Fading Into Nothing

by Kelly Moore

  There is a prickling of tears forming behind my eyes. I’m going to miss this sweet man that I barely know. “Take care of yourself, Will.” I stand on my tiptoes and place a deep kiss on his lips. His tongue delves inside and makes it that much sweeter. We are both breathless when we pull apart.

  “It was so nice to meet you, Harper, Maggie Harper.” He smiles then presses his forehead against mine.

  “You too, Will Taylor.”

  We part, and I drag my luggage on the train. I find my seat and look out the window for one more glance at him. I could fall in love with this man given more time.

  Chapter 7

  The light mist of rain doesn’t take away from the beauty of Southport. The downtown is a quaint, quiet area. There are only a handful of shops with few people walking around in the rain.

  Out on the edge of the water is a blue two-story old wooden house that has a market on the first floor. As I go to enter, the screen door flies open, and I’m greeted by a gray-haired elderly gentleman.

  “Come on in and get out of the rain.”

  I brush off the small droplets that have formed on my blouse and step through the open door. “Thank you.” As I walk by him, his crystal blue eyes sparkle, and I can’t help but notice how handsome his features are even over his wrinkles.

  “Welcome to Southport,” he says and steps behind the small counter.

  “Hi, I’m Maggie Harper. I’ve rented a place here for the summer and was wondering if you could help me find it.” I open my purse and take out the handwritten address.

  He puts his hand up. “No need for the address, Ms. Harper. I’m glad nothing happened to you, I was expecting you several days ago.”

  “I’m sorry Mr….”

  “Hank.”

  “Mr. Hank, I…”

  “No, just Hank.” He laughs.

  “Hank.” My smile matches his. “I had an unexpected detour. I hope you didn’t rent it out.”

  “Nope. You paid in full ahead of time. The house is all ready.” He reaches beneath the counter and pulls out a drawer. He slides a set of keys over to me. “This one will open all the doors. This one is to the mailbox.” He points to each one.

  I pick them up and place them in my purse. “Is the place far from here?”

  “It’s about a mile or so down the road, but I already have you some wheels.”

  I’m confused, but I follow him out the door.

  “She’s yours to use while you’re here.”

  He pats a wide, black seat perched on a three-wheel yellow bike that has a large basket fastened behind it. He picks up my luggage and places it in the basket.

  “Maybe you could give me directions while I get a few things in your store.”

  As I ring out at the counter, Hank is whistling a happy tune. There is a smile on his face with everything he does. He carefully places all my items in a canvas bag and carries it to the bike.

  “There you go. Anything else I can do for you?”

  “Is there a sandwich shop around here somewhere?” My stomach growls.

  “I know just the place. The owner makes the best sandwiches in town.” He holds out his elbow for me to take.

  I follow him, but I’m even more confused when he takes me back inside the market. We take the white wooden steps up to the second story and into a bright yellow kitchen with windows covering every inch of open space. You can see the sandy beach with the waves rolling onto shore.

  “This is a beautiful view,” I say, looking out.

  “It was my wife’s favorite spot. She would sit at that wooden booth and read for hours.” He motions to the far corner of the room that houses a red, cushioned booth.

  “You said was?”

  “She died five years ago,” he says as he takes lunchmeat out of the fridge.

  “How long were you married?”

  He laughs as he takes the lid off the mayo. “I don’t recall a time that I wasn’t married to Alice. We grew up together in this little town.” He stops and moves to one of the windows. “I remember the first time I saw her. She was on the end of that pier, trying to reel in a fish. Her pigtails were swaying as she whipped her rod back. When I saw her take the fish off her hook with her bare little hands, I fell in love with her at that moment.” He’s pointing to the pier out over the water that I can barely make out in the distance.

  My heart melts. I wish I had a love story like his. “Did you have any children?”

  His face was shining with love when he spoke of his wife, but the creases in his face relax as a look of sadness takes over in his eyes. “Not for the lack of trying. Alice had two miscarriages late in her pregnancy. It damn near broke her.” He clears back a choke, then starts making lunch again. “After we lost the second baby, we decided that it would just be the two of us.” He recovers his smile. “And, she was one hell of a wife.”

  “Sounds like you truly loved her,” I say as I sit in the booth.

  “It was more than love. I was nothing without her. She was every breath I took after the first time I laid eyes on her. My heart beat for no one else, not even for myself.”

  “It must have been hard losing her.”

  He places a plate of sandwiches in the middle of the table and grabs two smaller ones, placing one in front of me. “It was the worst day of my life, but I loved her enough to let her go find peace. She was eaten up with cancer and in pain every day. Watching her wither away and hold on to me was worse than letting her go.”

  “She was one lucky lady, Hank,” I say before taking a bite of my sandwich.

  He fixes two glasses of iced tea and sits across from me. “I was the lucky one to have her as long as I did.” He takes a swig of his tea. “What about you, Maggie? Your name was the only one registered for the house, so I assume you are here alone.”

  “I am.” I laugh. “I’m an elementary school teacher, and I’m here to enjoy the peace and quiet.” Those are the words that I say, but my mind flashed to Will and how much I would love to spend some time with him here.

