Chapter Two

Out Of The Blue

I grow into my new routine easily. Every day starts with a morning run that I look forward to. I am determined to keep off the weight I lost while living in Denver. My lifestyle in Denver was a fairly active one – full of hiking, camping, biking, and walking. Here in Jersey, it’s more of a lazy beach bathing lifestyle. The freshman fifteen everyone talks about is true, but for me, it was a dramatic weight loss, not gain. Every year since, I’ve dropped several dress sizes and toned my body. I’m not the same girl that left home nearly four years ago in more ways than one.

Most mornings, I make the short drive to the beach for a run along the ocean. Running on the beach is a peaceful and calming experience. The sounds of the waves crashing along the misty shore early in the morning soothe my over-active mind. I forget about everything and I’m just there in the moment. I love to take Maddy with me; it’s our special time together. She loves chasing those menacing seagulls. I know she’ll never catch one, but I don’t have the heart to tell her.

After nearly a full week of behind-the-bar training at Wilkinson’s, I finally have the day off. With my first paycheck in hand, Auggie and I have plans to do some antiquing on Arnold Avenue. I still want to pick up a few pieces for my room. I spent many hours over the past week on Pinterest pinning pictures of trunks, mirrors, lamps, shelves, and knick-knacks. I am particularly keen on finding some lighting fixtures using repurposed mason jars. Actually, I’d love to find any sort of bric-a-brac with mason jars. I don’t know exactly what I want, but I know I will find something.

Auggie and I quickly park right in front of my favorite coffee shop, the Green Planet Coffee Company. I purchase my usual large chai and plop myself down in one on the Adirondack chairs arranged along the sidewalk in front of the shop. Auggie quickly joins me with his latte and together we sit and chat.

“So, Jette, where to first?” There are countless antique stores, shops, and emporiums in downtown Point Pleasant. We have the whole day to explore each and every one of them.

“Let’s start at the Antique Emporium, Auggie. I’d love to find a vintage steamer trunk, not that I can afford one, but I’d love to try. Where do you want to start?” Auggie doesn’t answer; in fact, I don’t think he heard a word I said. I snap my fingers twice as I wave them in front of his face, “Hello? I asked you where you wanted to go first.”

“Oh, sorry, Jette my Pet. I was just admiring the eye candy that just walked by across the street.” Auggie gestures with his chin towards the two men walking away from us. I glimpse the image of two athletically built men before they turn the corner and vanish out of my sight.

“What did I miss?” I wonder out loud.

“The two most beautiful straight boys I have ever seen in my life,” he answers breathily as he fans himself. “I can’t believe you didn’t notice them. Every female within half a mile noticed them, Jepetto.” Sure enough, as I look around at the other coffee shop patrons, there is a small group of girls giggling and blushing.

“I hate when you call me that, you know!”

“No you don’t – you love it.” And with that, he grabs my hand and drags me down the street.

“But the Emporium is the other way,” I insist. I fight against his grasp on my wrist, but it is no use. Auggie is deceptively strong and there is no use trying to break free of his vice-like grip. “Where are we going?”

“We’re going where ever those boys are headed. Now be quiet and walk faster, dammit.”

We hurry down the sidewalk and cross the street, just barely missing an on-coming car. We follow the men as they enter Point Beach Interiors. “You said you wanted to go shopping. This is as good a place as any to start.” Auggie gallantly opens the door and motions for me to enter, “After you.”

We take a quick glance around the store, and I don’t see them anywhere. This is no antique or vintage furniture store. This is a beautiful home furnishings store with large foundation pieces and accessories for a well-furnished home. Down the main aisle of the shop, there are small vignettes of furniture arranged on both sides. Each scene is packed with furniture and accessories so there’s barely enough room to turn around. Our targets could be anywhere within the walls of this generous space.

I shrug my shoulders and throw up my hands. We decide to look around and see if there’s anything that tickles my fancy. Surprisingly, I find a wall hanging I want to buy. It is a cute distressed wooden sign that simply states, “Bon Appetit”. We take it to the counter, pay cash, and take one sweeping look around the store before leaving.

