9. Aida
I hate to admit it,but hanging out with Ben yesterday wasn’t too bad. And if I’m being honest with myself, I actually had a good time. While he’s definitely exactly as I expected, he also has some really endearing qualities. He’s also probably exactly what I need to have a no-strings-attached summer of fun and relaxation.
I’m still lying in bed, enjoying the idea that I have nowhere I need to be, and I can just stay here as long as I want, listening to the waves and basking in the sun that’s glowing through the slats in the blinds.
I do need to get some groceries. It was on my agenda yesterday, but I ended up spending the entire day with Ben, so needing food wasn’t a big deal. We had lunch and dinner together, nothing big, just snacks and burgers and drinks by the pool.
I force myself up, stretching and still smiling at how I’ve spent the last few days doing exactly whatever I want. No classes, no studying, no tests, no catering to difficult professors. It feels so damn good. I’m not sure I’m going to be able to go back to that life when the summer ends. Law school and becoming a lawyer was always a dream of mine, and I would never give up on that, but this life is pretty sweet. It might be something I consider doing during my summer break every year until I finish school.
Throwing on a sundress, I brush my teeth and pull my hair into a messy bun on the top of my head. I quickly Google the location of the closest grocery store, and I find myself smiling when I realize it’s within walking distance of the house. Another thing I love about this island, everything is so close that I don’t ever need my car.
I slip on my flip flops and grab a few reusable bags I found in the closet, heading out the door and down the street toward the store with a spring in my step and a smile on my face.
Walking through the streets in this little beach town just makes me smile. I could totally see myself living here. Okay, maybe not year-round, but definitely once I’m retired. I haven’t even started working and I’m already making plans for my retirement. I’ve lost my mind.
I take in the massive houses and all their colors as they line the streets, the people sitting on their decks and balconies waving hello as I walk by. It’s like a damn Hallmark movie here.
By the time I make it to the market, I’ve been stopped by at least five people wanting to chat about literally nothing, just being friendly. Now I can see why Ben fits right in here, all social and happy all the time. I guess that’s what waking up in the warm sunshine every day will do to a person.
Grabbing a cart, I head inside, not really sure what I need to buy, but knowing I need to fill that fridge because I can’t eat out every day or rely on Ben to invite me over for lunch and dinner on a regular basis.
I get a few staple items, bread and eggs, milk, some chicken, and veggies. I should probably invite Ben over for dinner one night as a thank you, so I add some burgers and salad.
I continue to shop, adding a few more random items, some snacks that I’ll want later, drinks, and a bottle of wine. The good news is that the house is stocked with things like toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap and laundry detergent, so I don’t have to buy any of that.
Making my way over to the checkout, there’s an elderly lady attempting to heave a giant case of bottled water off the floor and into her cart.
“Let me help you with that,” I call out, leaving my cart off to the side, I quickly lift the case off the floor and place it in her cart.
“Oh, thank you, dear,” she says, smiling at me. She’s clearly a local with her deep tan and weathered skin. “Normally, Ed would be here to do that for me, but he’s out on the golf course today.”
“Did you drive here?” I ask her. “I can help you get it in your car too.” I motion toward the parking lot, and she gives me a nod.
“That would be so sweet. Are you done shopping?” she asks me, pushing her cart into the checkout lane. “If not, I can ask someone at the register to help me.”
“I am done. I’ll follow you out and get that into your car,” I tell her as I follow her into the checkout lane.
“Thank you,” she replies, checking out and waiting for me.
Once I’ve got my groceries, we head out to the parking lot, my bags slung over my shoulders, realizing they are heavier than I thought. I now have to walk home with them, but I’ll think of it as cardio for the day, hauling groceries from the store to home will be my weekly workout.
“I’m right here, dear,” the woman says, pointing to a very expensive looking Mercedes as she opens the trunk. “Are you here on vacation?” she now asks me while I load the case of water into her trunk.
“Sort of,” I reply, letting out a short laugh. “I’m house sitting for the summer, so I guess you could say I’m a mix of tourist and resident.”
“We’re called islanders here,” she tells me. “I’m Miriam. Been here twenty years now, well, twenty years of summers. Where are you staying?”
“At the Henderson’s place over on Beach Drive,” I reply, motioning in the direction I came from. “I’m here till August. They’re?—”
“Oh yes, I know the Henderson’s,” Miriam interrupts. “They’re touring Europe for the summer. I live just a few houses down from them.”
“Lovely,” I reply. “I’m sure I’ll see you around then. Not that I’m trying to move this woman along, but I do have to haul these groceries home on foot, and she seems like a talker.
“And you know who lives next door to the Hendersons?” she asks me, waggling her eyebrows. “That sweet boy Benji. He’s single, you know? Are you single, dear?”
“Benji?” I question, and then it hits me that she’s talking about Ben. Sweet? I think this lady might be a bit senile if she thinks Ben is sweet. Guessing he really turns on the charm when it comes to the old folks in this town.
“I’m sorry, I think he goes by Ben now, but when he was a young boy, we all called him Benji. Forgive me for forgetting. My mind’s not what it used to be. What did you say your name was?” She looks at me with this sweet smile on her face.
“I didn’t introduce myself,” I tell her, smiling back. “I’m Aida McNaughton.” I hold out a hand, and Miriam takes it gently, shaking it.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Aida, and thank you so much for your help.” Miriam looks around for a moment and then says, “Did you answer my question about you being single?”
“I didn’t, but yes, I am single.” I can already see where this is heading. She’s like a little elderly matchmaker, a look on her face that says she’s planning.
“Well, then I should definitely introduce you to Benji. Oh, darn it, Ben. It’s Ben,” she mutters, shaking her head.
