Summer Dreaming

FlashNano Day 15: Write a story set in summer

“Not bad,” Sara says, spinning in front of the mirror. “I guess all those hours on the treadmill this winter worked.”

Not bad at all… The sunny yellow bikini hugged her strong, toned curves in all the right places. Not too skimpy, she wasn’t a kid anymore, but sexy and she felt great in it. Every morning during the long, snowy winter she woke up an hour early to get in a treadmill run before work. Ugh, the dreadmill, but running outside, in all that snow, wasn’t an option.

Her winter pale skin now showed off a healthy sun kissed tan. She tied her beach wrap low on her hips, slid on her flip flops, grabbed her tote and she was ready to go. All she’d need for another lazy day at the beach. Heading out the door she remembered one more necessity and grabbed her book off the end table.

“Now I’m set.” The cheerful starfish painted on her pale peach door brought a smile to her face every time she saw it. She loved this little motel and the reviews were spot on. Clean, quaint, affordable and right on the beach. Not to mention Simon…

Simon, the much too young, much too good looking surfer who also happened to own the seaside motel. This past week, their daily ritual involved quite a bit of flirting. But, he was way too young…

This morning she found him outside waxing his surfboard. She paused a moment, unnoticed, to take in his strong, tan arms. His long, honey colored hair tied in a loose ponytail.

Turning around and catching her staring he smiled, “Good morning, beautiful. Whatcha’ looking at?”

“Ummm, just looking at…. your surfboard, it’s a beauty,” she stammers.

“She sure is a beauty,” he says looking directly into Sara’s hazel eyes. “Big plans today?”

“Oh, you know, more of the same – lay out, read and swim until the sun goes down. I’m loving this life of leisure.”

“What about food? Are you finally going to let me take you out to dinner?” He asked.

“Oh, Simon, I just don’t think, I mean, well, I’m old enough to be-”

“Sara, I am legal y’know. Twenty-seven. I can drink and everything.”

His emphasis on ‘everything’ made her blush. She’s a grown woman and this boy can make her blush. How embarrassing.

“Well, I haven’t seen my twenties in… awhile.”

“Age is just a number and I think you’re beautiful-”

“I bet you say that to all the women.” She laughs.

“Actually, I don’t,” He says, sounding a bit hurt, but quickly recovers, “Dinner – one dinner. I promise, we’ll have a great time.”

Shaking her head with a grin. “We’ll see. Have a good day, Simon.”

“We’ll see… that’s almost a yes, Sara.”

Still grinning Sara heads off towards the beach. The sky is a bright sapphire blue with just a few wispy clouds. A slight ocean breeze rustles the palm trees that circle the small motel.

“Ahhh, three more weeks of this, I may never leave.”

Early last winter she’d decided a long vacation was in order. After some research she’d found this little motel. Before she had time to talk herself out of it she’d booked a room for a whole month. She remembers the friendly man’s voice on the phone saying, “See you soon.” Soon had finally arrived and that friendly man was Simon.

As she stepped onto the sand she kicked off her flip flops, tossed them into her bag and wiggled her toes in the warm sand. Ahhh.

A few steps from the water she laid out her towel and sat down and took in the expansive ocean. Winter was long forgotten as the sun warmed her shoulders. Leaning back she shut her eyes and listened to the melodic sound of the waves hitting the shore.

She must have dozed off as she jumped when a shadow crossed overhead.

“Hi, beautiful. Since I can’t get you to commit to dinner, I’ve brought lunch.”

Sara smiled seeing Simon standing there in nothing but Hawaiian print board shorts and tan skin, holding a large wicker basket. This boy…man, was gorgeous.

“Can I sit down?” He asked.

“Of course, pull up some sand.” Ugh, did I say that out loud, she cringed.

“HA! Success!” Simon said as he sat down next to her. He opened the basket and pulled out a bottle of wine, two glasses and a plate with an assortment of cheeses and fruit.”

“Looks delicious.” She said, hoping her eyes were on the food and wine and not locked onto his flat, tan stomach.

“Grape,” he asked, holding it out towards her.

Leaning in with a slight smile, “Sure,” he gently placed it in her mouth as his thumb grazed her lower lip. Their eyes held a few moments.

“If this lunch goes well, maybe you’ll let me buy you dinner?”

Laughing, “Maybe…Why don’t you pour us some wine?”

Handing her a glass, “Maybe… hmm, I’ll take that as a yes,” he laughed.

With a wink, “You do that,” she said.

***

Sara awakened with a start to the insistent buzz of her alarm clock. The room is cold despite her turning up the heater a couple of hours earlier. Looking out the window she sees the snow is coming down hard and the snowplow is already rumbling down her driveway.

Dragging herself out of bed, she looks at the calendar – December. She crosses off today’s date with a red marker and flips through seven months – June, where BEACH VACATION is written in blue. A few days ago she’d spontaneously decided to take a long vacation. She did some research and before she could change her mind she called the seaside motel where a nice sounding man, Simon, booked her room and said, “See you soon,” with a smile in his voice.

“Soon, well, seven months is soon-ish I guess,” She sighed, putting on her running gear. Stepping on the treadmill she pushed ‘start’ and began running. With determination, she stared straight ahead where her brand new sunny yellow bikini hangs. She begins running faster.