Chapter 21: Oak & Main
“Honey, wake up. It’s eight o’clock in the morning. You fell asleep on the floor.” I heard my mother’s voice. “I brought you some coffee.” She said bending down.
“Thanks mom.” I said peeking one eye open with my mouth open and lying in a puddle of drool.
“I won’t tell anyone about the slobber but you should probably get yourself cleaned up before CeCe gets here. Also, I made breakfast and you should probably eat something—today might be more difficult than you’ve prepared yourself for.”
“Do I have to get up? I just want to go to bed and wake up with everything like it was.”
“That would be nice if that could happen but I’m afraid you’re going to have to face this today.” She said placing the coffee within reach of one of my arms. “This should help to at least pry you off the floor. I made it extra strong—just for you my dear.”
“Ugh, thank you mom. Is Lucy up yet?”
“Yep, she’s downstairs with Aunt Juanita.”
“What? I didn’t know she was coming this weekend.”
“Yeah, she wasn’t until she heard about Skylar.”
“Mom—really? Who else is down there? Please tell me that we’re not having a family reunion all of a sudden.”
“I’m glad you haven’t lost your sense of humor with all of this. No, we are not having a family reunion down there honey.” She took a seat on the floor next to me.
“Char, are you going to tell CeCe today?” She asked concerned.
“Honestly, mom I don’t know. I want to but I don’t want to hurt her. And what if I tell her and she’s angry with me? What if I tell her and she still marries him? I don’t even know how he feels about me—what if everyone finds out and no one ends up happy? I’ve already hurt Eric.” I pushed the slobber away from my mouth.
“Did you tell him last night? He looked unusually unsettled when he brought Lu in.”
“Yeah, he knew something happened. He’s such a good guy and I hurt him and I hate that I did that.”
“I think you know that you did the right thing. I like Eric and I think he’s a wonderful young man. He’s been so good to you and our Lucy but I never saw the spark between you two that you spoke of when you talked about Skylar, that summer morning. And I’m not saying that you need to go running after Skylar—if anything that boy needs to come running after you for taking off like he did. But I know you knew that Eric, as perfect as he is, didn’t steal your heart like Skylar has since the moment you first met him.”
“Mom, what do I do?” I asked pressing myself off the floor.
“I can’t tell you what to do. I’m praying that you make the right decision.”
“Can you pray that I’ll know what to do—that it’ll be confirmed—a sign or something, please?”
“Char, you have the power to change your fate. You’ll know what to do when the time comes.”
“I know you’ve said that to me since I was a kid. I wish I were still a kid sometimes. I never realized how much easier it was then. Being a grown-up sucks sometimes.”
“Yes, but the good always outweighs the bad. None of us would want to live a life without Lucy. Life is a blessing no matter the storm.”
“I know you’re right. It’s just hard right now.”
“I know sweetie. It’s always darkest before the dawn. I love you—you need to get ready now, sweetie.”
“Thanks mom. Oh and mom, can you please keep the boys and dad off the front porch when they drop CeCe off please? I don’t want them to say anything to CeCe or Skylar!”
“I’ll try but just remember your daddy loves you. People do crazy things for the ones they love.”
“Mom—please don’t let him get too crazy. I have to spend all day with CeCe.”
“Give your father more credit than that Charlotte.” She said heading downstairs.
“Okay.”
I took a quick shower, blow-dried my hair straight and brushed my teeth. I looked in my closet to find something fitting—not too dressy but pretty—something that made me stand out without saying ‘come get me’. I wanted Skylar to choose me strictly for the girl he met on the beach four years ago—not for my clothes or because he felt obligated with being Lucy’s dad. Not for my book he seemed impressed with either. Oh crap—the book. I had two days left until I had to have the final revisions to Mrs. Kisielewski at the publishing house, if I wanted it published. This wedding and the drama with Skylar had completely taken my mind off of everything else. Up until the last three chapters, the book was based on me and CeCe. The previous ending very much had a different, less theatrical account. The last few days gave me plenty of material to work with but how would the last chapter end, I wondered. My whole life depended on this last chapter. I scanned my closet again and reached for a white pique, just above-the-knee, fitted dress. The scooped neckline, complete with twin pleats was pristine with its thin black leather belt and shaping darts. It showed off my slender waist and was a good combination of femininity and elegance—perfect for a spa day with the sorority sisters and CeCe’s snooty cousins. I threw on a pair of white strappy sandals and headed down the stairs.
I dreaded what I would find downstairs. Who knew what my father or brothers were up to—let alone, where my Grandma Rose might be lurking.
“Hi Charlotte,” Aunt Juanita said in her thick southern drawl.
“Hi Aunt Juanita, I heard you came to see the unfolding drama which is my life at the moment.”
“No, I came to cheer you on sweetie. You need some good, strong women to steer you in the right direction. Besides, I came to see my baby.” She said, kissing the back of Lucy’s head as she hopped up and down on Aunt Juanita’s lap.
“Hmm, is that right?” I said tilting my head at her.
“That’s right dumpling.” She smiled.
“Well I’m still happy to see you anyway.” I said, holding my coffee cup out to the side so I could reach down to hug her without spilling coffee on her or Lucy.
“Eat some quiche before CeCe gets here.” My mom said pushing a plate of it in my direction.
“Yum, you didn’t tell me you made quiche. You purposely made that just for me—didn’t you? She knows quiche is my favorite breakfast food.” I said picking up a forkful to quickly shove in my mouth.
“I sure did; bacon, spinach and artichoke.” My mom smiled.
“You should get the recipe from her—it’ll snag just about any fellow out from his feet.” I said, scarfing it down.
