This Side of the Sun (The Sun Trilogy)

by M. Lauryl Lewis

  I backed away just a bit. “Everett…”

  He sighed and looked at me, not letting go of my face.

  “I’m sorry,” I said. “It’s just…things are really crazy right now. I can’t handle more craziness on top of it all.”

  He took his other hand and put it on the other side of my face. “I’m sorry, Hat.”

  I put my own hand over one of his. “I know. I should go back to bed.”

  He nodded and slowly let go of my face. “I think I’ll go for a run. See you in the morning?”

  “Yeah, sure.”

  We both stood and went our separate ways. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt him.

  CHAPTER 4 ~ THE SIMPLE THINGS

  I went back to bed and managed to sleep for a couple more hours. I woke to the smell of cooking bacon and coffee. I knew that Miranda must have returned, so I drug myself out of bed and dressed in a pair of tight cotton exercise pants and a t-shirt before heading across the hall to use the bathroom. I was ravenous and anxious to get downstairs to eat, which made my trip to the bathroom brief. My hair in a messy ponytail, I hurried down the stairs despite sore muscles from the day before.

  “Mornin’ Glory!” chirped Miranda when she saw me enter the kitchen. “You’re just in time for breakfast.”

  “Hey sis,” said Joe. “Get some sleep?”

  “A bit. Any news on what happened yesterday?” I asked. My need to know was growing.

  “They said investigating could take weeks,” said Justine after swallowing her coffee.

  “Hattie, have you seen Everett?” asked Joe.

  I sat down in an empty chair at the kitchen table and looked up as Miranda handed me a cup of tea. “Thanks, Miranda.” I looked at Joe as I blew the steam away from the top of the mug.

  “Everett?” asked Joe again.

  “He went for a run early this morning,” I said simply. I wondered if somehow Joe knew about my little incident with Everett during the night.

  “Did I hear my name?” I heard Everett say as he shut the front door. He was still dressed in spandex shorts and a tank top from his run. He grinned at me, a little longer than made me comfortable. I buried my head in my cup of tea, sipping at it even though it was still far too hot.

  “So, Justine and I have some news,” said Joe.

  I looked up, grateful for the distraction.

  “Oh?” asked Miranda.

  Joe joined Justine, standing behind her at the table. “We’ve decided to go ahead with the wedding. We’re heading to the Justice of the Peace today.”

  “Aw, man, you sure you two want to do that?” asked Everett.

  Miranda promptly elbowed her son in the ribs to warn him to shut up. “I think it’s a fine idea. It’s the simple things that matter in life, right?”

  “Where will you go?” I asked. “The court house is gone.”

  Fidalgo Bay had one of the smallest court houses in the state, but it had been downtown in the line of the explosions. It’d be either burnt down or off limits now.

  “We’ll head in to Anacortes. I already checked online and they have open hours today.”

  “It’s Sunday, though,” I remarked.

  Justine looked up at my brother and smiled. She always looked so in love when around him. “The courthouse itself is closed for the weekend but the JOP is private. We’re hoping you’ll all come as witnesses?” Her blue eyes sparkled. “If you feel up to it, Hattie?”

  I nodded. In truth, I wanted to go back to bed and loaf in my pajamas all day and feel sorry for myself, but I couldn’t say no. “Sure I do. I wouldn’t miss my baby brother’s wedding for anything!”

  Justine beamed. “Good! Two o’clock it is then.”

  “I’ll be ready,” I mumbled into the mug in my hands as I took another sip.

  “We should eat,” said Miranda. “Bacon and eggs anyone?”

  “I think I’ll just have a slice of toast,” I mumbled. “And maybe a piece of bacon. And maybe some eggs,” I added.

  “Hungry?” asked Joe snidely.

  I rolled my eyes at him dramatically and then smiled.

