I sat in the damp sand between the water and the dry sand. With my legs spread wide, the waves lapped at me. I thought about Brenda against me. I looked around and I was alone. I felt alone. Deep down, I was alone. I lifted my hips and slipped the bottom of her swimsuit past my hips and over my feet. I held it to my face and inhaled deeply smelling the mixture of salt water and our fragrance. How I missed sharing myself with her.

Aunt Peggy called at the start of June and asked if I wanted the beach house for the next three months. It seemed that she had been unable to rent it out this summer. How could I turn such an offer down? We had never been close, but this was exactly what I needed at this point in my life. I had no classes to teach until the fall, so I said I would. I laughed at my luck the whole time I packed.

Just past the toll bridge onto the beach, I took the top down on my Jeep CJ so I could enjoy the next ten miles of sun. The last few miles, I was glad I was driving a 4-wheel drive as I plowed through sand drift after sand drift that covered the road. Sometimes I was not even sure where the pavement was. The house numbers passed, 6824, 6826. There it is, 6886. “Wow! Looks like at least twenty homes are gone,” I said aloud. The others looked empty. Peggy’s place was all that remained at the end of the road. I realized that there would a lot of solitude.

For a few weeks each summer when I was growing up, my parents used to bring me to her place. Built in the 1950’s, the house sat on a concrete slab with sides of concrete blocks painted pink with jalousie windows cranked out as we pulled into the driveway. It was not a popular part of the beach back then, there used to be several rows of houses each parallel to the water. Now after the past several years of hurricanes, many of the houses were gone, only some scrap wood, a few pilings, and a few slab foundations, nothing else. Of course, there had been a pink flamingo out front of her house. The pink flamingo was now gone.

At least the key she gave me still worked. Larger windows now replaced the old windows. What a mess the place was, it looked like no one had been here all winter to even check on the place. I tried all the faucets and the water seemed to work, even the hot water. I was surprised that the electric hot water heater was actually working after seeing the condition of the place. I was not one to complain though. I used the broom from beside the fridge to sweep the terrazzo floors. It would be stupid to have carpets in a beach house. It was nice to feel the coolness of these floors on the bottoms of my feet. They were nicer than vinyl, and prettier than plain concrete.

A quick survey of the place made me feel like this would be just what I needed this summer. Maybe I could actually get a start on the book I had planned to write for several years. Yes, that desk, with a view through the big window towards the ocean, would be the perfect place to plant my butt and my laptop. I had not told anyone exactly where I was going to be so I did not have to worry about any friends deciding to surprise me with an extended visit.

Three trips were all it took to carry in my belongings and supplies. I had enough food to last me the first few days. I had seen a small grocery store, still in business and open, about five miles before I got to the house so I could make a run for more, as I needed.

Place cleaned, laptop on the desk, clothes put in drawers, sheets on the bed, food in cupboards, and dishes washed, now I stood in the doorway looking at the ocean. I unbuttoned my blouse and let the cool salt air filled breeze blow it open. The warmth of the sun was shining on my breasts now. I pushed on the elastic waistband of my short pants until they fell around my ankles. With a little kick of my foot, they flew up and I caught them with one hand. How wonderfully wicked it felt to stand there nearly naked.

I grabbed a towel and walked towards the water. Looking around, I realized just how solitary this part of the beach had become. It was like a ghost town. With the tall sand dunes, I could not even see any other houses, not even the closest ones, only Aunt Peggy’s. This emboldened me, maybe more than I should have let myself become. I carried the towel in my hand with only my unbuttoned blouse to provide any cover.

As I walked away from the houses towards the end of the point of land I was on, the highest reaches of the incoming waves cover only my footprints. They did not last very long. A few seashells and some seaweed littered the beach, not much else. It was as if I was the first person to discover this piece of shoreline. The solitude was almost overwhelming, so much nicer, so refreshing compared to the sounds of the city and the university I had left behind. Now all I could hear was the lapping of the surf as it rolled in and the squawk of a few seabirds. I could hardly wait for tonight as the heavy surf of the incoming tide started crashing hard against the beach. I loved that sound.

I spread my towel, tossed my blouse on one corner, and lay on my stomach, my bare firm hips smiling at the sky. I had always liked my hips and several girlfriends had often remarked how they would like to have theirs be just like mine. The skin on my back warmed and I felt myself about to fall asleep. I fought to stay awake knowing the last thing I wanted was a sunburn on the first day.