“Maybe you should you take some of that with you to see Skylar?”
“I walked right into that one—didn’t I; touché Aunt Juanita.”
“You did. Ahem.” She grinned from behind her coffee cup.
“Oh my goodness it’s five minutes to nine. Where are dad and the boys?” I asked, looking around.
“They are somewhere outside.” She looked down at her coffee cup.
“Mom, they are not waiting outside are they?”
Just then, the door opened and in walked Grandma Rose, followed by Evi. “CeCe’s here and so is the hunk.”
“Grandma!” I said mortified by the loudness of her voice.
“Mom, don’t embarrass her.” Aunt Juanita called out. “So he’s really good looking, huh?”
“Well the young guy is not too bad but I was talking about the older one in the passenger’s seat.” She said nodding her head.
“Oh my goodness, is my dad out there Grandma?”
“Yes Charlotte. He and your brothers are cleaning their guns. It’s a nice day outside to do that.”
“Are you kidding me? Mom!”
I headed towards the door in a panic. CeCe and Skylar were getting out of the back seat of a brand new white BMW convertible. James and Sidney were getting out of the front seat. My father and brothers sat polishing their twenty-two’s, on the front porch.
“Char—are you ready for some fun?” CeCe asked, jumping around pointing to the car. “Do you like
my new ride? It’s a present from my mom and dad for our wedding.”
“You betcha I’m excited.” I smiled nervously, looking at her and Skylar, who had a pretentious smile across his face. “That’s a very nice wedding present.” I said, thinking about their fondue pot I bought her a week ago for the wedding present.
“Richard, meet my son-in-law to be, Christian La Fleur and his father, Sidney.”
My father stood up and put his gun down to shake Skylar’s hand. My heart started pounding as I prayed silently that he wouldn’t say a word other than the congenial hello.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Skylar smiled, showing his beautiful perfect white teeth and architecturally shaped jaw line. His face hadn’t changed. It was still the same beautiful face I fell for several summers ago. He looked like one of the Greek Gods we read about in middle school. His piercing blue eyes and dimples that exploded up the sides of his cheeks grew bigger as he smiled wider, keeping the attention of all the women standing on the porch and peeking through the windows.
“Dad, they’ve got to get going. You can give him his hand back now.”
“I love your dad Char; Mr. Buchanan, you’re so cool. Maybe we can come back and shoot the guns later—Christian and his dad might like that.” CeCe insisted.
“Don’t tempt him. We wouldn’t get to the Bachelorette party if we did that Ce. We should get going. Dad—give him his hand back!”
“You’ve got a great handshake Mr. Buchanan. CeCe has told me so many good things about your daughter and your family.” Skylar smiled, with his hand in my father’s grip.
“We’ve got a great family here.” My father said, looking him in the eye.
“Well, they are leaving dad. Richie, go get the car please?”
“Well, it was nice to meet you guys. Feel free to come back later if you want to shoot some guns. I’d be happy to bring out the big ones.” My dad smiled as he released Skylar’s hand.
“That might be fun. Thank you Mr. Buchanan.” Skylar smiled once more, before saying goodbye to everyone else on the porch.
“I love you babe. I’ll see you later.” CeCe smiled at Skylar.
My family waited for his reply, watching his every move.
He smiled at CeCe and then looked at me. “Have fun girls. I’ll see you later.”
We jumped in the car shortly after they left. I eyed my parents from the driver’s seat while CeCe was busy talking Richie’s ear off. “Bye guys, I love you.”
“We love you too sweetie.” My mother smiled as she leaned into my dad’s side.
We took off towards town for the spa. CeCe talked about Skylar just about as much as she talked about all the details of her dream wedding. The nausea was coming back. Richie just kept digging for more information while I pretended to be preoccupied with driving. She went over the details of the proposal underneath the Eiffel Tower and how he really knew her and loved her for her. She said that he reminded her of me because he accepted her for herself and wasn’t interested in changing her. So, I actually drew her closer to him? Fantastic, just what I wanted to do, I thought to myself.
We got to the spa and were greeted by Bev, Christine, and six other girls. I recognized all but one of them. I knew Pinky, and two of the other sorority sisters CeCe went to college with. The other two were cousins—of which I had met before. The third girl had long, silky dark-brown hair and blue eyes. I had never met her but she was beautiful and smiling widely at me. I saw Christine walk up and put her arm around her.
“Charlotte, this is Emma, our daughter.”
“Hi Charlotte, it’s great to meet you.” She smiled and extended her arms to hug me. A fresh scent of patchouli intermingled with possibly lemongrass greeted me with her embrace. “My brother still loves you.” She whispered into my ear as she hugged me tightly.
Her words drifted into my ear and re-ignited a flame that had flickered only small sparks since that warm summer night. “It’s very nice to meet you too.”
Emma stayed close to CeCe and I for most of the afternoon. She, like her brother, gave off a warmth and sincerity that is hard to counterfeit. I detected that Richie seemed to take notice of Emma’s beauty too. He was unusually quiet and observed Emma talk with CeCe and I. Emma shared stories of her and Skylar when they were kids and of the silly things he’d say and do. I could tell, by the way she spoke about him, they had a close sibling bond. She was three years younger than him.
“Emma came in early this morning. They have a house in Brunswick and she drove down from there.” CeCe shared.
“Oh wow, that’s not that far away.” I said thinking about Skylar and the beach house he told me about.
“Nah, it’s about 45 minutes for most or about a half hour for me. I have a bit of a lead foot.” Emma grinned.
“Emma, you crazy driver you!” Christine joked.
“I’ve got places to go and important people to see.” She smiled, clutching on to her mom’s arm before turning to look at me and CeCe.
