Sweet Summer Days

by Sheryl Lister

  She and Deborah shared a quick hug and Celeste sat before answering. “I’m good. How are you doing?”

  TJ shrugged. “Today, not so bad.”

  A server passed with a tray of food and the smell wafted into her nose and made her mouth water. She smiled. “And it’ll get better once we eat all this delicious food.”

  A slight smile tilted the corner of his mouth.

  Deborah mouthed a silent thank you to Celeste and picked up her menu. “We were waiting for you before ordering.”

  Celeste pored over the menu and couldn’t decide between the fried catfish and jambalaya.

  Deborah suggested she order one of the combination plates that featured both. “You can always have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.”

  She opened her mouth to tell her sister she wouldn’t need lunch tomorrow because she had a date, but immediately changed her mind. “True.” She would just wait to see how it went before saying anything. After ordering, conversation flowed around the table. They all tried to draw TJ in, but he made few comments. When the food arrived, Celeste went for the catfish. The fish was crisp on the outside, tender on the inside and almost melted in her mouth. “How’s the gumbo, TJ?”

  His mouth curved into the first real smile she had seen in a long while. “Better than I remember.”

  “Better than mine?” Deborah asked with a raised eyebrow.

  TJ leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Nobody’s gumbo is better than yours, Mom.”

  Trent shook his head. “Son, now you know she’s going to be bragging for the next two weeks.”

  “You’ve got that right.” She patted TJ’s hand. “And I’ll make you some this weekend, just so you can be sure.”

  Celeste laughed. “Girl, you are a mess.”

  “Mmm hmm, but you know you want me to save you some.” Deborah sipped her tea.

  She couldn’t deny it. They had both learned to cook from their mother and their grandmother, who lived in Louisiana. However, Deborah knew her way around the kitchen almost as well as the southern matriarch. Everyone laughed, then finished their meals while keeping up a steady stream of conversation.

  When it came time to leave, Deborah stood. “Let me hit this bathroom before we go.”

  Celeste followed suit. “I should probably do the same.” She had consumed two glasses of tea.

  “I’ll take care of the bill and we’ll meet you by the front door. And Celeste, don’t bother pulling out your money.”

  She had known Trent would say that. “Okay, but I’m leaving the tip.” Before he could argue, she placed a bill on the table and followed her sister to the bathroom.

  On the way back, Deborah asked, “Did you call Thad yesterday?”

  “Yes, and I told him I was fine.”

  “That’s it? No conversation, plans to talk again…nothing?”

  Celeste angled her head toward Deborah. “He asked me out to lunch.”

  Deborah pumped her fist in the air. “Alright! Now, we’re getting somewhere.”

  The two women reached the front where Trent and TJ stood waiting. “We haven’t gotten anywhere, Deb. It’s lunch.”

  “And if it becomes dinner and more?”

  “I have no idea.” Celeste didn’t want to think beyond tomorrow. She hugged her brother-in-law and nephew. “Thanks for inviting me to dinner.” She reached for Deborah.

  “I’ll call you tomorrow for all the details,” Deborah whispered.

  She chuckled. “Can you at least wait until the lunch hour ends?”

  Deborah gave her a sidelong glance. “Whatever, girl.”

  They parted ways in the parking lot and Celeste drove home. Her cell rang as soon as she closed the door. She figured Deb wanted to make sure she had gotten home safely, as usual. She dug her cell out and answered without looking at the display. “Yes, sis. I’m home, safe and sound.”

  “I’m glad to hear it,” said the warm baritone.

  Her pulse skipped. She snatched the phone away and stared at the screen. She placed it back on her ear. “Hi, Thad.”

  “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “Oh, no. Um…I just got home from dinner with my sister’s family. We try to get together regularly.” Celeste shook her head. She stood in the middle of her living room stammering like a sixteen-year-old. She took a deep breath. “Is something wrong? Do we need to cancel lunch?”

