Shady Bay Read online

  Diet Pepsi had never tasted so good. I gulped down the fizz like nobody’s business. Jaxon and Brody were at the end of the bar, so I made my way over to them. “Hey, Brody!”

  Brody sat up straight and smiled. “Mercy. How’s your first night?”

  “Busy. But awesome. Thanks.”

  “Want a fry?” He pushed his plate toward me.

  “Don’t mind if I do.” I dipped the fat fry in ketchup and took a big bite. Brody was so sweet. He’d never said anything to anyone about the state he first found me in, and I thought he was the cutest thing ever. I just wished he’d man up and ask June out. She was wading through jerks like no one’s business. I talked to her on the phone but hadn’t seen her in a few days. She’d popped in the store earlier this week to buy red and pink candles she believed would bring her love if she burned them right. How I wish it were true. I wanted her to find someone who deserved her love and wouldn’t take it for granted.

  Brody exchanged some low-spoken words with Jax and then the two looked at me. What the heck? Did I have ketchup on my mouth? I swiped at the corners of my lips, trying to be discreet.

  “Nah, man. Go for it,” Jaxon said.

  Brody cleared his throat. “Wanna dance, Mercy?”

  I eyeballed them both. Jaxon nodded his approval. “Sure. But then I need to get back to work.”

  Was I allowed? I looked to Jaxon who nodded curtly.

  I walked around the bar where Brody waited with his hand extended. I placed my hand in his and he led me to the dance floor. The DJ, Fast Eddy, who was a wiry short guy with red hair and matching goatee, winked at me and took the microphone in his hand. “May I have your attention please?” The patrons turned their attention to him, as did Brody and I. “We have a new, hot, little thang on the wait staff, fo sho. Everybody, meet Mercy!” He clapped his hands and I waved, my eyes wide. Brody laughed and finally, I released a breath and laughed, too. “She’s a Taurus, is single and new in town. She’s also a freak!” I whipped my head around to him. “Yeah! Baby girl is a fr-e-ak! So, in honor of her freaky ways, imma play you dis song!”

  Rihanna’s “S & M” poured through the speakers. My face was on fire. Not like a fireplace-cozy-warm fire. Like lava-melting-pavement type of burn. Brody chuckled and pulled me close and we began to dance. I could see Summer laughing with the same table of guys I’d left her with before taking my break. Brody was tall, but I could see Jaxon near the bar, too. He wasn’t laughing. He wasn’t even grinning. He was...angry. I hoped he didn’t fire me. I had nothing to do with Fast Eddy’s little welcome.

  The following Sunday, I went to Celeste’s for lunch. She made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup and it was amazing. Comfort food had never tasted so good. We talked about the store and business was booming. She raved about the bikinis and cover-ups I had placed in the shop this week. She’d found an old garment rounder in the back room. I dragged it out and cleaned it until it gleamed. Celeste said it was mine, reserved for my crochet creations. Did I mention I loved this woman?

  “How’s your dad?”

  “He’s fine. I write him once a week, at least. I talk to him just as often. I know he doesn’t have visitors now that I’m gone, so I try to keep in touch. He looks forward to it.”

  “Jaxon knows about him?”

  “Sort of. He knows he’s in prison. He doesn’t know what he’s in for.”

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do with that boy.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He’s a slut.”

  I gasped before laughing. “Celeste.” Her bluntness was hilarious. She was this tiny, kind, ornery old woman and too funny for words.

  “Trust me, honey. He’s stopped bringing the bar bunnies home recently, but before that, I worried about the state of his penis.”

  “What?!”

  “I did. You know, these days you have to be careful. There are diseases. Gonorrhea, Herpes, AIDS. A lady at the nursing home got genital warts from sleeping around.”

  My mouth hung open. I wanted to laugh but was too disturbed. “Oh, honey. You’re an adult, we can discuss dicks. It’s okay.”

  “Um. Maybe not Jaxon’s dick.”

  “He likes you, ya know.”

  “He’s cool.”

  She scoffed. “He’s cool. He’s scorching hot. Well, if I were your age, I’d throw caution of disease to the wind and hop right on that thing.”

