Human Blend Page 4

  “It’s beautiful,” she sighed.

  It was like a picture postcard. Everyone relaxing, having fun. Kids were running in and out of the water, screaming in delight. Julie focused on one of the children eating something, “Water ice!” she exclaimed. “They have water ice!” she tugged on his arm. Austin laughed at her exuberance.

  “Yes, they do, follow me.” They were both laughing now as they ran in the sand across the beach to a wooden stand located at the far end. They were out of breath when they reached the stand. “Wh-what flavor?” Austin asked, slightly bent over. Julie tried to catch her breath.

  “B…Bl..Blueberry,” she stuttered out.

  Austin slowly regained his breath and ordered one blueberry and one strawberry water ice. Holding the paper cones, Julie and Austin began walking back down the beach. “I didn’t realize you were a water ice groupie,” Austin teased.

  “Nothing beats water ice on a hot day,” Julie replied, relishing the cool treat.

  “Hot chocolate, in front of a roaring fire, with a foot of snow outside,” Austin challenged.

  Julie laughed, “Okay, almost nothing,” she corrected.

  The two found a nice quiet spot on the beach. They sat down to finish the quickly melting ices. “So how are you liking this place?” Austin asked.

  “I’m really liking it,” Julie replied.

  “Good,” Austin replied, a big grin on his face.

  “What?” Julie asked, noticing the grin.

  “You look like you are turning into a smurf.” He laughed. Julie laughed too imagining how blue her lips must be from the water ice.

  “You look like you put on lipstick without a mirror,” she came back with. The laughter came easy. Julie couldn’t remember a time when she felt so relaxed. She was having fun. An activity that had been denied.

  She drank the remaining blue liquid that had once been her water ice, then looked around for a trash can. There was one a few yards away. Austin was already on his feet, his hand extended down towards her. The moment reminded Julie of her initial meeting of Austin in the marketplace. “I’m all sticky,” she said, reluctant to take his hand.

  “So am I,” he said. Julie placed her sticky hand in his as he pulled her up. They disposed of their trash. “We can wash off in the water,” he suggested, kicking off his sneakers. Julie did the same. She tucked her socks in her shoes and rolled up the hem of her jeans.

  They walked to the water’s edge. It was warm. Julie liked the feeling of the wet sand squishing between her toes. She couldn’t recall if she had ever felt it before. She felt like she was sinking and grabbed hold of Austin. “Have you ever been to the beach before?” he asked. He had been watching her.

  “Um, I don’t remember,” she said, stepping sideways.

  “You must have had a deprived childhood.” Austin was teasing, but Julie felt herself grimace at the comment. She shook off her mood change and reached down into the water. Instead of rinsing off, she splashed Austin. “Oh, you are in for it now,” he said, splashing her back. A water fight ensued between the two. Julie laughed and screamed as Austin tackled her, knocking them both underwater. They continued the playful romp until both called time out.

  They dragged themselves back onto the beach. Julie sat down near her shoes. “I’ll be right back,” Austin said. Julie gave a little shiver. The sun was starting to go down. She smiled to herself. Even though she was soaking wet and uncomfortable in her clothes, she wouldn’t have traded the feeling for the world. She felt free. The smile was still on her face when Austin returned carrying blankets. He shook out one big one. “Sit on this one,” he instructed. Julie scooted onto the over-sized blanket. He then wrapped another blanket around her shoulders before wrapping one around himself as well. He sat down next to her.

  “Where did these come from?” she asked.

  “It’s all who ya know,” Austin said, smiling. Julie knew there was more to the story, but didn’t pursue it. She was just glad to be warming up.

  The beach was clearing out. Families packed up their belongings, and headed for home. Lifeguards walked the shoreline, making sure no one still lingered in the water. One of the guards approached Julie and Austin. “Park closes shortly after sunset,” the guard said. He did a double take then. “Oh, sorry Austin, buddy. Didn’t recognize you,” he said. Austin and the guard shook hands,

  “No problem, Ted. We’ll be heading back soon,” Austin said.

