“He has a boat?” I asked.
“Oh, that could make for an interesting evening,” Silas said.
“Straight, Silas.”
“I know, I know. Has never stopped me in the past though.” He winked at her.
SOON WE FOUND ourselves seated on the porch sipping margaritas, catching up. It felt good to laugh and reminisce about old times. I'd missed having Drew in my everyday life. While we talked often on the phone, it was a poor substitute for being together in person. Silas was my best friend, and I loved him just like a brother, but it was so good to have girl time. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed that too. Apparently a lot of things had fallen out of my life over time and I hadn't realized it.
“Shopping tomorrow?” Drew asked.
“Sounds great. There are some antique stores in town I'd like to hit first.” Drew and I had talked about the overall design of the house and how to maintain the cottage feel with modern updates. First we needed to start with the living room since this is where we'd be all summer. A couch was at the top of my list, as well as overstuffed chairs and end tables and an entertainment center where we could tuck a TV that would still blend with the decor. I also needed to stop at the hardware store for sandpaper and paint to refinish the beautiful wicker set that was left here.
We continued to drink while the giggling increased as the pitcher of margaritas dwindled.
“So when will be graced with the presence of Kyle?” Drew rolled her eyes.
“I know, right?” Silas huffed.
“Hey.” I shot them a glare.
“Kyle's a douche, love.” Silas shrugged and took another drink. I whipped my head around to him and narrowed my eyes before a giggle escaped my throat.
“Total douche.” Drew laughed. “So is he coming down this summer?” She watched me intently.
“Sure, probably. Don't call my boyfriend a douche.” I stumbled over the last words as a giggle erupted again.
“Is he mad that you bought this place?” Drew raised an eyebrow at me.
“Oh yeah.” Silas’ eyes grew wide. “He's pissed. They hardly talk.”
“Silas.” I whipped a throw pillow at him, causing his drink to splash in his lap.
“Is he that mad?” Drew asked softly. I chewed on my bottom lip and avoided her gaze.
“No, he's not mad, he's just not happy.” I shrugged thoughtfully.
“Do you think he’ll come around?” Drew asked.
“I don't know,” I said softly.
“Douche,” Silas mumbled under his breath. All the drinks caught up to me and my mood was suddenly crashing.
“I don't want to talk about it. I'm going to bed. Be ready bright and early sunshine.” I pointed at Drew.
I BRUSHED MY teeth before stripping off my jeans and crawled into bed in my tank top and underwear. I nestled into the pillow as my thoughts drifted over the past few years of my life. A few minutes later I heard my door creak open and Drew's form was bathed in the light from the hallway. She closed the door behind her and silently curled up in the bed behind me.
“Are you okay?” Her voice was heartbreakingly sad.
“Yes,” I whispered.
“Doesn't sound like it,” she said.
“I am.” I hugged my pillow tighter.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“No.”
“Okay.” She nuzzled deeper into the pillow we were sharing.
“I'm sorry I haven’t been around, Georgia.”
I sucked in a sharp breath and closed my eyes as tears stung behind my eyelids. “I know.” I took another deep breath and tried to swallow the painful lump in my throat.
***
THE NEXT MORNING I dragged Drew out of bed at ten and the three of us headed to town for shopping. We picked up coffee then wandered the streets, in and out of antique stores and boutiques. Our first purchase was a love-at-first-sight large cream couch. We came across some eggshell blue and cream striped chairs that complemented it. With the big items out of the way we focused on smaller decorative things. Silas spotted a weathered wrought iron and glass side table and I found a beautiful vintage mirrored lamp to place on top of it. My vision for perfect modern cottage chic was coming together.
With bright sunshine and a cool breeze, I breathed deeply and thought at this moment, I was the happiest I'd ever been; life was simple as I strolled around a small seaside town with my two best friends. Tears pricked my eyes, thankful for both of them.
After lunch we went to the hardware store to get paint samples. Silas and Drew went a little wild, bickering and stuffing dozens of colorful paint chips into my oversized purse. Kyle and I had moved into a beautiful furnished apartment in D.C. where not a single thing needed to be done, so I was embracing starting from scratch with the beach house.
We headed home mid-afternoon to meet the furniture delivery truck. They hauled the old couch away and brought the new furniture into the living room along with the oversized plasma TV Silas had insisted I get. Once the furniture was in, Silas, Drew and I spent time debating the placement of the smaller items. I cracked beers for the three of us and giggled as I watched them argue over everything. This summer would be an exercise in patience between the two of them.
The Mourning After is available now at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and iTunes.
Sandi Lynn, Love in Between
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