The Beach In Winter

by Pike, Leslie

  The girl is just as happy to see Sam as he is her. It passes through my mind that she’s who he was texting. They probably knew they’d see each other. Yep. That’s how I would have played it.

  “She’s a cute girl. Watch how he looks at her,” Parish whispers.

  Oh God, it’s adorable. Young love is the sweetest.

  While we were distracted, the contestants have piled up the carnage of their feast. The older woman’s arms raise in the air.

  “We have a winner!” The announcer clicks the stopwatch. “Darlene Baker is the winner of round one! Again I might say!”

  Applause breaks out, followed by whistles and loud conversations.

  “As soon as we clear the tables, the second round will commence. The time to beat is three minutes thirty-three seconds.”

  I pat Parish on the back. “Good luck!”

  His smile tells me he has no doubts about his abilities. Walking up to Sam he says something to the group and offers his hand to the father. Nice. Then I watch as Parish, Sam, the father and the oldest brother take seats at the cleared table. I catch Amy’s eye and wave her over.

  “Hi, Amy! Here, sit here,” I say patting the empty seat next to me.

  “Hi, Mrs., Miss.”

  “Call me Scarlett.”

  Her sweet face and blonde hair almost look angelic. But I’m sure that’s not how Sam sees things.

  “Who do you think’s gonna win?” I say.

  “My father wins every year. But I hope it’s Sam,” she says lowering her eyes.

  “Me too. Parish and Sam have never eaten these before. Are they super hot?”

  Her jaw drops. “Oh no. They’re gonna be surprised. They’re too hot for most people.”

  The announcer goes through the same spiel he gave the first group. Then holds up his stopwatch.

  “Contestants, begin!”

  It’s fair to say Parish’s eyes started tearing up with the first bite.

  Scene Break

  “Scarlett! Bring me some more Maalox. And leave it outside the door. Don’t come in!”

  I have no intention of entering. But I can’t help but laugh at the situation we’re in. He’s been in the bathroom since we got back, and the sounds coming from inside can’t be unheard.

  I’ve been holding back my laughter for an hour. If he knew just how good the acoustics are in this suite he’d kill himself.

  I place the Maalox on the floor by the door. “Can I bring you something to drink? Water?”

  “No! Go away! Please! Oh shit.”

  I chuckle as I walk away to the melodic sounds of the season. My cell sounds.

  “Hi,” I say, happy it’s Sam calling.

  “Hi. I’m checking in like you told me. We’re all going to dinner. Is that okay?”

  “Mr. Casper too? Are Amy’s brothers going?” I say.

  “Everybody. Her mom finally got here too. We’re all going for chili and if it’s alright we’re gonna watch the nighttime ski and snowboard parade. There’s fireworks after too.”

  “Will they be able to bring you back here?”

  “Yes. They already said that,” he says, impatient to get off the phone.

  “Have a good time, and do you have enough money to treat Amy to something?”

  “Yeah. Parish gave me a twenty.”

  “Okay. Have fun, birthday boy. Auntie loves you.”

  Chapter 19

  Parish

  “Where’re we going?” Sam asks from the back seat. “My birthday was yesterday.”

  I’m doing pretty good at handling the fact it’s Justin’s. Distraction is the way through.

  “Yesterday was your present from Parish. Today it’s my turn to dazzle you,” Scarlett says.

  She’s as excited as Sam is, maybe more. Because she knows what this will mean to him. We’ve kept it under wraps. A birthday gift this good should be milked.

  “You’re going to love it,” she says.

  “Are we almost there? How long do I have to wear this?” Sam says.

  I watch him through the backseat mirror, adjusting the blindfold.

  “Don’t peek! You’ll ruin the surprise,” I say.

  He sighs in resignation. “Give me one hint.”

  “Okay. Let’s see. Help me, Parish.”

  “Your present is one-of-a-kind. Right, Scarlett?”

  “True. And that’s a great clue.” She touches my arm.