  “Whose this?” Ted asked, smiling at Julie.

  “This is Julie,“ Austin answered.

  “You must be new in town. I know I’ve never seen you before,” he said, extending his hand towards Julie.

  Julie smiled and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you, Ted,” she said. “Austin has been kind enough to show me around,” she said, confirming her ‘new’ status.

  “Lucky him,” Ted said with a wink.

  “How long have you been a lifeguard?” Julie asked. She caught a sense of something in Ted during the brief handshake.

  “About 3 years,” he answered.

  “You must go through gallons of sunscreen,” Julie commented.

  Ted laughed, “You would think, but not really. I use a little bit here and there, I don’t burn easily,” Julie knew what it was that she had felt then.

  She told herself to bite her tongue as both men eyed her curiously. “I’m kind of a freak with sunscreen,” Julie explained, “I’m always worried about Melanoma and stuff,” She just had to say something. “You should go for regular screenings,” Julie continued unable to stop herself.

  “Are you like premed or something?” Ted asked with a chuckle.

  “Something like that,” Julie replied.

  “Well, thanks for the advice, doc,” Ted said, standing. “You two enjoy the rest of your day.” Ted gave Austin a playful punch and went along his way.

  Julie pursed her lips and rested her chin on her knees. “So you are a water ice and sunscreen fan,” Austin teased.

  Julie turned her head towards him and smiled shyly. “I hope I didn’t embarrass you,” she said, “I get carried away sometimes,”

  Austin laughed. “Actually, I thought your concern was adorable. I think Ted did too,” his voice took on a deeper pitch when he said Ted’s name.

  Neither one spoke more about it as their attention was drawn to the beautiful sunset out across the lake.

  Austin placed an arm around Julie’s shoulder. Her mind was quiet this time, no more warnings being received. She didn’t bother to wonder why that was. She snuggled closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

  As the remaining light of the day began to wane, he softly said, “We should head on back. There’s just enough light left to make it back on the trail.”

  “What time is it?” Julie asked, not wanting to move.

  “Little after six, most likely,” Austin said. Julie was surprised. They had been there most of the day.

  Julie felt her stomach rumble and laughed. “Yep, my stomach knows exactly what time it is,” she said and they both laughed.

  “Speaking of food, “ he began, “I have an idea for that, if you are not sick of me that is,”

  “I’m not sick of you,” she said softly. I want to kiss you again. There was the voice again. “So, did you plan out the whole day?” she asked, trying to distract herself. Austin’s smile was his only response.

  Standing, Julie shook out the blanket. “You could have at least told me I was going to need a change of clothes,” she said, feeling sand everywhere.

  “Well that part wasn’t actually planned,“ he said, laughing.

  “Tell me that this idea includes me being able to shower first,” she inquired as they walked back to the trail.

  “Yeah, most definitely. I’m still damp in uncomfortable places,” he said, walking funny for effect.

  Austin walked Julie back to her hotel and told her he would be back in an hour. She rushed up to her room, anxious to get out of her clothes. The shower had never felt so g
ood to her before. It seemed to take forever to rinse off the sand. She felt so much better. She dressed and checked the time. “Ten minutes to spare, not bad.”

  Julie decided to wait out front for Austin. She had chosen a lightweight camisole with a long sleeve button down top over it, just in case it was cooler. She was glad she did, as a northerly breeze had settled in. She didn’t have to wait long. “Feel better?” he asked, as he approached.

  “Much,” she said.

  “Ready for the evening?” he inquired.

  “As long as it doesn’t involve sand, I’m ready,” Julie remarked.

  Austin frowned. “Did you not have a good time at the lake?” he asked.

  “I had a great time, Austin, one of the best in a long time,” she spoke truthfully and watched his face brighten. “I just didn’t like feeling sand in places it shouldn’t have been,” she said as they both laughed.

  The two walked hand and hand for a few blocks. The cool breeze seemed to add to the beauty and charm of the town, if that was possible. There were a lot of people strolling about. Austin was stopped at least half a dozen times by people he knew. He introduced Julie each time. “Everyone knows everyone, don’t they?” she noted.

