Adrift

by Robin Wainwright

return her empty cup and plate to the counter.

  “Want another one?” Jennifer asked.

  “I’d better not. Any idea how long you guys are going be open?”

  “Probably through the season, so that means we’ll probably close sometime in mid-September. Then I guess I’ll be looking for a new gig.”

  “Well, I wish you luck.”

  “Thanks. Enjoy your stay.”

  Heather exited Java Junction, thinking about how many of life’s changes were completely out of people’s hands. She decided that the ability to control one’s life was really an illusion. I’ve got to shake this negative funk off, she thought, and headed for the beach.

  As Heather walked down the winding path toward the beach, she marveled at the beauty of the area. She’d seen bigger beaches but this small stretch of sand was dramatic with the cliffs rising above it. The lighthouse perched on the edge of the cliffs and was rustic but beautiful. Heather realized that the painting in Sarah’s home was a good representation of the scene before her. The only difference was the weather. Missing were the moody blue tones and fog, but she could imagine what it would look like at night in stormy weather.

  Heather kicked off her shoes and wiggled her toes in the sand. The experience of the sand squishing between her toes was really grounding and she could feel her stress leeching down into the earth beneath her feet. Her butt soon followed and she found herself sitting in the sand enjoying the sound of the surf.

  Heather watched kids digging in the sand and chasing the seagulls, and a deep sense of peace settled around her. She didn’t want to move, and when she realized that she didn’t have to she closed her eyes and allowed the peace to saturate her soul.

  A while later, she realized that the sun was much lower in the sky and that it might be time for some coffee and cookies at Sarah’s. Heather rose from the sand feeling much more centered and at peace and headed back to Sarah’s.

  4

  When Heather opened the door to Sarah’s home, she was enveloped in the heavenly scent of chocolate chip cookies. She made a beeline to the kitchen and the source of that amazing smell.

  Sarah was removing a tray of cookies from the oven when Heather entered the kitchen.

  “Oh no,” Sarah said when she saw Heather.

  “What? Am I too early? I can go upstairs for a while.”

  “No, it’s not that. Hang on a minute.” Sarah put the tray down and left the kitchen. When she returned, she held a large bottle of green goo in her hand.

  “Oh no!” Heather cried in dismay.

  “Yep, you’re burned.”

  “Dammit! I was just laughing at the other red-faced tourists. I guess it serves me right. I’ll be right back.” Heather took the offered bottle and retreated to her room.

  Looking in her mirror, she was shocked at how red she was. What an idiot! I’m going to peel and look horrible. Dammit! Heather slathered on the icky green goo and felt an immediate coolness spread across her skin. Mentally, she added sunscreen and a bottle of aloe to her shopping list.

  Returning to the kitchen, she gave Sarah the bottle of aloe while shaking her head, “I got too carried away with how beautiful the beach was.”

  “I can understand that. How did you like the lighthouse?”

  Heather sighed. “I didn’t make it. I sat on the beach and zoned.”

  “Well, you probably needed it, but it’s a shame you didn’t get to see the lighthouse up close. Maybe tomorrow?”

  Heather thought about it and realized that she was in no rush to leave Crescent Bay. “I think so. You may have me for another night.”

  “Terrific, there is room at the inn.” Sarah smiled and slid a plate of warm cookies in front of Heather along with a mug of coffee. Heather drew in a deep breath savoring the smell of gooey chocolate, vanilla and sugar. The coffee smelled good too, but after the amazing latte she’d had at Java Junction, she knew she’d been spoiled.

  Joining Heather at the table Sarah took a sip of her coffee and sighed, “I love coffee, but if you want a really good cup I’d recommend you go to Java Junction, while you can anyway.” Heather laughed at how closely Sarah’s statement matched her mental musing.

  “I made it to Java Junction and enjoyed an amazing vanilla latte.”

  “Ah, then you’ve met Jennifer and Big Brass Betty.”

  Heather smiled and nodded her head.

  “Jennifer loves that machine, not to mention her job. We’re really going to miss that place.”

  “Yeah, Jennifer told me they’re going to be closing in September.”

  “Many of us will be counting the days with sorrow in our hearts.” Sarah said dramatically. “I wish I could offer Jennifer a job, but there really isn’t anything she could do for me. Lord knows I don’t have room for Big Betty.” They both laughed.