  His eyes twinkle. “I think there is someone you wish were here with you.” He takes a big bite of his food.

  I can feel my skin flush that something in my reaction to his words gave me away. “I’m just here for the quiet, Hank.”

  “You never know what might happen while you’re here. We get lots of tourists this time of year.”

  “I’m not looking to fall in love.”

  “That means love has already found you, my dear.” He smiles and wolfs down his sandwich.

  After we’ve finished our lunch, he draws me a map of how to get to the rental house on the bike. “Thank you for the best sandwich in town, Hank.” I wave as my bike starts to roll forward.

  “Come by anytime. The cafe is always open,” he yells from between his hands on his face.

  I follow the pebbled path leading along the waterway. The sun rays are peeking through a gap in the gray clouds, drying up the rain. Seagulls swoop down and cry as they dive for food.

  The path crosses over into a wooded area, and there are cabins tucked back into the woods. It crosses back over to the water, and I can see the pier that Hank was talking about. There are small fishing boats gathered around the end. I smile thinking about Hank and Alice out on the dock fishing together. I want what he and his wife had, but I’m not sure I will ever find that kind of love.

  The trail leads to a white wood, chipped picket fence that takes me down to a charming sea-foam green cottage that is surrounded by small dunes and seagrass. It is absolutely perfect sitting out all by itself.

  I circle around the house to get a better look at the view. When I park the bike out front in the sand, I nearly step on a crab that is scurrying to get into a hole. Kicking off my shoes, I run down to stick my feet in the warm ocean water. Sand squishes between my toes as the waves roll over my feet, massaging the ache right out of them. The crash of the surf plays a relaxing melody in my ears as the wind pulls at my hair. I close my eyes and draw in the briny
air, bookmarking this moment in time for soothing my soul. It’s a peace like I’ve never felt before.

  Looking down the beach, there are brightly colored towels laying on loungers covered by giant umbrellas. Sunbathers are laying out, regardless of the cloudy sky.

  I turn around and head back for the cottage but not before grabbing my luggage, bags from the market, and the keys out of my purse. I unlock the bright yellow door that reminds me of Hank’s kitchen.

  The windows rattle against the pane as the wind sweeps through the door. I quickly shut it and step on the smooth wood floor. I take a step back onto the mat and rub the sand off my feet.

  I walk into the small living room and run my hand over the soft blue sofa. Sinking into the cushy recliner sitting in the corner, I feel a soft breeze on my skin from the ceiling fan spinning above me.

  From where I am sitting, I have the perfect view of the kitchen. There is a shiny black-handled kettle setting on the stove. A patterned linoleum covering the floor gives way to the age of the house. The crisp white appliances look new. There is a hanging rack with pots and pans dangling from it. Herb pots line the window ledge where they would normally be soaking up the sun this time of day.

  After I have put away the food that I bought at Hank’s place, I scope out the bedroom. It’s just big enough for the queen-size bed and three-drawer dresser nestled inside of it. A light patchwork quilt covers the foot of the bed, and sheer curtains are mounted over the windows. I push them back and unlatch the window lock. White paint peels up from the seal as I push the window open. A breeze blows the sheers inward, softly flowing over my skin. I love the smell of the salty air floating through the room. It’s secluded enough out here that I might sleep with it open if the heat doesn’t take over.

  Laying my suitcase on the bed, I unpack my clothes and neatly lay them in the drawers and hang a few things in the narrow closet. I hold up my one-piece bathing suit and cover-up and curl up my nose at it. I’ve always hated being half naked because of my scars, but with my newfound tattoos, I’m thinking something new is in store. Pulling out my laptop, I connect with my hotspot. I start to sit on the edge of the bed and remember the soft sofa in the living room. After setting the laptop on the birch wood coffee table, I go the kitchen and open the bottle of red wine that I bought and pour myself a tall glass.

  The softness of the couch sinks around me as I make myself comfortable. I get lost over the next hour shopping for clothes that I would normally never buy. Lots of sleeveless tops, a strapless summer dress, and two skimpy bikinis. Most of the time I’ll be sunning in my secluded area of the beach, so I don’t care how much skin shows. I pay extra to have everything delivered by tomorrow.

  Shutting down my computer, I snuggle further into the couch.

  * * *

  “Hey, beautiful.” His muscles flex as Will runs across the sand. “Let me help you with that.” He takes the strawberry-laden picnic basket out of my hand and kisses me on the lips.

  “How was your run?” I ask him.

  “It was great. I saw a couple of sea turtles making their way back into the water.”

  I unroll the blanket that I’ve had tucked under my arm and lay it out in the sand. “I love this time of evening when it’s not too terribly hot outside.”

  Will sets the basket in the middle of the blanket, then tackles me to the ground. His lips travel over my collarbone, making me tremble with an instant need. “I’d like to make you hot while we’re outside,” he says when he trails his lips over the outside of my ear. “God, I love the taste of the salt against your skin.” His tongue dips inside my mouth as his hands roam my body. His fingers stop when they find what they are looking for under my skirt. “I want to taste you…right…here.” He presses two fingers inside of me, and I groan in pleasure.

