Sunny's Story: A Novel

Chapter 1

N ot too long ago, but what seems like a lifetime, I was twenty-six years old and working as a secretary for a college professor. My boss was great and the other assistants, nice as well. The work was easy, the pay so, so. And I was totally bored out of my mind. But it was a job, and the money gave me the freedom to live on my own, in an apartment I shared with my sister, who at twenty-five, also worked as a secretary, but with a job that she enjoyed at a law firm.

It was summer and almost time for the vacation we’d been looking forward to all year. We dreamed of an island adventure; bright blue skies reflected in the clear waters below in the sunny Caribbean, sitting in our chairs sipping frozen margaritas, soaking up the sun while enjoying the views as the male specimen walked by; oh and the ocean too. But after rent, utilities, car payments, and the rest of our bills, we were barely able to pool together enough money for a week at the beach. So we chose one of the local hotels in Saint Augustine, Florida, which happened to be a short two hour drive from where we lived in Ocala.

Before we knew it, Saturday morning was upon us and it was time for our vacation. We loaded our bags into my white mustang convertible and with the top down, we headed for the beach. After checking into the Ramada Inn, we slipped into our bathing suits, gathered our gear, and went to the beach. The beach was packed with people; some sunbathing, others throwing Frisbees, still others playing in the water. We looked for an empty spot. Finding one we sat down on our towels and started applying suntan lotion. My sister has olive tone skin and tans easily. She used suntan oil, wanting to be as dark as possible. I, on the other hand, being freckled and fair, used sunscreen. We had finished lathering up and were lying down, soaking up the rays oblivious to our surroundings. This lasted about five minutes for me. Feeling restless, hot and sticky, I decided to go for a swim.

Rain, I’m going swimming. Want to come?

No thanks Sunny, she replied.

Our parents were part of the hippie generation. They’d wanted to name us Sun and Moon but changed their minds at the last minute. Rain was grateful. I glanced over at her looking totally relaxed. How can you just lie there like that? I asked.

Feels good to me, she answered without opening her eyes.

Okay, I’ll be back, I said.

Hmm, she answered.

The water felt cool and refreshing. I love to swim and even the movie Jaws can’t keep me away. Of course I do look to see if there are any fins swimming nearby and I jump out of the water like a dolphin when something touches me; but I keep affirming over and over, ‘I’m safe, I’m safe,’ so it’s all good. After swimming for a while I looked on shore to where I’d left my sister. She was no longer alone. Three guys crouched near her as she sat propped up on her elbows talking with them. Figures, I said out loud to myself. My sister has a radar device that attracts men like a magnet. I decided to join in too. I walked up, dripping wet and said, Hi as I reached for my towel. The guys smiled, and turned back to my sister. Okay that went well, I said to myself. I decided to take a walk, grabbing my hat and sunglasses to take with me.

Where are you going? Rain called after me.

Until she asked, I had no idea other than a walk, but then the light flashed on and I said, I’m going to Kate’s.

Tell her I said hi.

I will, I said.

Kate is our grandmother who told us from the beginning to call her Kate instead of grandma. She and Pop (he didn’t mind being called that) built their dream home on Crescent Beach, which was about a mile or two from where we were staying. I know we could have saved some money, Rain and I, if we’d crashed at Kate’s but we wanted to have this trip on our own. Still, Kate is cool and their home is a great beach house. Their two-story home is not too big or too pretentious; it’s open and inviting, just like my grandparents.

As kids, Rain and I could not wait to go there. Our grandparents had decorated their home beach friendly. I don’t ever remember being told not to touch or spill anything while we were there. Yet their home was beautiful, clean and decorated in bright blues, greens, peaches, and white; reflecting colors of the area.

My grandmother is an artist and my grandfather was a retired business man who could fix or build anything he put his mind to. I missed him. He died several years ago. After he died my father had encouraged my grandmother to move in with him and my mom but she wouldn’t hear of it. She loved her home and life here on the beach. Pop had built her a studio on the property as well. The studio had views from every angle. Pop had put in a sliding glass door that folded in so on the days the door was open, Kate had an even better view of the beach, ocean and beyond.

Kate divided her time between painting, playing in her rose garden and working at the Gallery in town that she co-owned with Mark, who was a photographer. His photographs were inspiring; his focus being on the old town, beaches and marshes that surrounded the Saint Augustine area. They were, Kate and Mark, a good mix, keeping the Gallery fresh and interesting with their work as well as other local artists’ work.