  “Yes, the best and worst of living in a small town. Everyone helps each other, but everyone knows your business,” he explained. Julie nodded.

  They reached their destination. A small outdoor cafe, surrounded by torches to create atmosphere and warmth. The hostess, Marie, who also knew Austin, was going to seat them along the walkway. Austin asked her for a less trafficked spot. “Thanks, Marie,” he said, as they were seated.

  “No problem, Cindy will be your waitress. She’ll be over shortly to take your order,” Marie explained, before leaving them. Austin seemed to know Julie was curious about the seating choice.

  “If we were to be along the walkway, everyone passing by would stop to chat, usually just as you had a mouthful of food,” he explained.

  “Good call,” Julie laughed.

  Julie took in the surroundings. The peacefulness seemed to radiate through everything. “Is it always like this?” she asked.

  “Like what?” Austin wasn’t sure what Julie was referring to. “This… wonderful,” she tried to explain. “It just seems as if this place is right out of book. As if someone imagined it and created this place brick by brick,” she related.

  Austin looked around, trying to see the town through Julie’s eyes. He had lived here forever and never thought much about it. “It’s always just been home to me,” he said.

  Julie smiled at him. “That’s exactly it,” she said.“It’s like home.” Austin still wasn’t sure what she meant, but seeing the smile on her face was worth the confusion.

  The waitress came to their table with two glasses filled with water. “Hey, Austin,” she greeted. “You must be the new girl, I’m Cindy,” the waitress said to Julie.

  “Hi, Cindy. I’m Julie.” Julie realized that everyone now knew of her existence in this small town. She didn’t panic. No one knew anything of her previous persona, except what she herself had manufactured. She was confident in her ability to have covered her tracks, but still fought the urge to look over her shoulder.

  Cindy handed Julie a menu, a one page laminated sheet with printing on both sides. “You want one, or are you having your usual?” she asked Austin.

  Julie gave Austin a knowing look. Austin grinned back. “I might… want something else,” he said, looking at Julie the whole time.

  Julie laughed and shook her head. “Creatures of habit,” she said, quietly, but Austin had heard. He fought to hide the smile as he recalled the similar situation they had at the breakfast place. He took the menu from Cindy.

  “Can I start you off with something to drink?” she asked.

  “The water is fine for me,” Julie said, as she scanned the menu.

  “Diet Mountain Dew,” Cindy said at the exact time with Austin. Julie stifled a giggle that was dying to escape. Austin made a face that was a cross between a grimace and a smile. “Coming right up,” Cindy said and walked away.

  Julie tried to focus on the menu but kept stealing glances at Austin. Finally she spoke, “Austin, stop fighting yourself.”

  “I’m not fighting myself, I’m trying to decide what to get,” he replied.

  “It’s okay to get the same thing, just get what you like,” Julie encouraged.

  “What are you getting?” he asked.

  “I’m actually considering getting what I had last night.“ Julie said. “The hotel makes an incredible bacon cheeseburger,” she mentioned.

  “Did you go down to the restaurant when I left?” Austin asked.

  “No, room service,” Julie said.

  “Oh, my buddy Rick works there delivering,” Austin said.

  Julie pretended to be concentrating on the menu to avoid looking at Austin. The menu was suddenly plucked from her hands. “He hit on you, didn’t he?” Austin asked.

  Julie did not want to have this conversation right now. “Look, Austin,” Julie began.

  “It’s okay, “ Austin interrupted, “It’s his M.O. He thinks he is Joe Gigolo, that woman will just fall at his feet. Sometimes they do,” he finished quietly.

  “He’s a bit full of himself,” Julie said. She originally had no intention of mentioning the encounter to Austin, but now it seemed unavoidable. “I pretty much told him that and he apologized,” Julie recited. She left out the part where he was doubled over in pain.

  Austin looked reflective. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry you had to go through that,” Austin said.