  Sam sighs his frustration. “That’s a shitty clue.”

  “No it isn’t. How many things are one of a kind? Can you think of any?”

  He mulls things over. “Then it’s not clothes, or sports equipment.”

  “Nope.”

  “It can’t be music or movies or technology. Man, this is hard. Give me another clue.”

  “We’re here,” I say.

  Turning into the lot we park right in front of the entry. That was just good luck. Now when we do the big reveal it’ll be more dramatic. The Portland Animal Rescue sign is right in front of the car.

  But before we can do that the sound of dogs barking carries from inside the building to where we sit.

  I turn to watch his first sign of recognition. Sam tilts his head, angling toward the sound. A smile lifts the corners of his mouth.

  “Go ahead, take it off,” Scarlett says excitedly.

  He rips it away and sees where we are, reading the sign.

  “Oh God, oh God, oh God!” he says.

  We’re all three about to burst. Then his eyes fill with tears, followed by ours.

  “Am I getting a dog?”

  He’s stunned. Like never in his wildest dreams did he imagine it would happen.

  “Yes! It was Parish’s idea,” she says giving credit where due.

  His expression is mature gratitude mixed with the wonder of a boy. This is the best thing we could have done. My hard won wisdom has taught me all about making the small moments count.

  Sam’s out of the car before we’ve unfastened our seatbelts. He runs inside with us hurrying to catch up. I grab the leash I bought last week from the back of the car and come around to meet Scarlett.

  The double glass doors shut behind him, then open at our approach.

  He’s at the front desk, telling the tech he’s here to choose a dog. We join them. Her name badge reads Dolly.

  “Hello,” Scarlett says. “We called this morning. I’m Scarlett Lyon, and this is Sam,” she says putting a hand on his shoulder.

  “Wonderful,” says Dolly. “Let me take you back to the kennels. Unfortunately, we have too many beautiful dogs here. You’re sure to find one to love. Ready to meet your new best friend, Sam?”

  He just nods his answer. I think he’s too overwhelmed to put words to feelings.

  Dolly takes us through another door and down a hall, past closed-door rooms on either side. The sound of excited canines gets louder and louder as we approach one final door.

  “Take your time and I’ll be following behind to answer any questions.”

  We pass through the door and are greeted by dogs of all kinds. Each has its’ own kennel and its own personality. Some are doing all they can to get our attention. I don’t know where to look first, which dog to offer affection to. So I just go from one to the other.

  Sam and Scarlett are doing the same, scratching an ear or talking baby talk to a sweet face.

  “What’s this guy’s story?” Scarlett asks.

  Dolly walks up and looks in the cage. “This is Ozzie. He’s looking for a family that doesn’t have any other animals. He’s good with children, but not with other dogs or cats.”

  Sam moves to the end of the walk. He kneels and peers in.

  “Hi, girl,” he says.

  I can’t see what kind of dog it is, only that Sam seems to be connecting. He’s trying to lure the animal over with offers of attention. He sticks a finger inside, but I don’t think he’s having much luck.

  “That’s Boo,” Dolly says walking toward Sam. Scarlett and I follow.

&nbs
p; “How come she won’t come to me?” Sam says.

  We peer in the kennel and see a heartbreaking sight. In the far corner sits a dog, facing the wall. Every so often when Sam speaks, the dog leans his head back without turning his body. Just to see who’s there.

  Dolly puts her hand on Sam’s shoulder. “Her owner passed away. She was an older woman who had Boo for three years. I think this baby is just sad. She doesn’t understand why she’s lost her human. But she’s such a sweet girl. We all love her here.”

  “How long has she been here?” Scarlett asks.

  “Too long. I think people misinterpret her sadness for something else.”

  “What breed is she?” I say.

  “She’s a mix. I’d say, part beagle, part whippet, who knows what else. But she’s a pretty girl.”

  Sam is in love. I can see it.

  “What do you think, Sam?” Dolly says.