After walking up and down Arnold Avenue, we visit every shop that catches our eye. Several hours later, we drop our bags into the car and head to Frankie’s Bar and Grill for a drink. I haven’t been to Frankie’s in a while, but it looks exactly as I remember. There’s a modestly sized bar surrounded by small tables for dining. Brick walls and brass fixtures give the bar a cozy pub atmosphere. Televisions are showing ESPN and music is streaming from the speakers placed strategically throughout the bar. Auggie and I find two empty seats right at the bar.

After ordering a Jack & Diet Coke, I pull out my phone to check for any missed calls or messages – nothing. I don’t know why I bother checking, habit I guess. David and I broke up a month ago and haven’t spoken since. My Denver friends are all busy job hunting. Auggie is the only person from high school I really care to keep in touch with, and he’s sitting right next to me.

The door opens and a cool, crisp breeze whisks past me. I turn instinctively to see who entered, and my breath hitches in my chest. I am staring face-to-face with the most attractive man I have ever seen in my life. He gracefully walks past me to the back of the pub and takes a table in the farthest corner of the bar. He’s joined by another man, and both appear to be in their late twenties. He has dark unkempt chestnut hair that is short enough to be manageable but long enough to run your fingers through. He takes off his leather jacket and places it on the back of his chair. He’s wearing a tight-fitting white V-neck t-shirt that shows off his pecs and broad shoulders. God, I love broad shoulders. His face is sharp and angular, softened by a five o’clock shadow. From this distance, it’s hard to discern the color of his eyes, but they are definitely a light shade of blue or green. “Holy crap, Auggie. Is that the man you saw on the street this morning?”

“Oh, yeah, that’s definitely him.” Auggie actually put his elbows on the bar and places his hands under his chin like a dreamy schoolgirl. He stares and sighs; he actually sighs! Subtlety is not exactly August’s strong suit. “You take that brick wall of a man, but leave me the blonde. I do have a thing for blondes, you know.”

The waitress walks over to them and takes their order. She is totally flirting with them both, biting her lip and leaning in a little too closely. I don’t blame her at all.

I find myself staring, too. I’m wondering what it would feel like to be held in those strong arms ... what the stubble on his chin would feel like pressed against my skin ... what his favorite cologne is. I am lost in thought and all I can feel is my rapid heartbeat. I’ve never been affected so greatly by someone I didn’t even know before. Panic sets in when he looks up at me and catches me ogling him. He smiles and shows the slightest hint of dimples. I immediately turn away, my face blazing with embarrassment.

I try to act nonchalant, like nothing happened, but inside, I’m mortified. I take a final gulp of my Jack & Diet Coke and convince Auggie to leave. Thankfully, he concedes and we turn to go. I put on my jacket and head for the door. In my panic to make a hasty exit, I forgot to tip the bartender. I have no choice but to return to the bar and leave a small gratuity. My mystery man looks up, smiles at me and gives one small nod of his chin. There are those dimples again. I know I’ll be seeing them in my dreams tonight.

Auggie and I grab a pizza on our way home. “So Jette, what are your plans tonight?” I know Auggie has plans, he always has plans. But I also know he would drop everything and just hang home with me if I asked.

“Nothing. I’m going to hang here and catch up on some episodes of The Walking Dead I’ve been meaning to watch.” I didn’t really watch much TV in Denver, and I have a lot of catching up to do.

“Jette, you can’t just lock yourself away in this house forever. You’re gonna have to get right back on that horse. You can’t let one bad break up turn you into a spinster. There’s no way I’m going to allow you to sit home and lick your wounds, you know.”

My ex-boyfriend David was a complete jerk and an imposter. He pretended to care, but it was all an act. David was a pretty package, but nothing more than an empty box. I was immediately attracted to his good looks and forgot to look deeper for the qualities that matter the most. It turns out I wasted a year and a half with someone who didn’t deserve my time. I need a break from men. That’s one of the reasons why I moved back to Jersey after graduation. I could have easily started a life for myself in Colorado, but I had to put as many miles between that SOB and myself as I could. “I just need time, Auggie. Please don’t push it right now. Besides, I like my life right now. It’s safe ... predictable ... painless.”

