28 | Chasing Seagulls

                                    

                                          
Summer descended on the island in a flash; the smell of wild roses and salt air permeated the air, and warm breezes kept the lush dune grasses dancing.  Charlotte had eased back into using her magic, spending as much time as possible outside enjoying the gorgeous weather and regaining her strength.  At first, she had stayed close to the house, enjoying the warm breezes from her back deck.  She found herself short of breath if she walked too far at once; at least, that's what she told herself. But truthfully, she had been avoiding the beach and, more especially, the memory of that night. 
But today, she planned on changing that; the beach already held not one but two difficult memories, and she was determined not to let that deter her from enjoying its beauty.  Charlie surged ahead, chasing a seagull, happy to be free from the confounds of the yard.  Charlotte took her time, making her way up the sandy dune path.  Walking uphill in the sand was not an easy task on the best of days, but today, it felt especially slow going. 
That was okay; she would pause to catch her breath and run her hands through the grasses.  Soon, she reached the top and was rewarded as the vast blue water came into view.  The view never got old.  She took her time at the top, digging her toes into the sand, closing her eyes, and opening her senses to the ocean.  She relished in the sweet, briny scent, the salty mist from the crashing waves, the tickle of the sand between her toes, and the comforting embrace of the warm ocean breeze that enveloped her like an old friend's hug.  Charlie barked from the water's edge, ever impatient and ready to play fetch. 
 "I'm coming, I'm coming–" she laughed and made her decent.  

	A morning spent in the fresh air down at the beach had done wonders for both Charlotte's spirit and her energy levels.  Feeling as though she were on a bravery roll, she decided to head into the village to visit Sarah and hopefully run into Riley.  Charlie was, of course, up for the ride, and the two of them had set off shortly after lunch. 
The small village was more alive than she had seen since moving to the island; the combination of peak tourist time and the lifting of pandemic restrictions, which allowed visitors to skip isolation with proof of vaccination, meant the island was hopping once again.  There was more traffic in the village than Sunday church traffic, and the parking lot at the Harbour Haven Market was almost full. 
Charlotte told herself she didn't want to bother Sarah when she was busy, but she was really nervous about going in.  Instead, she decided to swing by the wharf on the off chance she might catch Riley.  Charlie looked a little confused when they didn't stop but was quickly appeased by sticking his head back out the window. 
	As luck would have it, the Keane's Crest was pulling into the harbour, its hull cutting through warm water, as Charlotte and Charlie approached.   Charlotte still got a thrill out of seeing the boats come and go. The smell of diesel mixed in with the other marine scents and the squawking of seagulls circling overhead were all part of life in the village. 
Riley maneuvered the boat to dock with ease, something he could likely do with his eyes closed by now. He noticed Charlotte and Charlie and raised a hand to waive.  Charlotte eagerly waved back, feeling a lot like a golden retriever wagging its tail as she looked down at Charlie and laughed.  
	"What do I owe the pleasure of this visit to?" Riley asked, securing the boat to its moorings. 
	"We had thought to pop into the market, but it looks pretty busy–"
	"Aye-so what you're saying is I'm second choice?" He teased. 
	Charlotte laughed, "Well, yes, and not to make it sting more, but I think you're also Charlie's 2nd." 
	Trying to look offended but thoroughly enjoying the banter, he said, "Well, at least I beat Old Man Murray."  Riley stepped in closer to Charlotte. "I'm glad to see you on your feet again–you really did give us a scare." 
	He stood so close that she could smell the mix of cologne and marine on him, and it was intoxicating.  "I haven't thanked you properly yet for–being there at the beach that night."
	Riley didn't move, didn't speak.
	Charlotte felt the need to keep talking to fill the silence, her heart racing. "Perhaps I could cook you dinner as a thank-you–"
	Still, he stood silent, looking directly into her eyes. 
	"Perhaps tomorrow night?" She asked, praying he would say something.
	"I would love that." 
	Feeling a huge sense of relief, she added, "7 pm sound alright?" 
But before he could have a chance to answer, Charlie started to bark and ran off chasing a seagull that had braved trying to steal a fry.  "Ughhh, Charlie!" She started off to chase him and turned back. "See you then"
	"Can't wait!" He hollered back, grinning as she ran in pursuit of Charlie. 
Charlotte's pursuit took her around back behind one of the fishing sheds, where she found Charlie looking smug, sitting waiting for her.  She called him over to her side with her most stern voice, irritated that he interrupted her chat with Riley. 
 "Dinner, OMG a dinner date with Riley Keane."  She really did need to find Sarah now. 

	The bells of the Harbor Haven Market chimed, stirring a wave of anxiety as Charlotte opened the door.  Feeling much like a fish out of water she had been on her first trip into the market; only she didn't have a mask to hide behind now.  Sarah was behind the counter ringing in a family she didn't recognize when she noticed Charlotte and called out.  
	"Charlotte! Perfect timing. I was just telling our guests about your salve."  Sarah waved her over. 
	Charlotte approached hesitantly while doing a quick sweep of the store to make sure that awful Ethel Higgins wasn't lurking behind an aisle.  She smiled at the young family as Sarah explained that the mom had noticed her products on display and inquired about the eczema salve for her son. 
"Use it once a day for three days, and it will quiet it right down.  You should only need to apply it every few months.  It works really well–and isn't greasy." Sarah instructed. 
	"That sounds amazing; at this point, I would try anything; it's so bad. Even better if it doesn't involve greasy cream every day."  The mom took her shopping bags and waved goodbye. 
	"Are you sure you should still be selling that stuff–" Charlotte nervously glanced around, "and so out in the open?" 
	Sarah laughed and came out from behind the counter.  "Don't you fret, we have dealt with the real wicked witch." 
Charlotte looked horrified, but Sarah continued, "No, really, it's alright. We have an understanding. I believe you have a few orders waiting to be filled. Especially poor Old Man Murray. I'm afraid he's really in need of some of your miracle work, Char." 
When Charlotte saw him at the hospital, she remembered how he had been using his cane again and vowed to make him a new batch of cream. She would even personally deliver it.  
	"Now, what brought you in, not that I don't love a visit from my dear friend?" 
	Charlotte smiled, "Do you have time for coffee? You're going to want to sit for this one."