  “Oh my God, Celeste. Stop!”

  “I would. And don’t think I don’t see the way he acts when you’re around.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “He becomes a complete moron. A Neanderthal. Half the time I think he’s gonna beat his chest and carry you out of the room.”

  “Whatever. He’s just my friend and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t think about me any other way. I’ve seen how he treats the girls he wants...um, romantically.”

  “No. You haven’t. He treats the whores he brings home like whores. I’ve never even seen him with someone he truly likes. Poor boy had his heart ripped out by a she-devil.”

  “Yeah. I can tell.”

  “If I ever cross paths with that woman, I’ll cut the bitch.” Celeste wiped the tomato soup from the corner of her mouth and carried her bowl to the sink.

  After that enlightening and disturbing lunch with Celeste, June called. She was off and she was coming over to go to the beach. It was seventy-eight degrees and sunny. Time to work on the tan. She took the bathroom and I took the bedroom. I’d made a special and very intricate suit for my debut at the beach. It was made from black yarn and looked like a traditional bikini, with the exception of the detailed netting that stretched from my left hip to underneath my right breast. I tied the halter at my neck as she exited the room, flipping the light switch.

  “Shut up! Did you make that?”

  One second later, she was in front of me, fingering the fabric at my stomach. “Um. Yes.”

  “Oh, sorry. You aren’t very touchy-feely.”

  “No. It’s fine. I’m glad you like it. Want to see some more? I have two ready to go to the shop?”

  When she was finished changing into a simple crocheted bikini in deep mauve, I only had one left to take to the shop. But I’d give her anything I had. Plus, I’d gained a beautiful model.

  We loaded a bag with towels, tanning lotion, bottles of water and magazines, and set out for the beach. People were scattered here and there along the shoreline, but no one directly behind our townhouses. June and I laughed, read about the latest trends and fashion faux-pas and talked about life. She was the youngest in her family and had five older brothers.

  She’d lived in Myrtle her whole life but was happy to live in her own apartment now, and finally able to have some peace and quiet. She went to school for graphic design would have to work her butt off this summer if she was going to afford tuition in the fall. So, in addition to her waitressing job, she had been offered a modeling gig. A guy she knew from school was shooting custom book covers and wanted her on one.

  “Would you go with me? I mean, I know him from class, but I don’t know him well and I do not want to end up in a Silence of the Lambs scenario.”

  “Sure. I’d love to go.”

  We baked in the warm sun, the sand felt exquisite under my tummy. I was almost drifting off to sleep when splash!

  I jumped up off the towel like my life depended on it. Some jackhole had thrown ice-ass cold water on me. I moved my frozen swaths of hair over to see who unnamed jackhole was. Jaxon stood proud holding a little purple sand bucket. Game on.

  I chased him down the sand and was gaining on him. He tossed the bucket back at me and it hit me in the forehead and bounced away. Some kid began screaming about his stolen bucket but I didn’t stop. June was cheering me on from back at our towels. “Get him, girl!”

  “You are dead, Jaxon. Do you hear me? Dead!”

  “Gotta catch me first.”

  He did some crazy football maneuver and doubled back toward me
. I knew the game, ‘chicken,’ and this chick wasn’t gonna back down. I lowered my shoulder as he came near and then I couldn’t breathe. I was lying flat on my back and I couldn’t get any air. I gasped and sputtered trying to inhale.

  “Oh, shit! Mercy? Are you okay?”

  Jaxon pushed himself up and straddled me. I could breathe a little now. The sky was blue. The sun was in the west. And... Perfect. Pay back can be a real... I connected my knee with Jaxon’s groin and watched with a smile as the cocky jerk collapsed to the side, groaning in pain. I stood up, got my bearings and made my way back to the little screaming boy, who had his stupid bucket in his hands. “You’re boyfriend stole my bucket, lady!”

  I grabbed said bucket from him effectively shutting him up and then walked to the water and filled that puppy to the brim. The only thing Jaxon heard before he felt the cold water was me asking, “How’s it feel douche canoe?”

