Jade
TOMMY WALKED OUT of my house over two weeks ago and other than the occasional wave and false pleasantries from across our decks, there was nothing between us until the awkward moment I had the not so great pleasure of walking in on, in the alley between our houses yesterday afternoon.
At first, I assumed he was embarrassed about what transpired between us at dinner two weeks back, then I thought he wanted to keep our relationship tenant and owner driven and he was consumed with the house, as it did need a great deal of updating.
It’s not like I laughed at his plan. I said it wouldn't be easy, and apparently, my response hit a nerve. It hit my nerve too. If he didn’t like what I had to say, then why even ask at all for my opinion? Part of me wanted to tell him to grow up and make him understand that just because someone, namely me, doesn’t necessarily agree with what he’s doing, he shouldn't have walked out on our night the way he did. Then there was the other part of me who had wanted on numerous occasions to walk over to his house, knock on the door, and apologize for not believing in his choices. Of course, the reality was his personal life wasn’t any of my business, so I felt it best to leave it alone and let him cool down.
Then I thought, maybe he was starting to put his plan in motion to meet his future bride? And if he was doing that in the last two weeks, why was it bothering me? He was single, and he could do anything he wanted, without any interference from me.
Today proved, in some bizarre way, he was doing exactly that. Today, I had gone to work like any other day, but it was slow, so I phoned Blaze, and said I’d be back early. If she was down here with Reece, and she was free for the afternoon, we could go paddle boarding in the bay. She said she was up for it, so I locked up the shoppe and headed home.
By the time I sped into my driveway and crossed over to the alley…there they stood looking at me. The banter between what sounded like Tommy and a woman could be heard clear to the street.
Why me? Why now?
I didn't want to pass by them to get to my stairs, but it was too late.
Holy Shit! Jade, remain calm, smile, and run for the door!
As I walked through, between our houses, this woman, who wasn't any older than me but appeared to be because of her business attire, far too much makeup for daytime wear, and her strict slick bun, charged past me…then stopped, silently remembered something, and turned back in my direction.
“Are you his neighbor?” She said in a fluster, pointing up toward the beach house.
“Uh, yeah…I am.”
“Well, let me just say you'd better watch out for yourself.” She huffed in a hushed and serious tone.
“Excuse me?”
“Honey, were you listening? I’m trying to give you some womanly advice…move!”
“Move?”
“Yes, move! He’s not normal!” Her voice elevated.
I peered around her, trying not grin, only to see Tommy pinching his lips together trying to keep himself from laughing.
“Okay…I know I’m going to regret this, but why?” I asked as Blaze walked up.
“What’s going on? Who’s this?” Blaze cut in.
“I think she’s Tommy’s date.” I leaned into my friend without looking away from the hysterical woman in front of me.
“Yes, I am…was…he’s….”
“I know, not normal. I heard you the first time. Do you want to explain why?”
“I was getting to that.”
Blaze and I both crossed our arms, cocked our heads, and leaned in for what was going to be the biggest waste of time. Straightening her business jacket and her collar, she continued. “Well, if you must know, I thought we were going out for a good time, but then he tells me he’s basically looking to get married. Can you imagine?”
Not moving, Blaze and I looked sideways at each other before I spoke.
“Really… marriage? You don't say?”
“Yes, I do say. What normal guy wants to jump into marriage?” Then she leaned in closer and whispered to us. “I mean look at him…that body, that face…I thought he wanted to have some fun, then he gets all weird and serious on me; that’s not normal.”
“Yeah, I get it,” I said, now truly annoyed at this foolish woman who had no idea what a great guy Tommy was and that she was ruining my day of paddle boarding on the bay, on such a beautiful afternoon.
Blaze went a bit further.
“So sweetie, I take it he didn’t sleep with you?”
Appalled, Miss “Three-piece-suit” stormed off, stating she tried to warn us. Her presence left the alley and turned the corner. That’s when Blaze and I’d turned back to each other and laughed.
Our amusement came to a halt with Tommy joining in.
“Ladies.”
“Sorry, Tommy, but I don't think that one will be back.” Blaze hardly contained her laughter. She kissed his cheek and headed upstairs to change for our afternoon on the water. The minute she was out of sight, the alley shrunk. No scents of the ocean or summer, only awkwardness between us.