I was so lost in thought, grateful to have somewhere to go rather than watching those guys flirting with my sister, when out of nowhere I hit something that knocked me down.

What the…? I asked as I lie flat on my back in an inch of water, seaweed draped over my belly. I inched up to my elbows, flinging the seaweed off of me. It was then that I noticed two very tan male feet standing at my side. I followed those feet up to the legs that were attached to the thighs, to the (well, not going there) up the torso, a very gorgeous torso I might add, up to the head that was, also gorgeous. Two very dark brown eyes peered over the top of his sunglasses down at me.

Do this often? he asked.

Do what often? I asked.

Run into people.

Excuse me? I demanded, sitting up on my knees.

Man with also gorgeous black hair curling down his neck and over his ears squatted down on his hunches until he was face to face with me. Well, do you? he asked.

I started to reply, but then he leaned towards me and I moved back falling again into the ocean. He paused and then continued towards me. I braced myself as best as I could, lying in the seawater. He leaned over me, and when he reached his hand over my head, I closed my eyes tight. Nothing happened. I opened them slowly to see him dangling a string of seaweed in front of me. I looked from him to the seaweed and back to him again.

Thought you might want that out of your hair, he said sitting back on his hunches again with an amused look on his face.

I knew we should have gone to the Caribbean, I said mumbled.

What was that? I didn’t hear you, gorgeous man said extending his hand to me.

Nothing and no thanks, I can get up myself, I said ignoring his hand.

Suit yourself, he said standing back watching me as I wiped the sand and the rest of the seaweed off of me. You didn’t answer my question.

And that was? I asked.

I’m Jake and you are? he asked taking a different tactic.

Not talking to you, I said as I started to walk away.

Nice meeting you. And anytime you feel the need to run into someone, I’m your man, he said chuckling.

Humph! I said and kept walking. A little ways down I turned back and saw him watching me. He smiled and waved. I ignored him and kept on walking. Okay, so maybe I didn’t play that out very well, but the truth was, I was so embarrassed and a little sore, I fell on my bottom pretty hard, that I didn’t know what to say. Besides that guy; tall, dark haired, with gorgeous face and body was way too cocky. What did he call himself? Jake, I think it was. Yes, definitely Jake.

After walking another half-mile, I was at my grandmother’s and I’d almost calmed down. I passed through the dunes on the sandy trail; by-passing the steps and crossover that led to the gate to her yard. Coming over the hill, I saw my grandmother busily pruning her roses.

Hello Kate!

She turned and upon seeing me, her face broke into a great big smile. Sunny! What brings you here?

Vacation, I answered crossing the short distance to her. She wiped the dirt off her overalls as she stood up to greet me. Gathering me in one of her big bear hugs, I felt the strength of her body envelope me.

That’s right, I remember. It’s good seeing you. Honey. Where’s your sister?

I left her at the beach. She was busy entertaining her newest collection of admirers.

My grandmother smiled a knowing smile. Don’t worry, Honey, you’ve got the moxie as well.

You think? I said as I followed her inside to the air conditioned house, a welcome relief from the heat of the intense afternoon sun. I smell cookies, I said walking into the kitchen.

Yes, I made chocolate chip cookies this morning. They’re your favorite, I must have known you were coming by, she said laughing as she took two glasses from the cupboard.

You always seem to know stuff like that. And since you went to all that trouble for me, I think I’ll have at least two, I said as I grabbed the plate of still-warm cookies and carried them over to the table.

She smiled as she poured us some iced tea. We sat down and started munching on the cookies and sipping the tea.

These taste great, Gram, I said.

She looked over with mock disapproval.

Oops, I said smiling, I mean, Kate.

So how are things? Kate asked.

Good. I’m happy to have a week off from work and I get to spend it at my favorite place, so who could ask for more?

Hmm, maybe somebody cute to share it with? she said.

A mental picture of Jake’s face flashed in front of me.

Nah, I’m good, I said taking another cookie and rubbing my backside.

Okay, tell that to someone who doesn’t know you, she said giving me a look that said she wasn’t buying it.

Alright, busted, I said. I’d love to meet someone but not that Jake guy. I stuffed another cookie in my mouth.

