Cavin told Noel about the prestigious private school he attended in Atlanta, and Noel shared stories about the three typical public school levels she climbed.She described how she met Chelsea, Rainey, and Lexi at a young age and mentioned other elementary school playmates; some of whom they hung out with as they grew up wandering the waterfront district and exploring the waterways in boats during their teenage years.
Not many families moved in and out of Beaufort which usually proved to be a perk because friends stuck around for the long haul.The student population at Cavin’s school often changed due to parents moving in or away for better opportunities which made having close friends a challenge.Noel felt bad for him, especially when he revealed he didn’t even have a best friend now.
“I have always only had acquaintances,” he explained.“Nowadays I travel so much that it is hard to have close friends.I am rarely around long enough to get together with anyone on a regular basis.”
“My closest friends these days are Chelsea, whom you just met, and Mrs.Madelyn.”
“Chelsea seems friendly, and I love Mrs.Madelyn’s personality.She appears to be a lot of fun.”
“They are both great women,” Noel guaranteed.“Where did you meet Rainey?”she inquired curiously.
Cavin chuckled and then told her the story, all of it, knowing if he didn’t, her brother or Rainey certainly would.He still felt bad about judging Keaton so harshly.Noel took the opportunity to fill Cavin in on the history between Keaton and Rainey by explaining that they became adversaries soon after the accident.
Cavin wondered what it would be like to settle somewhere and make real friends, and the thought brought a tentative smile to his face.“What are your hobbies?”he asked ready to start a new topic.
“Does taking care of Levi, Laney, and the candy shop count?”Noel asked.“That’s about all I do these days.”
“Those sound more like fun responsibilities than hobbies,” Cavin appealed.
“Fair enough.How about you?What are your hobbies?”Noel inquired.“You said you played golf this morning; is that one of them?”
Cavin described growing up playing golf at the country club and playing in college before eventually earning the opportunity to play professionally.
“Wow, I have never met a professional golfer...however, I have drunk an Arnold Palmer,” she teased.
Cavin laughed louder than intended and nearly spat out his beverage, interrupting the conversation at a few nearby tables as people glanced over at the commotion.
“Well, I am not really a professional golfer,” he admitted, unaware of the random stares from nearby strangers as his eyes returned directly to Noel’s which sparkled in the dim romantic glow of the restaurant.“However, I must say I am impressed that you know the name of a former great.”
“I know more than one name,” Noel declared confidently.“I know Tiger Woods, Nancy Lopez, Phil Mickelson, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam, Lee Trevino, Rory McIlroy—” she trailed off trying to think of others but couldn’t recall anyone further on the fly.
With each name mentioned, Cavin’s eyebrows climbed a little higher on his forehead.“Impressive.How do you know of all those golfers?”
“My dad watched golf, and when I was little, I liked to sit in his lap—so I watched golf, too,” she clarified with a smile brought on by a flash of delightful memories.
“Did he play?”Cavin asked, unable to recall a time when he ever sat in his mom’s or dad’s lap.
“A little.”
“How about you?”Cavin checked.
“I played piano,” Noel replied, suddenly remembering one of her hobbies.
Cavin instantly glanced at her fingers.“Did you know long fingers can be an advantage for piano players and golfers?”
Noel glanced at her thin spaghetti noodle fingers and then at Cavin’s which looked more like fettuccine compared to hers.Both appeared longer than average, but neither was abnormal.“Of course I knew that about piano players but not golfers.”
“It is certainly not as much of a factor for golfers, but some studies have shown it can be helpful.”
Noel nodded her head.“Makes sense.”
“Do you still play piano?”Cavin asked.
“I used to play at church and sing, but it’s been a while.”
“You should play,” Cavin encouraged.“If you still love it, that is.”
“I do love both.”
