Sweet Southern Comfort

The sun peeked through the clouds, as the wind chimed in a gentle breeze across the white sand. A tall, leggy brunette brushed the hair sweeping across her face and continued to sketch in her notepad. Looking down at her work, she studied how her project was coming along. She was so focused, she didn’t hear a young man yell, “Heads up!”

Katie looked right up as a frisbee smacked right into her left cheek. Thwack! “Ow!” she exclaimed.

“Are you ok? Oh my gosh, I’m… I’m so sorry. My idiot brother doesn’t know how to throw even to save his life.”

“I’m fine. I’ve had worse bruises than what this will be.”

“Are you sure? Because I’ll be more than happy to beat Jonah up for hurting such a beautiful face like yours.“

“Ok, yes I’m sure I’m fine. That was the most ridiculously cheesy compliment I’ve ever received.”

“Well, if you insist that you are ok, at least let me take you out to dinner.“

“OK. Meet me at Hook and Barrel at six?”

“Awesome, by the way I’m Ben.”

“Katie.”

“See you then!” Yells and eager Ben as he returns back to his brother. Katie waves and returns to her drawing, and continues where she left off. 30 minutes goes by when she hears someone call out. Looking up, cautiously, over her sunglasses, she sees her best friend Becca jogging towards her.

“OMG! So I just heard from Jake that there is a huge party at the pier tonight. Ya know - kick off to last summer before senior year! Wait, is that your entry? Kate, that’s amazing!!” Becca yanks Katie’s notebook to reveal a sketch of a mother and child, bonding over building a sandcastle with focus on the excitement and joy they are having together.

Katie yanks it back, “ yes it is and stop! It’s not completed yet.”

“Oh whatever. Now are you ready to go get ready for this party?“

“Actually… I met a cute guy today, and he asked me out. Kind of as an apology for his brother hitting me with their frisbee.“

“ Katie Mary Williamson! You got asked out and have not said anything! Where are you guys going?“

“Hook and Barrel, so nice but not too stuffy.“

“Ooh I’m so jealous! Come on, let’s get you ready. I am thinking of soft curls, one of your cute sundresses, and sandals.”

Both girls got up, dusted off some of the sand, gathered their stuff and headed back to Katie’s house. Which isn’t far at all because she lives right on the beach with her parents, and two brothers, Eric and Charlie. Charlie, however, is currently out at sea, not sure how long for this time.

Her house is a simple two-story home on stilts. It’s bright sunshine yellow and white trim make it stand out along with a white wrap around porch overlooking the beach. Perfect for an artist like Katie, who also loves the simplicity of what nature gives us. As they walked in, she noticed no one was home, so they went to get ready for the night.

Becca chose an off the shoulder crop top, cut off denim shorts, and coordinated flip flops. On the other hand Katie chose a white and pink floral short dress, dark brown sandals that zip in the back, light loose curls, and minimal make up. She turned to Becca, “ how do I look??”

“Perfect as usual. It’s 5:40, you better go and I want details!!”

Katie waved bye to her best friend, wrote a note on the fridge for her parents, locked the house and off to meet Ben for their first date.

Ben arrived a few minutes early at the restaurant with a bouquet of wildflowers. A little nervous as he hasn’t been on a date since breaking things up with Veronica. For tonight’s date he chose to wear a navy blue short sleeve button-down, dark khaki cargo shorts, and brown slip on Sperrys. No longer than five minutes later Katie pulls into the parking lot with Stone Temple Pilots coming from the stereo. Something about Scott Weiland's voice always relaxes her nerves. Not that she was nervous that a super cute guy asked her out. Ha ha.

Katie stepped out of the car, and locked eyes with Ben. Both of them struck in awe of each other, almost as if they got hit by Cupid. She walked up to him, “You look…” they both said in unison and burst into laughter, sparks flew everywhere.

“You look beautiful, Katie, I got these on my way here for you.” Ben presented her with the flowers he had gotten.

Katie graciously took them, “I love them thank you so much. Are you from around here?”

“No. I’m just here for a few weeks for some job interviews. Are you ready to go inside, our table is ready.” Katie just nodded and let Ben take the lead. The hosts led them to their table and proceeded to give them their drinks.

“So Katie , tell me about yourself?” Asked a slightly nervous Ben.

“Well, I’m 19. I have traveled all over the world, military brat. I have two brothers, Eric and Charlie. I am in the middle of the two of them. Charlie is my older brother, he has followed in our dad’s path and is in the U.S. Navy. Eric is my younger brother, he is 15 and just started high school. What about you?”