We finished eating; making small talk, and then she invited me out to see her latest painting. I followed her outside to the studio.

Kate, I love it in here, I said to her as I stepped inside the building made from coquina shell, not unlike the buildings in Saint Augustine, making the room feel so much cooler than outside in the hot sun.

Me too, she said. She walked over to the easel holding her latest painting. It was a picture of a sailboat on a calm turquoise sea under a bright blue cloudless sky. Looking at the scene, I wanted to be on that boat.

Kate, I love this! I said.

That’s good to hear. I’m painting this for a friend of Mark’s. I hope that she’ll like it too.

What’s not to like. So how is Mark?

He’s good. Working hard as ever and he’s got a new girlfriend now. Her name is Sierra. She’s perfect for Mark; under her influence he’s starting to loosen up a bit. You know Mark, usually he’s all work and no play, but since he’s been with her, he’s laughing more, taking time off from work, and he’s not so serious all the time. It’s a good change.

Is he still living above the Gallery?

Yes, the apartment upstairs works well for him and me too for that matter. I can trust that he’s there to cover the shop, even when I can’t be.

I was glad that my grandmother had a friend in Mark. Mark was thirty-six and my grandmother seventy-six, but the difference in their ages only seemed to complement their friendship and business partnership. They both had great respect for each other and in one another’s art.

Kate, are these new? I pointed to four chairs next to a wall.

Yes, a friend of mine made them for me. I still haven’t decided what color I want to paint them. I’m planning to replace the ones in the kitchen with these once I’ve finished.

I like the shape of them. What about painting each one a different color?

That’s not a bad idea. I’ll give it some thought, she said.

We walked back to the house and spent some more time talking. I filled Kate in on the latest with my parents. My dad (Kate’s son) and my mother loved traveling. Now that my father had left his day job and my sister and I were out of the house, they’d invested some of the money they’d saved in the purchase of a Winnebago. They went on adventures to sights unknown every chance they could.

My father, like Mark, was also a photographer. Working as a freelancer, he sent his pictures to different magazines from the places they visited. Both my parents enjoyed the life they were now living. Currently they were in Alaska and would be until the end of the month.

I looked up at the clock which read, five o’clock. Wow, I didn’t know it was that late. I’d better head back.

Want a ride? Kate asked.

Are you kidding, after these cookies I need the exercise, I said patting my belly.

We hugged and kissed each other goodbye. I promised her that I’d see her again while we were here. As Kate stood on the back deck watching me, I waved and crossed over the dunes the same way I’d come.

I walked, heading north back to the hotel where Rain and I were staying. This time I kept my eyes wide open and didn’t run into anyone. I didn’t see Jake either and yes, I looked for him. By the time I got back to the hotel, the beach was practically empty with so sign of Rain.

Upon entering our hotel room, I heard water running. Rain?

I’m in the shower, be right out.

I plopped on the bed to wait. The phone rang. It was Mom.

Hi Honey, and how are you? she asked.

Hi Mom, I’m good and you? How’s Dad and Alaska? I asked all at once.

"We’re good. It’s so beautiful here. I wish you two were here with us to see this gorgeous country. Your father hasn’t stopped taking pictures since the moment we got here.

I bet! How’s the weather?

It’s cold at night and cool during the day. It’s a nice change from Florida. How’s your vacation going? she asked.

So far so good, we got here around noon and we spent the afternoon on the beach. Oh and I took a walk to Kate’s.

Really, how is she doing?

You know Kate, she’s always good. She asked about you and Dad. She refers to you two as the happy bungles.

Mom laughed and said, She’s got that right, especially with your father. You never know where we’ll end up or the people we will meet. You would have gotten a kick out of the two we met yesterday. They were definitely wild and crazy. Kind of like us, I guess. Your Dad loved it because they loved him and his stories. He’d probably still be talking to them if I hadn’t pulled him away to get some sleep.

He’s a trip. Where he is right now?

He’s outside having a cup of coffee with the new people, probably filling their ears with some tall tale of his. We’re going hiking in a little while.

Rain came out of the bathroom drying her hair with a towel.

Mom, here’s Rain. She’s done with the shower so I’m going to hop in. It was good talking to you. Have fun okay?

You too, Honey, I love you, she said and then, Remember to be careful.

