Glimmers (7 page)

“What’re you thinking?” William asks, as I pick out the perfect lure for the season and attach them to the lines.

“I think I’m gonna catch way more trout than you.”

“Haven’t you ever heard of beginners luck? I believe that could happen today.”

“We’ll have to see about that, now won’t we? Don’t think just because you’re a guy, fishing is gonna come naturally.”

“I definitely don’t think it will come naturally.”

We head into the water, and William whines a little before following me into the cool depths of the stream. While handing him the fly rod, I offer some good tips on how to fly fish. Our lines strike the water, and it only takes a few tries before William catches his first trout. I can’t help but laugh at the way he squirms like a little girl. He’s putting on a tough guy act, but I can tell he doesn’t want to touch the wiggling fish.

“You are such a wimp! You’re gonna have to man up, if you’re gonna hang with me!” I exclaim between fits of laughter.

After taking the fish off the hook, he allows the tiny little trout to swim away.

I can’t stop myself from wondering out loud, “How is it, you’ve managed your whole life without ever having handled a live fish?”

“I was never certain of that myself . . . up until now,” he says and heads for land. “I think I’ll hang back here awhile and enjoy the view.”

“I’m sorry for teasing. Come on, stay with me. I’ll tell you what, if you catch another fish, I’ll take it off the hook for you.”

“I’ll tell you what, how about we relax on this blanket, and I’ll let you snuggle up to me?” he says, and I giggle.

“You know, this water is awfully cold,” I agree.

The blanket is soft, and a breeze rolls over my body. William places his head close to mine. I can barely hear his breathing over the murmur of the stream.

“So this is what it’s all about?” he questions.

“What’s about?”

“I’ve heard the expression ‘Lazy days of summer,’ but have never experienced one.”

“How do you like it?” I ask, lacing my fingers through his.

“I don’t ever want it to end.”

~ * * * ~

June turns into July and July into August, and well, the lazy days of summer continue rolling along. William and I spend most of our free time together. The truth is I can’t stand being away from him for even a minute.

Although I dread the end of this glorious summer, I can’t help but look forward to the upcoming State Fair’s bakeoff competition. Like every other summer before, most of the town’s talkin’ about it: the livestock competition, rides, food, crafts, concerts . . . and well, I could go on all day long. The excitement is contagious, at least to me.

“I don’t understand what the big deal is. It’s just a fair,” William confides to me, one sun-drenched afternoon.

“It’s only the biggest thing to come to our area! People from all over the state come here! It makes me feel like a kid just thinking about it!” I realize I probably sound like a child, too. Poor William, ever since I drove past the fair grounds and saw the rides already in place, I have been babbling on and on about it.

“Does this mean you’ll finally allow me to take you out in public? I mean, all summer you’ve been so concerned about losing your job.”

“I guess it’s time to relax, a little. Tell you what, I’m gonna take you to the fair and show you the time of your life. And I’ll bet you’ll learn to love it, as much as I do.”

It’s time! The State Fair is finally open! I’m so excited, I can’t sit still! William has been laughing at me, but I’ll show him how great the fair is! In fact, I plan on leaving there with a blue ribbon from the bakeoff competition! My dessert, newly called ‘Bite of Delight,’ will be a hit sensation. The grand prize is $75.00; plus, my recipe could be published in an actual cookbook! Maybe, they’ll even put a photo of me holding my prize-winning dessert! I can see it now. I’ll wear an apron and smile with an expression of sophistication! They’ll probably want a clever quote from the award winner! I better come up with one, just in case.

Anxiously, I stare out the window of William’s car: through the town, past all of the store front windows, and our drive is taking way too long. I can’t wait to get to the fair, especially now that I’m about to let everyone see me with William.

Earlier today, I spilled the beans to Lydia about William being my boyfriend. What a relief. I couldn’t believe it when she told me she figured as much all along. I guess I’m not such a good liar after all.

William and I are still driving through town. I’m so anxious I could burst. William, on the other hand, is cool as a cucumber.

I recline my seat and sigh lightly. I’m studying the contours of William’s face. And since he’s paying little attention to me, I allow my gaze to trail down to his chest. I’m fantasizing about running my hand over his well-defined muscles. I want to lightly brush kisses along the side of his neck and bury my nose into his hair. He always smells sooo amazing.

William turns his head towards me and looks at me questioningly. He must’ve heard my breathing become heavier. Rapidly, I pretend to focus on something outside my window.

The fair has arrived, along with droves of people. I look forward to riding the rides, treating myself to hoards of carnival food, and petting the livestock. Later, William and I will cuddle up while listening to the music from a live concert.

We enter through the gates, and I become childlike in my frenzy of excitement! Neon lights flash and the scent of fried delicacies drift towards me, calling to me, reminding me of Sea Sirens. As we wander past food vendors and carnival games, my nostrils flare, leading me toward the unmistakable aroma of corndogs frying in oil, popcorn popping, and burnt sugar swirling into clouds of cotton candy.

The trouble is where to start? Rides come into view on our right, but down just a little further are tons of crafts. I make an impulsive decision and quicken my pace.

“What are we going to do first?” William asks, but he isn’t looking at me. He’s staring longingly at the funnel cake stand.