“Safe, predictable and painless? Boring! How about wild, exciting and adventurous? We could go trolling for those two beautiful boys. I bet we could find them if we tried.”

“The last thing I need is another pretty boy. I thought we covered this topic already.”

“Alright, alright, I get it. But you have to admit that man would be every girl’s fantasy come true. Do you know who he reminds me of?”

I know immediately, “That’s simple – Channing Tatum, hands down. He’s got the right amount of steamy sexiness, light and bright eyes, and the complete personification of a Greek god. Don’t you think?”

“You’ve clearly given this a lot of thought, Jepetto. I have to give that one to you, though – you nailed it. What about his sidekick, tall, blonde, and hot?”

“Well, that one’s a bit harder to pin down. I’m thinking ... Liam Hemsworth?”

“No way. Isn’t he that the guy from the Hunger Games? He’s got really dark hair. My man was definitely a blonde.”

“He dyed his hair for the movie. He’s really a blonde. Remember, his brother plays Thor in the Avengers movies.”

“Hmm, you may be right, Jette.” Auggie checks the time on his phone. His friends won’t wait forever. “Want me to stay? We can get some ice cream and veg out together.”

“No. You should go. I’m going to stay home and do some baking. Any requests?” I promised my boss, Jack, that I would bring him some oatmeal cookies with my special secret ingredient, Cardamom. If they’re good enough, he might sell them in the Sweet Shop.

“Cake pops! I definitely want cake pops. I don’t care what kind you make, just give me cake on a stick, and I’m a happy man.” In the area of cuisine, Auggie has uncomplicated tastes.

Five minutes later, I hear music blaring from the bathroom and I know he’s showering and getting ready to leave. Auggie is a true chameleon. He changes his looks as much as any woman I’ve ever known. For tonight, he’s chosen a gray dress shirt with a white collar and a black cardigan. His side swept messy hair completes the look. He blows me a kiss and he’s out the door.

I set up my laptop on the kitchen island and tonight’s Walking Dead episodes have been replaced by “The Vow” and “Dear John”. It’s definitely going to be a Channing Tatum marathon tonight. I want more than just good looks. I want romance and sweet seduction.

By the time Auggie gets home, I’ve made three dozen oatmeal cookies and two dozen lemon chiffon cake pops. I even baked a batch of special homemade dog treats for Maddy. There’s no cleaning to do, I prefer to clean as I go. I wrap up the cookies and call it a night.

The next morning, I get ready and head out for a morning run. I grab Maddy and we’re out the door. It’s cool outside, but I won’t let that deter me. I need to clear my head and a brisk run should be just the ticket. No more fantasies, it’s time to get my mind back on track.

We arrive at one of my favorite beaches in nearby Bay Head and apparently we’re not the only ones with the ocean on our mind. There are more than a few cars. I’m sure a number of them belong to the local fishermen who enjoy fishing for stripers in the early morning twilight. Maddy doesn’t usually like strangers, so I have to keep her on a short leash today. That means no seagull chasing for her.

This morning, I’m planning on a little bit of a longer run. I usually run one mile north up the beach, then turn around and run one mile back. Today, I’m going to try to go a little farther. Running on the beach is harder than running on solid ground. The hard, wet sand closest to the surf is the best to run on, so I try to hug the water’s edge. Sometimes, the sand can shift unexpectedly, so it’s important to remain focused on the terrain.

Forty minutes into my run, and I’ve reached my turn-around point. Before I resume my run, I stop to play catch with Maddy. There’s a small piece of driftwood lying in the sand and it’s perfect throwing and retrieving size. I take off her leash and she knows it’s playtime. As soon as I bend down to pick it up, Maddy’s little nub of a tail starts wagging. I toss the stick and she takes off like a bullet. I take a moment to take in the beautiful crisp morning. The sky is the perfect shade of blue with wispy clouds floating by. The ocean is calm today, allowing me to relax and enjoy the beach, due in part to the soft breeze gently caressing my skin. There are a few fishing boats in the horizon and beach fishermen dot the coastline.