Don’t worry Mom, we’ll be fine. I love you too, I said as I handed the phone over to Rain who said, Mom, this place is great! As I went into the bathroom and closed the door, I could hear her talking a mile a minute, filling Mom in on her day at the beach and the new guys she met.

I met someone too, if you count running into him, literally, I thought to myself as I took my shower. Besides, those piercing dark brown eyes of his and that smile that could melt an iceberg, Jake had a great build. His hair was black like a raven and I remembered how it curled out from under his hat covering his ears. The guy was hot. I wondered if he was single or not. Probably not and it didn’t matter anyway, I wasn’t interested. At least that’s what I told myself. Besides, what were the chances of me running into him again, no pun intended. I’d finished with my shower just as Rain finished talking to Mom.

I love talking to Mom, Rain said turning towards me.

I wondered if Mom even got a word in edgewise. Before long we were dressed and ready to go out.

So, where to? I asked as we buckled in our seat belts.

I’m starved, want to eat first?

Yes. We drove North on A1A, until we spotted Giovanni’s, which looked to be a quaint little Italian restaurant. The parking lot was full, but we were able to find a place to park way in the back. We saw lots of people mingling outside on the front porch as we approached the entrance to the restaurant. Opening the door we were greeted instantly by the smells of garlic and oregano, transporting us back in time to when we were little and used to go to our Italian grandmother’s (mom’s mom) house. We shared knowing glances and smiles as we waited for the host to show us to our table.

A big man with a huge grin to match greeted us, Welcome ladies. I’m Agostino Giovanni and we’re delighted to welcome you. Will it be just the two of you dining here tonight?

Yes, I answered.

Wonderful! Come with me, I have the perfect table for the two of you. As we followed him to our seats, I noticed that each table was covered with a red cloth topped with a lit white candle set in a miniature hurricane lantern. The chairs were covered in plush red cushions. The walls were painted with murals depicting life in Italy, alive and vibrant in color. People talking and laughing complemented the music being played softly in the background through unseen speakers. I felt like I’d left Saint Augustine and stepped into Italy.

Here we are, Agostino said as he reached a table in the middle of the room and then pulled out a chair for each of us. This is the perfect place. Now everyone can enjoy seeing two beautiful women. Rain laughed and I giggled. Then to one of the waiters he called out, Gino, come take care of these lovely ladies, please. To us he said, Gino is my firstborn, and he will take good care of you. If he doesn’t, let me know and I will personally see to it that he’s taken care of, he said with a wink.

We laughed as Agostino left smiling and Gino approached carrying a bottle of wine and two glasses. Ladies, would you like to start your evening by sampling our Cabernet Sauvignon, the best in the house, I might add.

Of course, we said at the same time. He poured the wine, much more than a sip and then as we tried it, he put two menus in front of us.

Well, do you like it? Would you like a glass of this or another perhaps? He asked in a most charming way.

Hmmm this is good, I’ll take this, I said to him.

Me too, my sister seconded.

Alright then, I’ll give you ladies a minute to look at the menus and I’ll be right back with some of Mamma’s garlic rolls. You’re going to love them, the best in the world, he said putting his fingers to his lips and kissing them as he poured more of the wine from the decanter in each of our glasses with his other hand.

This is fun, I said to Rain, looking around the restaurant. It was our kind of place; loud, informal and inviting. What are you going to have? I asked.

I don’t know, everything looks so good, she said dancing in her seat to the beat of the music.

I know.

Gino came over with the rolls and two glasses of water. He stood waiting to take our orders, a smile never leaving his face. He was younger than us, early twenties possibly and very good looking.

Ladies are you ready to order? he asked placing the rolls down in front of us.

I’ll have the manicotti with marinara sauce please, I said reaching for a garlic roll.

And you Miss? he said turning to Rain.

I’ll have the lasagna with meat sauce, she said also reaching for a roll.

Oh my gosh! These rolls are to die for! I said licking my fingers and lips.

You’re not kidding, they taste like Nana’s, Rain said and then to Gino, Nana was our grandmother, also Italian and a great cook.

What did I tell you? Mamma will be pleased to hear that you like them. I’ll be right back with your salads and some more rolls. You haven’t been here before have you? Seeing us shake our heads no he said, Just wait until you try her entrees, they are magnifico!