  Thad laughed softly. “There’s nothing wrong, Celeste.”

  Something about the way he said her name always set the butterflies to dancing in her belly.

  “I only wanted to hear your voice and let you know how much I’m looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.”

  Oh, my! Celeste’s hand came up to her rapidly beating heart. “So am I.”

  “Well, I won’t hold you. I’ll pick you up at twelve-thirty. Good night and sleep well.”

  “Good night.” She held the phone against her chest and closed her eyes. For the first time in four years, she felt herself responding to a man.

  Friday, Thad checked the rearview mirror once more. He’d gone to get a haircut earlier and had taken extra care when shaving that morning. He got out, retrieved the vase containing an arrangement of pink roses and headed up the walk. Celeste opened the door a few seconds after he rang the bell. Thad hadn’t imagined her beauty. Today, she wore a sleeveless black and white dress and a pair of black low-heeled sandals, giving him a perfect view of her toned arms and legs. Her short, layered hair didn’t have a strand out of place and the bronze color on her full lips made him want to find out if they were as lush as they appeared. He finally found his voice. “You look stunning. These are for you,” he said, handing her the vase.

  Celeste’s eyes lit up. “They’re gorgeous, thank you. Come in.” She stepped back for him to enter.

  Thad followed and watched the sweet sway of her hips. The beige and brown décor reminded him of his own place. She placed the vase on a coffee table. “I should have asked if you had a restaurant preference. My apologies.”

  She smiled. “No apologies needed. I’m sure whatever restaurant you chose will be fine.”

  “I made reservations at Parkers’ Lighthouse in Shoreline Village, if that’s okay.”

  “More than okay. I’ve heard of it, but have never been.” She picked up her purse. “I’m ready if you are.”

  “More than ready,” he said, echoing her words. Their eyes held for a long moment, then he led her out to his car. Thad held the door open for Celeste, then closed it behind her and got in on the driver’s side.

  “Buicks have come a long way. This is far more stylish than the older models.”

  Thad chuckled and started the engine. “Yes, they have. I bought it about four years ago and it still rides well.” As they drove off, he turned the air down. “Let me know if the temperature is too cold or hot.”

  “This is good. I see you like Brian Culbertson.”

  Thad slanted her a quick glance. “He’s a talented young man. I saw him in concert a few years ago and have been buying his music ever since.”

  “I know what you mean. He puts on a phenomenal show.”

  “Who else do you listen to?”

  Celeste shifted in her seat to face him. “I love Boney James, Kirk Whalum, Maysa, Lalah Hathaway and, honey, give me everything Will Downing.”

  He laughed, enjoying the excitement in her voice. They continued talking about music, movies and some of their favorite places to visit, and he found that they had a lot in common. By the time they reached the restaurant located at the tip of Shoreline Village, Thad had already decided to ask her out again. He parked, helped her out of the car and escorted her into the restaurant. A hostess led them to a table outside on the patio that offered a panoramic view of the Queen Mary and Long Beach Harbor. The near eighty-degree temperatures made it the perfect spot. Thad seated Celeste and the soft notes of her perfume drifted to his nose. It smelled sweet and suited her perfectly.

  “This is very nice, Thad. Thank you.”


  “Thank you for agreeing to lunch.” She gave him a shy smile and his heart thumped in his chest. A server brought glasses of water and took their drink order. For the next few minutes he and Celeste searched the menu.

  “I see so many things I’d like to try.”

  “Feel free to try as many as you like.”

  Her head came up and she stared at him with a strange look on her face. “I beg your pardon?”

  Thad repeated his statement. “And whatever you don’t eat, you can have for leftovers. Just think of it as taking a night off from cooking.”

  Celeste lowered the menu. “That’s a generous offer, but one entrée is more than enough. Besides, I have food from last night’s dinner at Harold and Belle’s with my family.”

  He leaned back in the chair. “Man, I haven’t been there in a while.”