  The boy ran over and grabbed his bucket back from me and ran like hot coals were under his feet, while I walked back to June. She was doubled over laughing, as was Brody, who’d sat down beside her. “That was...awesome!” June laughed.

  “It was.” Well, at least Brody agreed. “I tried to tell him not to do it. Serves him right.”

  Eventually, June and Brody went for a walk together. They looked so sweet. I’d have to give them a push together if they wouldn’t take the leap themselves.

  Jaxon limped over and fell onto June’s towel. “That was below the belt, Mercy.”

  “Duh.” I rolled my eyes.

  “I just threw water on you. You freaking hurt the boys!”

  Calmly I explained, “No. You threw freezing cold water on me, made me chase you, tackled me, and then squished the air out of me. You deserved what you got. Don’t want none? Won’t be none.”

  “You’re crazy.”

  “Yep. Best be learning.”

  “Oh, I am.” I grinned sweetly at him and he shook his head.

  When June and Brody returned to find Jaxon curled up on the towel next to me, I’d decided enough was enough. “So when are you guys going to go out?”

  June coughed. “What?”

  “Yeah. You obviously like each other. Go out on a date. Ask her out, Brody.” I looked at him and nodded my head toward June.

  He didn’t hesitate. “I’d love to take you out, June.”

  “Sure.” I’d witnessed the unthinkable. Someone rendered June speechless. Then she turned to me and said, “But, only if, you let me set you up with a friend of mine. You need to get out once in a while.”

  And it backfired. “Fine. You’re right. I do need to get out more.” I stood up and dusted myself off. “Time to get ready for work tonight. Oh, and June?”

  “Yeah.”

  I pointed my finger at her. “No freaks.”

  She and Brody laughed. Jaxon just stared at me. Weirdo. Must still be mad.

  Since Mercy had so heinously assaulted me on the beach, I’d only talked to her in passing at Shady. I saw the schedule board had been changed and that she’d traded shifts with Stacey. Must be date night. Her blonde ponytail swished back and forth as she made tracks to and from the tables on the main floor. She’d only ever waited on the sand until today, but Stacey was an indoors kind-of-girl. I’d have to find someone to take the sand tonight so she could be in here, or I’d have to hear her drone on and on about her pedicure getting messed up.

  “Mercy.”

  She jogged over to me. “Yeah?”

  “You traded shifts with Stacey?”

  “Yeah. Summer said we could trade as long as we write it on the board.”

  “She was right, just let me know next time, too.”

  “Sure. Sorry, Jax.”

  She turned to go. “Hot date?”

  She spun around again, this time with a smile on her face. A genuine smile. Shit! “Yes. It’s the guy June set me up with. I’ve talked to him every day this week. He seems so sweet. I can’t wait.” She bounced on her toes a little.

  “Well. Have fun and be careful.”

  “Okay, Dad.” She rolled her eyes and walked to the kitchen.

  I’d been stuck at Shady all day and long into the night and was ready to head home. I said goodnight to the staff, made my way to my car and drove the few miles down the shore. A blue pickup was parked in front of Mercy’s place. I looked up and saw her and her date standing close together on her porch. Her porch light was on and the two were facing one another and talking, smiling. I realized I probably looked like a stalker, so I got out of the car and started up my own steps.

  “Hey, Jax.”

  “Mercy.”

  When I locked the deadbolt behind me I heard her laugh.

  “Can I kiss you, Mercy?” What a tool.

  “Yes.” Are you kidding me?! On a first date? Granted, I’d done a lot more than kiss the women I brought home.

  I shouldn’t have done it. I should have walked away, back to my bedroom. But I didn’t. I padded to the only window in my place that I could see her porch from and I watched them. He didn’t pull her close or knit his fingers into her hair. His touch was tentative, cautious. Hers was as well. She held on to his biceps as if they were holding her feet to the ground. Then it ended.

  Thank the good Lord above. I paced the carpet, wearing a trail, I was sure. I couldn’t stand it. I hated seeing her dance with the sluggers. I even hated seeing her dancing with Brody, even though I knew he was only a friend. I hated seeing how the guys at the bar looked at her.

