Page 58 of Coral Memories

“What wonderful times we’ve had.” Remembering the good times and focusing on possibilities was a choice she made every day. That’s why she chose not to relive parts of her life with Jack.

“And a few heartaches,” Oliver added.

She touched his shoulder. “Yes, but the rewards are worth it. One must come to terms with heartaches and move on. If I am defined at all, let it be by my contributions, not my sorrows.”

“Who said that?”

Ginger laughed. “I just did.”

“You’re a treasure, Ginger.” They chatted easily, and after a few minutes, Oliver turned on an old tune. “Remember this?”

Ella Fitzgerald’s voice rang out inMisty. “I loved this,” Ginger said, humming along. “I’m surprised you remembered.”

The music and their laughter mingled with the sound of crashing waves. As they drove, the initial awkwardness of afirst date at their age melted away, replaced by the comfortable camaraderie of old friends embarking on a new chapter.

At a lull in the conversation, Oliver asked, “Do you travel as much as you did?”

“I still consult on the East Coast, though not as much. Occasionally, I take a trip with a friend, but I haven’t traveled like Bertrand and I once did. What about you?”

“I went on a tour a few months ago to the Amazon rainforest. The tour was interesting but going alone was not for me.” He glanced at her with genuine interest. “What’s next on your travel bucket list?”

“I’ve been dreaming of returning to Paris. There used to be a little patisserie near the U.S. Embassy that made the bestpain au chocolat. I wonder if it’s still there.”

“Maybe we could find out together some time,” Oliver ventured.

“We’ll see,” Ginger replied with a small smile.

A self-conscious grin touched his face. “I’m being too forward, aren’t I?”

“Just a little, but it’s sweet.” She enjoyed the harmless flirtation. “What’s on your travel list?”

“I’d like to visit new places and experience new sights. Maybe the markets of Marrakech, or the wildlife of the Serengeti.”

“Sounds exciting. Where else have you been that you loved?”

“So many places, and I’ve appreciated each one,” Oliver replied. As he drove, he regaled her with tales of his adventures in Europe and South America.

Ginger loved hearing his stories. She was captivated not only by those but also by the man. He’d run a global advertising business for years. His enthusiasm for life was infectious, his wit sharp and engaging. And his memory was as good as hers.

“For two octogenarians,” Ginger said, a mischievous glint in her eye, “we’re certainly not acting our age.”

Oliver threw his head back in laughter. “Never act your age; it’s only a number. A person’s zest for living is what counts. And you’ve got that, Ginger.”

The sun dipped lower on the horizon as they continued their drive. They stopped at a small cove and talked more while watching the sun set, never running out of wide-ranging topics that interested them.

Renewed possibilities for the future emerged in Ginger’s mind. Here she was, embarking on what felt like a new adventure. The road ahead was uncertain, but with Oliver by her side and the wind in her hair, Ginger wondered if the best was yet to come.

“I have dinner reservations at Beaches restaurant near you,” he said. “Will that suit you?”

“They have an excellent chef,” she replied, nodding. “It’s quite upscale for the beach, but who doesn’t enjoy good food in a beautiful atmosphere?”

“I’ll add fascinating companionship to that, too,” he replied.

On their return trip, the conversation continued to flow easily between them. The sunset dusted the sky with gold.

Finally, they arrived at Beaches, one of Ginger’s favorite restaurants with the best ocean view in town.

“That drive was marvelous,” Ginger said. Feeling exhilarated, she removed her scarf and fluffed her hair.

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