Written in the Sand

by D. B. James

  Mixing up a quick marinade, I place the steaks in a bowl, pouring the mixture over them and sit them in the fridge. Thirty minutes should be enough to let them stew. I’m halfway through prepping vegetables by the time mama walks into the kitchen from her afternoon spent shopping with friends.

  “Hey, Mama. How was your day?” I ask.

  “It was okay. I found a few nice bookends for the new built-ins in the living room,” she says while stealing a cucumber slice off the cutting board. “What’s all of this?” she asks, motioning to the veggie mess all over the cupboard and sink.

  “Dinner prep for tonight. I’m making a special dinner for us.”

  “You’re such a blessing, Tenley. I’m going to change into something more comfortable before your father gets home. I’ll be back to help in a few minutes. Where’s the puppy?” she asks.

  “Mabel June is outside, it’s why the sliding door is open, so she may come and go. And don’t you dare think about coming back in here to help. I’m making dinner. You can help by opening a bottle of wine and pouring us each a glass once you’re changed,” I order.

  “Sounds wonderful, you’ll get no arguments from me.” She begins making her way out of the kitchen. As she does she stops by the sliding door to check on my baby. Once she’s satisfied all is well, she walks back toward her bedroom.

  Grabbing the red bell pepper, I begin to prep it for the salad when my phone rings. Knowing by the ringtone the second it rings it’s Case, I choose to ignore it and call him back later when my hands aren’t as messy.

  The call is going to voicemail when mama walks back into the kitchen. “Was that your phone I heard ringing, baby girl?”

  “Yes, Mama. I was busy prepping veggies, I chose to ignore for now. Besides it was…” My words are cut off by the doorbell and a swift knock on the door.

  Hm, I wonder who it could be?

  “I’ll get the door, you keep prepping,” Mama says.

  I nod my head and continue with my busywork. After a few minutes of complete silence, my curiosity gets the better of me. Placing my knife down on the carving board, I slowly make my way toward the front door. Who I see standing there sends me into a temporary moment of shock. Once it wears off, I’m flying through the house and jumping into his arms, my legs wrapping around his waist, my mouth peppering his cheeks with kisses.

  “What the? How the…Case! How are you here?” I exclaim, my excitement evident in my tone of voice.

  “The thing about owning your own shop is I can delegate clients to go with another artist. Or reschedule them completely if they’re insistent on my doing their piece. I, uh, came to get my bike, mo ghaol,” he says.

  The clearing of her throat is enough of a clue we need from mama. She wants to be formally introduced. The day they met on the beach doesn’t count—then he was an acquaintance—now he’s my boyfriend.

  “Mama, this is Case, my boyfriend,” I say while turning around to face Case, “and Case, this is my mama, but you may call her Maria.”

  As they go on and on asking each other questions it gives me time to think about his surprise visit. And to be honest, his timing is actually perfect. He’s a huge part of this conversation I planned on having over dinner. Now, he’s here to add in his two cents.

  “Your timing is impeccable. Good thing I purchased extra steaks. How about you be the grill master, babe?” I ask.

  “Shoot, you don’t need to ask, you know I love to grill. What’s on the menu tonight, mo ghaol?” he ponders.

  “A celebratory dinner for my parents. I bought ribeye steaks, they’re marinating in the fridge, fresh veggies for a nice salad, and big russet potatoes for baked potatoes. Mama was about to pour me some wine while I finished working on the salad,” I inform him.

  Grabbing three glasses, mama begins to pour wine without asking Case if he’d be indulging for the evening. Seems like she was easily won over in a few minutes. Now, daddy, he’ll take longer to admit defeat when it comes to Case. Hell, I’d been married to Michael for at least two years before we knew if daddy actually liked him. He’s a tough cookie to break.

  When Mabel June finally hears Case’s voice, she comes bumbling into the house, barking her tiny puppy bark. It’s the cutest sound I’ve heard in ages. Case bends down on his knees making him eye level with her. “You must be Mabel June, is it okay if I call you MJ? Your mama told me all about you a couple nights ago, I’m Case. Pleasure to meet you, MJ,” he says while patting her on the head before standing back up to his full height.

