Page 32 of Tides and Tidings

I taught Charlie what vibe meant a few months ago and now it’s all he uses. At thirty-two, he thinks he has one foot in the grave. I’ve been trying to teach him the lingo of the youths as I learn it myself. Who knew that as soon as you crest thirty you become antiquated.

Charlie nudged my shoulder, “What are you going to order? Your usual?”

I examined the board, making a mental note of all the options. At The Coastal Cup, we had basic drinks and could accommodate whatever the customer requested, but this place has everything listed on the board.

“I think I might switch it up today and get a honey lavender latte. What about you?” I looked up at Charlie, whose eyes were glued to the menu.

“Ole reliable.”

“You’re such a creature of habit.”

A smirk perked up in the corner of his mouth, “Don’t change what ain’t broken, Bee.”

We made our way up to the register and ordered our drinks. It took less than five minutes for our coffees to be ready and we were back outside.

“Why don’t we grab a bench and enjoy our drinks by the water?” Charlie suggested.

“Do you want to head back to the hotel and take a power nap?” I countered.

“Nah, it’s a beautiful day. Let’s enjoy it.”

I sat on the closest bench with a stunning view of the Talmadge Memorial Bridge. “Does this work?”

“I don’t think there’s a better spot than right here.” Charlie sat down next to me.

We drank our coffees for a few minutes before he broke the silence. “I can tell you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Is that so?”

He nodded, “This is the least stressed I think I’ve ever seen you. I should’ve planned this trip a while ago.” His eyes fell.

“I am very relaxed. I think it’s a combination of the awesome sex and not having any responsibilities. If we were to have taken this trip at any other time, we wouldn’t be able to have seen all the Christmas decorations.” I paused to sip the most delicious latte I’ve ever had. “When I was a kid, my grandparents would pick me up from school. On our way home, we would look at other people’s decorations. As soon as Thanksgiving was over, decorations would start popping up, and Grandpa would take a longer way home. I don’t think they knew I had noticed, but after a hard day at school, having time to decompress was nice.”

Charlie’s features softened, “Those sound like really special memories.” His eyes took in the water. “I wish I could’ve met them.”

“I do, too.” I swallowed the lump in my throat. I have been thinking a lot lately about where I am in life and how I wish they could be here. My grandma wanted nothing more than to see me get married. She would love to know that Charlie and I are together. Forget Wren. She and my grandpa would be inseparable. They would think it was the coolest thing that I own a bookstore. Not having them stings less than it did, but their absence is palpable, especially when something big happens and I pick up the phone to call them. No one talks about that part of grief—when you only need to hear their voice but can’t.

“I can’t help but feel they’re so proud of you, Bee.” Charlie grabbed my hands in his. “Everyone is proud of you. The person you were when you moved here last year wouldn’t even recognize who you are today. You don’t take people’s shit.”

A small smile threatened to crack through my frown.

“Last week, you told a lady to pound sand because she told you she thought the view from the rooftop wasn’t that pretty. Would you have said that last year?”

“I would’ve thought it,” I smiled softly.

“But you said it. That’s incredible progress! You’ve really come into your own, and watching this metamorphosis has been a privilege.”

My heart leaped in my chest, “It’s not been that big of a change.”

“Maybe you don’t feel it, but you’ve grown so much.”

Charlie saying that reaffirmed what I had been thinking. I had been trying to kick some old bad habits and him noticing meant a lot. “Well, thank you. You’ve changed quite a bit, too. You don’t immediately scowl at people anymore.” I gave a playful wink. “In all seriousness, you’re more patient now than you were. You’ve become such a happier person.”

“It’s because of you. You’ve brought happiness back into the house. The life Wren and I were living before you, well…I wouldn’t call that living. We were going through the motions. The kid has never laughed with me like she does with you.”

“It’s because you said the talking turtle show wasn’t your cup of tea.”

“I cannot listen to its annoying voice.” Charlie’s beautiful smile broke free, “How do you listen to that screeching voice?”