going to have to answer a million questions tomorrow. “I better get back inside. Be good and I’ll talk to you first thing in the morning. I love you, Gunner.”

  “I love you too, Mommy.” I blow him a kiss and he does the same. As I disconnect, I turn and come face to face with Brett. He has his hands in his pockets as mine covers my mouth, unsure of what he overheard.

  Removing my hand and taking a step toward him, he doesn’t move. “Brett, I can explain.” For the first time in my life, I don’t want to hide my son. He places his finger over my lips.

  “How old is he?” he questions.

  “Two and a half,” I say just above a whisper.

  “His dad?” he questions.

  “Not in the picture.”

  “I’m sorry he’s not around; he’s an idiot.” He says as he pulls me into his arms. “Come on, let’s finish eating.” I try to push aside the fact it’s not his daddy’s fault he doesn’t know, but mine. I’m amazed at how Brett handled hearing I have a child. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to this date than I thought. Brett and I finish our food, and as the band prepares to play, it doesn’t take me long to realize exactly who it is. I can’t help but wonder if Brett recognizes them. I look his way and he smiles. “You don’t know who they are, do you?” I ask him.

  “No clue.”

  “Do you like beach music?”

  “Yeah, but it’s not like I grew up around it.”

  “Well then, that is Chairmen of the Board, and they are big dogs in beach music. They are my favorite!”

  When the band begins to play, I can’t help but smile. I feel at home. This beach is my other home, now if only I could dance. As couples begin to shag on the dance floor, I can’t help but look at Brett’s reaction. He’s taking it all in and watching their footsteps. I begin to giggle. “What?” he asks. I stand and take him by the hand. “I have no clue how to do this.”

  “It’s easy. Just remember, one-two-three rock back. I’ll help you, no worries.” I wink. After a few songs, he becomes a natural and, we are laughing, smiling, and dancing like we have been dance partners for years. When the song ends, they slow things down and Brett never lets go of my hands. Instead, he pulls me close to him as we sway back and forth and my lips meet his.

  He takes me from the dance floor and leads me to the marshwalk. We walk hand in hand from Wicked Tuna to Sisters Marina w
hile looking at all of the fishing boats and yachts. On our way back, we walk a little slower and stop to watch the tide flow into the marsh. Brett wraps his arms around me and I can’t help but look into the clear Carolina night sky and pray this is real.

  “Brett, please don’t say anything about Gunner. I’ve worked hard to be where I am today, and I don’t want any one’s pity. He’s my world and why I’m here.”

  Brett turns to face me. “I think you’re brave raising a child on your own and pursuing your dream. That’s amazing, Marleigh.” He takes his hand and guides it along my cheek until his fingers intertwine with my long locks. “That’s why you pushed away, wasn’t it?” Nodding yes, he brings his lips to mine and I let go. For the first time in three years, I’m putting myself first in this moment.

  “Brett, I need to be home before Gunner calls in the morning.”

  “Okay.” He kisses me deeply once more and then we walk to his car. As we arrive at his house, I notice how quiet it is. “No one’s here but us. I stay here all the time, but it’s only a full house when there’s a party.” He must sense my nervousness as he takes my hand in his, and we walk up the steps to the house. Walking into the kitchen, Brett tosses the keys on the counter and then pulls me into his arms. He doesn’t pressure me, instead he just holds me. As my phone rings, I pull myself from him. Glancing at the screen, I see it’s just Tinleigh and silence it. I quickly text her and then toss it back in my purse.