I lay in the bed for a good 10 minutes after Portia leaves thinking about how much difference a day can make. When I got on the plane to come here for a much-needed vacation, I always knew at the end I would be going back to Boston. As a matter of fact, it was literally something I didn’t give any thought to because this has always been my course. But from the moment I laid eyes on her, the tunnel vision that has been my life, suddenly became much more open. The walls are knocked down and now I am faced with what to do.
On one side, there is the that craves her, while saying to hell with my family, this obligation shit, and pack up everything to move here to be with her. However, the side of me that has been instilled since birth is calling me and idiot. Why would I give up my life for a woman I barely know other than in the biblical sense?
Shit.
Before I get lost in my head there is a knock on the door. Considering the giggling I hear on the other side, I know it is Dex and DJ to wake me for our fishing day. Well, no need in wallowing. Might as well make the most of it. Walking to the door I open it and immediately smile looking at Dex and his son in matching fishing vests
“Up and at um uncle Perry. Get your butt in gear. Those catfish won’t wait for everyone.” Chuckling and rolling my eyes at him, I look at DJ.
“Tell your daddy that some of us are on vacation.” I say ruffling his hair. Dex looks happy. Like this is what he is meant to do. I can’t help but envy the freedom he has to do as he wishes with is life. Without the confines of family expectation.
Turning away from them, I grab a shirt, shorts, and walk out the door. “Ok. All set. Let’s go fishing.”
On the ride over we listened to DJ babble about one thing or another, while trying to ask his dad as many questions as he can think of. Me, I am trying to not think of anything.
When we pull up to the fishing site I get out and help Dex with the equipment, before sitting my ass down on the dock. Once we get all the poles into position and DJ settled into his life vest, the questions start. Questions I don’t yet have the answer to.
“So. You and Portia, huh?” He asks. “Usually I am not one to stick my nose in another person’s business, but what are you going to do? You live in Boston and she lives here. Are you going to leave your life and move here?”
“Come on Dex. That’s not fair. Why should I have to move? She could relocate as well.” I say with a little bit of a defensive tone. “I mean I’m not saying that’s a good idea either. Only that I don’t know. I have no clue how this will work out. All I do know is……I don’t want it to be over. I feel…… that’s it. When I am with her I feel. For so long I have been numb to the life I have been born to lead. But with one look at her and there is life in my lungs, my nerves, and my heart. But the truth is I have no clue how it will work out.” As I say it, I know it is true. I don’t know and that makes me madder than anything else.
“Man, look. I’m sorry. Lord knows I am not one to be throwing stones and obstacles at anyone. But, Portia seems like a nice person and Carrie really cares about her. So… don’t hurt her. If you cannot make a commitment you need to walk away now, before it is too late.”
Mumbling to myself I say, “I think it already is.”
Even with that thought swirling around in my mind, I know I don’t want to give up until we have a solution. But what? How? Then it hits me. Dating. I am only here for a few more days, but in that time, I can woo her, date her, and show her I am serious even from a distance. I mean long distance relationships work. Right?
Doesn’t matter. I finally have a plan and I will stop at nothing to see it through.
Nothing makes me happier than when we pull back up in front of the house. Jetting out of the car I run inside and start planning my method of attack. I am so in my head that I almost don’t see Carrie standing there.
“Whoa. Perry, where’s the fire?” she says laughing.
“I’m sorry Carrie. Lost in thought. Hey, by any chance do you know of a good place to go for dinner?”
She smiles a knowing smile. “As a matter of fact, about three miles down the road. Dex and I have a creek on the property. It’s the perfect place for a picnic.” She says winking her eye. Humm……a picnic. Perfect.
“Awesome. Do you mind putting it together for me?”
“Of course, I will. And since Portia happens to be my best friend, I know all of her favs.”
Smiling at her all-knowing smirk I lean over to kiss her on the cheek.
“Get your own woman Gentry. Keeps your paws off mine.” I laugh, throw my hands up and walk away.
With any luck, I am well on my way.