  Is it possible to fall in love with a man because of how he treats your puppy?

  Because I’m almost positive my heart just tumbled all the way over into love. But there’s no way in hell I’m saying it first. Also, no way I’m saying it now. It’s way too soon. Yes, I’m dating him, but it’s fresh, new, and exciting. We may have known each other for a tad over two months, but I am not saying “I love you” first. Nope. Not doing it. These lips are zipped up tight.

  “Yes, she’s my Mabel June. Isn’t she the sweetest? When Van called and asked if I wanted a puppy, I thought she was joking around. When I realized she was serious, I gave it more thought. When the name for a female popped into my head, I was a goner. She’ll be a great companion for me over these next couple of months. Don’t ask questions yet, I’ll fill y’all in over dinner.”

  When daddy gets home nearly forty-five minutes later, the steaks and potatoes are ready to be pulled off the grill. The introductions will have to be short if we want to eat a warm dinner. I can give them more bonding time after. Nobody knows what I did this morning, not even Dr. Beesley. Hell, no one knows what I did yesterday either. Tonight, they’ll all learn the truth.

  But first, I’ll start with how my appointment with Dr. Beesley went.

  After a short introduction.

  “Daddy, could you come into the kitchen please?” I call out, knowing he’s putting his golf clubs away in what used to be a home office, but now is a free for all space.

  “Be there in a moment, baby girl,” he volleys back.

  Grabbing Case’s hand, I thread my fingers through his. He gives mine a gentle squeeze, he knows I’m nervous. Hell, I’m nervous about this whole damn night. But it’s me moving on, and it’s a great thing. All of it’s a great thing.

  As my daddy enters the kitchen, he sees Case for the first time. How he didn’t notice him on his way from the front door to the office is unfathomable to me.

  “Daddy, this is Case, my boyfriend,” I say, this time my voice holds a tremble. Case squeezes my hand a bit tighter reassuring me to go on. “Case, this is my daddy, Stewart Cleary.” I left his introduction more formal, I wouldn’t want daddy to say I was anything but polite.

  They shake hands and head nods. What is it with men and their head nods?

  “She has your eyes. Tenley has your eyes, sir,” Case says.

  “She inherited my best quality according to Maria.” My daddy laughs out. And it’s true, my mother tells him often, his eyes are the only decent thing he gave to me. She hates my stubbornness but won’t admit it comes from her as well.

  “Okay, who’s ready for dinner? I’m famished,” I say while ushering everyone out to the patio table. It’s not too hot today for eating outside, it’s sort of refreshing instead of feeling like the gates of hell have opened to swallow you whole.

  Grabbing the salad, I make my way out to the patio table, set it down, and go help Case with the baked potatoes and steaks. Mama and daddy are sitting, drinking some wine and conversing amongst themselves. I’ll give you one guess about what or who they’re talking about. He’s built like a linebacker, wearing Converse shoes and covered in tattoos.

  Walking over to the table, they swiftly stop what they were talking about and stay silent as we sit down with the food in hand, ready to be served.

  “I hope y’all like your steaks medium-well, because it’s how mo ghaol told me to cook them all,” Case says while setting the platter of steaks down in front of hi
m on the lazy Susan.

  “Perfect,” both my parents say in unison.

  It’s eerily quiet as we all prepare our plates. May as well start with my news and get everything out in the open. “I made this dinner tonight to talk to y’all about a few issues—none of them bad, though. Case wasn’t supposed to be here, but I’m incredibly happy he is.” Turning, I gaze at him and grin, one of my real genuine smiles, one full of love for this man. “Dr. Beesley put me down to one visit a week today. She says after a couple more weeks, I won’t need to see her anymore. She took me back down to the lower dose of Ambien, but says it’s there only in case I need it. I haven’t used it since the night before last. My other medications she’s keeping me on for now, but says eventually there’ll be no need for them,” I inform them all.

