Southern Belles, a Novel About Love, Purpose & Second Chances (9781310340970)

by Anderson, Sarah

  I sat still, trying to figure out what to say as the Best Man continued.

  “In front of us, sits a great man—a selfless and better person than most.” He said with his hands on Skylar’s shoulders. “I’ve watched as my best friend suffered through almost losing his mother-the great Mrs. La Fleur right over there, three times. Then he met a girl he thought was the one before she disappeared. After a few years of hard times and moping, something brilliant happened one day.” He continued, “In the words of my best friend, just when times get too dark and you feel all alone, God sends signs and people to help lift our spirits and direct our paths. That was the day he met Cecilia Crawford and his life forever changed. You’ve made him a happy man CeCe. Please raise your glass to this very wonderful couple. This one’s for you my little Sky Flower.” He finished by raising his glass as the table cheered.

  Sky Flower—this is what his friends use to call him. He told me about that at the beach that night. I tried to think back to see if I had ever shared that to CeCe. I looked over at her to see if anything registered. Her champagne glass was raised to her mouth still.

  The table had quieted down again and everyone’s attention turned towards me. I hadn’t found the words and was feeling nauseous in the pit of my stomach.

  I picked up my champagne and stood up. “What can I say about my best friend that would do her justice? I first met CeCe in the third grade in the principal’s office.” I grinned, as a few laughs from the table arose. “I was puking and she was in trouble for voicing her opinion for what she believed was right—something I’ve always admired about you Ce. Your courage to go after want you want—to love as boldly as you do and with all the beauty and grace you do are unmatched. As kids we dreamed about our wedding day and our prince charming’s and had it all planned out by age nine.” I said, feeling the tears start to build. “Well that day is finally here and I hope that it is everything you always dreamed it would be. Most importantly, I wish you the happiest ever after a girl can have.” I smiled through tears. “Please raise your glass for CeCe and Christian.” I said as CeCe smiled back in tears.

  My body was trembling and I tried to contain my tears as CeCe came over to my chair and hugged me. As she wrapped her arms around me I saw Skylar staring at us in dismay. Behind every painful word, I spoke the truth. I wanted the best for her despite the outcome. I squeezed her tightly for several moments. When she pulled back, she glanced over my face and wiped away my tears.

  “Thank you Char. You’re words mean so much to me.”

  “They’re all true sweetie. I love you and I’ve always admired you.”

  “I love you too.” She smiled with an unusual guise. “Are you ready to get going?”

  “Yeah, I’ve got to drop Lucy off first before we go out.”

  “My mom can do that.” She offered.

  “I thought your mom and dad were staying on the island tonight.” I said.

  “My mom’s still got some stuff to do at home and besides all the guys are staying at my parent’s for a party there while we’re out.”

  “Okay.”

  I got Lucy’s things ready for the ferry ride back. All of the wedding party except for James, Sidney, and Christine, took two ferries back to St. Marys. At the dock, I helped Bev get Lucy buckled up. I kissed her forehead and hugged her goodnight. I watched Bev and Lucy drive away before turning around. The guys had separated into a large group and the girls were already off and gossiping with Richie. Skylar and CeCe were talking. I couldn’t hear what they were talking about but she didn’t look as happy as she had on the island. I walked in their direction as she leaned up to kiss him. I froze as I saw them, for the first time, kissing. I looked down and turned towards the dock. The tears stung my eyes and stopped my breath. Only far off lights from the island peered across the dark waters. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly trying to keep myself from collapsing.

  “Hey there.” Richie came to my rescue with his arm wrapped around my shoulder as we faced the island.

  “I don’t know how to get through this Rich.” I fought back more tears.

  “Sis, why don’t you tell her?”

  “You know I can’t ruin her happiness.”

  “How do you know she wasn’t the path back to you? His best friend even talked about you in his speech.”

  “I know, but then he also said that she helped him get over that girl.”

  “There may still be a part of him that loves you.”