  “Maybe we can go—” She cut herself off, as if realizing what she’d said.

  Thad reached for her hand. “I’m counting on it.” Smiling, he went back to his menu. After the server left drinks and took their order, the conversation continued with a relaxed camaraderie reserved for old friends. They shared a lobster and shrimp taquitos appetizer. Celeste ordered the crab cake sandwich with french fries and he had the Tuscan chicken sandwich with cole slaw. Over the meal, Thad asked the question that had been bugging him since their phone conversation two days ago. “You mentioned that you’re retired. Please don’t take offense, but you don’t look anywhere near old enough for retirement.”

  She laughed. “No offense taken at all. I appreciate the compliment. I worked for the federal government for thirty years, and when they reorganized, I took advantage of the early retirement option a few months ago. It was my Christmas present to me.”

  “That’s the best kind of gift.”

  Celeste took a sip of her lemonade. “I know you volunteer at the mental health center, but what else do you do?”

  Thad leaned back in his chair. “Like you, I’ve been enjoying the retired life for two years.”

  “Two years?” She scrutinized him for a long moment. “I can say the same thing about you—you don’t look anywhere near retirement age.”

  He grinned and lifted his glass. “You know what they say about good Black.”

  She touched her glass to his. “Amen.” They went back to their meals.

  He and Celeste were still laughing and talking when they left the restaurant. He reached for her hand and threaded their fingers together. He sensed the same awareness he’d felt at the center. He waited for her to pull away and was pleased that she didn’t. Celeste glanced down at their hands, then back up at him and smiled. “Would you like to walk around for a while?”

  “I’d love to. It’s such a nice day and I need to walk off a few of those french fries.”

  Thad’s gazed roamed down her slender curves. “You’re a beautiful woman, Celeste, and I don’t see anything that needs to be walked off. I like everything just where it is.”

  Celeste let out a little chuckle. “Um…okay. If you say so.”

  “I absolutely do.” A rush of color flooded her cheeks. He just smiled and started up the block. Yes, he was beginning to like this woman.

  Chapter 4

  Several colorfully painted shops lined the boardwalk and people stopped here and there taking photographs. Celeste hadn’t said a word since his statement. Unlike the last few men she had gone out with whose compliments were better suited for a twenty-something at a club, Thad’s words let her know that he didn’t fall into that category. The warmth of his strong hand holding hers and the ease at which they conversed had her somewhat off balance. She had spent the last few years celibate by choice and it hadn’t bothered her once. Today, however, her body reminded her that she was, in fact, still a woman with needs.

  “You were right about this being a beautiful day. If you want to stop in any of the shops, just let me know.”

  “I’m just enjoying walking and looking at the water.” In actuality, Celeste felt a contentment that scared her. At length, they reached Ice Cream on the Boardwalk and his steps slowed.

  “Since we didn’t have dessert, how about some ice cream?”

  “I’d love some.” She really should have declined after having an appetizer and her meal, but one scoop of her favorite strawberry ice cream wouldn’t hurt. He purchased them both cones and they sat at one of the tables to eat.

  “This is good,” Thad said, taking another lick.

  The sight of his tongue making a long stroke around the creamy confection sent a shock of desire straight to her core. Celeste tore her gaze away and focused on the water. She tried to get the image out of her head, but it wouldn’t leave. All she could think about was how it would feel to have his tongue stroking her the same way. She must be losing her mind sitting here contemplating such crazy ideas with a man she’d just met. Even though she and Gary had a short engagement, she didn’t recall having all these immediate physical reactions to him. “I agree.” Celeste started in on her own cone, hoping it would cool her off.

  “Do you have any other plans for the weekend?”

  “If you call cleaning and laundry having plans, then, yes, I have plenty,” she said with a little laugh. “What about you?”

  “Going to a baby shower for my daughter. Her husband’s family typically does showers that involve the whole clan.”

  “Wow, so one big party.”

  “Pretty much.”

  “Do you have any other children?”

