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“It looks closed,” I observed.
“Which is why we’re taking the long way in,” he said with a smile.
Retrieving the basket for him, he led us around the pine log fence into the thicket of trees. Walking for a few minutes, we eventually came upon a carpentered walkway. Continuing down the path past a wooded area that reminded me of home, we eventually spilled out onto a long, empty beach.
“This is Pensacola. It’s the best the city has to offer,” Merri said, gesturing toward the white sand and pool-blue water in front of us.
“It’s beautiful,” I admitted.
“Are you ready for something to eat? I picked up a few things at the store while you were in the shower,” he said, retrieving the basket from me. “I also brought a blanket. Should I put it out?”
“Sure,” I said, feeling my heartbeat quicken. “But it’s going to be dark soon.”
“I also brought candles,” he said, pulling them out of the basket. “They have covers so they won’t blow out. See,” he said, showing me.
Watching him lay out the blanket and set up the candles, my heart pounded. This non-date was starting to feel an awful lot like a date date. And when he pulled out the bottle of wine and began pouring, I sat.
“I probably shouldn’t,” I said, feeling myself withdraw.
“One night of wine isn’t going to hurt training. Besides, tonight is about relaxing. Relax,” he said with a smile.
Taking the cup, I scanned the rest of what he brought. None of it was on my diet plan. Cheese, crackers, fatty meats, jams—it all looked incredible.
“You went all out,” I told him, feeling my nerves kick in.
“I figured you’ve been working so hard that you deserve it. Are you gonna have some?”
I fought my desire to pull away. “I don’t know.”
“Please. For me.”
Looking at him, I couldn’t refuse. He could talk me into doing anything. I had no resistance to him.
“Of course,” I said, stacking everything together. Taking a bite, I was surprised. “It’s good!”
“It’s called carbs,” Merri joked.
“I like them,” I retorted.
Merri laughed.
Eating and drinking as the sun set along the beach, the two of us got comfortable. I couldn’t help but stare at him. He caught me doing it and didn’t seem to mind.
With the sound of the waves softly kissing the shore and a gentle breeze in the air, he asked,
“What’s your biggest unfulfilled dream?”
“My biggest unfulfilled dream?”
“Yeah, you know. What do you most regret not having done?”
I sipped the wine and thought about it.
“I think what I regret most is not developing superpowers.”
Merri laughed.
“Come on. I’m serious.”