  “Well since I’m going to be here one more day, I’ll be able to enjoy at least one more cup of Betty’s best.”

  “Then I’d recommend you try their Three Musketeer latte. Oh my god, beyond decadent!”

  “I’ll remember that.” They sat quietly enjoying the coffee and cookies until both were gone. As Sarah cleaned up the dishes, she asked Heather what her plans were for the evening.

  “I have no idea, what’s the night life like here.

  Laughing, Sarah said, “Night life? Sorry the sidewalks roll up at about 7:00. In fact if you want to eat something more than cookies you’ll have to go to the Foghorn.”

  “Considering how good last night’s meal was, I don’t think that will be much of a hardship.”

  “Mario is an amazing cook, Maggie was fortunate to find him.”

  “Yeah she mentioned him last night and some sort of molten cake.” Heather smiled when Sarah moaned and threw her arm up over her eyes.

  “Mario’s Molten Mountain. I can’t tell you how many miles I’d had to walk to work off that dessert, but it was worth it. You really need to try it before you leave. In fact, if you want to wait until 7:00 I can go with you to the Foghorn and we can have dinner together. We’ll split a Molten Mountain. I have to stay open until 7:00 just in case anyone else wants to check in for the night.”

  “That sounds terrific. I think I’ll go up and take a nap, I’m feeling a little drained from all the sun today.” Laughing Sarah handed the aloe bottle back to Heather saying, “After you wake up you’ll want to put more of this on.” Nodding Heather took the bottle and headed up to her room.

  Heather’s alarm went off at 6:30 and she got up to take a quick shower and dress for dinner. She groaned when she saw how red her face and arms were and after her shower, she covered herself in the green aloe goo, and prayed that tomorrow she’d be less red. And tomorrow, she admonished herself, don’t forget the sunscreen.

  Looking at her meager wardrobe choices, she decided to wear her new blouse and necklace. At least the long sleeves would cover her red arms, but nothing short of a mask could cover her face. Ah well, she shrugged, nothing can be done about it now.

  She hit the bottom of the stairs at 7:00 feeling a little crispy but rested and relaxed. She was surprised to realize that she was really looking forward to having dinner with Sarah. It was then that she became aware of how isolated she had become. On the tail of that thought, came the understanding that her Dad would never have wanted her to waste away. Well Dad this trip is the beginning of the next phase in my life. I promise to make it a good one.

  Heather was startled out of her thoughts by Sarah’s excited voice. “You bought one of my shirts!” Sarah squealed while she pointed at Heather’s new shirt.

  “You made this?”

  “Well not really, but I did tie-dye it.”

  “It’s gorgeous.”

  “Thank you,” Sarah said while making a small bow. “Oh, and you bought one of my necklaces!”

  Heather laughed, “I thought they went well together.”

  “I’m glad you did. They do look good together. Now all you need is a pair of flip-flops and you’ll look like a v
illager.”

  “I’ll add that to my shopping list for tomorrow. That and sunscreen.”

  Laughing they left the B&B and headed toward Main Street and the Foghorn Tavern.

  5

  The Foghorn Tavern was a little busier than it had been the night before, and Heather thought that might be due to the approaching weekend.

  Maggie smiled when she saw Heather and Sarah waiting to be seated, “Hey Heather, keep this up and I’ll start considering you a regular!”

  “I’m going to tempt her with a Molten Mountain for desert, and then she’ll never be able to leave,” laughed Sarah.

  “No doubt! Follow me and we’ll get you started.” Maggie settled them into a plush booth and handed them menus. “What can I start you two with tonight?” Sarah and Heather each ordered a glass of wine and Maggie left them to look over the menu.

  Deciding that she had better eat something healthier than last night, Heather settled on a Caesar salad while Sarah enjoyed Chicken Parmesan.

  “I don’t worry too much about my weight,” Sarah confided. “When I find the love of my life he’ll probably be a chubby chaser and that’s fine because I don’t want to spend my life focused on every bite I put in my mouth.”

  Heather marveled at Sarah’s acceptance of her body. “I don’t watch everything I eat, but my doctor is always on me to lose a little more weight.”

  “My doctor does the same thing! But I figure that as long as I can walk without panting and my knees and ankles aren’t complaining I’m fine. It does kind of piss off my doctor though. Every year he orders blood tests, but my cholesterol