  “She’s the one I want.”

  He turns and looks up at Scarlett. It’s a silent plea that melts our hearts.

  “You sure?” Scarlett says.

  “Yep. Please I think she’d be happy with us at the beach. I promise I’ll take care of her.”

  “Are you going to give her a new name?” I ask.

  “No,” Sam says firmly. “She deserves to keep her name at least. She’s lost everything else.”

  Scarlett takes out her wallet. “Let’s make it happen then. We’re taking Boo home.”

  * * *

  “How’s she doing?” I say, looking in the mirror.

  “She’s fine. She licked my face a minute ago.”

  Sam’s got an arm around the frightened dog. She doesn’t know what a lucky day this is for her. She sits perfectly still.

  Scarlett’s hand reaches back and she wiggles a finger at the dog. “Hello, Boo. I’m so glad we stocked the pantry with food for you.”

  Sam’s face lights up. “Really? Cool!”

  “We have toys and a bed for her. Think we thought of everything,” I say.

  I make the final turn onto our street and pull into their driveway. Sam’s talking to the dog already.

  “We’re home, girl! Boo, this is our house. Come on, I’ll show you around. And we’ve got the beach, too!”

  He gets the dog out of the car and after a vigorous shake it follows his new human.

  I look at the grinning girl next to me in the front seat. “You happy?”

  “Ecstatic. The entire trip was so perfect. Well, all except your umm, time spent attending to your business.”

  She tries to say it with a straight face, but it doesn’t hold.

  “Promise me you’ll never refer to that again. I’m trying to forget the whole thing.”

  “Whatever you need to tell yourself,” she says giggling.

  Oh God. I can’t think about what she most likely smelled and heard.

  “In a sharp pivot, let’s talk about the fact that I haven’t seen you naked in three days. Have I ruined the mood for life?”

  She leans across the center divide and puts her nose on mine. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

  “Now that Sam’s seen us sleeping in one bed do you think we can occasionally sleep together? Like tonight?”

  It takes a few beats for her to answer. I’m crossing my fingers and toes.

  “What do you think? I want to say yes. But then we’re gonna get used to it, and how could we ever be apart again? Then what?”

  “Then we stay together,” I say surer than ever.

  “No. You can’t make that statement now. Not without knowing there isn’t a chance next year or the year after you won’t change your mind.”

  “Yes, I can.”

  She lowers her eyes and the corners of those luscious lips turn up.

  “Sam has to come first in this situation. I’ve got to protect him, even if it works against me. Let’s leave things as they are for now.”

  I’m certain I look as deflated as I feel, but my head nods while my heart disagrees.

  “Okay. But we should take a walk on the beach with Sam and the dog. I need to still the raging hard on I’m about to get thinking about you.”

  Her delicate hand wraps around my neck.

  “Kiss me, you magnificent man.”

  “Oh that’s going to help,” I tease.

  But I can’t refuse her request. Our lips touch and she takes the kiss I give. It’s always on another level from kisses I’ve had before. Something in the way she puts her whole self into the connection. I want to go on kissing her forever.

  “Come on, guys!” Sam hollers. “Oh, geez. Whatever.”

  We part.

  “That kid will be the death of me,” Scarlett says chuckling.

  But I know better. She’s taking to her new role, and it only impresses me more.

  * * *

  Boo’s timid at first. But the power of the ocean to impress beats her hesitation. It energizes every living creature that sees it. The salty spray, the crashing waves, and the movement of the tide rushing in and pulling back. It wins the dog over.

  “I’d say Boo’s never been on the sand before,” Scarlett says.

  I pick up a stick of driftwood and offer it to Sam. “Here, see if she’ll fetch. Don’t throw it too far into the waves.”

  He takes it and shows his tail wagging friend who comes close for a sniff.

  “Go get it, girl!”

  With one throw the dog takes off, eager to do what’s been asked. She wants to play. Not sure this sort of play was ever offered. An old woman wouldn’t have had the strength for it.