Gino wasn’t kidding. My dinner was scrumptious and by the looks of Rain’s empty plate, she loved hers too. Mamma as everyone lovingly referred to her, came out of the kitchen and over to our table. Putting her arm around me, she asked us how we liked our meal.

Hmm…delicious! Rain and I said in unison. Mamma laughed and hugged Rain, as well, before moving on to greet her other guests, but not before she thanked us and invited us to come again.

I ate so much my stomach hurt and I could barely keep the top of my jeans buttoned. It was very tempting to unbutton, unzip and let it all hang out.

So, now where do you want to go? I asked as we walked to the car.

How about Oasis; you know that place we passed on our way up here. It looked neat, Rain said.

Okay, let’s do it.

Oasis was packed; even more so than Giovanni’s. After finding a place to park, we walked to the entrance, paid the admission at the front door and walked into the elbow-room-only night club. The live band was set up and performing in one of the corners of the room. We made our way up the stairs to the second story, enclosed only by half-walls. The breeze floating in was a welcome relief to the crowded room; that was beginning to feel a lot like a bunch of seagulls squished into a tiny closet all squawking at once, loud, very loud.

We wound our way around to the bar and ordered a couple of frozen strawberry daiquiris. A group of girls danced in the center of the room singing out loud, laughing, toasting, spilling their drinks on one another and not minding a bit.

Are you sure you want to stay here? I yelled to Rain.

She yelled back, Are you kidding, this is great! She took my arm and pulled me out on the dance floor with her. It didn’t take long before I too was in the groove of the music dancing away with the crowd around us. After a few songs, we made our way back to the bar and our drinks. A couple of guys came over and started talking to Rain.

I took this opportunity to look around the room and that’s when I saw him. Jake was looking even better than he had earlier that day, if that was possible. He stood near a table holding a beer, talking to the guy next to him. They’d both started laughing at something when he looked up and saw me. He stopped laughing, but then he winked at me with that amused look on his face again. The other guy turned to look over at me too. I felt my neck turn crimson. I turned back to my sister and her newest admirers but not before I shot Jake a dirty look. That guy is so full of himself, I thought to myself.

A few minutes later I felt a tap on my shoulder. I was afraid to look, but I did. And there he was, Mr. All-Full-of-Himself-Gorgeous-Man, standing there grinning from ear to ear.

You look good all cleaned up, but I do miss the seaweed. Want to dance? Jake asked, his eyes taunting me.

It was a toss-up between saying yes to dancing or punching him in that good looking nose of his. I went with dancing; the alcohol was having an effect on me, the be nice effect.

I let him lead me to the dance floor. He was not only gorgeous, but a great dancer as well. He moved to the music, waking up parts of me that I didn’t even know existed. I closed my eyes and focused on the song and the dance, but I couldn’t help myself, I kept being drawn back to the image in front of me. I think it was saying to me, Sex, sex, you want me, you want me. The song ended and the band slowed things down a bit.

Jake pulled me close to him and whispered into my ear, Now that I’ve got you close, let me introduce myself again. Pulling back and looking into my eyes he said, Hi, I’m Jake.

Suddenly I became Scarlet O’Hara looking into the eyes of Rhett Butler. With as much drama and flair that I could muster, I responded in a fake southern drawl, So nice to make your acquaintance Jake, I’m Sunny, I said extending my hand to him.

Laughing, he pulled me to him and held me close as we moved to the music that was being played. He was much taller than I; about six feet, but I fit easily into his embrace and his arms felt strong and warm around me. As he moved easily to the rhythm of the music, I felt like I was going into some kind of trance. Being this close to him did something to me. It was as if somebody had put my brain on ice and my body in a warmer. The music ended and the band took a break. We broke from our hold and walked back to where my sister was standing talking with the same bunch of guys. When she glanced our way I introduced Jake to her. I had this moment of fear, thinking that once he saw her, he’d forget about me. It wasn’t as if I cared or anything; but they merely said their hellos. Then Rain turned her attention to the others and Jake focused on me. In spite of myself, I smiled.

Jake asked, Want something to drink?

Thanks, but that’s mine over there, I answered picking up my melted daiquiri.

I’ll get you a new one, he said.

What are the chances of us running into each other twice in one day? he said to me as he handed me the fresh drink, touching my hand which sent quivers up and down my spine. I’m telling you; trance! I seriously was going to have a long talk with myself.