  I was finding it hard to think about anything but the events of the day before. Eventually someone set a plate in front of me with two buttered pieces of wheat toast, scrambled eggs, and two slices of crispy bacon. I ate, pretending to listen to Justine as she rattled off her plans for the day. They would be spending the next couple nights in a bed and breakfast just outside of Anacortes. Miranda offered to either stay in our home with me, or for me to come bunk with her and Everett for a while. I politely declined the offer, assuring her I’d be fine by myself. Once I was done with my plate of food, I carried it to the sink and rinsed it off, and then stacked it inside the dishwasher. It was already eight o’clock so I excused myself to go nap and then prepare for the impromptu wedding.

  ***

  It had taken me awhile to wash and dry my hair and set it in hot curlers. Make-up was something I seldom wore, so I took my time with it to make sure it looked alright. I finished with light pink lipstick. Once the rollers had cooled, I unrolled them and shook my head to loosen the resulting curls. I braided two small sections on either side of my head and tied them together in the back with a small clear rubber band. It would have to do. Wrapped in a bath towel, I snuck back into my bedroom. I picked out a strapless white bra, matching panties, and an ivory sundress covered in large yellow sunflowers. I added simple pearl earrings that had belonged to my mother and white strappy sandals.

  “Hattie, you ready?” called someone from below.

  “Yeah, just a sec!”

  I walked back to the bathroom and found a large flesh-colored Band-Aid and covered the angry scratch on my arm. I took one last look in the mirror. I wasn't thrilled with my reflection. I looked okay, I supposed, but after the explosion my face still looked slightly burnt.

  “Hattie!” yelled Everett. “Speed it up, girl!”

  I rolled my eyes and moved to the hallway. At the last minute I rushed back into my bedroom and fetched the stained hoodie Saul had left with me. I bundled it beneath my elbow and hustled down the stairs. Everett was waiting for me by the front door. He cat-whistled as I came into view.

  I rolled my eyes at him.

  “Everyone left already. I offered to stay and wait for you.”

  “Thanks,” I said suspiciously.

  He opened the door for me, and I walked out into the overcast day. As the door slammed behind us, I jumped.

  “Hey, it was just the door,” said Everett in a soothing voice.

  I looked at him for a moment before nodding.

  He put a hand on my shoulder. “You okay?”

  “Yeah. Just a little freaked out after yesterday.”

  He stepped closer and embraced me. I didn’t push him away, but didn’t return the affection.

  “It’ll take time, Hat.”

  He nuzzled his nose against my cheek, kissing just beside my mouth. His warm lips barely touched my skin and his breathing sounded different. I tensed, but he kept me in his arms for a lingering moment. He smelled of linen and after shave.

  I finally found my voice. “We should go.”

  He unwrapped his arms from me and backed away like nothing had happened. He walked briskly to his station wagon. I had teased him about that old wood-paneled car for a couple years now. As he stood next to the passenger door holding it open for me, I took notice of how handsome he looked. Dark gray suit, white linen collared shirt, and a sage green silk tie. It was quite a contrast to his usual frayed blue jeans and off the wall t-shirts. He even had his reddish-blonde hair combed into a part and swept to one side.

  I walked to the open door and slid in, allowing Everett to shut the door behind me. I buckled my seat belt and folded my hands on my lap. Soon Everett was sitting beside me and the engine rumbled to life, after only a couple of sputters. I kept my gaze forward, feeling slightly uncomfortable, but felt his eyes on me. Eventually the awkward moment ended when he pulled the car onto the st
reet and headed toward the town of Anacortes.

  I didn’t feel much like talking, so listened half-heartedly as Everett told me about his latest work gripes. He had been promoted and had to let an employee go for stealing. It sounded like the kid had been a trouble maker from the get-go. Now he’d be looking for a new welder.

  Eventually we arrived outside the courthouse. The street reminded me too much of the street I had been on just yesterday. It sent shivers up my arms. Joe was on the sidewalk waiting for us and opened my door. He was dressed as nicely as Everett. I stepped out of the car and hustled inside since the wind was kicking up and splatters of rain drops were just starting to fall. Justine was waiting inside, dressed in a simple ankle-length white satin sleeveless dress. She looked stunningly beautiful. Miranda was at her side, dressed in a simple light blue suit trimmed in white. She was the kind of woman who was aging nicely and always looked nice. She could have been wearing a burlap sack and still been stunning.