After our pedicures and manicures, we were lead to a large room with 4 large tubs sunk into the floor filled with what looked like mud and floating flowers.
“Anyone for a swim?” Richie teased.
“I opted for us to have volcanic ash mud baths. They’re full of minerals and really good for your skin.” CeCe said, clapping her hands quietly.
“Hmm, really?” I said, thinking about mud squishing between my toes and other parts.
“It’ll be fun. Besides I want my skin to be silky smooth for Christian.” She said as she went to her changing booth.
The thought of Skylar touching her silky skin made my stomach hurt.
“Girls, am I staying or going in another room?” Richie asked a bit nervous.
“Richie, they provide you with a cover up—it’s like a Speedo. While you’re changing we’ll get in first and then you can get in.” CeCe said from behind her curtain.
He looked at me and then over at Emma. “Really a Speedo?” He mouthed to me.
“If I have to hear about her making out with Skylar—I don’t want to hear you complaining about wearing a Speedo.” I whispered back to him frowning.
“Are you girls almost ready?” CeCe asked, coming out of the booth in a towel.
“No, I was busy listening to Richie whining about the mud getting in between his toes.”
“I’m ready.” Emma said pulling open her curtain.
I peeked around the corner and saw the back of Emma dip down into the mud. CeCe went in next. I quickly slipped out with my towel and headed towards my tub. I stuck my toe in and felt the warm mud. I dropped my towel on the ground and hurried in before Richie came out of his changing booth. The mud was surprisingly relaxing and not as gritty as I supposed it to be.
“Ladies, can I come out now?” Richie hollered from his curtain.
“Bring it on Richie.” CeCe yipped.
“Okay, turn around girls; I don’t want you to faint over my manliness.” He said, peeking his head around the corner.
“Oh my goodness Richie—your manliness?” I laughed.
“Hey now, that’s better than his girliness.” CeCe joked.
“I kind of like Speedos—all the manly European men wear them.” Emma smiled.
“See—she knows what she’s talking about. Listen to the cultured woman over there.” Richie pointed at Emma as he came out in a towel draped around his waist.
“I want to see the Speedo!” CeCe joked sitting back in her tub with the mud lying just below her collarbone.
“Hey, you’ve got your own Speedo to look at.”
Richie’s words stung. CeCe laughed at his silliness and was still none the wiser of the boiling emotions I covered up just below the surface. I looked down and thought about what would’ve happened if Skylar had called me when he promised. Maybe, we’d be sitting here in my honor. Her joy was choking what was left of my heart. I sat back and placed the warm wash cloth over my eyes.
“Good idea Char—you don’t need
to see your brother in a Speedo.”
“Yeah, that would be a bit traumatic for her.”
“Are you okay Char?” CeCe asked.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I said trying to make my voice sound lighter. “I just didn’t get a lot of sleep last night.”
“She and Eric broke up.”
“Richie!” I said, removing my washcloth so he could see my angry disposition.
“What? Char, why?” CeCe looked concerned.
“CeCe this is about your day. I don’t want to spoil it with my depressing life.” I said, trying to get her to talk about something else besides Skylar.
“Sweetie—maybe if you talk about it you’ll feel better. I want to hear what happened.” She leaned towards the edge of her tub in my direction.
“We just aren’t meant for each other. He’s really incredible in all ways but he’s just not the one.”
“In all ways?”
“Yes, in all ways.” I looked at her as she raised her eyebrows. “CeCe, no—not that way; we’ve never…”
“Never, really?”
“No, never! Skylar was the only one. I’m not willing to give what’s left to anyone unless he’s the one and puts a big ring on this finger.” I said, holding up my mud-covered hand, wiggling my ring finger.
Richie and Emma looked over at CeCe and I.
“So, what would you do if you ever saw Skylar again?” Emma asked.
“I don’t know. I’ve thought about it so many times, I just never thought it would happen.” I said, losing my thoughts.
“What?” CeCe asked. “Did you see Skylar?”
“Oh. Oh no. I meant I’ve thought about what I would say or do if I ever saw him. I don’t think it’ll happen besides I’m pretty sure he’s moved on with his life—wherever he is.”
“Christian has some pretty cute friends I could set you up with.”
“Thanks CeCe. Don’t bother. The right guy will find me one day.”
“Well I hope that you find a guy just like Skylar—kind, handsome, funny, and just completely wonderful.”
“Thanks Ce,” I managed to get out.
I sat back and listened to Richie, CeCe, and Emma talk the remainder of the time. My heart continued to sink in the mud feeling helpless. CeCe was so happy and although Emma seemed to give me hope I still felt that telling CeCe was not an option. CeCe’s wedding was going to be the biggest party of the year for St. Marys. Her parents spared no expense in all the details to bless their daughter. Our mud baths finished and we met back up with the other girls and the mothers for afternoon tea before leaving for Cumberland Island for the wedding rehearsal. My mother met us at the harbor to drop Lucy off for the practice.
We boarded a ferry to get to the old beautiful Greyfield Inn that CeCe’s parents booked for the entire weekend. It was a short fifteen minute ride to the Inn. Our boat was packed with all the ladies and Richie. As we got closer to the dock I could see the rest of the wedding party. Standing at the end of the pier was Skylar and a few of his friends. I watched him silently as I leaned over the side of the boat. He looked like he had in my dreams. His hair was blowing in the wind. He was dressed in flip flops, a pair of relaxed jeans with a white tee shirt and a blue fitted sport coat. His eyes were covered up by his sunglasses. As we neared the dock he looked over at me and smiled out of the side of his mouth. His smile made my heart sick. He was like a drug that made me dizzy and weak in the knees.