Without a watch, it was hard to tell how long I had laid there, but it seemed like it had been maybe too long. I felt compelled to slip my blouse back on, even if I did not button it up. It is strange how some customs and habits are difficult to ignore.

It had been a very long drive and the late afternoon was warm. I could still feel myself in need of a nap, maybe just a short one. I opened the bedroom windows earlier while I cleaned; now the sensual smell of the sea filled the room.

It was dark as I awoke and sat on the edge of the bed. The nearly full moon was hovering almost above the horizon, a tiny piece of the bottom still hidden by the surf. The air was cooler now, not cold, but just enough to make me put on a long sleeved t-shirt that covered me to the tops of my thighs. Just before walking out the door, I grabbed a cold bottle of beer to sip as I plodded and splashed though the edge of the water.

The moon was now higher in the sky. The feel of the water up to my knees, sometimes higher, often lower, was almost hypnotic. A breaking wave dampened the bottom of my t-shirt and I held it up around my waist, the waves now splashing against my bare bottom. I thought about how nice it would be to have someone to hold hands with, to share these moments. I also thought about how nice it was to be alone for a change.

Back at the house and at my desk, I flipped on my laptop and stared at the screen for a while. I could feel the effects of the beer, but there was no great inspiration to write. I gave up and shuffled to the bedroom. Listening to the sounds of the huge waves of the incoming tide, I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Each day, I forced myself to follow a routine to make sure I was not spending too much time on the beach and not getting anything done on the book. During the next few days, I actually made some progress on my book and took more walks along the beach.

It was not until the fourth day that I saw my first human on the beach. Some man with a fishing pole and a bucket for whatever he caught. At least I was not too exposed. He tipped his hat, the one that said “Fish or Die”, and walked past me without saying anything.

That first trip to the grocery store was a bit of a surprise. It looked much, much bigger that it actually was. I was able to get everything I needed, so that was good. Everyone that worked there was either in high school, or over 55, mostly the later. All were nice, all asked me were I was living, what I did, and how long I would be around. I left with three bags of groceries and more beer.

The end of the first week had come and gone, and I was still enjoying my time alone. I was still enjoying lying naked on the beach too. Other than the fisherman, I had not seen a soul on the beach. Today was no different as I lay on my stomach loving the warmth of the sun on my bare skin.

“Like some company?”

The voice was soft, feminine, and quite sensual. It still startled me. I looked around as I got my heart to beat again. Close to my towel, there were women’s feet, nice looking feet. I looked up, but the sun was in my eyes. Whoever it was had already seen my naked body and covering up no longer made any sense. I sat up and with my eyes shielded with a hand; I could see more of her.

“You’re the second person I’ve seen out here in a week.”

“I parked a few houses up the road and walked along the water. I was surprised to see someone. Like a morgue around here.”

“Join me. I’m staying in that house.” I pointed toward my Aunt’s house. “I’m Karen.”

She spread her towel next to mine “I’m Brenda. Would you mind if I take my swimsuit off?”

“Help yourself.” It did not cover much of her anyway.

As she moved so she was not directly in the sun, I began to realize just how nice she looked, not a raving model kind of woman, but a lot like me. You know that mid-forty year old look with a body not so firm anymore, but definitely not even close to being chubby. Her graying hair was long, in a ponytail pulled through a baseball cap.

“So Karen, you must be enjoying the quiet. Sorry to interrupt it.”

“Don’t be. I guess this morning I’d even thought it would be nice to see someone today.”

“And here I am.” She giggled as she held her hands out wide. Her eyes scanned my body. “Hope you don’t mind if I say how nice you look. Some women our age have a difficult time.”

I reached over, opened my small cooler, and pulled the other bottle of beer out of the ice. My thumb popped the top. It spun up into the air and landed in the cooler. As I held it out, she took it letting her fingers brush against mine.

“Likewise. Guess I was checking you out too.” I laughed. “Are you married?”

“Heavens no, just a few lady friends along the way, but nothing currently. And you?”

“Same here. I teach at a university, but off for the summer. I am trying to write a book. Nothing very heavy, just some erotic fiction about love between women.”