  “Who are we talking about? Eric?” CeCe came up abruptly. “Did Eric say he loved you?”

  “You scared me.” I jumped. “No, we never got to that point.”

  “Well then it’s time to get over him and have some fun.” She said, taking my hand.

  “I’ll drive us.” I offered.

  “Thank you, I’m actually going to ride with Emma but I’ll meet you at Martini’s.”

  I sat in the car a few moments talking with Richie while Emma and CeCe pulled away. I stepped on the clutch and shifted the gear into first just as I pulled my foot off the break Skylar walked towards us.

  “I’ll see you at midnight still?” He asked, leaning his head into the window.

  “Yeah, if I can get away.”

  “I asked my sister to help keep her preoccupied when you leave.”

  “Okay, I will meet you at Oak and Main.”

  “Thanks Charlotte—hi Richie,” Skylar smiled at him before he glanced back at me. “Please don’t back out now.”

  I nodded slowly at Skylar. I was partially mesmerized by his eyes and still in disbelief that he was actually standing in front of me after he disappeared almost four years ago.

  We got to the bar and grille just after nine PM. CeCe was the main attraction. She was animated and provided for entertainment between her gift for story-telling and her wild skills with karaoke. I laughed, watching her use her hands and body language to re-hash some of her fonder memories of college with her sorority sisters. She dragged me up to the stage so we could sing That’s what friends are for by Dionne Warwick, one of our favorite childhood songs. She sang loud and grabbed my hand as she sang each word to me. I couldn’t help but laugh with the exaggerated expressions as she sang shamelessly.

  After a few hours passed, I tried to figure out a way I could easily dismiss myself. Richie pulled out my phone and dialed a number. The noise was loud in the room and he disappeared for a few minutes, before he came back and handed my phone to me.

  “Who’d you call?” I raised my voice.

  “I just had to check on something real quick.” He said, offering to get me a drink.

  “I’m good thanks. Can you get me an ice water though?”

  “Sure, I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

  I sat watching the party all around me. Some of the girls were dancing on the stage and others were talking to the town’s summer male residents. CeCe was talking with Emma. I spotted Richie talking to one of the servers up at the counter. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples for a minute. I sat back and opened my eyes and sitting right beside me was Eric.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised to see him.

  “I thought you could use a friendly face.” He grinned.

  “You’re going to make me cry.” I said smiling back at him. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”

  “I know you are.”

  “Did you know I was going to be here?”

  “I had some hints.” He laughed.

  “Did Richie call you?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Oh that Richie.”

  “Don’t get mad at him.” He loves you.”

  “I know. At least someone does.”

  “There are lots of people who love you.” He said tilting his head to mine before kissing me unexpectedly.

  He touched his palms to my cheeks and nestled my face into his hands as he kissed me for at least a minute or more. I finally opened my eyes to see a smile rise over his face. I heard several jeers around the table a
nd saw CeCe’s perplexed look as my eyes met hers, still dazed from what had just happened.

  “What was that?” I asked in awe.

  “Just making sure you made the right decision.”

  “Oh Eric…” I started.

  “Don’t say anything,” he whispered into my ear. “I know you need to leave in a few minutes to meet Skylar. Richie thought a good distraction might help CeCe not notice your departure as much.”

  “And the kiss?”

  “That was for me mostly. But I think I got CeCe’s curiosity going.”

  “You are something so special Mr. Sothersby!” I said pinching his cheek softly.

  “I know. You are too Ms. Buchanan.”

  He took the opportunity and kissed me once more, quickly, before I hugged CeCe goodbye and told her that I needed to get home to Lucy. Through the windows outside, I peered in to see CeCe sitting near Eric. They seemed to be talking. I saw the back of Eric’s head moving while he pretended to play the piano. CeCe nodded her head and seemed to be engaged with a slight grin on her face. I scanned across the room and saw Emma and Richie looking at songs for karaoke.