  “No, just the one.” A shadow crossed his face. “What about you?”

  “I have one son.” Celeste studied him for a moment, wondering about the split second of sadness. Did he and his daughter have problems? She opened her mouth to ask another question and her cell rang in her purse. Knowing it was most likely Deborah wanting an update, she let it go to voicemail. It rang again and she sighed.

  Thad chuckled. “You might want to answer that. It seems like someone really wants to talk to you.”

  She smiled. “Probably my sister being nosy.” She dug it out, saw her son, Emery’s name on the display and connected.

  “Mom, I’ve been calling the house for the past couple of hours and sent you two texts. Where are you?” Emery said before she could get a word in.

  “Hello to you, too, Emery.”

  “Sorry,” he mumbled. “Hi. I was just worried.”

  “Why? This isn't the first time I’ve left the house for more than a few hours, son. I’m out right now and I’ll call you later.”

  “Out with who?”

  Celeste lifted a brow. “You do remember that I’m the mother? I’ll talk to you later,” she said in a tone that brokered no argument.

  “Okay.”

  She disconnected, dropped the phone back in her purse and shook her head. “Good grief.”

  Thad shifted to face her. “Is he okay?”

  “Oh, he’s fine. Ever since his father died, he acts like I can’t leave the house without getting his permission.”

  He draped his arm around her shoulders. “I’m sorry. How long has it been?”

  “A little over four years.”

  “Sounds like you loved him very much.”

  “I did.” Not wanting to dwell on the memories, she changed the subject. “What happened to your wife?”

  “Divorce. She couldn’t deal with the PTSD.”

  As she ate more of her ice cream, Celeste tried to calculate how long he’d been out. If he retired from a civilian job, then he had to have been out of the military for several years. “How long have you been divorced?”

  “Thirty years.”

  She whipped her head around. “Thirty years? And you’ve never remarried?” Then she realized how she must have sounded. “I’m sorry. I didn't… I just—”

  “It’s fine, Celeste. And, no, I never remarried.”

  She couldn’t imagine how a man as nice and good-looking as Thad hadn’t found someone else in all those years. Were the women crazy or was there
something wrong with him? She prided herself on being a good judge of character and what she had seen of Thad’s let her know there had to be more to the story. She really wanted to ask, but didn’t think it an appropriate thing since they had only met a few days ago.

  Thad finished his dessert and shrugged. “I guess I never found the right one. But I’m still hopeful,” he added, staring into her eyes.

  Her pulse skipped. Celeste didn’t know how to respond, so she said nothing and polished off the remainder of her ice cream cone. He stood, eased the napkin from her hand and walked the few steps over to a trashcan. For the first time, she noticed he had a slight limp. Had he been injured while serving or afterward? Again, she felt it too soon to ask something so personal.

  He came back, extended his hand and helped her to her feet. “Is there anywhere else you’d like to go?”

  “No, thank you.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and they headed back to where he’d parked the car. She and Thad spent the ride home conversing softly, interspersed with periods of comfortable silence.

  Thad walked her to the door. “Celeste, I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your company today.”

  “I’ve enjoyed yours, as well.”

  “I’d really like to see you again soon.”

  “So would I. Would you like to come for dinner on Sunday, if you’re not busy?” Celeste had no idea where that offer came from and couldn’t tell who was more shocked, him or her.

  He studied her a long moment, obviously sensing her hesitation. “Are you sure?”

  “Positive.” He intrigued her and she wanted to know more about him. “Is four a good time?”

  “It’s perfect. What would you like me to bring?”

  “You don’t have to bring anything.”

  “I was raised to never go to anyone’s house empty-handed.”

  She laughed. “Same here. Maybe some wine then. I’m partial to something light and fruity, but get whatever you like.”

  Thad moved closer to her, leaving mere inches between them. “Something light and fruity it is.”

  She didn’t have time to blink before his mouth came down on hers in a kiss that made her senses spin.