“Jade, listen…I,” he said, stepping in closer…too close.
My hand touched his chest, over his racing heart, to stop him.
“There’s nothing to explain.”
“Damn it, Jade, will you please just…” he said— his frustration calling out to me, as I ran up the stairs like a chicken.
I didn’t think there was a need for apologies from him, or an I told you so from me, and being alone again with him after these two weeks away, made me want him more. The pain inside me cut deep, leaving him behind, the expression on his face—but I had to. I had to keep my clear thinking intact…and it was only clear when I wasn't staring into his eyes.
I peeked out of my window, to check the alleyway. It was empty. The coast was clear, so Blaze and I took our boards and headed to the bay area beach to paddle board for the rest of the afternoon.
Once on the water, tranquility turned to tension as Blaze felt it necessary to point out every reason why I should give Tommy a chance. We spent more time quibbling and splashing water at each other than paddling. Finally, each of us gave up, agreed to disagree, and went off on our separate ways.
The rest of day and the rest of the week, I spent my time avoiding Tommy, altogether. I’d scoot out of my house early every morning and work until late in the evening. He didn't try to call or knock on my door. No matter, much of the time, I worked at the shoppe, scheduling special events, including the annual fundraiser for our local animal shelter and meeting with the contractors to go over the final designs for the new building. I did call Daniel to see if Tommy was doing okay, and he said he was out of town until the weekend. I was curious if he met someone, made up with that hideous woman, or went away on business. I didn't ask, and Daniel didn't divulge Tommy’s whereabouts.
The week finally came to a close. It was Friday, not my usual day off, but because one of my staff needed Tuesday off, I traded with him and now I got to relax and surf with my favorite ladies.
Blaze arrived last night, Kim would be here shortly, and Aunt Viv said she would stop by before she left for her weekend in Philly. I should say her third weekend in Philly. If I didn't know any better, I would wonder if she had a special man out there in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
Checking the clock and seeing it was almost 11, made me succumb to the fact that I had to reluctantly slide out of bed and get my day started. I loved being lazy on my day off, but I wanted to set up the food and drinks for our first get together of the summer.
Looking from the deck off my bedroom I noticed Blaze had started the party without me. Scents of coconut and tropical fruits filled the air, while the sounds of the waves in the distance were muffled by playful beachgoers nearby and Blaze’s choice of 60’s surf music.
Our boards, leaning on the side railing of the lower deck, were waxed and ready. The old rectangular, turquoise cooler on wheels, marred by its faded paint and surfing stickers, was filled with an assortment of drinks embedded in the mounds of store-bought ice cubes. The grill cover was off and stored, while the grill itself was yet untouched, but ready to go. Surfing came first and the food came later.
My eyes welled up in unison with my heart as the sights and sounds of my childhood days flooded my present moment. The memories that followed were a bit painful, yet in a strange way comforting. Reconfirming this would be my home…for always.
Breaking free from my thoughts, and once downstairs with snack tray in hand, I headed outside to join Blaze and the land of the living.
“Well, I wondered when you were getting up?” She stated, looking up at me with arms outwardly stretched wide with a Bloody Mary in each hand. I smiled, shook my head, and rolled my eyes at her over the top greeting.
She popped the glass with alcohol infused tomato juice and a tall stalk of celery into my hand, while she grabbed a chip with some guacamole on it and settled on one of the six lounge chairs that faced the magnificent ocean view. I took my cue from Blaze and joined her, as we both stretched out under the midday sun.
“Hmmm…this was a great idea, Jade,” Blaze purred, as she shimmied her string-bikini clad body into just the right position for optimal comfort and just erect enough to gawk at several hot guys playing volleyball on the sand not far from the edge of my property.
“Wow, you’re in a good mood. What did you do, break up with Reece?”
Blaze’s head turned. Her chin dropped like a heavy weight in my direction, as she slid her glasses down to show her disapproval of the witty jab I took at her current lover’s expense.
