Page 10 of Thick Girls Take Chances

What is usually a cookie-cutter job has turned into something a bit more complicated. The committee decided to change some things for this year’s festival so we’re playing it by ear.

“Sounds good,” I said. “If there’s nothing else to do down here, I’m going to take a shower to cool off.”

“It was kinda warm today.”

“That it was.”

Plus, I worked double-time so Pop didn’t have to walk around too much. His limp isn’t as pronounced as it was a couple days ago, but I still don’t want him to overdo it.

“No, we’re done for the day,” he said and I followed him to the door. “We’ll have breakfast at the diner at six, then head over?”

“Sounds good.”

That said, he walked across the yard to the house. I closed the workshop door and headed upstairs to my apartment. When I first moved here, I lived over there with him, but a few years later asked Pop if I could renovate the space above the workshop. I must have been getting on his nerves in the house because he immediately agreed. I could have bought my own place, but I like being close to Pop, just not under the same roof.

I stripped on my way to the bathroom, stepped into the shower, and turned on the water. A shiver ran through me as the cold spray hit my skin. Once I was sufficiently cooled off, I added some hot water to make the temperature more tolerable.

After washing off the dust of the day, I turned my back to the spray and let it loosen the muscles in my shoulders. I stood like that until my fingers turned pruney then I shut off the water, pulled a towel off the rack, and dried off.

I grabbed my cell on the way to the bedroom and saw a missed call from my mother. She didn’t leave a message and I’m not going to call her back. Since I moved to Seaside twelve years ago, I’ve only spoken to her a handful of times and that was only when she wanted something. If it’s really important, she’ll leave a message.

Putting thoughts of my mother out of my mind, I slipped into a pair of shorts, grabbed a beer from the refrigerator, and headed onto the deck. Pop’s property sits steps from the beach and the view is amazing, which is another reason I chose to stay here instead of buying my own place. I sat back in my Adirondack chair to enjoy it and my beverage.

I’d just finished my drink when the view got even better. I’ve been hoping I’d run into Eve again, and here she is walking right toward me. Setting the empty bottle down, I stood and made my way to the beach. Once I stepped onto the sand, I waved to catch her attention. Her eyes widened and she gave an awkward wave.

“It’s nice to see you again, Eve.”

“Hi Max.”

“You remember my name.”

“I never forget the names of people who wake me from a peaceful sleep with whining saws and pounding hammers.”

“Sorry about that.” I flashed a smile. “Don’t worry, next time I’m working at Winnie’s, I’ll just be wielding a paint brush, so you’ll be able to sleep soundly.”

“Good to know.” She looked over my head toward my deck. “That’s your house?”

I nodded.

“I live above Pop’s workshop. His house is right behind it. Well, right in front of it if you’re coming from the road.”

She nodded then looked out at the ocean.

“It’s so beautiful here.”

Without taking my eyes off her, I said, “It sure is.”

Her eyes shifted back to mine and her cheeks seemed a little more pink than they had been a minute ago. I guess she caught my meaning. We stood just looking at each other for several heartbeats. My phone buzzed, breaking the spell. I slipped my hand in my pocket and silenced the call. Whoever it is can wait.

“Would you like to come up for a drink? The view is amazing from my deck.”

“Oh thank you, but I uh, I better get back,” she said.

I thought about trying to convince her, but would rather use my powers of persuasion for a real date.

“I’m actually glad I ran into you.” She raised her right brow. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out to dinner this weekend.”

“Oh thank you,” she said as a way to turn me down for the second time in less than a minute. “But I really don’t have time. I need to finish my book and I’m way behind.”

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