  I got back into the car. I looked in the rearview mirror and reapplied my eye make-up. I brushed my hair once more and dabbed some perfume under the corners of my jawbones. I pinched my cheeks slightly and smiled back at myself. I slid on my flesh-toned pink lip rouge and added a touch of gloss to my lips. I popped a mint into my mouth and shifted the gear into first heading towards Oak. It was three minutes to midnight. I rolled my windows down part way and heard the chirping of the grasshoppers and the ensemble of frogs. The moon was full and high up in the sky. I turned on the radio to keep me company and ease my anxiety. Jewel was on and singing her sleepy serenades.

  I could see the street sign for Main about two blocks away. My heart beat faster as I drew nearer. I was so nervous that my stomach felt as if it were on a roller coaster getting ready to plummet ten stories. I had waited for this moment—to see him, to talk to him, to find out what happened for so long. He was marrying my best friend tomorrow I reminded myself. Maybe, he’d change his mind or maybe he wouldn’t show up tonight. I held my breath, I didn’t see anyone around. Street lights gave way to small circles of light every few blocks. As I shifted back down to second gear, I saw movement enter into the light. Skylar appeared with his hands in his jacket pockets.

  “Need a ride?” I slowed down, trying to play it cool despite my shallow breathing.

  “I was hoping you’d ask.” He smiled.

  I pulled my foot off the break and the car rolled forward a few more feet. Skylar jumped forward to catch up. “You do want a ride, right?” I asked playfully.

  “Yep.” He smiled reaching for the door handle as I placed my foot on the gas and rolled forward some more.

  “Are you getting in?”

  “Are you going to let me?” He laughed.

  “Only if you hurry up.” I provoked, putting my foot on the break. “I feel like I’m in high school again trying to sneak out of the house.” I joked, trying to mask my nervousness.

  “You snuck out in high school?”

  “Yes. CeCe and I use to sneak out on my brother’s scooter. I’d push it to the end of the driveway so it didn’t wake my parents. I’d take all the back roads to CeCe’s house and we’d drive around for hours before I dropped her back off and snuck back home.”

  “Where did you go?”

  “Sometimes to the beach, sometimes to the diner—where ever we wouldn’t get caught.”

  “You are a rebel.”

  “Not really. I was always the level-headed one.” I said, opening the moon roof.

  “So, where are we going?” He looked at me.

  “Maybe the beach?” I said. “If you’re okay with that.”

  “The beach, huh? Any specific beach in mind?” He bit his lip to conceal his smile.

  “I’ve got one in mind.” I said feeling an unusual confidence run through my veins.

  “Okay.”

  “Okay.” I echoed back into the stillness of the night.

  We drove through the sleeping neighborhoods with the graceful weeping willows, covered in Spanish moss, blowing slowly in the breeze. The music played just loud enough to hear Sade’s No Ordinary Love come on the radio. I held my breath again. I wasn’t ready to break down in front of him. This song could have summed up how I felt about him.

  “I like this song.” Skylar said, turning up the volume.

  “Yeah, I like it too. It’s kind of sad though.”

  “Maybe, but it’s a classic.” He looked at me peeking at him before I could look away.

  “Yeah, it’s a good one.”

  I turned down a one-lane dirt road. Streams of moonlight shot through the thick tree coverage. I peeked at Skylar again as he scanned the area.

  “You’re not planning to kill me and dump my body somewhere—are you?” He joked looking to see nothing but trees and moonlight surrounding us.

  “Thought about it with as much as I would’ve loved to set you on fire a few times over the past few years—but no—I’m not planning on burying you in the swamps out here.” I smiled, keeping my eyes on the road ahead of us.

  “I forgot how much I liked your sense of humor.” Peripherally, I could see him smiling at me.

  I bit my lip wondering what else he had forgotten about me. I remained silent. We were almost to the end of the road where it would open up straight to the beach. Lovers were known to come back to this beach for the breathtaking beauty this private view offered. There were two large sand dunes, one on either side of the small dirt road. As we pulled into the moonlight and left the trees behind us, the stars appeared closer and brighter than they’d ever shown before. I put the car in park and turned off the engine.