  But this? This was too much. Seeing her kissing that nerdy looking idiot was just too damn much. I slammed my palm into the wall I was closest to and then snapped back into reality. I was by the same window and judging by the way the happy couple was looking in my direction, they also knew how I felt about the whole thing.

  Daddy,

  I miss you so much. I can’t wait to hug you. I’ll try to come home for a visit soon. Things here are great. Celeste and her shop have been such a blessing. I’ve been crocheting some things and she’s letting me sell them and keep all of the profits. How did I come across such an amazing person?

  I’m waitressing at a local bar and grill called Shady Bay for my neighbor and friend Jaxon. He’s...well, he’s Jaxon. He’s moody. Sometimes he seems so carefree and fun and the next broody and angry. Maybe he’s a vampire! Kidding.

  I hope you’re doing okay. I put some money in your commissary account. You can stock up on your favorite Ramen Noodles. I miss you and love you.

  —Mercy

  June and I dressed for the beach the morning after my date with Drew and made our way to the sand. The sun was so bright, it reflected and shimmered off the surface of sand and water alike, blinding me. I shaded my eyes and then spread my beach towel beside June’s.

  “Spill.” She grinned.

  “He was really sweet.”

  Groaning, she squirted tanning lotion onto her hand and started rubbing it into the pale skin of her legs. “Kiss of death. Was he that bad?”

  “No. He was great. I just said he was sweet. That’s a good thing.”

  She cocked her head to the side. “No. It’s not. It’s definitely not a good thing. Were there fireworks when he kissed you?”

  I scoffed. “Fireworks? What are we like nine? Life isn’t one of your smut novels, girl.”

  She grinned. “If it’s done right, it is.”

  “Well,” I straightened my back. “No fireworks. But I want to take some time to get to know him. We’re going out for dinner next Sunday.”

  Two sea gulls landed nearby and started pecking at the sand. One flapped its wings, taking flight. It was so windy that it caught the breeze and just arched its wings, sailing on it lazily. It didn’t even have to flap.

  “We saw Jaxon last night.”

  June lowered her aviators. “You and Drew? Where?”

  “We were on my front porch saying goodnight and he came home. It was weird. He said hello and then all but ran inside and then when I kissed Drew, we heard som
e loud bang come from his house.” I looked around to make sure no one was around. “I saw him in the window.”

  Her mouth formed an “o.” Then it tilted up and spread into a wide smile. “I knew it. He so wants you!” she squealed.

  “He does not. I don’t know what he wants. Sometimes he’s sweet and funny and sometimes he’s so angry and I don’t even know what I’ve done to make him that way. He drives me crazy.”

  “What does Celeste think? She knows everything. You know how amazing she is with her readings and stuff, right?”

  “She says someone broke his heart. I’ve never had a reading, but her clients are constant.”

  June nodded and pushed her sunglasses back onto her face. “She pegged me right. She even knew about this.” She raised her under arm and I could see dozens of tiny lines running up and down the length.

  “You cut?”

  “I used to. I went through a rough time my senior year in high school.”

  “What happened? I mean, if you want to tell me.”

  “There was this guy who had always flirted with me. You know. He was popular. I wasn’t. It was flattering. So, when he asked me out, I said yes with no hesitation. We went to dinner and then to a movie. He was supposed to take me home after that but instead parked in a vacant lot and tried to push me to do something I wasn’t ready for. I told him as much and he got mad and drove me home. The following Monday, he told everyone that I had put out and made up some really horrible rumors about me. I couldn’t cope. I didn’t have many friends to begin with and those who had been around fled from me like I had the plague. I was hard. I was young and stupid. No excuse for slicing and dicing, but it is what it is.”

  I hugged her tight. “Well, I love who you are. Scars and all.”

  “Scars and all,” she repeated, her voice muffled by my neck.

  Mercy,

  I got your letter today. I miss you, too, Mercy-girl. But stay where you are. You’re young and building a life. Build a better one than I did. Enjoy the sand and make new friends. I’m glad you found Celeste. She sounds really great.