Out of the blue and slowly approaching is a man jogging along the surf. The closer he gets, the clearer his image becomes. Despite the cool breeze, he’s dressed simply in shorts and a t-shirt. He’s worked up a sweat which makes his clothes cling to his chest, showing the contours of his muscles. He has long, lean legs and broad shoulders. When he’s almost beside me, I can see his face and it’s a face I instantly recognize – it’s yesterday’s mystery man. I’m lost in thought, trying to calculate the chances of such an unexpected event. So lost in thought that I forgot about my rampaging dog. She’s off her leash – crap! If she bites that beautiful face, I’ll die. I start calling her and I am completely horrified when Maddy does the unthinkable. Frantically, I shout, “Maddy, come!” but it’s no use. She’s barreling straight towards this hapless stranger. I brace myself for the impact and when it happens, I am speechless. She jumps up on him and starts licking his face.

She hates strangers, particularly men. When I adopted her, she was still a puppy, but the rescue society told me she and her siblings had been rescued from an abusive puppy store owner. As a result, she has always been skittish around men. The only man she tolerates is Auggie and that’s because he feeds her from his plate whenever I’m not looking. Now, here she is, slobbering all over my mystery man.

“Nice dog, is he yours?” Wow. Even his voice is sexy; strong, deep, and alluring. He literally drips sex.

“It’s a she, and her name’s Maddy.” I’m shocked that I can string a coherent sentence together while my heart is beating out of my chest. God, I hope he can’t tell.

He gives Maddy a firm but friendly pat on the back and off he goes. “Enjoy your run,” he calls as he jogs away. I take my own inventory and the result is disturbing. My hair is in a sloppy slightly off-centered ponytail and I’m dressed in an old pair of sweatpants rolled at the waist. My old tattered JWU t-shirt has definitely seen better days.

Who am I kidding, anyway? He is way out of my league, regardless of what I’m wearing. He’s a ten on the Richter Scale: total destruction. Me, I’m more of a six: some movement felt.

I don’t have time to dwell. I have to be at work by eleven. I’m working the bar on the patio today for the first time. I eagerly change into my uniform, a pair of khakis and white t-shirt, and head out for work.

Wilkinson’s has an eclectic clientele during the early spring. There are groups of college-age kids home for spring break, older couples enjoying an afternoon stroll, and young families with preschoolers out for the afternoon. Being situated on the boardwalk beside arcades and boardwalk amusement rides assures that the afternoons are busy, especially in nice weather.

Today, however, the bar is fairly quiet. There are three of us out here today. Derek is on break so Emmy and I are handling the small crowd with ease. I quickly discover that I like working with Emmy. She is around my age and has warm blonde hair with just a few well-positioned fuchsia streaks showing, a nose ring, and a few sexy tattoos on one arm: an assortment of flowers and angel wings surrounding a skate wheel. While it isn’t a look I would choose for myself, somehow it suits her personality perfectly well.

In between drink orders, we find time to get to know each other a little better. By the time Derek returns from his break, I’ve gotten the complete low-down on her love life and her social life. It seems both are wrapped up in the world of roller derby, which explains the tattoo. Emmy’s a key player in the Jersey Shore Roller Girls League. She plays for one of their three teams as well as their All Star Team. Her current boyfriend is the brother of one of her teammates. They spend a lot of their time at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park.

There’s a rush at the bar in the front room, so they pull Derek, leaving Emmy and I alone for the remainder of my shift. After the lunch crowd leaves, the back patio is nearly empty.

“So, Jette, what do you do when you’re not here at work? Is there someone at home keeping the sheets warm?”

“Actually, yeah, there is someone at home keeping my bed warm right now. Her name is Maddy. We’ve been together for about three years now.” I don’t clarify that Maddy is my dog. “Want to see a picture?” This game is fun.

“Sure!” she replies and hops over to my end of the bar.

I take out my cell phone and scroll through my pictures until I find one I took the day I adopted Maddy. She was the cutest puppy with her big brown eyes white patches on her toes and chest. “I’ll show you, but remember, she’s off the market and definitely NOT available.”