“Auntie Ce—there’s Christian!” Lucy pointed with her tiny finger while she pulled on CeCe with her other hand.
Skylar’s attention changed to CeCe as she waved him down with air blown kisses. I prayed diligently, in my head. Please Lord, please help me. I don’t want to be here. Not here and not in this life. I can’t handle this and I need you to carry me. I can’t do this. I’ve been strong for everyone else but I need you. My world is crashing down and there’s no one to hold it up. Please, I prayed.
“Hi ladies.” Skylar greeted all of us. “Emma!” He reached for her. “I see you met all of CeCe’s friends.”
“I did. They all seem really nice.” Emma beamed as Pinky perked up in awareness of all the guys standing around Skylar.
“Hey, you look familiar.” One of Skylar’s friends pointed in my direction.
“I do?”
“Yeah, isn’t she that girl at the party?” He looked at Skylar.
“I don’t go to any parties—it wasn’t me. I’m a mom.”
“Oh, it must have been someone else.”
“They say everyone has a twin.” I offered.
“Yeah, Char is the best mom. She’s always with Lucy. And now she’ll be with her even more.” CeCe said, rubbing my shoulder mimicking a sad face.
I looked at CeCe wanting to duct tape her mouth. Although she was being a good friend in any other situation, she was driving me nuts.
“Really, why is that?” Skylar looked concerned.
“She and Eric broke up last night.” CeCe said with a sad face, again.
“What happened?” He asked with a strange grin-like frown.
“My life is not that exciting. We should get going.” I said turning towards the Inn.
“I’m sorry I’m not embarrassing you, am I Char?”
“I just don’t want to talk about it—especially in front of everyone.”
“I know. Maybe you’ll meet someone this weekend. You are my best friend and you deserve to be happy.”
“We’ll see.” I said avoiding eye contact with her and Skylar.
I endured the painstakingly romantic vows during the rehearsal. Father John officiated. I watched silently as CeCe gazed into Skylar’s eyes. She had remembered every word of her vow. Skylar stumbled a few times and seemed distracted—this was a side of Skylar I hadn’t seen before. He seemed less confident during the reciting of his vows. I couldn’t tell if it was my presence or the fact that his daughter was running all around, pretending to be a butterfly in flight. Bev tried to catch her a few times to get her to land but she kept dodging her arms and Bev’s heels did not lend her any assistance. Several times, I caught Skylar laugh as Bev tried to lure her over. Emma watched the spectacle in delight. I wondered what all Skylar had told her other than he still loved me. She seemed to enjoy watching Lucy’s free-spirited self-run around with no care in the world as did her brother. She only bothered to stop running when dinner was served and she was promised a decadent strawberry-lemon crème cake sprinkled with white chocolate shavings.
After the rehearsal, I followed behind CeCe and Skylar towards a large outdoor patio, complete with an elongated table draped in white linen and enough silver and crystal to cast a glow, noticeable, across the river. Everything was dripping in luxurious detail. It was elegant just like CeCe and Bev. The evening sky lit up a beautiful array of colors over the water. There was an orchestra playing music during dinner and servers stood nearby, with water pitchers and champagne bottles. Nothing had been over-looked. I paid close attention to Lucy and eluded any interactions with CeCe and Skylar. Father John sat next to Lucy during dinner. As I cut up her food, I felt a warm hand on my back. Father John leaned over to give me a smile and a pat on the back.
“How are you doing?” He smiled. “I hear you’ve got a book that’s about to be published.”
“Oh yeah, my parents must have told you.”
“They did. They also told me other things when they asked for prayer for you this morning.”
“I’m fine Father.” I said in exasperation.
“I’m here if you need to talk.” He patted my back as he looked me in the eyes. “If you change your mind…”
“If I change my mind, I’ll let you know.” I said, before thanking him for the thought.
“Can I get your attention everyone?” Bev asked, clinking a spoon against her champagne glass. “These girls and guys have got to get going for their night out on the town.” She smiled. “But before they go—maybe a toast from the Best Man and the Maid of Honor to send them off?”
Great, I thought to myself. I was already emotional. Now to stand in front of all these people and wish my best friend and the love of my life a happy ever after was too much to bear. I looked over at Richie. He leaned his head to the side and attempted a smile. I looked down to gather my composure and to figure what I could say that was truthful and believable. We were just about to the point of no return. My time was running out as each moment passed.
“Since the Maid of Honor is a chatterbox over there, I’ll go first.” The Best Man joked, striking up laughter from the table.
I sat still, trying to figure out what to say as the Best Man continued.
“In front of us, sits a great man—a selfless and better person than most.” He said with his hands on Skylar’s shoulders. “I’ve watched as my best friend suffered through almost losing his mother-the great Mrs. La Fleur right over there, three times. Then he met a girl he thought was the one before she disappeared. After a few years of hard times and moping, something brilliant happened one day.” He continued, “In the words of my best friend, just when times get too dark and you feel all alone, God sends signs and people to help lift our spirits and direct our paths. That was the day he met Cecilia Crawford and his life forever changed. You’ve made him a happy man CeCe. Please raise your glass to this very wonderful couple. This one’s for you my little Sky Flower.” He finished by raising his glass as the table cheered.
Sky Flower—this is what his friends use to call him. He told me about that at the beach that night. I tried to think back to see if I had ever shared that to CeCe. I looked over at her to see if anything registered. Her champagne glass was raised to her mouth still.
The table had quieted down again and everyone’s attention turned towards me. I hadn’t found the words and was feeling nauseous in the pit of my stomach.
