Muse Magic

The banquet hall was bigger than she remembered. Paula didn’t know if it was or not. She hasn’t been here since coming with her grandmother to play bingo years ago. She really enjoyed those times.

A DJ was in the corner of the dance floor, playing music, in the front of the room. Round tables outlined the dance floor, with three on each side and six in front. Along the side wall was the snack table. It was filled with cookies and cakes, and assorted candy’s.

She spotted Karen waving her over to a table beside the dance floor. Karen saved her a seat, along with one for Wilma and Peter. Peter was standing next to the mayor, who was holding a microphone, on the dance floor.

“Welcome to the fourth annual Spring Fling,” the mayor scanned the room. “Before we get started, I need Wilma Jenkins to come join us. Oh Wilma, where are you?” in a sing-song voice. “There she is.”

Wilma came scampering out of the kitchen, hugging Paula before making her way beside Peter and the mayor. Peter reached into his pocket and handed the mayor an envelope before taking his seat.

“Wilma,” the mayor spoke into the microphone, and handed her the envelope. “For all your years of service to the island I present you with the key to the island.”

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

Before she could say anything else, Mayor Rogers continued, “And that’s not all. Peter, can I get you to help me with this?”

He walked back to the wall, moving the curtain out of the way. Him and Peter brought an easel and set it beside Wilma.

Peter accepted the microphone, “Thank you Mr. Mayor. On behave of the mayor, the council and the people of the island. It is my pleasure to give you this,” Peter and the mayor unveiled a portrait of Wilma and her late husband, Harlin, on the ferry.

Wilma’s hand shook as she took the Microphone from Peter, “Thank you.” She looked out to the crowd, “It was truly our pleasure driving the ferry all those years.” She swiped her cheek, “I know Harlin is smiling down and looking over us. Let’s have a fun night,” she handed the microphone back to Peter.

The DJ played Tina Tuner’s version of Proud Mary. Wilma was visibly shaken as she stared at the painting. One after another, she was hugged by the islanders. All showing their appreciation for her and Harlin.

After the buffet dinner, Paula and Peter were non-stop on the dance floor, dancing to most of the song. Fast ones, slow ones, even some country line dances. Paula couldn’t remember the last time she had so much fun.

Paula stepped out to the porch while Peter got their drinks. She loved the smell of freshly cut grass. They must have mowed earlier in the day. She walked the length of the wrap around porch savoring the cool breeze, after working up a sweat on the dance floor.

The feelings she once had for Peter were starting to come back. Or maybe they never completely left. Maybe that old saying was true; you never get over your first love. At any rate, she never forgot Peter Hampton and what he meant to her. Was she ready to feel, and opened her heart again? Could she trust a man again, after what Dan had done to her? She had already let her guard down more than she wanted.

The slam of the screen door startled her from her thoughts. Paula tuned to see Peter holding two beers. She grabbed the one he offered and took a big swig, letting the liquid slid down her throat.

“So tell me,” she swallowed. “What have you been up to for the last six-teen years? Did you ever fall in love and get married?” as soon as she herd the words come out of her mouth Paula Regretted it.

“Not really.” He sipped his beer, “My junior year I met Lizzy.” Peter shook his head, “Thought we might’ve had a chance.”

“What happened?”

“She met a ballplayer,” he chuckled. “Dropped out of school and moved west.” Shrugging his shoulders, “I guess she meant more to me than I did to her.”

“Ouch.” She scrunched her nose, “That had to hurt.”

He nodded as he swallowed, “After that I stayed away from dating.” Peter set his beer on the rail, “I threw myself deeper into school, if that was possible.”

Her heart went out to him, “Did it work?”

He gave her a silly grin, “Graduated in the top ten percent.”

“Well, at least you got that,” she rubbed his arm.

“Funny thing is,” Peter leaned against the rail. “I really didn’t miss her. I guess that says something,” he laughed. Pointing to her empty glass, “You ready to go in?”

Paula nodded, “I’m cooled off.”

She grabbed Peter’s shirt and pulled him into a passionate kiss. What did she just do? From the look on his face, he was just as shocked as she was.

From the day he helped her with the furniture she had thoughts about kissing him. It took all her energy not to act on those thoughts. The moment got the best of her, and she was helpless to fight them.

Peter rubbed his chin, “What was that?”

“Honestly,” she wanted to turn away, but held his gaze. “I don’t know. But I wanted to do that the first time I saw you. It took all my energy not too.”

“I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about it.” He faced her, “When I saw you the other day, it brought back those old feelings.”

Paula tried not to smile, “This is a conversation for another day. Let’s go in before someone notices we’re gone.”

Paula’s favorite song was playing. Without hesitation she grabbed his hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. The music stopped, and Paula pointed over Peter’s shoulder.

“Is that the waitress from the restaurant?”

Peter looked to where she pointed, “Yeah.”

She put her hands on her hips, “What’s my ex doing here, and what is she doing with him?”