  “That’s a good sign,” I say. “Think Sam’s chosen well.”

  “Our family just grew. I like this new addition. Look at Sam’s face.”

  But my concentration is on something else. Up ahead three figures are walking toward us. I think it’s the boys Sam was with smoking weed.

  “There’s those boys,” I say to Scarlett.

  When she looks her face goes serious. But I don’t have time to comment because Boo takes off with the sight of approaching people. Obviously losing her former shyness. Maybe all along she was a friendly dog.

  Sam starts after her with the leash.

  “Boo! Here, girl!”

  When he sees who the animal is running for he stops and looks at us.

  “I’m coming,” I say going into a jog.

  The two of us head for the boys. The dogs going to reach them first. I see one kid pick up a stick in anticipation. When Boo reaches the boys, she jumps on their legs and dances circles around them. Then the boy throws the stick hard into the crashing wave. Fucker.

  Boo runs straight into the rolling foamy water but misjudges the strength. The sticks lost, Boo’s tumbling and not able to right herself. That’s when we get there.

  “You fuckers!” Sam yells.

  “Stay here,” I order Sam.

  Then I go in for the dog. The shock of the Atlantic almost steals my breath. And I’m only up to my calves. I spot Boo struggling to keep her head above water and I grab her coat with both hands. There’s a look of shock and fear on her face, mixed with gratitude for being rescued.

  As I head for the shore I see Scarlett running to meet us. The boys are just standing there looking slightly amused. Assholes.

  “What the fuck were you thinking?” I say to the one who threw the stick. The one whose smirk I’d like to punch.

  The smallest of the three speaks up. “We were just messin around.”

  The asshole gives him a death stare.

  “Let’s go,” he commands his minions.

  As they walk away, I give one parting shot. “Next time I see you here I’m calling the police. This is a private beach.”

  A middle finger rises in defiance.

  “Fuck you!” Sam calls after them.

  My hand wraps around his arm, holding him back from any further comment.

  Sam knows better than to contradict or question me. I’ve got that look that my father used to get when he
meant business. It dawns on me. I’m Sam’s champion. I haven’t been anyone’s champion for a long time.

  I hand Boo over to him.

  “Although I applaud your proper use of the word, let’s not start using that. Okay?” Scarlett says.

  He knows he wasn’t going to get away with it. “Okay.”

  Now on solid ground, Boo shakes out the saltwater.

  “Day one of dog ownership. Think it’s going pretty smoothly,” I joke.

  Chapter 20

  Scarlett

  February came in like a lion, roaring its arrival. Nature’s reflecting what’s going on with me. An unexpected storm, dunes hammered and reshaped by strong winds. That’s the state of my mind. It’s all a whirl.

  Then the big warm-up to sixty degrees the weatherman promised didn’t pan out. Who cares? There’s plenty of heat wherever I go. I’ve got my love to keep me warm.

  Just thinking of the word makes my butt cheeks clench. Because I don’t know what to do with the information. I love Parish. How do I know it? Turns out what I’ve heard all my life is true. You just know. Trying to lie about it to myself would be idiotic. But locked inside my mind’s the only place I allow it to exist. Outwardly everything looks the same.

  I need time to process. First, does he feel it too? Sometimes it seems he’s about to say something then backs away. Then there’s the biggest issue of all. What about Sam? His well-being and happiness has to be considered in every decision I make.

  And even if Parish feels the way I do, does it carry over to Sam? Shit. Nothing in my life moves in a straight line anymore. Same for Sam. We’re a complicated package deal.

  I have no intention of telling Parish how I feel. I’m not about to say it first. Oh no. Not going to happen.

  I’m old fashioned that way. I want him to be the one compelled to declare his love. I don’t want to hear the words as just a response to what I’ve said.

  It’s become a job keeping it under wraps. Some little monster in my brain is pushing the three words forward. They want out. I’m afraid I’m going to blurt it. Every day I rebury them.