I picked up my champagne and stood up. “What can I say about my best friend that would do her justice? I first met CeCe in the third grade in the principal’s office.” I grinned, as a few laughs from the table arose. “I was puking and she was in trouble for voicing her opinion for what she believed was right—something I’ve always admired about you Ce. Your courage to go after want you want—to love as boldly as you do and with all the beauty and grace you do are unmatched. As kids we dreamed about our wedding day and our prince charming’s and had it all planned out by age nine.” I said, feeling the tears start to build. “Well that day is finally here and I hope that it is everything you always dreamed it would be. Most importantly, I wish you the happiest ever after a girl can have.” I smiled through tears. “Please raise your glass for CeCe and Christian.” I said as CeCe smiled back in tears.
My body was trembling and I tried to contain my tears as CeCe came over to my chair and hugged me. As she wrapped her arms around me I saw Skylar staring at us in dismay. Behind every painful word, I spoke the truth. I wanted the best for her despite the outcome. I squeezed her tightly for several moments. When she pulled back, she glanced over my face and wiped away my tears.
“Thank you Char. You’re words mean so much to me.”
“They’re all true sweetie. I love you and I’ve always admired you.”
“I love you too.” She smiled with an unusual guise. “Are you ready to get going?”
“Yeah, I’ve got to drop Lucy off first before we go out.”
“My mom can do that.” She offered.
“I thought your mom and dad were staying on the island tonight.” I said.
“My mom’s still got some stuff to do at home and besides all the guys are staying at my parent’s for a party there while we’re out.”
“Okay.”
I got Lucy’s things ready for the ferry ride back. All of the wedding party except for James, Sidney, and Christine, took two ferries back to St. Marys. At the dock, I helped Bev get Lucy buckled up. I kissed her forehead and hugged her goodnight. I watched Bev and Lucy drive away before turning around. The guys had separated into a large group and the girls were already off and gossiping with Richie. Skylar and CeCe were talking. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about but she didn’t look as happy as she had on the island. I walked in their direction as she leaned up to kiss him. I froze as I saw them, for the first time, kissing. I looked down and turned towards the dock. The tears stung my eyes and stopped my breath. Only far off lights from the island peered across the dark waters. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly trying to keep myself from collapsing.
“Hey there.” Richie came to my rescue with his arm wrapped around my shoulder as we faced the island.
“I don’t know how to get through this Rich.” I fought back more tears.
“Sis, why don’t you tell her?”
“You know I can’t ruin her happiness.”
“How do you know she wasn’t the path back to you? His best friend even talked about you in his speech.”
“I know, but then he also said that she helped him get over that girl.”
“There may still be a part of him that loves you.”
“Who are we talking about? Eric?” CeCe came up abruptly. “Did Eric say he loved you?”
“You scared me.” I jumped. “No, we never got to that point.”
“Well then it’s time to get over him and have some fun.” She said, taking my hand.
“I’ll drive us.” I offered.
“Thank you, I’m actually going to ride with Emma but I’ll meet you at Martini’s.”
I sat in the car a few moments talking with Richie while Emma and CeCe pulled away. I stepped on the clutch and shifted the gear into first just as I pulled my foot off the break Skylar walked towards us.
“I’ll see you at midnight still?” He asked, leaning his head into the window.
“Yeah, if I can get away.”
“I asked my sister to help keep her preoccupied when you leave.”
“Okay, I will meet you at Oak and Main.”
“Thanks Charlotte—hi Richie,” Skylar smiled at him before he glanced back at me. “Please don’t back out now.”
I nodded slowly at Skylar. I was partially mesmerized by his eyes and still in disbelief that he was actually standing in front of me after he disappeared almost four years ago.
We got to the bar and grille just after nine PM. CeCe was the main attraction. She was animated and provided for entertainment between her gift for story-telling and her wild skills with karaoke. I laughed, watching her use her hands and body language to re-hash some of her fonder memories of college with her sorority sisters. She dragged me up to the stage so we could sing That’s what friends are for by Dionne Warwick, one of our favorite childhood songs. She sang loud and grabbed my hand as she sang each word to me. I couldn’t help but laugh with the exaggerated expressions as she sang shamelessly.
After a few hours passed, I tried to figure out a way I could easily dismiss myself. Richie pulled out my phone and dialed a number. The noise was loud in the room and he disappeared for a few minutes, before he came back and handed my phone to me.
“Who’d you call?” I raised my voice.
“I just had to check on something real quick.” He said, offering to get me a drink.
“I’m good thanks. Can you get me an ice water though?”
“Sure, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”
I sat watching the party all around me. Some of the girls were dancing on the stage and others were talking to the town’s summer male residents. CeCe was talking with Emma. I spotted Richie talking to one of the servers up at the counter. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples for a minute. I sat back and opened my eyes and sitting right beside me was Eric.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised to see him.
“I thought you could use a friendly face.” He grinned.
“You’re going to make me cry.” I said smiling back at him. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“I know you are.”
“Did you know I was going to be here?”
&nbs
p; “I had some hints.” He laughed.
“Did Richie call you?”
“Maybe.”
“Oh that Richie.”
“Don’t get mad at him.” He loves you.”
“I know. At least someone does.”
“There are lots of people who love you.” He said tilting his head to mine before kissing me unexpectedly.
He touched his palms to my cheeks and nestled my face into his hands as he kissed me for at least a minute or more. I finally opened my eyes to see a smile rise over his face. I heard several jeers around the table and saw CeCe’s perplexed look as my eyes met hers, still dazed from what had just happened.
“What was that?” I asked in awe.
“Just making sure you made the right decision.”
“Oh Eric…” I started.
