Beach Rental(58)
Inevitability was closing in around them like the sliding walls in some sci-fi and adventure movie—Juli didn’t remember which one. The walls were hard and cold, coming together slowly, inexorably, as the hero and heroine stretch their arms wide to prevent the steel walls from meeting. The walls are mechanical in their intent and impossible to prevent, but the brave heroes try nonetheless, unwilling to accept their fate because what lies ahead is unthinkable. She crossed her arms, gripping her upper arms with her hands, wishing they were strong enough.
Someone knocked on the door. She saw their neighbor through the glass. “It’s Mr. Spagnoli, Stay put. I’ll get it.”
Ron was tall and broad, built like a wrestler, and with a thick head of hair. “There’s a hurricane on the way. I’m an inland kind of guy. Do you know if this is anything we should worry about?”
“I’m no expert either. Ben will know.” Juli stepped back. “Come in.”
“Thanks.” Ron extended his hand. “I’m Ron. You’re Ben? I don’t think we’ve met. I see your wife on the beach most mornings.”
Ben shook his hand. “I’m a late sleeper. Pleased to meet you. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your son. Cute kid.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry to sound like a worrier, but I want to keep the family safe. No one’s talking evacuation. Juli said you two spend a lot of time at the beach. What do you think?”
Ben said, “They downgraded it to a tropical storm. It’s forecasted to stay offshore. The authorities will call for an evacuation if they think it necessary. No one’s particularly worried because it’s weakening, but it’ll take away from the end of your visit. Expect rain, wind and rough water tomorrow night into Saturday morning. No guarantees, of course.”
Ron stepped back to stand just outside the door. He touched the casing on the side of the window. “These are hurricane shutters, right?”
“You shouldn’t need them for this storm, but if something changes or you’re not sure, just knock on the door. These shutters are electronic, easy to use, and I’ve got a set of keys.”
She asked him after Ron left, “Are you sure there’s no problem?”
“Don’t tell me a little rain and wind has you worried. You didn’t live far inland, yourself.” He walked over and put his arms around her. “I won’t take any chances. I don’t take anything for granted, and never you.”
“Living a little inland is very different than living on the edge of the ocean. Besides, I didn’t grow up in the area, remember? I’m relatively new to the coast.” Juli held his hand. “I’m a landlubber. Or used to be. I’m still getting used to this.”
Ben turned her around and met her eyes. “You never actually said where you grew up.”
“Mostly in the Raleigh area. I moved here a few years ago.” Juli tried to say it in an off-hand manner. She wasn’t looking for pity.
“What brought you here?”
She reached up and brought his face to hers and planted a kiss on his lips. “Simple. There was nothing to keep me there.”
They took a short walk and they took it earlier in the afternoon than usual. A number of people were stowing and securing loose items. A few were packing up to leave.
Low, heavy clouds had been pushing in all day cooking up an ominous stew in the atmosphere. The red Beach Patrol vehicles rode up and down the strand with regularity warning the few beachgoers about the rough conditions. Ben showed Juli, yet again, where the storm kit was stowed. He set the storm radio on the counter.
They stayed up later than usual that night keeping a close eye on the weather reports as the tropical storm made its way up the coastline. It was rapidly losing its punch and thanks to beneficial steering currents was moving farther offshore. They were forecasted to have high surf, gusty winds and occasional showers, possibly heavy at times, through the night and the next day.
The evening sky was a strange shade of green, like an omen, and it worried her. Ben put one arm around her and pulled her close as they walked upstairs together.
When they paused in the hallway, instead of turning toward her room, Juli touched his cheek. Her face felt warm and she was suddenly shy. She dropped her eyes and started to pull her hand away, but Ben caught her. He kept her hand as if he’d found treasure and brought her palm to his lips.
His eyes were warm with invitation. “Stay with me tonight?”
The hallway became its own special world—this moment only—no yesterday or tomorrow. A place where decisions were simple and obvious. Juli ran her free hand over Ben’s chest and down his arm until she claimed his free hand. “Tonight.”