“Funny—no, I didn't break up with Reece. For your information, I’m just happy we’re doing this…you, me, and Kim. It’s been a long time since the three of us surfed together. Can’t we just enjoy ourselves and leave Reece out of it?”
“I’m sorry. Of course, we can. I’m happy we get to spend the entire day together, too.”
“I bet you are.” Blaze could give as good as she got.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I would say by the looks of things you need this break as much as I do. You know, from the man in your life?”
Instantly pissed and now sitting up to face her, I asked the burning questions. “What the hell do you mean, ‘by the looks of things,’ and what man in my life? I don't have a man in my life.”
“Listen, since you came down those stairs, you and Tommy have not even once acknowledged one another. He’s almost within earshot and you haven't even said hello—neither of you. Plus, for you to declare a make-believe relationship for Reece’s benefit and for Tommy, who you knew like, what, two minutes, to play along, and now he's not speaking to you either, except for that little incident in the alleyway on Tuesday, then something’s wrong. So, what’s going on, Jade?” Her long-winded analysis ended with her usual loving concern for me.
Touching my lips, remembering how close we came to kissing, made my explanation all the more painful. I looked off at the beautiful blue waters of the Atlantic and told Blaze about the dinner I had with Tommy.
“We had dinner two weeks back and everything was going relatively smooth. Well, maybe a few bumps here and there, but basically good and then he told me about why he moved here.”
“And?”
“He said he wanted to find a wife and start a family?”
“So?”
“So…are you going to keep up with your one-word inquisition?”
“It’s just that I’m not seeing anything that would cause the both of you to stop being neighborly toward one another. If you get what I’m saying?”
“Trust me, I know exactly what you’re saying.”
“Meaning?”
I paused. I hated when she did that.
“Sorry, Jade, go on.”
“Like I said, he wants to fix the house, eventually buy it, and have an at the ready wife to move in with him and then start a family.”
“Jealous?” She asked, in a sing-song tone.
“Get serious. I have no expectations in that area of my life.”
“I am serious. Why would you stop talking with a guy as sexy as Tommy and avoid an opportunity to talk with him the other day unless you're upset about his plan?”
“Blaze, he walked out on me that night.”
“What?”
Sure, now she’s dumbfounded.
“I’ll tell you what I told him. I said that I didn’t think it was an impossibility, but that placing a stringent timeline to meet a girl and wine and dine her into marriage is basically unnatural.”
“So is deciding to become a spinster at thirty-five.”
“You know full well I’m not becoming a spinster.”
“What makes you think I was talking about you?”
“Bitch.”
I wasn't afraid to be alone, nor was I ready to share my life with someone again and risk having my heart broken. I could do ‘alone' all day long, but that feeling of being crushed was not something I wanted to entertain at this point, and I was just about to remind my friend of that when Kim arrived.
“Hey, ladies,” was all she said when Blaze and I got up to greet her with excited schoolgirl screams and hugs all the way around.
Holding up not one, but two very large bottles of wine, “Ready for a night of laughter and libations?”
There were Cheshire cat grins and nods of agreement all the way around as we settled into our chairs and began to catch up with each other. We agreed with all this alcohol, we needed to head out soon or surfing would be completely out of the question today.
Blaze immediately started in. “So…have you heard from him?” Curious to know about Kim’s one and only love.
Kim took our friend’s assertiveness in stride. “You ask me that question every time we’re together, and my answer never changes.”
“So that answer is a big fat NO… once again. Right, Kim?”
“BLAZE! What the hell is wrong with you?”
“With me? She’s the one waiting around for …”
“Hey, hey…why are you two yelling?”
“Viv…we didn’t see you standing there?” Blaze admitted.
“No, of course, you didn’t, Blaze. You were too interested in giving your advice where it’s not needed than to see anything else that’s happening around you. Good to see you, Kim.”
“Nice to see you too, Viv.” Kim smiled, as she walked over to my aunt to kiss her cheek.
Blaze and I both walked over to properly greet Viv, as well.
“Glad you stopped by Aunt Viv. Can I get you a drink?” I asked while kissing my aunt on the cheek.
“I’d love a glass of iced tea, thanks.”