  Taking a deep breath, I stare down at my food and stab a fork into my salad, praying someone will comment on my news from Dr. Beesley. It is huge news after all. After two bites of salad, I’m still met with silence. Maybe instead of staring at my plate, I should be glancing up to gauge their facial expressions.

  But before I have to result to doing so, Case speaks up. “I’m proud of you, Tenley. When I first met you, you were a depressed, lonely, and lost woman. Over the last couple of months, you’ve opened up. And to me, I see a phoenix rising from the ashes of her old life. I’ve witnessed a new person being born-again. It’s spectacular. Honestly, I’m flabbergasted you’ve allowed me in to be a part of your journey back to finding yourself. I’m blessed because you have. I, for one, think it’s absolutely amazing you’re down to one visit and may be off the other medications shortly,” he says. His words causing tears to form in my eyes, I can’t help but to let them fall freely.

  “Those were the most beautiful words you’ve said to me. Ever,” I say while catching my streaming tears with my napkin.

  “I couldn’t have said it better myself, son,” Daddy says. “It’s true, Tenley. You were wasting away when you moved in here. Now you’re more like who you were before. Not who you were with Michael, I mean who you were before he came along. I’m thankful this Dr. Beesley lady has been able to help you. Shit, I’m glad Case has helped, I’m grateful for Van and her family. You’re rising, all right. And if I’m not mistaken you have more news…are you flying away, baby girl?” he asks.

  Mama, who up until this point has remained silent, lets a gasp escape when Daddy asks his question.

  “Yes. I, uh, I…I put my house up for sale this morning. There’s already been three offers on it. I’m taking the night to think them over, but I’ll more than likely be accepting one in the morning,” I inform them. “But, it’s not all of my news…”

  Glancing up into mama’s eyes, I see how heartbroken she is to have me leaving her nest once again. “It’s time, Mama,” I whisper. She nods her head in return, like if she attempted to talk it’d come out as a giant sob.

  “I found a house in Austin and put in an offer myself yesterday morning. No, before you ask, I don’t want to move there only to be closer to Case. When I was there for those few days, it felt like home. The city felt like it was calling me to me, and I’m choosing to listen. It’s an eccentric city and an author like myself should be living somewhere supporting the arts. And, yes, Case living there is a plus. But the house I’m hoping to buy is thirty minutes away from his loft downtown.”

  There, it’s all out and on the table. No more worrying about how to broach the subjects.

  “This could all happen quickly, depending on how fast both sales go. But I won’t leave until Dr. Beesley releases me from her care,” I inform them. Because I won’t. There’s no way I’d want to start over again with another doctor. “Now that I’ve informed all of you, I have to go tell Van and Morgan. I’m not looking forward to having the conversation with them any more than I was with you. Van has a temper, she may throw something. It may go over better if I tell her someplace public,” I say with a slight lilt to my voice. I’m not kidding, she’ll throw things.

  Daddy lets out a soft chuckle. “I remember when she threw her prom shoes out of the limo window because they squished her toes. Now, she wears heels like a pro.” He laughs again thinking back on the memory.

  “I’d forgotten she’d tossed her shoes. Poor Julian, putting up with her impulsive ways even way back then.”

  “I thought Julian moved away overseas, London or Paris or something?” Mama asks.

  “He did, but this last Christmas a miracle happened. Now they’re remarried and he’s back here in Alabama,” I tell Mama.

  “Well, great, I always did like them together. Her sister…what’s her name? She’s an awful person. Vile. What she did to those two was an unforgivable act,” Mama says while shaking her head in disgust.

  “I couldn’t agree more. And her name’s Sienna. She’s been around a bit lately, trying to cause trouble for Morgan—her daughter—but Julian took care of it. I doubt she’ll risk coming back again.”

  “Well, enough chit chat, let’s eat before the food gets ice cold,” Daddy declares.

  And so, we eat.

  “You can stay at our place, son. No need to worry about a hotel while you’re in town. We’re all adults here,” Stewart says as we’re picking up the dinner leftovers and cleaning off the dishes. It’s sort of awkward when your girlfriend’s father is offering for you to stay in their home for the time you’re in town. But I’d be a fool not to accept though, right?

