Whatever memories this home has, I look forward to adding our own. The perfect ones, like lazy Sundays in the winter, drinking coffee on the deck under a pile of blankets while we watch the tide come in. And even the not-so-perfect. Because there will be hard times.
Life is bound to have struggles.
But as long as we have each other, we’ll weather whatever storm comes our way.
As quietly as I can manage, I slip out the sliding glass door onto the deck and pull out my phone. Smiling to myself, I type out a text.
Me
Is this still Hollis Beck’s number?
A second later, three dots appear on the screen.
Hollis
It’s Hollis Creed these days, thank you very much. Who the hell is this? Also… where are you?
My smile widens into a stupidly wide grin. Good, he’s playing along.
Me
I’ll give you three clues. If you guess correctly, then you’ll know where to find me.
Hollis
This better not be some sort of weird scam to get me to send you dick pics, cause I am a happily married man.
Me
Yeah? She pretty?
Hollis
So pretty. But also a little displaced. You wouldn’t happen to know where she is, would you?
I snort out a laugh, but quickly stifle it. I don’t want him to find me quite yet.
Me
First clue: We were always more than neighbors.
Hollis
Patricia? I knew you had a crush on me!
Me
I swear to god, Hollis. So not funny. Also, Patricia?
Hollis
Had to think on the fly. Anyway, continue…
I forgive him for breaking character, and I chuck off my shoes, burying my toes in the sand.
Me
Clue number two: I tried to teach you how to surf. Emphasis on the word tried.
