A Walk Along the Beach(91)

Sean answered as if he’d been awaiting my call, his phone already in his hand. “Can’t sleep?”

“No. It’s so exasperating I could scream.”

“Okay, babe, this is what I want you to do. Close your eyes and get comfortable.”

“All right.” On my back, I nestled into my pillow and closed my eyes.

“Are you comfortable?”

“About as comfortable as I can get.”

“Good, now think about me being with you, cuddled up against you. Put the picture in your mind of the two of us spooning. I have my arm around your middle and you’re relaxing against me. Can you do that?”

“I think so.” It wasn’t hard. Must be muscle memory, because I could almost feel my body tucked close to his.

He continued speaking in low tones for several minutes. At some point I must have dropped off, because I woke a few hours later to the sound of my alarm. My phone rested next to my pillow.

It’d worked. Having Sean sweet-talk me had worked. Sleep. Beautiful sleep. I was in heaven. I wanted to dance and sing and leap around the house like a spring lamb. Sean was the key to breaking through my insomnia.

For the next week, Sean talked me to sleep every night. We started texting, too. He’d managed to wiggle his way back into my life. I let him. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I needed him. But even more, I wanted to be with him. I loved the sound of his voice. Nothing soothed me more. The sadness that hung over me like a dark thundercloud shifted and there was light in my life again.

Although neither Dad nor Shirley mentioned it, I knew they were happy to see me back with Sean. We talked every day when he came in for his mocha. I’d gotten him to sample a few other specialty drinks, too. If there was an opportunity, I’d sit with him and we’d work the crossword puzzle from the newspaper together. Sean was much better at it than I was. I laughed again after what seemed like years. He was quickly becoming my addiction.

    Then it happened. The way I knew it eventually would. He didn’t tell me in person. Instead, he sent a text.

Babe, I’m leaving on another assignment. I’ll be away for a week, maybe longer.

I noticed that he didn’t mention where he was headed. I toyed with how best to respond. It wasn’t like it was his job to talk me to sleep every night. He was a photographer and travel was a large part of his life. He was passionate about his work. I sent a one-word reply.

Okay.

You mad?

How could I be? If ever I was going to be honest, it was now. I needed to give him that. No. I’ll miss you.

Those three small dots appeared, letting me know he was typing a reply. Will you stay at my house and sleep in my bed while I’m away?

I didn’t need to think twice. If that’s what you want. When do you leave?

Tomorrow morning. Gonna miss you, too.

We spoke again that night. He told me about his assignment in the Caribbean. Can’t say I blamed him for escaping to a tropical island. I envied him the opportunity. When I said I was going to miss him, I meant for more than our nighttime conversations. He was the light that brightened my day, the sun my world revolved around. I looked forward to being with him.



* * *



—

    The following afternoon, I drove out to Sean’s house and spent time with Bandit. My staying at his home was a win-win for us both. He had me to look after his dog and I could sleep in his bed. I didn’t know if I’d be able to sleep, but it was well worth the effort. Sean told me he would probably be able to call, but with the time difference, it might be difficult. I’d assured him that he needed to concentrate on his assignment and not worry about me. I meant it. I’d gone weeks without any notable sleep, I could easily go a week.

The first night, I had my doubts. Sure enough, I fell asleep easily, the same as always. About midnight, I stirred awake and groaned.

No, please no.

Grabbing hold of Sean’s pillow, I inhaled his scent and let it fill my senses. It was almost like having him with me. Before I knew it, I was back to sleep and woke with my alarm.

Success.

His text was waiting for me the next morning. Did you sleep?

Sitting up in bed, I answered right away. Like a baby. You’re my muse.

Did you cuddle my pillow?

It was as if he had a video camera in his bedroom and had been watching me. Yup. It was almost as good as cuddling you.

Don’t think so. Be home soon.

Not nearly soon enough to suit me. If Sean was counting down the days, then so was I. Bandit became my constant companion. Dad came to Sean’s place for dinner every night. He’d started looking at houses we could rent and found a small two-bedroom not far from where we were now that he felt would suit us. Although reluctant, I promised I’d go look at it with him. So many changes in such a short amount of time were too much for me.

Sean returned the following week and came directly to the shop before heading home. As soon as I saw him, without even thinking what I was doing, I walked into his arms.

I stated the obvious. “You’re back.”

    “I came straight here. Missed you like crazy.”

“Missed you more.” I remembered saying almost those same words to him when he returned from Bolivia. And as he had the first time he’d returned from a trip, he drew me into his arms and kissed me. We’d hugged and cuddled since my bout with insomnia, but the kisses we’d shared were more pecks than real kisses.