My eyes close, if emotionally constipated could have a picture, it would be Everett, “His wife and son died, Rett. You can cut him some slack.”
But Rett just shrugs, “If ever the day comes when I get that tied up over a woman, just put me out my misery.”
I shake my head and turn back to the water, mind conjuring images of Vanessa, first laying in the sand in her pretty black dress, and then to her with her feet skimming the water, face tilted towards the sky.
She was the sun.
I was the moon.
Night and day.
There’s no way a woman like her would ever end up with a guy like me.
Sleep had tried to claim me, but I’d fought it, waiting for night to come. Now the sky is turning from blue to violet to black, the stars twinkling against the dark and I take an eager step onto the first wooden plank of the dock. Boats bob on the water, the air warm, crickets chirping in the grass and the sea gently lapping at the shore.
And she’s there. Sitting at the end of the dock, her feet dangling in the water as she rests back on her hands. She’s in ripped denim shorts tonight, a tight cropped tee that cuts off just above her navel, and her honey blonde hair swishes as the ocean breeze teases it.
“Hello, Kolten,” Her voice is as soothing as the ocean, melodic and enticing.
“Trouble,” I greet.
“Are we going for a swim tonight?” I hear the amusement in her tone, the teasing, flirtatious lilt that shoots warmth through me.
“How about another game?”
She chuckles lightly, “Grab a beer, Kolt.”
I take a bottle from the pack and settle in beside her.
“Shoes off,” She huffs, “You know the rules.”
Shaking my head, I take off my shoes and socks, shuffling up next to her and let my legs dangle off the edge. The water is cold on the initial contact, but I relax into it and my shoulder brushes hers.
“What did you do today?” She asks.
“I drank coffee,” I admit, “And helped Torin with the house.”
She swallows audibly, “How is he doing?”
I shrug and grunt, an answer all on its own.
Vanessa tilts her face toward me, “Did you know Grace well?”
I shake my head.
“She was light.” Vanessa says, “So pure and pretty. Just so good, you know?”
I remain silent, staring at the side of her face, at the slope of her nose and the plumpness of her lips. Her hair falls down to frame her profile, but she tucks the strands behind her ear which is pierced several times with hoops and studs. Her whiskey-colored eyes glance to me, “Leo was perfect too.”
I stare down at my hands which remain lax in my lap, the tips roughened with use and try to figure out what I’m supposed to do with them.
“I hope he heals.” Vanessa says eventually.
“He will.” I rasp. “With time.”
“Time is a bitch.” She snaps to herself.
“It’s a curse we all have to face.”