“Coming up.” I walked upstairs to the get the tea as I briefly heard Blaze apologize for her behavior that Viv witnessed. Blaze always hated if Viv was disappointed in her. Even as kids, she admired Viv, as did many of my friends, but Blaze in particular.
I never truly figured it out, but my guess was because Blaze didn't have the greatest relationship with her own mom growing up, and Viv had taken her under her wing when we were kids, and in doing so she helped guide Blaze during her impressionable years. Support was part of what Blaze needed to fill a piece of her life that was missing. With support, came the necessary times when Viv put Blaze in her place. Viv did that with all of us, but it was only because she cared and always felt the straight truth was best. Viv was never one for coloring anything for our benefit or because we were too young. She did it then, and she did it now.
“Viv, I’m sorry.”
“Damn it, Blaze, don’t apologize to me; apologize to Kim,” she said, pointing to our other friend, who appeared amused by the banter that ensued between my aunt and our fiery redheaded friend.
Like an awkward child caught with her hand in the cookie jar, Blaze turned toward Kim…and with a child-like pout she held out her arms and acquiesced to Viv’s request and apologized to her.
Kim knew that Blaze’s comments came from a good place no matter how bad they sounded. Blaze, like the rest of us, just wished that Kim would realize that the man she loved all this time wasn’t coming back and that waiting for him was futile.
Viv was of the opinion that Kim was a grown woman, and it was her choice, no matter how agonizing it was. It was Kim’s decision and we needed to respect it. For the most part, we did.
When I returned, Kim and Blaze were hugging one another. All was well with them, so they turned their attention on me as it was time for the trio to pick on me and my love life.
Great, just what I needed…a tag team.
Handing Viv her tea, I shared the lounge chair with Kim, while Viv and Blaze sat on one of the others directly across from us. Viv’s questioning came fast and hard, not giving me a chance to breathe.
“Sweetie, what exactly is going on between you and Tommy?”
“Ugh…Viv, why does something need to be going on with us? We’re new neighbors… that's it.”
“That’s it? That’s not it, and you know it. You used that man the very first day you met him to hide from Reece’s attempts to have you cozy back up with Damien, and now all you have to say for yourself is that you're new neighbors? If that’s the case, then why aren't you acting like neighbors?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Don't play coy with me. I live right near both of you, and from what I’ve been seeing, the two of you have now stopped talking to each other.”
I looked to Kim and Blaze for help, but it was clear they wouldn’t dare touch this conversation.
“Well, he asked for my opinion about something and when I didn't agree, he walked out in a huff.”
“I see…well, after I leave here for the weekend, I’m going into Philly for a few days with some friends. I hope should Tommy have any issues with the house, you’ll be available to help him in my absence. Do I make myself clear?”
“Viv, really? I’m not a child.”
She had to be kidding.
“I’m not joking. I need to be able to count on you without worrying about some sort of discourse between the two of you!”
“Of course, whatever he needs, I’ll be glad to step in.”
“Good, I’ll see you in a few days.” Viv stood abruptly with pinky pointed, as she delicately placed the glass with her unfinished tea in my hand, said goodbye to the girls, and left for her trip into Philly.
“That was short…” Kim noted.
“…And sweet,” Blazed added.
“Yeah, and strange?” I questioned.
“What do you mean?” Kim asked.
“Why come over to say you're going to spend the afternoon with us, have one drink, barely finish it, and leave? Oh, and not before discussing our new neighbor and my lack of goodwill toward him.”
“Maybe she just wanted to make sure that whatever the reason was for the both of you to be ignoring each other this soon, it wouldn’t interfere with him renting the house,” Kim surmised.
Lying back while taking a sip of her drink, Blaze added, “Yeah, or maybe Viv was worried you would kick Tommy out while she was away. I mean, she did rent the house out to him while you were gone and without your input.” Following Blaze’s lead, both Kim and I reclined back in our chairs respectively.
Not opening my eyes, I said, “You know I wouldn't kick him out.”
When both women didn't respond I looked around to see what they were doing. Both were staring in the direction of my childhood home, as they ogled Tommy and watched him remove his shirt to expose his myriad of ink and flexed muscle.
“Sweet Jesus, you sure you don't want to date him, Jade?”