“I am 22, and the oldest of four. Alexis and Jonah are twins and they are 17. Then there is Michael who is 20. I just finished college at The Ohio State University and am enjoying some downtime here while doing some job interviews.

“You said you’re not from around here so where are you from?“

“No, I am from a small town an hour from Lexington Kentucky called Blessings. My mom works at the high school and my dad owns his own construction landscape business.”

“Oh that’s awesome.”

“Thanks. Have you thought about college?“

“Well, I love to draw and paint, that’s my passion but I also love history too. However, with moving around so much I missed two courses to graduate. So I have to take them this fall semester and then will apply to college and hopefully start spring term.”

“So you’ll still be in high school come fall?”

“Yes, but like I said, only for two classes that I need to make up. Is that an issue?”

Ben froze for a minute, “ Oh no! I had to do summer school and night class to catch up. Would you freak out if I told you I am a high school teacher?”

“Why would it? We are both legally adults. You’re only three years older than me, not 20.“

They ordered their food, and continued to small talk here and there, laughing and smiling. After dinner, Ben paid of course, he reached back out for her hand and even more sparks flew like electric pulses between them. They walked hand-in-hand towards the beach for a beautiful sunset walk.

“This is one of my favorite times of the day. Everything starts to settle and becomes peaceful again with nature.“ Katie shared with Ben.

“I can see that. Have a good book or hot chocolate and a blanket wrapped around you letting the sounds calm and soothe from a crazy long day.“ replied Ben as he gently pulled Katie to a stop, and turned towards her. “ I have really enjoyed tonight so far,“ He then caught her by surprise and softly kissed her lips. Shocked at first, but as the kiss lingered, it also grew in passion. It was Katie who surprised them both and kissed him back with the same passion. Reluctantly, they pulled away leaving both of them breathless.

“I really enjoyed tonight as well.“

“When can I see you again?“ asked an eager Ben. Katie couldn’t help but blush.

“Here’s my number. I’m not working a summer job this year. Just enjoying nature and drawing, so I’m free whenever.”

“Good, I was hoping we could spend more time together. May I walk you home?“

“Wow ! You are a true southern gentleman.“

“My mama would skin me alive if I didn’t.” Together, hand in hand, and a few side hugs too, they walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence.

“Well this is my house.“ said Katie, remorsefully as she did not want the night to end so soon.

“Wow ! You have a gorgeous house. I know the agony will be on the two of us going our separate ways, but I promise to text you soon.“ Ben leaning down, sweeping Katie off her feet in a whirlwind of a good night kiss. As Ben stepped away there was no need for any more words, a simple smile and a wave was all that was needed.

Katie turned her back towards the beach and started to climb the two flights of stairs to the kitchen door. “ Mom! Dad! I’m home!”

“Hi honey, in the living room.“ replied her dad, Jonathan. She sat her things down on the kitchen island and made her way to greet her parents. “ How was your date?“ asked Elizabeth, her mom.

“It was fantastic. His name is Ben Monroe just down here for a few weeks with his brother, they’re from Kentucky.”

“How old is he?“ asked her dad.

“He just turned 22 so he’s only three years older than me. So please give him a chance, we’re going out again soon.”

“Katie, let your father and I talk about it. Go on upstairs, get some sleep.“

“Fine. Night.” Katie had them both good night and went up to her room. As she got up to the top of the stairs, ping.

Ben: I can’t get the smile off my face. Attached is a photo of been on the balcony of his condo smiling wide.

Katie: sends a picture back with the caption neither can I.

Ben: good night and sweet dreams Katie.

Katie: sweet dreams Ben.

Katie sighed as she thought how sweet and amazing Ben is, and she couldn’t wait to go to bed.

Ben closed his phone as Jonah came out to join him. “ Oh no I’ve seen that look before! You’re not getting anything on Katie just yet. Let me enjoy this. I haven’t felt this way since…“

Jonah‘s eyes got wide, “ Veronica! Oh man! Oh man! This is AWESOME!!! No more stupid rebounds. You actually found someone serious.”

Ben just nodded his head. “Can we please not jinx this. I think I fell in love tonight.”

“OK, OK, my lips are sealed buddy. Let’s get to bed, I want to surf tomorrow.” Jonah went back into the room well been set up for a little longer. Hoping and wishing kitties slept well and that he hoped she might be his one and only someday. Not knowing Katie was feeling the exact same way.