“Don’t say anything,” he whispered into my ear. “I know you need to leave in a few minutes to meet Skylar. Richie thought a good distraction might help CeCe not notice your departure as much.”
“And the kiss?”
“That was for me mostly. But I think I got CeCe’s curiosity going.”
“You are something so special Mr. Sothersby!” I said pinching his cheek softly.
“I know. You are too Ms. Buchanan.”
He took the opportunity and kissed me once more, quickly, before I hugged CeCe goodbye and told her that I needed to get home to Lucy. Through the windows outside, I peered in to see CeCe sitting near Eric. They seemed to be talking. I saw the back of Eric’s head moving while he pretended to play the piano. CeCe nodded her head and seemed to be engaged with a slight grin on her face. I scanned across the room and saw Emma and Richie looking at songs for karaoke.
I got back into the car. I looked in the rearview mirror and reapplied my eye make-up. I brushed my hair once more and dabbed some perfume under the corners of my jawbones. I pinched my cheeks slightly and smiled back at myself. I slid on my flesh-toned pink lip rouge and added a touch of gloss to my lips. I popped a mint into my mouth and shifted the gear into first heading towards Oak. It was three minutes to midnight. I rolled my windows down part way and heard the chirping of the grasshoppers and the ensemble of frogs. The moon was full and high up in the sky. I turned on the radio to keep me company and ease my anxiety. Jewel was on and singing her sleepy serenades.
I could see the street sign for Main about two blocks away. My heart beat faster as I drew nearer. I was so nervous that my stomach felt as if it were on a roller coaster getting ready to plummet ten stories. I had waited for this moment—to see him, to talk to him, to find out what happened for so long. He was marrying my best friend tomorrow I reminded myself. Maybe, he’d change his mind or maybe he wouldn’t show up tonight. I held my breath, I didn’t see anyone around. Street lights gave way to small circles of light every few blocks. As I shifted back down to second gear, I saw movement enter into the light. Skylar appeared with his hands in his jacket pockets.
“Need a ride?” I slowed down, trying to play it cool despite my shallow breathing.
“I was hoping you’d ask.” He smiled.
I pulled my foot off the break and the car rolled forward a few more feet. Skylar jumped forward to catch up. “You do want a ride, right?” I asked playfully.
“Yep.” He smiled reaching for the door handle as I placed my foot on the gas and rolled forward some more.
“Are you getting in?”
“Are you going to let me?” He laughed.
“Only if you hurry up.” I provoked, putting my foot on the break. “I feel like I’m in high school again trying to sneak out of the house.” I joked, trying to mask my nervousness.
“You snuck out in high school?”
“Yes. CeCe and I use to sneak out on my brother’s scooter. I’d push it to the end of the driveway so it didn’t wake my parents. I’d take all the back roads to CeCe’s house and we’d drive around for hours before I dropped her back off and snuck back home.”
“Where did you go?”
“Sometimes to the beach, sometimes to the diner—where ever we wouldn’t get caught.”
“You are a rebel.”
“Not really. I was always the level-headed one.” I said, opening the moon roof.
“So, where are we going?” He looked at me.
“Maybe the beach?” I said. “If you’re okay with that.”
“The beach, huh? Any specific beach in mind?” He bit his lip to conceal his smile.
“I’ve got one in mind.” I said feeling an unusual confidence run through my veins.
“Okay.”
“Okay.” I echoed back into the stillness of the night.
We drove through the sleeping neighborhoods with the graceful weeping willows, covered in Spanish moss, blowing slowly in the breeze. The music played just loud enough to hear Sade’s No Ordinary Love come on the radio. I held my breath again. I wasn’t ready to break down in front of him. This song could have summed up how I felt about him.
“I like this song.” Skylar said, turning up the volume.
“Yeah, I like it too. It’s kind of sad though.”
“Maybe, but it’s a classic.” He looked at me peeking at him before I could look away.
“Yeah, it’s a good one.”
I turned down a one-lane dirt road. Streams of moonlight shot through the thick tree coverage. I peeked at Skylar again as he scanned the area.
“You’re not planning to kill me and dump my body somewhere—are you?” He joked looking to see nothing but trees and moonlight surrounding us.
“Thought about it with as much as I would’ve loved to set you on fire a few times over the past few years—but no—I’m not planning on burying you in the swamps out here.” I smiled, keeping my eyes on the road ahead of us.
“I forgot how much I liked your sense of humor.” Peripherally, I could see him smiling at me.
I bit my lip wondering what else he had forgotten about me. I remained silent. We were almost to the end of the road where it would open up straight to the beach. Lovers were known to come back to this beach for the breathtaking beauty this private view offered. There were two large sand dunes, one on either side of the small dirt road. As we pulled into the moonlight and left the trees behind us, the stars appeared closer and brighter than they’d ever shown before. I put the car in park and turned off the engine.
“Wow, this is beautiful.” He said looking down the beach and up into the sky.
“Yeah, this is the beach I go to when I need to be alone with my thoughts.”
“I can see why.”
We sat quietly for a few minutes, avoiding eye contact with the distraction of our anxieties and the remarkable landscape around us.
“Is it okay if I call you Charlotte?” Skylar finally broke the silence.
“Yeah.” I could feel goose bumps braise my arms.
“Charlotte, I’ve been thinking about this moment since the day I met you almost four years ago. I drove back to this area so many times to try to find you. I asked so many people in town if they knew a Lucy.”
“All you had to do was call me.” I said in a low voice.
“You see I tried that but the problem is I never got the right number.”
“I gave you a fictitious name Skylar but I gave you the right number—to my parent’s home. Every day, I called home to see if you called...but you hadn’t.”