“I told you for the millionth time. NO! I don't want to start a serious relationship with anyone right now.”
“I have to agree with Blaze.”
“Not you too, Kim?” I directed my question to her, but Blaze naturally answered.
“You have to admit he’d be fun.” Blaze tilted down her chin and raised her glasses as well as her brows ever so slightly to get a better view of him.
“Yeah, even if it was only for the summer. Blaze is right, Jade. Why not have some fun?”
Kim added while she examined Tommy even further, as well.
“Stop that! Stop staring at him. You're both going to get his attention and I don't want him to know he’s the topic of our conversation,” I said, teasingly slapping Blaze’s hand to put her sunglasses back where they belonged, on her face, while throwing a beach towel at Kim.
As my friends and I looked at each other, passing around playful smirks between us, we busted out in laughter like high-school teens, because we knew that although we were too old to be schoolgirls, that didn't stop us on this beautiful summer beach day.
With an incredible view of the ocean, spending this perfect day with my friends came with a price. Darkness hadn’t fallen over the island. It was early, yet darkness didn't fall from the sky. Well, unless the sky dropped Reece Montgomery on the deck outside my kitchen.
“I knew it. This day was too good to be true. Don’t you have anywhere else to be? Perhaps a session of cardiac rehab or something?” My mood was squashed further when Reece made a not so surprising appearance.
“Ladies… I’m not here to disturb this little get together of yours.”
“Too late… you are disturbing us, so what do you want?” My tone proved no explanation was needed in the way I felt about him at the moment.
“I’m just here to see when Blaze will have finished with her girls’ day with the both of you, so she can be ready for an evening with me.”
“Wow, Reece, has your cardiologist given you the green light to get back into the saddle again, so to speak?” Some not so hidden smirks appeared on the girl’s faces as they were amused by my observation.
Reece had the gall to constantly slither and worm his way into anything and everything that was none of his concern. It was early, and we just got started. Yet, he wanted Blaze with him. I would not allow him to cut our day short.
“You're making me feel like I’m not wanted.”
I spun in his direction, but stopped and held onto the table. “That’s because you’re not. This was supposed to be our girls’ day. ‘Girls’ being the key word here, Reece.”
Walking over to Blaze and winding his fingers through her long red hair, he held her still while he surveyed her face, and then he turned back to me and said, “Can you blame me for not wanting to be away from this beautiful woman for too long? Besides, what’s he doing here if it’s a girls’ day?”
With all the commotion that Reece brings with him, I hadn't realized that Tommy was behind us.
“I just stopped in to see if Jade needed anything; I’m heading to the store,” Tommy answered for me, as he casually walked toward me, touching a strand of hair and kissing my forehead.
Nicely played.
Although, I wasn't sure why Tommy was here. Seeing him made my heart race like a high-octane engine. Why was he here? He had me curious. Curious and in a trance to the point I hadn't noticed Blaze’s reaction to Reece showing up here unannounced. She was fuming.
Blaze stood stiff and frustrated, not knowing what to do about the man in her life and his need to know everything that was going on in her world. She, therefore, used what appealed to him and appeased him with a sexy pout and a bit of extra attention in hopes he would be satisfied enough to leave.
Let’s hope it worked.
“Reece, baby, you know I’ll miss you all day, but the girls and I rarely have the time to get together like this. You understand, don't you, sweetie?” Sugar never tasted so fake, but I had to hand it to Blaze, Reece was eating right out of the palm of her hand.
“Okay, my love…I’ll bend to your will, because you asked me so nicely. You could learn from Blaze, Jade.” Reece spoke with his usual bit of smugness in his response.
Reece and his son were examples of why I don't want another man in my life.
At least he was leaving, or so I thought…just as he turned to go, he turned back.
“Oh, and one more thing…I’m having that party I mentioned to you the other day on the Saturday of the July 4th weekend. I hope you and Tommy can make it? You’re invited as well, Kim.”
“Thank you, Reece, but the club will be far too busy that weekend for me to get away, even for one of your parties.”
“Maybe next the time, then? So, Jade, can I count on you and Tommy to grace us with your presence?”
“We’d love to come,” Tommy responded.