“Ah, good smut.” She smiled.

“Yeah. Body parts, moans, and such.”

My mind began to race with thoughts of her filling big places in the story I was writing. It was not a big leap for me to also see her filling the empty spot next to me in bed as well.

“Sounds like more fun than writing software. I am staying about ten miles back towards the bridge at what seems like the only hotel left on the island. Me and a few other guests.”

She lay on her side facing me, a hand rested on her hip. I watched for a few moments, not saying anything, just watching how casual she seemed in front of a total stranger. I was fascinated. I sat up. “Do you need some lotion?”

“Please.”

I squeezed a large drop on her back and she jumped a little. I knew it would be cold. I really wanted to start with those hips of hers. It started as a light rub of suntan lotion on her back, but soon became a firm massage.

“Now that does feel good.” She said with more of a moan than just regular talk.

“Just enjoy it.”

Another plop of lotion base of her spine caused her to squeeze her cheeks tight for a moment before relaxing them.

She moaned. “I hope you’re not just teasing me.”

“Maybe later.” I whispered deeply. “This is what I want to do now.” I leaned forward and kissed her neck.

She rolled over forcing my hand away for a second. “Lay down here with me and let’s kiss.”

We held each other tight, the sand caught in the suntan lotion acting like sandpaper as our skin rubbed back and forth. Our lips spread wide-open as they pressed against each other. Our tongues moving back and forth like sabers striking through the wide-open space of our open mouths.

I stared into her eyes. “Are you sure that you didn’t just fall from heaven?” I stuck my tongue deep into her mouth so she could not reply right away.

“Maybe you should take notes for your book.”

“Maybe we will just have to rehearse a few chapters. Several times each.” I giggled.

“Let’s go rinse this sand off.”

“A mind reader too. How exciting.”

The water was running cold by the time we left the small shower made of thin metal with spots of rust on the white walls that rattled as we bumped them. It barely held us, neither cozy nor romantic, just functional at best. It was hard to picture my Aunt sharing this or any shower with someone. I knew she had not considered that when choosing this shower.

On the bed, we simply laid down with our faces pressed against each other. When we started, the sun was high in the sky, now it was almost touching the ocean. She turned and looked intensely at me for a moment before gently kissing my lips. She stopped. “God damn you’re good.”

“What will I do tomorrow?”

“Guess I could come back.”

“Or just stay.”

“Really? Maybe I should go back to the hotel tonight and plan to stay tomorrow night.”

“Actually I think you should stay tonight and checkout tomorrow morning.”

“We just met.”

“I have a good feeling about us.”

“Often those initial feelings suck.”

“I know. Usually for me they do. This feels different. Besides, how long had you planned to be at the hotel?”

“Two more nights.”

“We don’t want to waste those precious few nights then.”

“Is there a place we can have dinner?”

“I’ve got some salad and two turkey dinners in the freezer. Several cold beers too.”

That night had come straight from a romance novel – great company, some dinner, too much to drink, and lots more. Brenda was being good for my soul. I had not ever known someone quite like her. I was savoring every moment. I also was trying to ignore that this would all end far too quickly. I half heartily hoped she would not leave. I knew I should not expect that.

We made love most of the night and as the sun rose, the bed looked like there had been a massive orgy. An arm rested over each other, our lips lay inches apart. I could feel her breath blowing against my lips and did not bother to open my eyes, just leaned forward until mine touched hers. She automatically responded and our tongues greeted each other “good morning”. Probably before we were completely awake, they were deep inside each other’s other mouth and our arms squeezed a little tighter around us.

“If you still want me to stay…”

“If you try to leave, I’ll handcuff you to the bed.”

“Well I need to go checkout. Come with me and I’ll buy you breakfast at the hotel.”

I picked up a comb. “Let me run a comb through my hair. Not sure we have time to shower.”

“Gag. It’s can’t be 10:10?”

“Afraid it is.” I tossed her a pair of shorts and a t-shirt so she would not have to wear a still damp bathing suit back to the hotel. “Sorry, no underwear.”

“Who wears them?”

As we passed her car in my Jeep, she yelled, “Hey, the rental car is still here.”

I reached out and grabbed her hand. “Glad you’re sitting right there.”

“Me too.”