  “Wow, this is beautiful.” He said looking down the beach and up into the sky.

  “Yeah, this is the beach I go to when I need to be alone with my thoughts.”

  “I can see why.”

  We sat quietly for a few minutes, avoiding eye contact with the distraction of our anxieties and the remarkable landscape around us.

  “Is it okay if I call you Charlotte?” Skylar finally broke the silence.

  “Yeah.” I could feel goose bumps braise my arms.

  “Charlotte, I’ve been thinking about this moment since the day I met you almost four years ago. I drove back to this area so many times to try to find you. I asked so many people in town if they knew a Lucy.”

  “All you had to do was call me.” I said in a low voice.

  “You see I tried that but the problem is I never got the right number.”

  “I gave you a fictitious name Skylar but I gave you the right number—to my parent’s home. Every day, I called home to see if you called...but you hadn’t.”

  “I know you gave me the right number. The problem is—is by the time I got home early that morning I took off my pants and threw them off somewhere on the floor. A few hours later my sister called me, waking me up from the best dream of my life to say our mother’s cancer was back. She was admitted to the hospital in Savannah and not expected to make it. I was the happiest man in the world one minute and pleading for my mother’s life, again, the next. I grabbed another pair of pants and threw them on—on my way out of the house. I stayed at the hospital for the next three days before we flew to Mayo for aggressive treatment. We were there for a few weeks. When I got home I looked everywhere for my pants—the ones I wore the night I met you—the same ones that had your phone number in them. I finally found them, washed, folded, and in my dresser. Our maid, Carmencita, had cleaned my room, with the rest of the house, when she was getting the house ready to close for the season. When I reached in my pockets I felt a sigh of relief, when my fingers found the paper. I pulled it out and opened it up ready to call and explain what happened. My heart stopped, when I pulled out the paper. The paper had fallen apart in the wash and only the first five numbers remained, just barely. I couldn’t make out the l
ast two. I got a notebook and tried every combination of numbers for the last two. I kept track of who answered and no one knew a Lucy. A few people hung up on me. I called them a few more times before a few men cursed me out. There was one lady, I think she was older, who giggled before hanging up the phone. I tried to find you. After more than a year of looking, I figured it wasn’t meant to be. My friends said I needed to move on.”

  My heart beat faster. I felt a surge of pain in my chest. Hearing his story confirmed he had really cared about me despite the doubt I settled with.

  “You were all I thought about.” I confessed.

  “I hadn’t felt that way about anyone. You’ve haunted my dreams since that night Charlotte.”

  I replayed his words in my head…hadn’t felt that way about anyone. I pondered whether he felt that way about CeCe.

  “And now—do you still feel that way?” I asked, inhaling deeply.

  “Seeing you yesterday brought me right back to that night.” He said with his eyes piercing into mine.

  “I don’t know if I even really want to know but I can’t not ask you. Do you love CeCe; is she really the one?” I said closing my eyes, bracing myself for his answer.

  “You were always supposed to be the girl I ended up with. I had given up ever finding you after a year passed. I kept myself busy and tried to stop thinking about you but you still visited my dreams.”

  I felt my nose wrinkle up pushing back the tears inside. “The day Lucy was born I had drifted off to sleep. I saw you standing in my doorway holding a bouquet of flowers. When I opened my eyes you were nothing more than a dream. I never understood why God allowed us to meet when it only caused me so much pain. But then Lucy was born and she was the greatest joy I’ve ever experienced—even doing it alone.”

  “I wish I could change things. I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you and for Lucy.”

  “You didn’t know.”

  “When I met CeCe there was something about her; something familiar. Her sweet spirit and her passion could hardly be ignored.”

  “I know my best friend has that effect on most people.” I said biting my nails, letting a laugh slip out.