“We would?” I whispered. That question got me another kiss. This time on the side of my neck… with a heated, breathy response in my ear.
“Yes, baby, we would,” he whispered back, as he held my hand firm, pulling me against his chest, realizing that his response sent me off balance and caught me just in time…like our first night on the dance floor.
“Perfect…I will see you both at my house at 8 pm that evening. Oh, and I have one more request.”
“This ought to be good,” I said, as Tommy chuckled, and I grinned.
“I’m creating a theme for the party, so everything will be done in white and silver and gold. I’m requesting that my guests wear white and adhere to this dress code. I hope this won't be too much trouble?” We both shook our heads at Reece’s request for proper attire. It didn't seem that unreasonable being summer and all.
“Good, I’ll see you then, and you my gorgeous girl, I will see you tonight.” Reece kissed Blaze on the mouth and after feeling satisfied, he slowly took carefree strides to mark his exit. Blaze and Kim followed Reece’s lead and instead of heading down the stairs, they headed inside to give us some privacy.
“Tommy, I need to say something. I’m sorry about the dinner we had. I was worried you were never going to speak to me again after the way it ended.”
“Listen, about that. I owe you an apology. I would never have gotten up like that and left. You didn't do anything wrong. I was the one concerned that you would never speak to me again.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, you… I can't expect everyone to understand why I’m doing what I’m doing, but you did, and I left because of …I don't know…I wanted you to tell me it was the right thing to do and when you said that you felt that a relationship shouldn't occur on a timeline, I got pissed off and that’s why I walked out.”
“And now how do you feel?”
“Like a fool, especially after what transpired in the alley the other day.”
I tried to hide my amusement until he lifted my chin to see my full reaction.
“By the looks of things, you agree with me.”
“All kidding aside, I don’t think you're a fool. I just think you're far more optimistic than most people. Although if your optimism sends more women like the one in the alley your way, then I think I would be saying I told you so.”
“Fair enough…so does this mean you forgive my abrupt departure from our dinner date, and you’ll go with me to Reece’s party now?”
“Uh…yeah…about that, why would you agree to go to the party when you know full well this is all a pretense between us that I created from the very beginning and you clearly don't like Reece in the least?”
“It’s the only way I can get you to go out with me? So are we on, baby?”
“Tommy…” My mouth hung open, literally, because I couldn't form the words to respond to his admission.
“Jade! Let’s go, already,” Blaze exclaimed like a two-year-old, as she wanted to hit the waves before Reece possibly returned with some outlandish excuse to whisk her away from here.
We looked to Blaze and then back to us.
“You didn't answer my question.”
“I’ll meet you at the party.”
“So we’re still pretending?”
Hesitant, I answered him. “I’m afraid so. It’s just that…”
His fingers touched my lips sending a vibration clear through to my toes. “Shhhh…I get it. You’ve sworn off men and after what I told about me, you just want to be friends. Right?”
Actually, I was hoping you’d replace those fingers with those lips of yours, but I can't tell you that.
He smiled. “It doesn’t have to be a real date unless you want it to. If that’s what you’re worried about? Let’s just go to the party. Make some summer memories and have a good time. What do you say?”
“C‘mon, Jade. Would you answer him already, so we can surf…today?” Blaze summoned.
We laughed, and I tried to ignore her and give Tommy my answer.
“When we had dinner, and you walked out, I felt horrible. I still do.”
“There’s nothing to feel bad about. I told you I should never have walked out. It was stupid on my part. Can we agree to disagree where my love life is concerned? And will you still meet me at Reece’s party?”
Tommy made my heart melt.
Damn it! I didn’t want us to disagree on his love life, but I wasn't ready to explore the possibility of Tommy and me being part of that equation in the next six months. Then, there was the other side of me, who wanted to explore it. Perhaps it was the selfish part of me who was afraid he would find someone else as he was intent on this timeline of his. For some reason, I wasn't sure how I felt about that. My emotions were tying me into knots, but I knew I couldn’t have it both ways. Regardless…now was not the time to approach this conversation, especially with Blaze and Kim within earshot.
“You have yourself a deal. I’ll meet you there as promised, and we can agree to disagree that placing a timeline restriction on falling love is a recipe for disaster.”