Yeah, imagine that, was all that I could muster.

Do you come here often?

No, this is my first time here, how about you?

It’s my first time too. My friend Dan over there, he said pointing in his direction, talked me into coming tonight. I’m glad he did, Jake said smiling at me.

Oh, why’s that? I asked coyly.

This place has great music, he answered teasingly.

Really, I said eyeing him back.

His friend Dan approached us with a pretty brunette on his arm. Jake, I’m leaving, he said.

No problem, I’ll see you tomorrow at ten, Jake said shaking hands with Dan.

Ten’s good. Have fun and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do, he said as he eyeballed me while the girl giggled.

See you, he said, winking at me as they walked toward the door.

Nice friend, I said.

Oh, he’s harmless, just likes to act big, Jake answered leading me to the dance floor as the band started their next set. For the next twenty minutes we danced. When the band finished the set with Usher’s, It’s Getting Hot in Here, we were feeling pretty hot too. Contrary to the words in the song though, we kept our clothes on.

Want some fresh air? Jake offered.

That sounds great! I said, looking for Rain to let her know, but she had her back turned to me, still talking with the same group as before at the bar.

The night’s gentle breeze felt cool and refreshing. We leaned against Jake’s car which was parked near the front of the club.

I like it here, Jake said. "This area, I mean, it’s a lot less congested and busy than where I come from.

And where’s that? I asked.

Miami, he said.

Are you here on vacation? I asked.

No I’m not, how about you?

Yes, my sister and I are here for the week. So if you’re not here on vacation then why are you here?

I’m doing a job for my friend Dan, and seeing the questioning look in my eyes, he continued, I’m in construction. I build houses and commercial property. Dan bought an old house that needs a lot of work, but the foundation is good. It’s not what I usually work on, but we’ve been friends for a long time, so I told him I would do this for him. Plus, I like a good challenge. Besides, with the economy like it is, there’s not too much going on down south, and I was able to bring my crew with me.

How long have you been in construction?

Do diapers count? he laughed and continued, My dad had his own construction company and I’ve been going on jobs with him since I was little. He decided to retire early and I’d just finished college. The idea of spending my days sitting in an office working numbers just didn’t feel right. So I took over the business. What can I say, it’s in my blood. How about you, what do you do?

I’m working as a secretary at the junior college, but I’m thinking of going back to school. I want to do something different, although I’m not sure what it is I want to do.

Do you and your sister live together?

Yes, we moved into our apartment about a year ago. It works out pretty well, we still argue a lot. The only difference is that now Mom isn’t there to referee us. I know she must miss that terribly, I said laughing. What? I asked him because he was staring so intently at me. I thought that maybe something weird had happened to my face, hair or something.

I was just thinking of how cute you look and wondering if it’s too soon to do this, he said leaning in to kiss me. He took me in his arms and held me gently as his lips touched mine. The kiss lasted only a second, but it was a moment that touched the very core of my being. The music from inside began again and the moment between us passed. I looked up at Jake as he looked at me, a huge grin spreading across his face. I’m going to enjoy getting to know you, Sunny, he said pulling me into his arms to dance as the sounds of the band’s music floated from inside to outside.

Ah a country music tune, I said. We danced in the now empty and dark parking lot, pretending to know the two-step, moving to the rhythm of the song. We laughed and collapsed into each other’s arms as the song ended.

Not bad for a country girl, he said.

Not bad for a city boy, I countered. We were still laughing and enjoying each other’s company when I heard my sister calling me. I looked her way and saw her standing outside the door flagging me down.

Hey Sunny, come here, she said loudly.

I looked at Jake, shrugged my shoulders and walked with him to where she stood; tapping her foot on the pavement with her hands on her waist.

What’s up? I asked still flushed from dancing and Jake’s kiss.

I’m ready to go. Those guys are annoying and I’m tired and hungry. Let’s get something to eat, she said impatiently.

I looked up at Jake apologetically and he said, Don’t worry about it. Go, its okay. I’ll see you tomorrow. Where are you staying?

We’re at the Ramada Inn, room 202, I said giving my sister a dirty look, which she ignored.

Until tomorrow, he said leaning down to kiss the top of my head. Rain, he said tipping his hand to my sister who gave him a quick smile as he left for his car.

