Page 5 of Apple Martinis

“She does still have a lot of cats but that’s not really her fault. People started throwing cats out there years ago. She just makes sure they all get fixed and are fed regularly. The humane society even started putting up cameras to try to catch people putting out strays there. Think they’ve been able to find several people that way.” I explain.

“Well she does have a big heart, she took you under her wing when your mom passed.” Faye says with a small smile.

“You just called her weird and now you say she has a big heart?” Bianca raises her brow.

“People can be both at the same time. Besides, she used to purposely scare the shit outta us kids when we were in school, remember?” Faye demands.

“We deserved it though.” Rose says as we all laugh at the memories.

“So when are you thinking about leaving?” Faye turns the conversation back to our little vacation.

An hour later we all leave the restaurant with a clear plan that includes me taking off for Flora-Bama on my own and for them to join me later next week. My steps feel lighter now knowing that I can forget, at least for a little while, the bad memories of the past year.

Rome

Mocha follows me out the back door as I stop long enough to slip on a pair of boat shoes I keep around for when I go out into the sand.

I’m supposed to meet my friend, August, at our spot just down from my house where most of the tourists stay away from so that we can boogie board without much interruption.

Walking over to the gate, I look back to see Mocha stretching out on the porch in the sun. It’s one of her favorite spots.

I used to think she’d overheat out here but the vet said as long as she was free to go to shade, she would do so if it was needed all on her own.

Making sure I shut and lock the gate behind me, I grab my board that’s leaning on the fence before starting off in a brief walk in the opposite direction of all the people out on the beach today.

As I look up, I scan the shore line ahead until I see August who throws his hand up in a wave. He’s already out in the water on his board, catching what few waves that are rolling in. He rides one in as I get closer.

“Hey, man! The water feels great today. I just hope these waves pick up a little.” He says, coming to stand next to me.

“I’ve already told you. If you want waves we should go on vacation to somewhere like Hawaii.” I laugh, turning my face towards the salty breeze blowing in off the water.

“And just when the hell would we have time off from work for that shit.”

“Just plan for it and take off.” I shrug.

“Yeah, okay. You pay for it though.” He laughs. “Let’s get out there. Too damn hot to stand here all day.” He looks up at the sun that’s already scorching and it’s not even noon yet.

For the next few hours we take turns catching the waves that are coming in. A few times we noticed some of the tourists walking the beach, stopping to watch us on the boards.

August eats that kind of shit up, especially if the watchers are women. He doesn’t discriminate against a woman’s age either. He’ll preen like a damn peacock every single time.

Paddling back out to our spot. I come to a stop, wiping the water from my eyes that are now starting to burn from all the salt that has gotten in them.

“How’s your sister doing?” I ask, remembering that she was just in the hospital.

“She’s doing great now that she got her gallbladder removed. She was in some major pain before they realized what it was.”

“That’s great that she is doing a lot better.”

“Yeah it is.” He answers, looking away before turning to look at me again. “What about your family? You and I have been friends for a couple years now and I have never heard you mention any family.”

“I’ve mentioned my mom. She passed away.” I shrug looking out over the water.

“I already knew that. I mean, surely you have other family.

“I do. But I don’t.” I answer after several long moments of thinking it over.

“What in the hell does that even mean?” He chuckles and I can’t help but laugh at myself.

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