On the Rocks(101)

“So, I have an announcement to make,” Lara said.

“Do tell,” I said as I squeezed lemon into my water.

“I’ve decided to try online dating,” she said proudly. “I’m tired of fighting the inevitable, and I don’t want to be afraid of getting back out there. This way I can sit in the comfort of my own home and email people before I meet them. It’s a safe first step.” Finally, email and Internet dating have actually come in handy. Maybe there was something to it after all.

“I think that’s awesome. Just stay away from any guys who mention being in a band,” I said.

“Got it. If I need any help or anything, Abby, do you think it would be okay if I call you sometime? I can’t thank you enough for all of your help this summer. You were a godsend.”

“I didn’t do much,” I said. “I didn’t even know you were separated for most of the summer.”

“You kept me company, and you showed me that it’s okay to start over.”

“You’re welcome, and definitely call me anytime. You’re going to do great.” I reached over and rubbed her shoulder, trying to encourage her one last time before I left.

“Speaking of calling, what are you going to do about the cute guy from the store?” she asked.

I had forgotten all about Tom Marsh, and how I told him I’d call. “Thanks for the reminder,” I said as I pulled my phone from my bag and dialed his number.

“You’d never know you spent most of the last year afraid of guys,” Grace said as she nodded in approval.

“Voicemail,” I said when I heard his recording. I cleared my throat and in a cheery voice said, “Hey, Tom, this is Abby. We’re leaving the beach today, so I figured I’d call and tell you it was great meeting you this summer, and if you’d like to get out for a beer back in the city, give me a ring. Have a safe trip back. Bye.”

“Smooth,” Lara said when I placed my phone back in my bag.

“The bar was low, but I think that officially wins me the most improved award of the summer, don’t you guys think?” I asked.

“Definitely,” they said. And I agreed with them.

We soaked in the last of the summer sun and the Newport scene as we ate our salads, and when we had finished and paid the bill, I caught myself feeling so very sad to leave the place that had helped bring me back to life. Had I known that this little town in Rhode Island possessed such powerful healing properties, I’d have come a lot sooner.

“Well, Abs, I think it’s time we hit the road. Lara, let’s get out and troll for guys when you’re back in the city,” Grace said as we stood and prepared to part ways.

Lara hugged us both good-bye one last time before she hopped in her car and went home. It felt like the last day of college, when you and your friends all went your separate ways and you knew that things would never be the same again. You could only hope that things would get better. That was how I was feeling now––nostalgic and hopeful.

Grace and I walked back to the house, linking arms the way we always did. She asked, “So who do you think had it the worst, me, you, or Lara?”

“Three-way tie.”

“That’s some tough competition.”

“Everyone’s got something.” I laughed.

“Yeah, well, that’s damn true where we’re concerned.”

I had spent an entire summer trying to fill what I thought was a gap in my life, and if the experience had taught me one thing it was that that was a complete waste of time. None of us had had the fairy-tale ending, at least not yet, and that was perfectly okay.

“Did you have a good time this summer? Are you happy I forced you to do it?” Grace asked.

“Very. I didn’t realize how badly I needed it.”

“I did. I finally feel like I have the old you back. I missed you.”

“I missed me too.”

“Are you worried about Ben?”

“Nope. Are you worried about Johnny?”

“A little.”

“Well, just remember: they’re just lobsters, they’re not love.”

She elbowed me in the side as we walked up the steps and discovered that the boys were there, sitting on the porch as always, drinking our beer. Summer was over. A new season was starting, and it didn’t include Bobby and Wolf living down the block. And that made me sad. I smiled as I turned to say good-bye to them.

“So we will get out for drinks next week maybe?” I said to Wolf as I hugged him.

“Yes. I’ll call you, and if you don’t feel like drinking, maybe we can play some more Scrabble. I’ll use English words this time.”

“Better let him win, Abby,” Grace warned. “Or else he might take a picture of you in the shower and throw it on his website.”

“Gracie, I said sorry!” Wolf said, opening his arms and enveloping her in a giant hug. “Please don’t hate me!”

“I don’t hate you, Wolf,” Grace said. “But from now on, I’m off-limits to you and your website, deal? In return, I won’t tell everyone on Facebook that you’re the one running the website. I still can’t believe that, by the way.”

“Deal!” Wolf said, his huge smile making it impossible for Grace to stay mad at him.