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She wrapped her arm behind my back and pulled me into the kitchen while saying, "Nothing wrong with a good change, my Sweet."
Sitting in my usual spot at the kitchen table, I thought back to all of the times I sat here while eating with this amazing family that broke when their son, Alfred, died in a car accident at the age of nineteen. None of us had answers to what had happened. It was so sad because he had a loving family and friends. He was so full of life and tended to always be the center of attention wherever he went. I missed him. It seemed like God always took the best ones first. Pap and Mary didn’t deserve such sorrow, but they moved on and loved everyone who crossed their paths.
I shook my head, so tears didn't roll down my face and focused on the story Mary was telling me. This woman had a hard life and yet she still found ways to smile and move forward. She was a blessing to be around. A perfect role model to keep moving forward.
"I made your favorite," she said bringing me a plate of nice apple pie coated with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream. She even warmed the piece of pie so the ice cream gently melted on top.
Grabbing the plate like I hadn't eaten all day, I ate big spoonfuls while muttering, "Thanks, Mary." Memories of my childhood fester in the back of my head, Mary was one of the few positives that I could remember from my past. Pap and Mary seemed to be the only positives anyone around here had.
Living in a beach town, there wasn’t a huge sense of community. Tourists came and went. Seasonal friends came and went, so the friendships that lasted were extremely important. We didn’t make friends. We extended our family. Mary and Pap were definitely family. I thought Hunter was family until he annihilated me.
The bastard only thought with his cock, and it only took that tiny memory to set me back into anger mode. I thought he was my friend. I thought that he actually cared for me, but to just toss me aside when he saw a pretty blonde hurt my heart. Fortunately, I realized that he was a lesson, not mine forever.
Pap entered the house and greeted his wife with a kiss.
Mary grumbled, "Be careful, my bones aren't as strong as when we were younger."
Pap chuckled and slapped her butt when she walked away, "Oh, don't I know about our younger years."
She yelped and backhanded his shoulder, "Manners, we have a guest."
I smiled, "All good, I will head to my bedroom. It's been a long day and I just want to wash up and sleep."
"Okay, Dear," Mary gave me a gentle smile.
"It's nice to see you again, Kiddo," Paps added while giving me a tight hug.
Once upstairs, I prepared a nice warm bath with salts and bubbles. The smell of lavender calmed me and the best part, there were two bathrooms in this house. I was able to stay as relaxing in the cozy warm water as long as I pleased.
My cell phone buzzed, I grabbed it from the top of the toilet seat, it was a text from my old best friend, Kara.
Girlllll, you're in town? And I found out from Frank who then heard it from Paps. You're lucky I love you, or I'd slap you, Bitch. ??
I smiled before responding,
Heyyy Kara, long time since we’ve seen each other. How you been? Miss you.
Thinking about the last time we parted ways I smiled, we promised each other to keep in touch and always remain best friends no matter what, guess life didn’t always go as planned. My phone buzzed again.
Get your ass to the bar, it’s packed with 6-packs if you know what I mean. ??
She hadn’t changed one bit. Should I go out? It has been a long time, and seeing her might make my return less formal, not just about work. Sleeping was for the weak, I’d get plenty this week. How often did I get to see her?
Be there in an hour.
The stench of stale beer and sweat filled my nose and the dark room murmured deep baritones. Bodies filled every space, some pressed closely against each other, and others cowered in the corners of the room. The majority of the patrons inhabiting this bar, as Kara said, were testosterone-filled men with chiseled arms covered in tattoos. Some had beards. None were clean-shaven. All were sexy.
However, I was not quite as impressed as Kara was. My body might enjoy the talent on display, but my brain told me to run for the hills. I met Adam in a place like this. Men like this are my kryptonite. Bad boys with filthy mouths and bodies that were made for sin were my weakness. They were usually a good time, but not worth much the morning after.
Hunt didn’t traditionally fit the bill of the bad boy, however, underneath that pretty boy persona, Hunt was the ultimate bad boy. He disguised himself with a surfer look and an easygoing vibe, but he treated women as if they were disposable.
I sat next to the open window, waiting for Kara to make an appearance. The view from here was impeccable. The window opened to the patio overlooking the ocean, The powdery sands dusted the boardwalk leading to the entrance. The sounds of the waves lulled the stressors of the day. I had a front row seat to watch the surfers and bodyboarders show off their talents with a cold beer in hand. What a location to relax with a friend.
The clink of glasses interrupted my moment when I saw Kara set a bottle of my favorite beer on the table with her nimble little arms and joined me. She twirled her dark brown wavy hair around her finger, peering out the window momentarily before she tapped my hand with her dainty fingers. Her short stature was a contradiction to her large personality. “You who… Earth to Ginny…” she taunted like the massive pain in the ass that she was. Only a best friend could have taunted me like a child during the worst time of my life and gotten away with it.
“Well, hello, sunshine. Out on the prowl like the cougar you are, I see.” I snorted like a catty bitch to tease my friend.
She feigned offense, pressing her hand against her chest. “Since when is thirty considered a cougar, Bitch.” she laughed, knowing that she hasn’t discriminated against the young ones. I on the other hand won’t even talk to a man younger than twenty-five.