I waited until Jake had left the parking lot and then said to Rain, What is with you?

What do you mean? From where I was standing, it looked like I did you a favor.

Excuse me?

Yep, I got here just in time. Another minute and that guy would have been all over you. And knowing you, you wouldn’t have known what do to. So, Sister, you need to be thanking me. Now let’s go, I’m hungry, she said taking my arm and leading me to the car.

We were just dancing, I retorted.

Right, come on, I’m starved.

How can you be starved after that dinner we ate? And who’s the big sister here, you or me?

When it comes to guys, I am. And that dinner was hours ago. So how was it?

How was what? I asked.

You know….kissing Jake.

"How do you know that I kissed him?

I didn’t until just now, she said. We looked at each other and laughed.

I drove to Perkins on highway US 1. Over pancakes and freshly brewed decaf we shared our evening’s happenings. It was close to three by the time we made it back to our room.

Lying in bed and almost asleep, I called to my sister, who lay in the bed across from me, Rain?

Yes?

It was yummy!! I said as I remembered the taste and feel of Jake’s lips on mine.

Chapter 2

T he next morning we woke to the sound of the phone ringing. I reached over to pick it up while Rain pulled the pillow over her head and snuggled deeper under the covers.

Hello, I said sleepily.

Good morning, sounded the deep baritone voice on the other end.

Jake, is that you? I asked.

Yes, it’s me, he said.

What time is it? Is the sun up already? The curtains in the room blocked the sun and made the room look as dark as midnight.

Oh yeah, its eleven a.m. by my watch. Are you still in bed?

Yes, we didn’t get in until late.

Partying will do that to you, he said.

Oh yeah, it was a real wild party; more like pancakes and French toast at Perkins.

I’m here on the site and since its Sunday we’re almost done for the day. Want to go to lunch?

Okay, do you have anywhere in mind?

No, do you?

As a matter of fact, I do. It’s a couple of miles south of the hotel. Are you up for a good walk?

Always… see you around twelve-thirty. Where do you want to meet?

Look for me on the beach behind our hotel.

See you soon, he said before ending the call.

I hung up the phone and looked over at Rain, still huddled under her pillow and blankets. I grabbed one of my pillows and threw it at her. Hey sleepy head, want to come to lunch with us?

Sunny, knock it off, she said tossing the pillow back to me. No, I’m still full from last night. Where are you going?

South Beach Grill; they’ve got great salads, I could bring you back one.

Nah, by the time you walk back it’ll be all wilted. Thanks, anyway. I think I’ll just lie on the beach and soak up some rays.

Do you mind if I go?

Of course not, why would I mind?

Because this is our vacation; I feel like I’m deserting you.

Don’t be silly!

Okay, just checking.

Rain and I were on the beach in less than an hour. We had just finished applying our sunscreen when I saw Jake coming toward us. He wore dark sunglasses, shorts and a white t-shirt, making his tanned skin look even darker than I remembered. He carried a pair of flip-flops in his hand. Against the sugary white sand, he made quite an impressive sight.

Hi, he said as he sat down in the sand next to us.

Hey, did you have any trouble finding us?

Are you kidding, I just looked for the best looking women on the beach.

Ah, we’ve a charmer in our midst, Rain said sarcastically.

Hello, Rain, Jake looked over at Rain.

Hello, Jake.

Are you hungry? I asked.

Does a bear squat in the woods? Jake took his sunglasses off and rested his hands on his knees.

A comedian, too, Rain said, lying on the blanket with her eyes closed.

Okay, let’s go. I put my shorts and tank top over my bikini, grabbed my hat and sunglasses and gave Rain a dirty look that she couldn’t see.

Jake stood up as well. Rain, I’m buying lunch; want to come?

No, but thanks, she said, eyes still closed.

See you. Jake and I said, and headed toward the water.

You’ll have to excuse my sister. Somewhere along the way she forgot how to be nice. The cool water felt good on my feet as we walked along the shore.

She’s fine, Jake said and then, as an afterthought, asked, Does she have something against me?

How could she? She doesn’t even know you. Nope, that was just Rain being Rain. Sorry.

No biggie. Jake walked beside me occasionally brushing against me. I felt the heat, and it wasn’t from the sun.