  “Okay, but I’m sleeping on the couch or in a spare room. Um, Tenley and I, have, uh…only kissed, sir.” I don’t want him thinking if I stay in her bedroom there’d be anything going on under his roof. A few kisses yeah, but I won’t have sex with her here. It’s highly disrespectable. Not to mention it’s not the accurate time for us, yet. “We’re still getting to know one another is all,” I blurt out.

  How big of an idiot can I be?

  Who tells their girlfriend’s father something like that? What a dumbass with a capital D. My face starts feeling warmer and warmer, before I know it my cheeks are fully inflamed. I honestly cannot recall a time in my life when I’ve been more embarrassed. This definitely takes the cake. The fact he’s busted out in laughter makes me feel like more of an ass.

  “Son, you’re welcome to sleep in my daughter’s bedroom, even if you were sexually active. She’s a grown adult. As are you. I see no reason to stop you from sharing the same bed.” Stewart manages to get out in between bouts of rolling laughter.

  “Glad you find my embarrassment funny, sir,” I mumble.

  “Oh, stop calling me “sir”, it’s ridiculous and makes me feel like I served in the armed forces. I didn’t. Call me Stewart, and I’ll call you Case,” he offers.

  “My manners are ingrained, they’re etched deep into my skin, it’s hard to not use them at times. It may take a few tries, but I can call you Stewart,” I reply.

  “As any decent kid should, your parents did well, son.” As far as compliments go, it’s one of the best I can recall receiving in a while. Mom would be proud.

  “Thank you,” I say, meaning the words more than ever. “I’ll stay in her bedroom, but I’m not in town for long, two days at the most. I truly came to see her for a while and to drive my bike back home. And, I, uh, would like to say something to you…I hope it’s not considered over-stepping or out of line. I’d like to reassure you; her heart is safe with me. I’m sure you’ve heard me refer to her as “mo ghaol”, well what the words mean is “my love” in Scottish-Gaelic. I truly believe she’s the other half of my soul. It’s early in our relationship, yes, but I can say without a doubt in my mind or heart, I love her,” I inform him.

  The words fly out of my mouth, shocking me. But I mean every single one. I do love her.

  “I’ve been watching her from afar, but she’s healed, and I know she’s ready to move forward with me. If she’ll have me, I’d like to keep her forever.” He continues to stare me for a solid thirty seconds before letting me know what he thinks about the words I’ve spoken a
nd let loose.

  “Since we’re spilling our guts in here like two old ladies at the hair salon, I’ll tell you something, son. The moment I shook your hand and looked into your eyes, I knew you were right for my baby girl. I loved Michael like a son, but he wasn’t her soul mate. It took me awhile to accept him in her life. I can’t explain it, but I always knew he wasn’t her other half. He dulled her shine. You make her shine brighter,” he admits.

  Turning my head away, I quickly gather my emotions and get them under control before turning back around and facing Stewart. His words brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t want him to see the way they affected me, therefore I shied away. The moment of seriousness is broken by a bumbling reddish-gold puppy jumping up on to my knees and asking me for something—what, I’m not sure.

  “I think she’s asking for nibbles. Her food bowl is empty,” Stewart informs me.

  “Hm, let me see, MJ, Daddy Case will take care of you. I’ll get you kibble and fresh water, how’s that sound?” Of course she can’t answer me, but she does jump up and down and wag her tail relentlessly. Thwap, thwap, thwap, on the counter. It sounds like a helicopter getting ready for takeoff. “How does such a little thing make this much noise with her tail?” I ask Stewart. “It sounds like a weapon.”

  “Check out her paws, son. She’s going to be a giant dog. So far, she’s been a great gal to have around. Admittedly I’ll miss her when Tenley moves, and she’s only been here for a couple of days.”

  “Maybe you should get a puppy of your own,” I suggest.

  “Nah, Maria and I are away from home too much. The poor thing would end up being neglected.”