“I know you gave me the right number. The problem is—is by the time I got home early that morning I took off my pants and threw them off somewhere on the floor. A few hours later my sister called me, waking me up from the best dream of my life to say our mother’s cancer was back. She was admitted to the hospital in Savannah and not expected to make it. I was the happiest man in the world one minute and pleading for my mother’s life, again, the next. I grabbed another pair of pants and threw them on—on my way out of the house. I stayed at the hospital for the next three days before we flew to Mayo for aggressive treatment. We were there for a few weeks. Wh
en I got home I looked everywhere for my pants—the ones I wore the night I met you—the same ones that had your phone number in them. I finally found them, washed, folded, and in my dresser. Our maid, Carmencita, had cleaned my room, with the rest of the house, when she was getting the house ready to close for the season. When I reached in my pockets I felt a sigh of relief, when my fingers found the paper. I pulled it out and opened it up ready to call and explain what happened. My heart stopped, when I pulled out the paper. The paper had fallen apart in the wash and only the first five numbers remained, just barely. I couldn’t make out the last two. I got a notebook and tried every combination of numbers for the last two. I kept track of who answered and no one knew a Lucy. A few people hung up on me. I called them a few more times before a few men cursed me out. There was one lady, I think she was older, who giggled before hanging up the phone. I tried to find you. After more than a year of looking, I figured it wasn’t meant to be. My friends said I needed to move on.”
My heart beat faster. I felt a surge of pain in my chest. Hearing his story confirmed he had really cared about me despite the doubt I settled with.
“You were all I thought about.” I confessed.
“I hadn’t felt that way about anyone. You’ve haunted my dreams since that night Charlotte.”
I replayed his words in my head…hadn’t felt that way about anyone. I pondered whether he felt that way about CeCe.
“And now—do you still feel that way?” I asked, inhaling deeply.
“Seeing you yesterday brought me right back to that night.” He said with his eyes piercing into mine.
“I don’t know if I even really want to know but I can’t not ask you. Do you love CeCe; is she really the one?” I said closing my eyes, bracing myself for his answer.
“You were always supposed to be the girl I ended up with. I had given up ever finding you after a year passed. I kept myself busy and tried to stop thinking about you but you still visited my dreams.”
I felt my nose wrinkle up pushing back the tears inside. “The day Lucy was born I had drifted off to sleep. I saw you standing in my doorway holding a bouquet of flowers. When I opened my eyes you were nothing more than a dream. I never understood why God allowed us to meet when it only caused me so much pain. But then Lucy was born and she was the greatest joy I’ve ever experienced—even doing it alone.”
“I wish I could change things. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and for Lucy.”
“You didn’t know.”
“When I met CeCe there was something about her; something familiar. Her sweet spirit and her passion could hardly be ignored.”
“I know my best friend has that effect on most people.” I said biting my nails, letting a laugh slip out.
“I didn’t know it at first but something about her reminded me of you.”
“I didn’t give it any thought when she said she met someone that she was mad about. She described you in the way I described you—incredible. I never thought I’d see you on that veranda yesterday.”
Skylar smiled at me and then looked down before continuing, “I never thought I’d see you again until last week.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, repeating his last few words in my head.
He sighed and took a deep breath. “I visited CeCe at the home she lived at with the French family. I’d never been up in her room before and she asked for help packing her things. She assigned me to packing up her clothes, in boxes, while she ran out to get us some coffee and pastries. I was folding her clothes and something caught my eye. On her windowsill over-looking the Seine was a black and white photograph. I saw CeCe but was taken aback when I saw you. I found myself on the floor, completely shocked.”
“And you didn’t tell CeCe?”
“I had prayed so many times, in the past, that I would see you again. I didn’t know what to say to her. I had to find you—I had to see if it was really you.” He said with sorrow in his eyes.
“And now that you’ve found me—now what? You’re marrying my best friend tomorrow? Why do you tell me all of this now? What am I supposed to do with it, Skylar?”
He reached out to touch my hands. “Charlotte, I knew I loved you the night we met.” His words pierced through the lock on my heart.
The clasp of his hands on mine released a quiver through my body. “And tomorrow when you marry CeCe—will you still love me?” I asked, pursing my lips together to fight the surge of emotion ready to implode.
“Yes, I will still love you.” He answered looking into my eyes.
I looked away with tears built up like a damn getting ready to burst. “I can’t be there. I want her to be happy but you can’t ask me to watch her marry the only guy I’ve ever loved.” I said, tears gushing down my face.
Skylar took my face into his hands as my body trembled. “I can’t say that I’ve never loved CeCe because I do, but I know that I’ve never stopped loving you. It was your face that I saw—that pulled me out of the desperation I felt when I thought I was losing my mother. The thought of you kept me going. I’d close my eyes and picture your smile and it made me happy.”
“But we can’t live in the past.”
He pulled me into his chest and held me tightly while the tears flowed like a river washing out everything in its path. His warmth encompassed all of my frailties. I closed my eyes and let go of all my thoughts and inhibitions. Still tucked into the strength of his embrace, I wiped my eyes and nose with my sleeve. He pulled back and lowered his lips to mine. He looked at me in a way I had long awaited and kissed me softly. My stomach plunged and butterflies, by the dozen, soared freely. My breath and every part of my body were paralyzed.
His kiss left me with a wooziness I’d experienced only once before, with him, almost four years earlier. He held me in his arms while we remained silent. A few hours passed since we reached the beach.
“I don’t want to leave here again knowing this could be the last time I taste your lips and feel your skin.” I said brazenly.
“I can’t bear losing you again.” Skylar said with his chin resting on the top of my head with his arms caressing me.
“What do we do?”