  We waited for only twenty minutes before being called in to a large office with a high ceiling and an ornately carved cherry wood desk. The Justice of the Peace sat behind the desk, smiling. He was an older man with gray hair and a kind smile. The ceremony took all of ten minutes. Everett and I signed the marriage certificate as witnesses.

  Mr. and Mrs. Joe Leonardo looked ecstatic. Hugs were given freely and just when we were about to send them off to celebrate their wedding night, Justine surprised us.

  “Joe and I are heading out to a local pub before hitting up the B & B. Come with us?”

  I looked at Joe questioningly. “Justine, don’t you two want to be alone?” I asked

  Joe laughed. “Come out with us. Just for a couple hours. Celebrate.”

  I really didn’t want to go anywhere but home and back to bed. I sighed. “Ok. But just for a little while.”

  Miranda excused herself to head back home. She had driven herself, so that left me at the mercy of Everett and his beast of a station wagon. I thought briefly about running after her as she drove away, begging for her to take me with her.

  “Ok, I’ll change in the car,” chirped Justine. Meet you guys at Blarney’s? It’s just around the corner and two blocks up.”

  Everett and Joe fist-bumped before we headed out. I sat in the car while Everett took his suit jacket and tie off and unbuttoned his linen shirt for a more relax feel. I wondered how Justine would change out of her dress and into something else inside her small coupe. Everett pulled back onto the street and headed in the direction of the pub.

  CHAPTER 5 ~ LET ME DROWN

  Blarney’s Pub was one of the oddest establishments in which I had ever been. The entry and front area looked like a combination of a traditional bar and grill with dart boards and a few pull tab machines. There were flying pig motifs everywhere. There was a narrow stairway off to the left that led down to a lower level. A sign at the top made it clear that beyond was meant for those twenty-one and over. Everett told me that Justine and Joe would be waiting down there. I descended the steps first. Swirls of light from a disco ball blinded me at first. The atmosphere was completely different from the upstairs. Walls were painted a flat black, or maybe it was a dark blue. Lighting was dim and indirect. Booths lined three of the walls; their seats were plush deep purple velvet. There were also old fashioned overstuffed chairs and couches in the same fabric, but in blue and deep green, scattered around the periphery between booths. The far wall held a bar that ran nearly the length of the room and was under recessed blue lighting. I had never been in a venue like this and instantly felt out of place. Everett took hold of my elbow and led me to a booth off to one side.

  “I’m sure they’ll be here soon,” he whispered as he slid in beside me. There were a handful of other patrons around us. It was still early in the day; mid-afternoon. I supposed it’d be crowded before much longer. Music was playing loudly: Indie Rock I hadn’t heard before. I had never been a fan of loud music but figured I’d tolerate it for the sake of my brother and his new wife.

  A slim waitress wearing tight black shorts and a lacy red halter-top approached us with a seductive smile, aimed right at Everett. I avoided laughing, not wanting to be rude.

  “Welcome to Barney’s Below. My name’s Ginger. Can I get you two anything to drink?”

  Everett slipped an arm around my shoulders and beamed at the waitress named ‘Ginger.’

  “A bottle of your best champagne and four glasses, please.”

  “Excellent. Celebrating?” she asked.

  “We sure are. My friend just got hitched! They’ll be joining us anytime.”

  I removed Everett’s hand from my shoulder.

  “May I also have a glass of water, please?” I asked Miss Halter-Top. “No ice?”

  “You bet, Honey. Oh, I’ll need to see your ID’s.”

  We both produced our driver’s licenses. Ginger looked at mine briefly and had a slight look of disappointment in realizing I was indeed twenty-one. She spent more time studying Everett’s, probably trying to memorize his address. He seemed oblivious to her obvious flirting.

  Ginger returned to the table with a bottle of champagne in a silver bucket of ice and four red-toned crystal flutes.

  “Okay, handsome, would you like me to open and pour or do y’all want the pleasure?” Ginger spoke sweetly to Everett right as Joe and Justine walked up to our table.

  “We’re good, thanks,” interrupted Joe.