“I’ve already met Ben,” I reply, trying to keep the tiny bit of annoyance out of my voice. I feel like I’m dealing with an older version of my mother, always trying to set me up and marry me off.
“Marry young,” my mom always tells Amanda and me, like that’s the secret to happiness. “And marry rich.” This part is always said as a joke, but I can’t help but think she’s slightly serious.
Once I told her I plan to be rich all on my own and that I don’t need a man, but this only seemed to send her into a panic that I would be single forever.
“You have?” Miriam replies with far too much excitement in her tone. “That’s wonderful. He’s quite the catch,” she adds, leaning in close, she hits me with a wink.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say, hoisting the grocery bags up a little higher as I start to slowly walk away from the car.
“Do you have any plans today?” Miriam now calls, and without thinking about it, I answer with a no. I close my eyes, worried she’s trying to set me up with Ben and I walked right into it.
She looks down at her watch, narrowing her eyes a little as she tries to read the screen. “At ten-thirty, there’s a beach clean-up. You should come.”
I feel a bit guilty for thinking Miriam was trying to set me up with Ben when all she’s doing is trying to keep the beach clean. It would be good for someone like me, young and active to be out there cleaning up, instead of Miriam who is a little slow-moving.
“I’ll be there,” I chime out, excited. “Where do you meet?”
“Do you know the public access on Beach Drive?” she now asks, and I nod. “We meet there. It’s just a little way down from where you’re staying. It will be wonderful to have some young legs out there helping. My legs are not what they used to be, dear. Be grateful for what you have.”
She’s still carrying on when I wave a goodbye and begin to make my way back to the house, groceries in hand.
“You sure you don’t want a ride, dear?” Miriam calls out. “Wouldn’t be any trouble.”
I turn around, shaking my head as I reply, “No thank you. I’m good with the walk. It’s good exercise.”
Miriam waves goodbye, climbing into her car, and I laugh a little at her sweet demeanor, but I can tell she’s a little bit of a busybody. I’m going to have to watch what I say around her or I’m going to find myself on a date with Benji, a date that someone else set up.
As soon as I get back, I put my groceries away. Checking the time, I see I have about five minutes till the beach clean-up starts. I change out of my sundress and into a pair of shorts and a tank, applying a layer of sunscreen before I go. I fill a water bottle, and I’m out the door.
As I head down the street, walking in front of Ben’s house, I notice Miriam’s car in his driveway, and I can’t help the eyeroll that happens. Shaking my head, I walk on by quickly, hoping she doesn’t catch a glimpse of me and call me into the house.
Luckily, I make it by unscathed and over to the public access area of the beach. There’s a crowd gathered already and there’s a young guy standing facing a group of people. He looks to be in charge, and I take a spot in the group of people and listen.
“Good morning, everyone. Thanks so much for coming out to help keep our beautiful beach clean. For those of you who are new…” As he says this, he looks right at me, hitting me with a hundred-watt smile, and he’s really quite handsome. “There are bags and trash pokers for those who would rather not bend over. Feel free to walk the beach and pick up anything you find. You might even find a little money while you’re out there.”
Just as I’m about to walk over to him and ask his name, I hear a familiar voice, and shit, he really likes to show up at the most inconvenient times.
“He’s a dick,” Ben says, not even trying to keep his voice down. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Excuse me?” I spit out incredulously.
“You heard me. I’ve known him my whole life, and he’s a dick. Trust me on this one. You ever see Dirty Dancing?” Ben now asks, and I narrow my eyes at him, but nod in response. “Remember Robbie the Creep? The waiter who knocks Penny up?”
“Yes.”
“Well, he’s Little Crab Island’s Robbie. His name is Weston and he’s a fucking loser,” Ben quips, his tone fierce and bothered.
I let out a half scoff, half laugh as I take a bag from the pile. “Sounds like someone is jealous,” I reply and now it’s Ben who is laughing, deep and hard as he shakes his head. “And what the hell are you doing watching Dirty Dancing? A chick flick?”
“I’m not jealous of that dick. Never,” he says, taking a bag too. “Just wait, you’ll see. And by the way, it’s a quality movie.”
“By the way, what are you doing here? And why is Miriam’s car in your driveway?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’m here to clean up garbage. Gotta keep the beach beautiful,” he says, sounding a little sarcastic. “And how do you know Miriam?” His last question is asked with a bit of hesitancy, but also something that seems like concern.
“I met her this morning at the grocery store. I helped her put a case of water in her trunk,” I tell him. “She was very nice.”
“Where was Ed and why was she trying to buy a case of water without help? I always…” He stops short of finishing, shaking his head.
“Ed was on the golf course,” I say, laughing. “I know quite a bit about her and her husband, and she seems to be a big fan of you, Benji.”
“She’s my grandma, so I hope she’s a big fan. I’ve always been her favorite,” Ben replies, winking at me, and as soon as he does, my stomach flutters in a way that has me swallowing hard. There’s something about Ben that I like, something that draws me to him, but I can’t figure it out.
“Really? She’s a sweet lady.”
“Thanks for helping her this morning. She never calls me for help, and it drives me crazy,” he says, reaching down to grab a plastic bottle from the sand. “She’s the reason I’m here right now.”
“Your grandma is the reason I’m here right now too.”
Ben looks over at me, a sweet smile on his face, but it only takes a second for it to turn sinister, and he lets out an evil chuckle.
“Bet I can pick up more garbage than you, Aida,” he says, making this a competition and holy shit if he doesn’t know me well already. I can’t ever say no to a competition.
“Prepare to have your ass handed to you, Benji!” I shout, racing to where I can already see some garbage that has collected on a dune.
“Please, you know I’m going to win!” Ben yells, racing for the same dune.