I truly was glad, but my heart ached that the clock was ticking and she would leave. I replayed last night repeatedly in my head as the pavement passed under the car. Her mouth put me in a place that I did not get to go often enough and her fingers played me like a fine instrument.

The tall blue water tower was always both a welcoming sign and an exit sign for me as a child. Even painted white now, I could see it not very far ahead. When people drove onto the island just off the toll bridge, it was the first thing everyone saw. It had been there forever. None of the hurricanes that had torn up the island had ever damaged it. It was like the thing that screwed the island to the earth.

Since the hurricane, the hotel Brenda was staying at was one of the only big hotels that to be rebuilt and reopened. The others looked like they had been through a war; empty parking lots filled with debris, no windows, lots of plywood tacked everywhere. Whatever damage they had suffered, they faired much better than the old one and two story motels that had been the staple for so many years. They were all leveled now, just concrete slabs and sand covered parking lots remained.

“Breakfast?” the hostess asked.

“Are you still serving?”

“For another five minutes.”

“Great!”

The dinning room was nearly empty and she sat us at a table with a wonderful view of the ocean. The waves were a foot or more high and breaking with a crash as they hit the beach. I guess it was still too cool for some, but there were a few people brave enough to venture out, scattered here and there in chairs and laying on towels.

Brenda’s head turned as a lovely woman with a golden tan and not much material covering it walked past our windows.

My eyes traced the path from her eyes to the woman. “Very lovely. I used to have a body like that.”

“Nothing wrong with your body Karen. Nothing at all.”

“You’re too kind Brenda.”

Her Eggs Benedict and my waffle with strawberries arrived.

“Those eggs look good all of a sudden. Wish I’d ordered that.”

She cut a portion off and pushed her plate towards me. “For you sweetheart.”

I reached over and took her hand in mine giving it a light squeeze. “You’re special.”

“Just sharing with someone I had a great time with yesterday and still this morning.”

I dropped her off by her rental car. “Careful of the sand drifts.” I waved as I pulled ahead.

I parked in the carport, she behind me. As she turned the ignition off, I leaned in the open car window and kissed her. “Welcome home.” I kissed her again.

She laid a small suitcase on the bed next to me and unzipped it. Inside there were two more bathing suits, a few blouses, and a single pair of shorts.

“It looks like you travel light.”

“Yup. It does. I didn’t think I’d need much more at the beach.” She held up the bathing suits. “I may not need these.”

“Babe, you don’t need to cover that body.”

Brenda turned and wiggled her hips at me then gave one a slap. “Glad you like it.”

“I like it all.”

She zipped the suitcase up and sat it against the wall. Lying next to me, her face resting on her palm, elbow on the bed, she lazily rubbed a finger over my breast as she looked down at me. “How did I get so lucky yesterday?” Her hand slipped under my t-shirt.

Hand in hand, we walked along the edge of the water. Brenda stopped and jumped and as she landed, the water splashed high.

I laughed and jumped. “You win.” I exclaimed. My splash was far smaller than hers was.

She rested her hand over my hips and pulled me against her. “Great day.” It was too, probably in the top ten days of my life. We continued our walk in silence, an occasional glance, and a smile. Sometimes we would swing our locked hands back and forth. We were just enjoying each other. It was obvious that we both were having a nice time.

Suddenly she kissed me, and then pulled off her clothes, tossing them to me before running into the water. I watched as she floated on her back in the shallow water over the sandbar just off shore. A large wave broke on top of her making her disappear for a moment. I knew she would disappear tomorrow for real. I tossed her clothes and mine on the sand and joined her in the waves. The water above the sandbar shallow enough that we could lie down. The salt water on her body tasted good as I kissed her skin.

The next morning after breakfast, I put her suitcase in the car. We embraced, held each other, and then kissed. She pulled back. “I wish I had more time, I don’t.” She kissed me again. As she got in the car, her lips moved, but I could not hear what she had said. She backed out the driveway, backing out of my life, and we waved to each other for the last time.

In the bedroom, I found her swimsuit lying neatly on the bed, still damp, still smelling like her. I put it on and walked out to the water. Sitting in the waves, waves lapping against me, I thought about her as I read her letter one more time.

My darling Karen, it is a cruel joke to have a few weeks to live and then find the love of your life. At least we had these few days. It makes me feel good to have known you. Love Brenda.