  Ginger took her leave as Justine slid into the booth ahead of Joe, leaving behind a towel for opening the champagne. Everett put the crisp white linen towel across his arm as he reached for the bottle of bubbly. He fiddled with the metal foil that covered the bottle, eventually untwisting the wire that held the cap in place. Once he had it freed, the resulting pop of the cork flying across the room startled me. Images of the fire and explosions returned to my mind as Everett began filling the glasses.

  “Hattie? You okay?” asked Joe as he reached across the table and took my hand.

  I looked up and nodded.

  “A toast,” said Everett. “To Joseph and Justine Leonardo. May all your days be happy and bright.”

  Glasses clinked and I sipped eagerly at my drink, which was highly unlike me. I felt a need to numb something inside of myself, though. Finishing the glass without stopping, I got a few sideways glances from my companions.

  “Slow down, Hat,” whispered Everett. “We have all night.”

  I looked at him with exaggerated irritation and held my empty glass up for more. “I think after yesterday I deserve a few hours off.”

  He poured a second glass for me, smirking as he did so.

  “You know,” said Justine. “You two make a cute couple.”

  I had started to drink round two and choked into my glass. “Not funny, Justine. We’re just friends.” My face was feeling hot, partly from the first glass of alcohol and partly from embarrassment.

  “Don’t embarrass her, Jus,” said Everett.

  I tipped my glass of champagne back and swallowed the rest. It was immediately refilled, by Justine.

  “Slow down,” mumbled my brother. “You have all night, Sis.”

  I rolled my eyes at him, but took heed of his warning and sipped at my drink. Everett and Joe began talking about the explosions the day before. Justine nudged me under the table with her foot and promptly made a motion with her head toward Everett. I just shook my head back and forth in a clear gesture of ‘no.’ She was the only one still working on her first glass of champagne.

  Ginger the Halter-Whore returned to the table, with a slightly younger version of herself tagging along.

  “We all doing ok?” she asked with a fake smile.

  I could tell she had refreshed her make-up as well. She stood a little too close to Everett. I had always hated when others referenced ‘we’ instead of ‘you,’ somehow trying to include themselves into the equation when they weren’t.

  “Just fine,” answered Joe a bit too enthusiastically. “We could use four shots of
Jägermeister, though.”

  “Very nice choice,” said the new girl.

  “This is Britnee,” explained Ginger. “I’m off in ten, so she’ll be taking over for me.”

  Britnee, like Ginger, was dressed in tight black shorts and a halter top. Britnee’s was lavender, though, and had a difficult time containing her ample bosoms. It was hard not to stare.

  “Thanks for all your help, Ginger,” said Everett. I had to keep myself from laughing. As Britnee walked back to the bar to gather the next round of drinks, I noticed that Ginger slipped Everett a small piece of paper before winking at him and walking away with an extra little swing to her hips.

  “Gee, that was subtle,” groaned Justine.

  I was the first to toss back my shot of dark German liquor. It tasted far too much like cough medicine. I was enjoying feeling numb, though, and stole Everett’s shot before he got around to drinking it.

  “Let’s get more,” I said, my speech a bit slurred.

  “I think you’ve had enough, Sis. Justine and I are heading off for our wedding night. Everett, can you make sure she gets home ok?” He gestured toward me.

  “Of course, Bro.”

  “C’mon, Wife,” said Joe with a shit-eating grin.

  He stood, offering a hand to his new bride. They snuck off, up the stairs, and were off for their big night; leaving me alone with Everett.

  “Just you and me, huh?” he said.

  “We should get going too,” I said.

  “We’re here, might as well have some fun,” he said as he slid closer and put his arm around me again.

  “Everett, no. I told you last night…”

  “C’mon, Hattie. We’ve known each other since what…forever?”

  He raised an arm, calling Britnee over.

  She responded promptly. “You two need anything? Your friends left an open tab and said it’s all on them.”

  “Ah, that was sweet of them. See, Hat, we need to stay and enjoy their gift.”

  “How about some food?” suggested Britnee.

  “Mmm, yeah, good idea. Hattie, what would you like?”