“I’m cool, Jette, just show me already.” She takes one look at the image and she bursts out whooping and laughing. She gives me a hard shove on the shoulder and sends me stumbling back a few steps. “Bitch!” she calls to me through her grin. “I took you for more of a crazy cat lady,” she rebuts.

At that moment, Emmy and I become friends. We click.

I wake early the next morning with Maddy greeting me at the foot of my bed. The sunlight is streaming into my room, I can hear the birds chirping loudly outside, and Maddy’s tiny tail is thumping the floor. My smart phone wakes me with my current playlist, and today’s wake-up call features my favorite group, Maroon 5. There’s something about waking up to Adam Levine’s voice that brings a smile to my face.

It’s a new day and I’m going to approach it with a fresh start. Yesterday is over, and it was a real eye-opener. Without realizing it, I was feeling sorry for myself. The horrifying meeting with a handsome stranger made me take a long, hard look at myself. I will never again get caught with my pants down, figuratively, of course. There’s no way to know what or who the universe will put in my path today, and I’ll be damned if I let the next opportunity go to waste.

As Adam Levine serenades me, I bop and bounce around my room collecting my things. This time, I’m a little more choosey in my clothing. No more torn or ragged clothes and sloppy hair. I select a lime green sports bra and a pair of long spandex to go under my blue running shorts. There’s nothing more unattractive than a woman with a wedgie. I take a minute or two to straighten my hair before putting it in a high and tight pony. A little waterproof mascara, lip-gloss and then a white North Face zip jacket to complete today’s new look. I brush my teeth, and it’s go time. Maddy eagerly jumps into the back seat of my car and off we go.

Just like yesterday, there are cars parked at the beach. I’m sure most of them are just fishermen. You can tell by the rod and reel racks that adorn their trucks. But there are also a few cars, so who knows what today will bring?

New day, new adventures. I throw caution to the wind, and rather than head north down the beach, I head towards the south. Maddy is running alongside me and we joyfully take in our surroundings. It’s another beautiful day. The sky is dazzling, the clouds are few, and the breeze is gentle. The waves are a little more active than yesterday, but all in all, it’s a good way to start the day.

After an invigorating twenty minute run, it’s time for a break. I let Maddy off her leash, but not before I look around very carefully for any errant runners that might get mauled. We’re in luck, no one is in sight! The leash comes off and Maddy takes off chasing at least a dozen seagulls picking at the trash that washed up on the beach. They give off loud bellowing sounds and take flight. Maddy chases them, but it’s like playing whack-a-mole. She chases one away, and another one returns. It’s actually very entertaining to watch.

I give her a few minutes to play her fruitless game, and when I call her this time, she actually comes. With her leash on, we resume our return trip back to the starting point. My iPod playlist moves onto a P!nk song with another great beat and I’m in heaven. My mind is clear and I’m making great time. Five more minutes, and we should be getting into the car for the ride back home.

As I’m running along the surf, I gaze at the houses near the beach that were damaged during the storm. Most of them are in various stages of repair. A few are in the beginning stages and others are nearly complete. I see contractors and homeowners busily going about their business. What I don’t see is the change in the surf. The sand unexpectedly shifts under my feet and before I can do anything to stop it, my left foot gets caught on an uneven patch of moving wet sand and down I go. I can feel my foot twist and turn, and all my weight crashes to the sand. The pain is sharp and hot. I quickly feel the ankle, and it doesn’t appear to be too badly injured. After a few moments, the fog clears from my mind, and the pain is actually tolerable so I attempt to rotate my foot. Thank God, it still works. No broken bones. Maddy is right beside me sniffing at me trying to ascertain my condition. She can sense something’s wrong, but she’s not sure what to do.

Throwing all caution to the wind, I try to stand up and put my full weight on it. The car is only a few blocks away and I can’t just sit here in the sand all day.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You took a pretty bad fall there. Don’t move it could be sprained.”

The voice and silhouette belong to someone I immediately recognize. I look up and all I can think is, “You’ve got to be kidding me.” It’s mister tall, dark, and handsome – again! This can’t be happening.

Date: 2015-02-28; view: 720