A group of seagulls was gathered in a cluster ahead of us. Then they scattered, squawking and flying overhead, settling behind us once again as we passed by. The sky overhead was clear and bright without a cloud in sight, a beautiful summer day on this Sunday in July.

Tell me about yourself, Jake." I bent down to pick up a bright white seashell and carried it in my hand, looking over at Jake as we walked.

Well, what do you want to know?

For starters, what’s your last name, your parents; are they in Miami, and do you have any brothers and sisters?

Wiley, my last name is Wiley. And yes, my parents, Ann and Roger, also live in Miami, but not with me. My younger sister, Amy, and her family live in New York. She’s a model, by the way, and my brother, John, who’s the baby in the family, lives in Atlanta. He’s a pilot with American Airlines. I graduated from the University of Miami. How am I doing so far? he asked.

Not bad, keep going. I reached down, grabbing another white shell. This one was bigger and brighter than the last one.

I like fishing, love sports of all kinds, running and girls, not necessarily in that order, he said with a mischievous grin.

How old are you? I asked ignoring his comment.

I turned thirty last February, he answered. It’s your turn now. How about you?

I’m twenty-six. You’ve met Rain, who’s twenty-five. My parents like to travel and we all live in Ocala. Not much else to tell, I said.

I seriously doubt that, Jake said. You look like a woman full of mysteries that I look forward to uncovering.

I could feel my neck turn red from the implied innuendo, so I changed the subject and asked Jake about his business. He was happy to comply, since he loved his work and sharing his knowledge of it. I found myself being a hungry student as he pointed out details on the houses that sat just on the other side of the dunes as we passed by.

Before long, I saw the familiar South Beach Grill. See that building up ahead, the one painted orange, aqua, and green?

Yes? he asked.

That’s South Beach Grill, the restaurant I told you about. They have good food and I love the people who work there; they’re so friendly. Every time Rain and I come to the beach we eat here, I said as we made our way to the restaurant.

Sure enough, as soon as we walked in I heard greetings from the employees. Several of them looked at Jake and gave me the thumbs’ up sign. I tried to pass it off as nothing, but Jake caught the looks and gestures as well.

Do you think I met with their approval? he asked smiling.

It appears so, I said. There’s a great view of the ocean from upstairs or we can take a booth down here, or at one of the tables outside. Which do you prefer? I asked him.

How about here? He pointed to the booth across from the counter.

Okay. I sat down across from him.

A young girl with flaming red curly hair came over with two glasses of water and menus. Setting them down in front of us, she said, Hi, Sunny, how’s it going? I haven’t seen you in a while.

I know, but I’m here for a week now. You look good, how are you doing?

Good, glad school’s out for the summer and enjoying a break from all that studying, you know?

Yeah, I can imagine. Jake, this is Ginny. Ginny, Jake, I said, making the introductions.

Nice to meet you, Jake, I’ll give you two a minute to look at the menus. In the meantime, want some lemons to go with your waters or anything else to drink? She pulled the pencil from behind her ear to write on the note pad she held in her hand.

I’ll take a cold beer, Jake said. Do you have Michelob light?

Sure do. How about you Sunny, what can I get for you, your usual lemonade?

You’ve got it, I said. They have great lemonade here, I said to Jake when she’d left.

Hi, Sunny, how’s it going? I heard from behind the counter.

Hi, Bob, I’m good, how about you?

Glad that I’m working inside today, it’s a scorcher out there, he said drying a glass and putting it back in the rack above his head. He stared at Jake.

Bob, this is Jake. Jake, this is Bob; he makes the best margarita in town.

Ah, Sunny, you’ve got that right. He smiled and looked over at Jake. Better be good to our girl here, she’s got a special place in all of our hearts.

Jake nodded to Bob and asked me, How much do you pay everyone around here?

Only a thousand a week, I said smiling. Sorry, didn’t see that one coming. I guess they’re kind of protective of me.

You must have made a strong impression for them to rally around you like that, Jake noticed the other employees in the kitchen staring at us.

What can I say? I said, shrugging my shoulders and smiling.

Ginny came over with our drinks and set them down in front of us. Are you guys ready to order now?

Sunny? Jake asked.

I’ll have the garden burger with fries. I handed the menu back to Ginny.

Jake looked at me with raised eyebrows and then to Ginny he said, "I’ll take a regular burger, with everything on it and fries. After Ginny left to put the order in Jake turned to me