Muse Magic

All winter Peter had wavered on playing another summer of beach volleyball. It was starting to take its toll on his body. Those little aches and pains weren’t so quick to go away, if they did at all, during the season.

Once he got onto the court, he was glad his teammate, Clark James, talked him into playing at least one more season. Truth was Peter loved being out there competing every week. It took him away from thinking about island business, which consumed most of his thoughts.

He noticed Paula sitting on the side of the court among the scattered spectators. Even though she had promised to come watch him play, Peter was delightfully surprised at the sight of her. Mouthing the word, “hi,” he went over and gave her a friendly hug.

“I’m glad you came,” smiling at her.

“Oh, I wouldn’t miss this,” she winked. “Nice legs,” Paula shouted, as Peter was making his way back onto the court.

It was a close match, but Hampton and James beat the duo of Winslow and Moore in two sets. The same score in both sets, 21 to 19. Peter clinched the victory with a spike the landed just out of the reach of his diving opponent. Peter clapped his hands together and gave a high five to his partner before shaking hands with the other team.

After a quick splash under the outdoor shower and a fresh shirt, Peter and Paula drove over to the canteen. They were greeted with a chipper, hello, from Mariam Hothwright. Every weekend she worked there. During the week, she was a teacher at Mapleview Academy.

Mariam stepped around the counter and embraced Paula, “Welcome back Peanut. Nice to have you back.” She walked back behind the counter and continued, “I used to go with you and your grandmother to bingo.”

“Mariam,” Paula squealed. She hopped on the stool, “I remember you. How are you doing? You still teaching?”

Mariam set two beers on the counter, “Still teaching.”

“And on council,” Peter added.

“That’s great,” Paula took a sip of beer.

Mariam gave them each a menu, “I’ll give you a few minutes,” and scampered into the kitchen.

After lunch, Peter drove Paula to her house. He watched her go inside before pulling away. She consumed his thoughts all the way home. They haven’t kissed since the night of the dance. He was looking forward too, and hoping there was another one coming. Every time he wants to grab her to plant one on her, Peter loses his nerve.

Maybe he’s afraid the first kiss didn’t mean what he hoped it would. Peter might be afraid of moving too fast for her. He knows a little of what Dan put her through during their marriage and didn’t want to lose what trust that was between them. He was willing to wait for the girl he fell in love with, when he was a teenage boy.