  “Austin why are you apologizing for something your friend did? You’re not responsible for him,” Julie reminded. She hated to see the frown on his face. Julie reached across the table and touched Austin’s hand, to bring his eyes back to hers. “I’ve dealt with guys that think like your friend, Rick, before. Their arrogance is broadcasted far and wide. They think their confidence and Neanderthal ways will get them what they want. Maybe on someone who is unsure of themselves, it might work. I don’t consider myself under that umbrella. Rick found that out right quick,” Julie finished. She hoped she didn’t come across like a know it all. She just wanted Austin to understand, she could take care of herself. Judging by his smile, she succeeded.

  “Should I be worried if he came out alive?” Austin asked, and they both had a good laugh.

  Cindy brought Austin’s drink over. “You guys ready to order?” she inquired.

  “Yes,” Austin answered, quickly. “We are both going to have a bacon cheeseburger,” Austin ordered. Julie smiled.

  “How do you want them cooked?” The waitress asked.

  Austin paused and looked to Julie. “Well done, please,” Julie answered.

  “Okay, that’ll be up shortly,” Cindy said, and then left to put the order in. Austin and Julie smiled at each other. A greater understanding seemed to permeate the evening.

  The food arrived quickly and was cooked to order. The meal came with a side of fries. Julie only ate a few and gave the rest to Austin. “I’m not a fry person,” Julie commented.

  “How can you not be a fry person?” Austin didn’t understand how anyone could not like french fries.

  “I like baked potatoes better,” she admitted.

  “My Uncle Gordi makes the best baked potatoes. He loads them up with everything you can think of,” Austin remembered, fondly.

  “Does your Uncle Gordi live in Marion?” Julie asked.

  “No, in the Poconos,” Austin said, finishing the last of the fries.

  “That’s in Pennsylvania, right?” Julie confirmed.

  “Yeah, we used to drive up every winter around the holidays to visit and go skiing,” Austin said.

  “Used to?” Julie questioned, catching the past tense.

  “Yeah, my dad and him had a falling out a few years back, now we just don’t go anymore,” Austin said. “He’s a bit of a strange guy, a loner of sorts, but I always got along well with him,�
�� Austin elaborated.

  “That’s a shame,” Julie remarked.

  Cindy was back, “How was everything?” she asked.

  Julie smiled up at her. “Wonderful, thank you,” she said.

  “You guys getting dessert?” she asked. Austin looked at Julie with raised eyebrows.

  “What does Austin usually get?” Julie asked her, but smiled at Austin who rolled his eyes.

  “He usually gets the frozen yogurt cup to go,” Cindy said, seeming to enjoy embarrassing Austin. Austin just kept quiet sitting back in his chair, letting the girls tease him.

  “What’s his favorite flavor?” Julie asked, her smile getting wider as Cindy played along.

  “Oh, he likes to add fruit like strawberry and kiwi to vanilla,” she told.

  “Oh that sounds awesome,” Julie replied. “Let’s get two of those,” she ordered.

  “Coming right up,” Cindy said and laughed as she walked away.

  “Having fun?” Austin smirked.

  “Absolutely,” Julie smiled.

  “I’ve got to work on being less predictable,” he commented.

  “Don’t you dare change,” Julie admonished. “You’re fine just the way you are,” she added.

  Cindy returned with the two frozen yogurt cups and the check. Austin quickly picked it up and paid. “I have money, Austin, I can…,” Julie started to say, but Austin cut her off.

  “I told you, you are my invited guest,” he reminded her.

  “Well, next time, you’re going to be my guest,” she insisted. Austin smiled, he liked the sound of that.

  “Next time it is,” he confirmed, and stood with his dessert cup. Julie just realized, then, she had made plans to be with him again. She couldn’t hide her smile. All of this was new to her. She had never really wanted to be with another person before. She spent so much time just doing what she had been told to do, that the only thing she ever desired was to be left alone. She didn’t feel that way now. Being with Austin was different.

  Together they strolled slowly back toward the hotel, eating the frozen treat along the way. The dessert was finished as they arrived at the lobby of the hotel. Disposing of their trash, both were silent for a moment.