“I have to make the right decision. No matter what happens everything will change.” He said, looking at me with deep melancholy in his eyes.
“Do we tell CeCe tonight?”
“She needs to know. I just don’t know if I can tell her tonight. I need to get back and think about this.”
“I know we don’t want to hurt her but she should know before she walks down the aisle tomorrow.” I insisted, trying to determine where Skylar’s commitment rested.
He had asked her to marry him before he knew I still existed, I thought to myself.
“Are you…” I paused, hurting to get the words out. “Are you still planning on marrying CeCe tomorrow?”
“I can’t marry anyone tomorrow. I know that meeting you again—is not a coincidence. I love you Charlotte; I’ve always loved you. I’ve made choices that hurt you and CeCe and I don’t want to cause either of you anymore pain. I want to be with you but I need to make things right with CeCe, first.”
I rested in the comfort of his arms a little while longer before we drove back to town and I dropped him off in the shadows of Oak and Main.
“So, I’ll meet you tomorrow at the Inn?”
“Yeah, I’m going to talk with her tonight.” Skylar said holding my hand.
“Should I call her first? Would it come better from her best friend?”
“I owe it to her to tell her myself. If she calls you before I see her then you can let her know that we need to talk.”
“Okay.” I said, still nervous about letting Skylar out of my sight—afraid to lose him again.
“I promise I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You promise it won’t take you another four years to see me again.” I smiled, light-heartedly.
“I promise.” He said, leaning over to kiss my cheek before he backed out
of the car.
I waved to him and smiled. I watched him disappear out of my rearview mirror feeling a knot building in the pit of my stomach. I started to panic thinking about his words. He still loved her too. He could change his mind. She could change his mind. She was very persuasive when she really wanted something. She was very competitive and good at everything she did. What if he married her tomorrow? I knew he wanted me to wait but I couldn’t. I needed to call CeCe and tell her everything. I didn’t want to be in the audience of my life—I need to be the key player if I wanted my happy ever after.
I drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. I pulled out my cell phone and dialed her cell number. It rang four times and suddenly the phone picked up. I thought I knew what I would say but my mouth just froze. Her voicemail picked up. “Hi this is CeCe—the soon to be Mrs. La Fleur. Please leave a message and I’ll get back to you after my honeymoon”. Hearing her words again burned in my skin, like cattle being branded by hot iron. I hung up the phone and continued to drive home. I pulled in the driveway and dialed her number again. It was three AM. Again, the phone rang and nothing. Her voicemail picked up. I closed the phone shut and quietly walked inside.
My mother was sitting up alongside Richie watching a movie in the living room.
“You’re still up?”
“We waited for you to get home.” My mother said.
“Is that Char?” My dad asked from the top of the stairs.
“Yes honey.”
“So, how’d it go?” Richie asked curiously.
“Good. He told me the whole story. He tried to find me for over a year and said that he never stopped thinking about me.”
“I know its late Char but what happened. He had your number?” My mother asked as my father made space for himself beside her on the sofa.
I sat for the next half hour telling my parents everything Skylar shared with me. They sat quietly, listening about his mother, Carmencita and the paper, and the photograph.
“So, what are you going to do?” My mother asked.
“I tried calling CeCe twice, after I dropped Skylar off but I got her voicemail both times. She’s probably sleeping.”
“I don’t know if she’s sleeping.” Richie hinted.
“It’s almost four in the morning. I’m sure she’s sleeping on the night before her wedding.” I argued.
“Well…I got home about an hour before you got home and she was still out.” He smiled
“Those girls are going to be so tired tomorrow.” My mother commented.
“No, just CeCe.”
“What do you mean?”
“The girls all left and CeCe said she’d have Eric take her home.” He smiled again.
“What? Eric took her home?” I asked, stunned by CeCe’s judgment on the eve of her wedding night.
“Is there a problem with that?” Richie asked sarcastically.
“Yes, there’s a problem with that. CeCe is supposed to be getting married to another man tomorrow and she’s running around with Eric tonight while I’ve been sick to my stomach worrying about hurting her with Skylar.”
“Are you sure it’s not because she was running around with Eric? You can’t have it both ways.” My brother annoyingly said.
“Yes, I care about Eric but the man I love—that she supposedly loves—she feels it’s okay to just run around on him?”
“They were just hanging out Char.” Richie said. “Take it easy on her.”
“I’m sorry I’ve been sick about this whole thing since yesterday.”
“You should get some sleep dear. You’ve been through a lot and tomorrow doesn’t sound like it’s going to be any easier for the three of you.” My mother said compassionately.
“I do need sleep. I’m supposed to meet CeCe on the island at ten AM.”
“So, he’s going to talk with her first?” My dad asked for clarification.
“Yes, he was going to talk to her as soon as he saw her.” I said.
“Okay, just be ready for that.” He said, standing up to give me a hug before I headed upstairs.
“Oh honey, Mrs. Kisielewski called while you were out today. She said she needs your final draft of the manuscript emailed to her no later than midnight tomorrow.” My mother said, before my foot touched the first step.
“Oh crap. I remembered but completely forgot. I’m so stressed that I forgot about the deadline.”
“Well you should have plenty of ideas for the ending now.” Richie added as I staggered up the stairs.
I lay in bed, tired, but my mind raced a million miles an hour, thinking about tomorrow. Skylar could still change his mind. What if I didn’t get my book done in time? I could lose almost everything that made sense in my life. It would be just Lucy and I again. “Lord please, move mountains for me. I can’t climb these alone and if I fall and there’s no one or nothing to catch me then I don’t know how I’ll get back up again.” I said out loud before closing my eyes, hoping for the best.