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She waved her hand in the air once again as she descended the steps. “Potato, potahto.”
Palmer
* * *
THE SEASIDE CHRONICLES
February 11, 2023
TIDE’S IN – SPECIAL EDITION
Seasiders,
Tonight is the big Valentine’s Day dance, and yes, I’m aware that Valentine’s Day is Tuesday—but we couldn’t very well have a town dance on a school night, now could we?
A little sand crab has informed me that some pretty exciting things will be happening at tonight’s dance. I’m not one for ruining a surprise, but don’t keep your head in the sand, my fellow Seasiders, or you may miss something important.
I’ve heard from a few seagulls I have on the inside that Harlee Tilson has done a wonderful job planning and organizing the dance. I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed that she finds true love tonight. After all, she’s been dreaming of her Prince Charming ever since she was a schoolgirl in pigtails.
One can only wonder if Seaside’s Catch of the Season will be showing up with a date this evening or going solo. Since it appears Braxton Bradley doesn’t know what the word commitment means, this writer is going to guess he’ll be debuting a new “special friend.” Oh, to be young and single and ready to mingle. This writer only wishes…like I’ve said before: if wishes were fishes, we’d have lots to fry. Or grill, for those who are looking to keep it on the healthy side.
Enjoy your evening, my fishes! And remember, Thursday’s regular edition will be one you don’t want to miss!
Fair winds and following seas!
Ms. Seaside
* * *
I’d been trying to make myself forget that Mason was going to ask me to marry him tonight at the dance, but it wasn’t an easy thing to do. Harlee had been withdrawn since our conversation at Coastal Chic, and no matter how many times Sutton or I tried to speak to her, she’d tell us she was too busy with the dance to chat.
After walking into the community center a short while ago with my sisters and our partners, I could see that Harlee had indeed been busy.
The place had been transformed. Red, white, and pink hearts hung down from the ceiling. White twinkle lights were strung from wall to wall, adding a beautiful effect. At the end of the room was a giant balloon arch. Round tables were placed around the edges of the room, with a dance floor in the middle. Under the balloon arch was where the food had been set up. There was even an area that was full of candy, and beautiful red, white, and pink roses made up the centerpieces on each table. Harlee hadn’t missed a thing.
“How in the world did she find the time to do all this?” I asked, while walking around with my sisters and their husbands, saying hello every now and then to people we knew.
Sutton shook her head. “I don’t know. Or how she found the money to do it.”
“Donations,” Addie stated. “Harlee is the master when it comes to fundraising. Like the hot chocolate and s’mores in the park during the boat parade—that was all to raise money for this event.”
I smiled as I looked across the room at Harlee. She was wearing a form-fitting red dress with a scandalously high slit. She looked stunning. I’d opted for a vintage satin cocktail dress that I’d found at Sutton’s store. Sutton and Addie both looked darling in their dresses. They were more modest but still form-fitting to show off their baby bumps. Addie’s was long-sleeved while Sutton had opted for a cap-sleeve dress.
I caught Mason’s eye across the room, and I nearly sighed. He was dressed in a suit and tie, and Charlie matched him. They both looked so stinking handsome.
“Oh, I see someone from high school I haven’t seen in forever!” Addie said. “Gannon, want to join me?”
Gannon nodded, then said something to Brody before he followed Addie across the room.
“Is Brax not here yet?” Sutton asked, glancing around the room.
“He is,” Brody said. “He’s probably hiding in the men’s bathroom.”
I laughed. “Why?”
Brody finished his drink and chuckled. “The stupid bastard came alone, and he’s already been hit on three times and asked to dance six.”
Shaking my head, I said, “Poor handsome boy. Afraid of a little attention from the single women here in Seaside.”
“Who’s Harlee’s date?” Sutton asked.
I shrugged. “From what I can tell, she doesn’t have one. I think she’s going to be pretty busy tonight and probably opted to come alone so she wouldn’t have to manage a date.”
“Smart girl,” Sutton stated.
At that moment, Harlee looked toward us and smiled. She lifted her hand and waved, and the three of us waved back. Then she turned her attention to someone who walked up to her to chat.
“I think I’m going to check out the food table. Do you and the baby want anything, Sutton?” Brody asked.