“We are on our way to see the livestock. It’s better to go in the morning, before the manure heats up.”

“What about the rides? I suspect you’re the sort of girl to look for some thrills.”

“I prefer to go on the rides at night, when they light up! It’s much more exciting that way!” I reach for his hand and tug, attempting to quicken his pace.

I drag William past most of the food. After we round the corner, I stop in front of a sign, advertising fresh-made doughnuts.

“You just have to try these. They’re to die for! They’re fresh from the fryer and will melt in your mouth!”

We approach the stand and make our first purchase. Eagerly, William stuffs a doughnut into his mouth. He then makes a funny sounding muffled grunt and tries to speak, “Mmmm, this is definitely to die for.”

We round another corner and are surrounded by large tractor trailers. As William continues devouring his doughnuts, I focus on our path ahead. Not too far now, I can already see a sign for bunnies.

Suddenly, my body stiffens. I can’t go any further.

“Are you all right?” William asks.

“Just over there is one of my old friends. Don’t look right at him, but he’s the big guy over there. Well, I suppose it’s time to introduce you two.”

A large guy with blonde hair races towards me. His name’s Charlie. Before knocking into me, he lifts me into the air and swings me around!

“Well, lookie who I have here! It’s my long lost friend, Delilah Jones!” Charlie announces and sets me back on the ground. “Shoot, I thought you ran away from home or somethin’! Girl, where’ve you been all summer long?”

“Why, do you mean to say you missed little ol’ me? You know I’ve been working at the resort,” I respond with the most charm I can muster.

“It’s funny you mention that, 'cuz you know I spend a lot of time with your pal Lydia, who also happens to work there. Only she finds the time to hang out with us.” Suddenly, he turns toward William. “I suppose you’re the reason our little girl here disappeared?”

I respond before William has a chance to, “Charlie, this is William.”

Charlie extends his hand, while still giving William the once over. “Looks like you kept her out of trouble. It’s good to meet ya,” Charlie offers.

“It wasn’t easy, but here she is,” William says, while shaking Charlie’s hand.

Charlie laughs and looks back at me. “Why Delilah, I like this boy. You should’ve brought him around to some of our parties. You know all the ones you missed? It ain’t like her to miss a party or miss joining the gang in floating down the river, with coolers in tow. You two missed out on some great summer fun.”

“I missed you guys, too. But William and I had some summer fun of our own,” I say while gazing up at William.

“Well, I don’t get it. Why not bring him around?” Charlie asks, looking confused.

“She probably just wanted to keep me a secret from you guys. All along I’ve suspected, she wants to leave her options open, you know, for when I return home,” William says.

Charlie laughs and pats him on the shoulder. “I can’t say I blame her for that. Delilah, don’t be such a stranger. It was weird seeing Lydia runnin’ around without you. You two are like peas in a pod. I figured you’d gotten yourselves in a fight or somethin’.”

“I’ll keep that in mind next time around,” I say.

“Good to hear. It’s nice to see Delilah’s finally found herself a boyfriend. Take good care of her.” Charlie leans a little closer to William, adding in a lowered voice, “I don’t want to have to come after you, now.” And with that, Charlie nods and walks away. After taking a few steps, he turns around. “By the way, I’m one of the judges in this year’s bakeoff. I can’t wait to try your new dessert. What’s it called again, ‘Delight in a Bite’ or somethin’?”

“It’s called ‘Bite of Delight’,” I correct. “I didn’t realize you were a judge. Isn’t it a conflict of interest for us to be talking?”

“Nah, if that was the case, I’d have no one to talk to all day,” Charlie says and turns to leave.

William slides his arm around my waist and looks down with a grin. “See, that wasn’t so bad. We just have to do it a few hundred more times and all will be well.”

“Charlie’s a dear friend of mine. I feel sort of bad knowin’ I abandoned all of my friends this summer.”

“I think they’ll understand. Friends usually do, and they’ll stick around,” William says and squeezes me tighter. “Besides, you’ve shown me the time of my life. Doesn’t that count for anything?”

“I can’t believe I let this stupid job push me into hiding you. We could have done so much more if I hadn’t been afraid of what would happen at work.”

“Well, we can hang around your friends next summer,” he says and leans his forehead to mine.

“Well, if you promise to behave then I guess I can take you to a party,” I say and loop my arm through his. “Right this way, Mr. Berringer, we have some animals to see.”

~ * * * ~

Evening is here, and most of the day has revolved around William’s stomach. Honestly, I’ve never seen anyone eat so much in my life.

“I suggest you ease up there, or you’re gonna feel sick when we start on the rides,” I say, adding hopefully, “If you want to try more food, we could always return another day.”

“We’ll just have to do that.”

Vibrant reds, yellows, greens, and blues illuminate the rides. Rock music is blaring and strobe lights are flashing. I can’t wait to ride the coaster; I know it’ll be both thrilling and fun.

After finishing off a lamb gyro, William asks, “Are you having a good time?”

“Are you kidding?” I wave my first place ribbon in his face and say, “This makes my whole summer of working in the kitchen worthwhile. Can you believe it? My desert won first place!”

“You know, you’re kind of like a little ‘Bite of Delight,’ yourself,” he says while nibbling on my neck and pulling me closer.