“Jade!” Blaze blasted off one more time.
“I’m coming!” Blasting back at her, then turning back to him. “Sorry, I promised them a girls’ day.”
“It’s okay. We can talk tomorrow. The party is still some weeks away. A lot can change by then.” His devilish grin distracted and attracted me as he plucked an apple off the table, took a bite, and headed down the stairs.
“Nice to see you, Tommy.” Both ladies said simultaneously and watched him leave as we carried the boards over our heads, and in single file patted down the stairs to the alleyway between my house and Tommy’s, and onto the sand-filled path to the crowded shoreline.
Standing before the raging ocean, whose tide was influenced by the storm that passed the night Tommy and I had dinner and the storm predicted for this weekend. Today it presented a rougher surf than normal. Perfect for us ladies and several of the local surfers already out on the waves carving out their rides.
With our boards tucked under our respective arms, we moved forward shoulder to shoulder simply and simultaneously. We stopped. Looking to the left, then to the right, then at each other, then back to her…our magnificent lady…the Atlantic…We silently made our move.
After several duck-dives, we made it into the lineup. The current momentarily stilled, so we waited, with Blaze acting her usual impatient and chatty self. Since we were kids, Blaze hated this part of surfing. Then again, she despised anything or anyone who made her wait. Her solution was to distract Kim and me with chatter.
“I never understood your logic, Blaze.”
“With what?”
“With this?” I asked. My extended arms presenting her with an unforgettable view of the shore before us…blues skies, a northeast wind, children building sandcastles, surfers nearby waiting as we are for the next best wave, the strength of the sun burning overhead as streaks of light from its center flashed between the houses barricading the beach from the rest of the town.
Blaze responded with a “Huh?”
“What Jade means is that you constantly pay attention to everything, except what’s surrounding us .”
Blaze practically turned her head completely around to see what she had missed.
“Blaze…the waves, the waves!” Kim quipped.
“That is not true! It’s just that we have the time, so why not talk about Jade’s new neighbor. Who right now, I might add, is watching you from his deck. I’m telling you, Jade, he’s got it bad for you.”
Before I could respond…it was time.
Kim was up first, then Blaze, then me.
This was it. This was what you paddled your ass off for… What we wanted and remained still for as we floated…waiting to connect. To glide on its liquid surface. To magically fly free across nature’s massive ever-churning machine …to fight against it, to work with it…to honor it… never wanting the ride to end.
And when it did…
We paddled right back out beyond the break, again and again,…holding onto the rush of adrenaline coursing through our veins, pumping our blood…heightening our senses.
And then again…back into the lineup…we waited.
Blaze was silent; we all were this time. Reveling in the experience, until an aggressive surfer came into the fold. Stupidity and the sea didn't mix. Several of the locals who I recognized from surfing with Jimmy noticed his antics and quickly intervened. Yet, this jerk wouldn't listen.
My eyes caught the attention of my friends as we nodded in agreement that we would make this our final ride of the day. Our time cut short due to a rude and unsafe intrusion.
It was time…but not only for catching a great wave. Before I knew it, my body was being slammed by one much larger than mine and the board attached to it. The impact sent me reeling, the current sucking me into and under the surf. My arms and legs flailing through the cyclone of water toward inevitable impact.
Then the cycle stopped and a different one began.
Crushing pain took over as the left side of my face throbbed after hitting bottom and being bounced off the ocean’s floor. As if in slow motion, I was naturally being raised amidst the bubbles and stirred up sand to the water’s surface, where complete nothingness turned into shrills from Blaze screaming my name, while Kim, along with the other surfers nearby, fervently barked out commands to get me to shore.
A chill spread over my exposed skin as I was lifted out of the water and placed on the sun-heated beach. As my rescuer released me, a hint of a tender kiss was placed at my temple.
Tommy
My insides jumbled just moments ago, sunk down deeper within my core and settled with my rubbery limbs into the warm familiar softness of the sand.
I could make out a mixture of voices…questions, concerns, arguments, and especially my name being called…
“Jade…”
“Jade, wake up…”
“Jade…can you hear me? It’s me Blaze!”
“Jade!