Page 6 of Connected By Souls

“I’m really glad to hear that joy in your voice. It’s been a while.” Her voice is soft while she speaks. “I have to admit I was scared at first when you said you were moving so far away, but I see now that this is what you needed.”

“I was scared too, but you’re right—I need to be here. I can’t explain it, but this feels more like home than Tennessee ever did. I loved growing up there, but I’m being pulled to be here now.” Remembering how I felt when I passed by Rusty’s yesterday and the incident this morning on the deck, I rub the goosebumps that appear on my arms. There’s definitely a reason I’m here—I can feel it.

“How’s Cole doing?” I ask, changing the subject.

Skye and Cole were high school sweethearts and glued at the hip. They recently got a cute little apartment together, and I’m so happy knowing she’s with someone she deserves. I dated Cole’s best friend in high school, and we had the best time double-dating and going to parties together. We broke up shortly after graduation when he went off to college in California, but Skye and Cole are still going strong.

“He’s doing good! He’s on the night shift again, but I make him send me sexy pictures when he’s in his full firefighting gear. Girl, I practically jump him when he gets home before I go to work. Who knew morning sex could be so good.” She giggles.

“Tell him I said hi, and send him my love.” I laugh. “I can’t wait for you guys to visit during Thanksgiving break. You’re going to love it here.” Before I left, we discussed plans to spend Thanksgiving together. Skye didn’t want me to spend the holiday alone. I think she secretly wants to see with her own eyes that I’m doing good here.

“We can’t wait! Speaking of morning sex, any hot guys you have your eye on there?”

Stopping, I realize I’ve walked all the way down the beach to the house on the hill. Shading my eyes, I look up and see how gorgeous the place really is. Windows cover the entire length of the two-story home. Two cedar porches run along the whole back of the house on both floors. It looks like the deck on the bottom leads to a pool, but I can’t be sure from this far away. A small fire pit, surrounded by chairs and tiki torches, is set up on the beach. I can see wooden stairs making a path back up to the house. I easily picture a family making s’mores around the fire and kids laughing and playing in the sand while the dog runs excitedly around them. The site makes my chest ache with a longing I don’t understand.

“Earth to Emma…are you still there?”

“Sorry, what?” I tear my gaze from the house and turn to walk back home. “What were you saying?”

“I asked if there were any hot guys you had your eye on?”

“Yeah, 'cause that worked so well for me last time. I told you I’ve sworn off men and want to focus on my writing.”

“Just don’t isolate yourself, okay? Promise me you’ll try to make friends and socialize a bit. Don’t let dickhead Tyler ruin all your fun.” I can picture Skye rolling her eyes at the mention of Tyler’s name.

“I promise I’ll try.” I’m perfectly content to be by myself, but it would be nice to have a girlfriend to have fun with. Maybe, I’ll get a dog like the one I saw earlier. They seemed like they were having a lot of fun together.

“Send me some pictures of your house when you can. I can’t wait to see it. Please call me if you need anything. I don’t care what time it is.” I hear the concern in her voice. I really scared her this past year, and I owe her a lot for pulling me back from the darkness I had grown to feel safe in.

“I will. I’m going to be ok here. I can feel it.” I reassure her.

“I believe you. Well, I better let you go. I promised Cole a home-cooked meal and sex before he goes to work, and I still have to pick some things up at the store. I love you, Emma.”

“I love you too. Have fun with your dessert sex.” I laugh, loving the way these two are together.

“Oh, I intend to.” We say our goodbyes and hang up. Walking up to my deck, I brush the sand off before going inside.

I head to the fridge to pour some water and notice a business card stuck to the side of the door.Noah Bennett, Handyman. I forgot that the realtor told me she would leave the name of a good handyman for me. I’ve noticed more things that need repairing the more I unpack. The front porch rail is wobbly, the bathroom sink constantly drips, and I want an estimate for replacing the old faucets and light fixtures in both bathrooms.

I can deal with a lot of things, but shiny old brass is not one of them. I can do most of the minor repairs myself, like painting and planting flowers, but I need advice on what paint to buy for the front porch. I probably need to sand and prime it first, too. Luckily, the back deck was replaced a couple of years ago, so that’s in good shape. I want to look into a fire pit as well. I love the idea of being outside this winter, drinking hot chocolate by the fire.

I look at the card. It says to call or text anytime, so I shoot Mr. Bennett a quick text and set my phone on the counter before heading to the bathroom to shower. I put my hair in a messy bun and step under the hot shower spray easing my sore muscles from all the unpacking I’ve done.

Freshly showered, I let my hair down and finger comb my waves. I pick out a cute green sundress that perfectly matches my eyes. I’ve been in sweats for most of the year, not even bothering to comb my hair most days, but I know my parents would want me to start living again, and this place feels like it’s possible.

Taking Skye’s advice not to isolate myself, I strap on my sandals and grab my purse. Lunch in town sounds like fun. I want to stop by HomeGoods after to get some things that I need. Picking up my keys off the counter, I head outside.

The sun is shining bright as I slide my sunglasses on. They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. Looking up, I don’t see a single cloud in the sky. I slide the top down on the Bronco, wanting to feel the wind in my hair. It might be too hot, but I don’t care. It’s too beautiful of a day, and I want to see it all.

I pull into my favorite smoothie shop a few moments later. I want to see if it’s as good as I remember. I’m pretty sure they had lunch items last time I was here. I step out of the Bronco and take in the storefront. Cute wooden tables are set up out front, and they’ve added a pretty pergola since I’ve been here last. Lush flowers are hanging from baskets and in various planters. I see a father and his young daughter eating ice cream together, and a pang of longing hits me. I smile at them as I go by, and the little girl looks up at me with a chocolate-covered face. I remember doing exactly that with my dad on days we would go to the beach.

Pushing my sunglasses on top of my head, I go inside. It’s exactly as I remember it, with a few updates. Little round tables are set up in the front for those who don’t want takeout, and the cute wooden games for kids are still in a basket near the wall.

I remember playing Connect 4 and Tic Tac Toe with my dad over and over again, trying to beat him as we drank our smoothies. Some days we would get an ice cream cone on the way to the beach. My dad would make a game out of seeing whose ice cream would last the longest on the walk there. I remember laughing at how quickly it would melt and trying to keep up by licking it faster. By the time we got to the beach, I was always a sticky mess and needed to rinse off in the ocean. He’d always have way more ice cream left than me and would laugh and say it’s because most of it was on my face.

I walk over to the wooden shelves holding various items made by locals. I pick out a couple of soy candles that smell heavenly and find a beautiful ankle bracelet made with a delicate braided rope. It holds a single piece of blue sea glass shaped like a crescent moon. I run my finger across the smooth glass and smile.

Making my way to the counter, I notice a couple of tables are occupied, but for the most part, it’s empty. A pretty older woman with loose blond curls just above her shoulders is behind the counter filling the small fridge with different types of fresh juices.

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