  * * *

  I bolt off the couch when a phone starts ringing in the kitchen. I stub my toe on the coffee table and nearly fall on my face before I reach the orange phone that is hanging on the wall next to the back door.

  “Hello,” I almost yell and look down at my already swelling toe.

  “Maggie, it’s Hank. I wanted to make sure everything at the cottage was working for you and to make sure you have what you need.”

  I slide down to the floor, leaning against the cabinets to check on my aching toe. “The cottage is great. I can’t think of anything else I need.”

  “I’m making homemade clam chowder soup for dinner if you’d like to come back over. It stays light here until almost nine o’clock, but if it gets dark before you head back home, I could throw your bike in the back of my pickup truck and drive you home.”

  “I’d love to come have dinner with you, Hank. I’ll make sure I’m back before dark.”

  “Six o'clock then.” I can hear the smile on his face.

  I hang up, get off the floor, and fill a baggie with ice for my toe. Hobbling back to the couch, I prop my foot on the coffee table. Once the ice is in place, I lean my head back on the couch and close my eyes, trying to will myself back to my dream, but it doesn't happen. Reaching for my purse, I take out my cell phone and scroll to Will’s number. Just as I go to push call, it vibrates in my hand.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Will. I was just going to call you.”

  “I beat you to it then. How was your trip?”

  “It was long and boring without you on the train to entertain me.”

  “So you miss me,” he teases.

  Strangely, I do miss him. “This cottage is so perfect and quiet. The beach is absolutely stunning.”

  “Have you been sunbathing already? I bet your body looks great kissed by the sun.”

  I laugh at his playfulness. “No, but tomorrow I plan on being out all day.”

  He growls into the phone. “I’d love to see you in a skimpy bikini.”

  “You and me both. I’ve never worn one before, but I ordered one online, and it will be here tomorrow.”

  “Let’s see…It’s only about a five-hour drive from here.”

  “I would love for you to come.” I’m excited about the thought of him coming to Southport.

  “I wish I could, but I have some things I need to take care of here for my mother, and then I need to be back in New York by the end of the week.”

  “How are things with your mom and dad?”

  “They aren’t speaking.”

  “I’m sorry, Will. I’m sure the stress of your brother dying and your dad’s behavior toward you isn’t making things easy.”

  “I’m sure they will be fine as soon as I head back home.” He’s quiet for a moment. “What are your plans?” he finally asks.

  “I have a hot date tonight with a beautiful blue-eyed man. He’s making me a home-cooked meal.”

  “You work awful fast.”

  “Aw, you know, I bat my long lashes and men drop at my feet,” I joke, but I meet silence on the other end of the phone. “Will, I’m teasing with you. Hank is the owner of this house and the market downtown. He’s old enough to be my father. I think he’s a little lonely.”

  “I wish you and I would have had a little more time together. I haven’t known you long, but I already miss being around you.”

  His words are so sweet, and I feel the same way. “I miss you too, Will.”

  “When summer is over, and you’re back in New York, I want to take you on a real date.”

  “You will have forgotten all about me by then. Some gorgeous blonde will sweep you off your feet.”

  “I’m not into blondes. I kind of have the hots for a certain curvy brunette with tattoo sleeves on her arms.”

  “Do you now?” I think about my dream where his lips were on my body. An unfamiliar ache starts to build at my core.

  “Seriously, I do want us to get together when you get back.” His voice has dropped a few octaves, and it sounds raspy.

  “I’d like that.”

  “It’s a date then. I’ll see you in September. I g
otta go. Try not to forget me,” he says.

  “I won’t forget you, Will.”

  Chapter 8

  Two weeks later…

  * * *

  “I know, it’s my turn to make dinner tonight, Hank. I’m making a Greek salad and garlic rounds. Yes, bring over those pictures of yours and Alice’s trip to Greece and a bottle of wine. Catch you later.” I hang up the phone and throw on my floppy hat and sandals. I pack plenty of water and a good book to read to take down by the ocean.

  Last but not least, I put on my sunglasses and head out the door. I’ve already been here two weeks, and I have a good tan on my New York City skin. My tattoos have all healed, and I’m getting in the water today.

  Hank and I have bonded, and he insists on themed-night dinners twice a week. I’ve tried all kinds of food that I have never tasted. He’s such good company and full of stories. I keep telling him I’m taking notes and one day I’m going to write his memoirs for him and have them published. Since he and Alice never had children, they spent their winters traveling all over the world. He told Alice if she found a place anywhere in the world she wanted to live, he’d move their lives to wherever that would be. Alice always chose to come back to Southport. She told him it would always be their home because that’s where she found her heart.

  I love how much they loved one another, and I wish I could have met her to ask her some questions, but Hank is pretty open about everything. I can see why she would fall in love with this sweet, sweet man.

  I lay my bag and towel on the beach chair and kick off my flip-flops, setting my glasses down and throwing my cover-up into the bag. Running to the water, I dive into the white-capped waves. When I come up for air, my long brown hair clings to my face. I go under again, letting my head fall backward, pushing the hair from my face. When I reemerge, I shield my eyes from the sun and see kids running up and down the beach laughing. I love watching them play.