1
Megan
The more the miles flew by, the more I relaxed; my shoulders loosening as I left the city behind me for wide-open spaces. I didn’t speed, but took my time driving, enjoying the scenery. Classical music drifted through the speakers; the gentle swell of violins and cellos soothing my fractured nerves. Normally, I’d have contemporary music playing, but at the moment, I needed the calming sounds of Bach to surround me. I rolled down the window, releasing my hair from the tie holding it in place. I hated wearing my hair up, although often did for work or in the heat of the summer. For now, though, I could enjoy feeling the breeze flow through it, cooling my head and neck.
I smiled as flashes of water became more frequent; the vista around me changing from congested traffic to empty roads. The hilly landscape was dotted with trees, still barren from the passing winter, waiting for the warmth of spring to return them back to life.
The metaphor wasn’t lost on me.
It was late afternoon when I pulled up to the small general store in the town of Cliff’s Edge. The coastal community was quiet. That time of the day most of the shops were closed; the sleepy town almost empty except for year-round residents. It was the exact sort of place I wanted to be.
The urge to leave Boston had hit all of a sudden. My friend, Karen, had offered the use of her beach house a few days ago and I took her up on it today, not even stopping to pick up the keys. Instead, I followed her instructions to get the spare set of keys from the owner at Cooper’s General Store.
Karen hadn’t been happy about me leaving so late in the day, urging me to wait until tomorrow, but I needed to be gone—to escape. The email I received mid-afternoon was the final straw.
I refused to think about that, though. Instead, I focused on where I was heading: the beach house. Karen’s words of “private” and “isolated” echoed in my head—both of them sounding perfect.
With a deep breath, I stepped out of my car, stretched my cramped back muscles, then headed into the brightly lit store to collect the keys and get directions.
* * *
The house was farther out of town than I’d thought. The directions were confusing, so Mrs. Cooper graciously offered to show me the way. I followed her car along the steep, unfamiliar roads, sighing in appreciation when at last we stopped. As the Ford’s taillights faded, I shut off the engine, letting my head drop to my chest, and enjoyed the new sounds surrounding me. It felt good to be here; somewhere different, alone.
Getting out and slipping my jacket back on, my first plan was to let Dixie out of her car carrier and take her inside right away. I knew she had to be tired of being cooped up in that tiny space, but it was safer for her when driving. As I opened the back door, my little dog shot out of her carrier, having somehow released the small latch and immediately headed for the thick woods at the edge of the property, barking and wagging her tail furiously. I lunged after her, and we played a game of tag for a few minutes before I managed, with Mrs. Cooper’s help, to corner her, and snap on her lead. Panting, I leaned against the car while Mrs. Cooper laughed at our antics. “She must keep you on your toes,” she chuckled.
I nodded. “She loves to explore.” I drew in another deep breath. “Thanks, Mrs. Cooper, for escorting me out here. You were right—I’d never have found the place.”
Her smile was kind as she bent down to stroke Dixie’s soft ears. “I still can’t believe you arrived so late in the day, Megan. I’m glad you let me bring you here. I was surprised when Karen called and said you were coming up today instead of tomorrow. She was a little worried about your arrival time.”
I shrugged as I tugged on my ear. “I just wanted to get away.” I turned toward the sound of the water in the distance, already smelling the bracing sea air. “I wanted to wake up here; if that makes any sense.”
She clucked softly in sympathy as she tucked the keys into my hand. “You have everything you need?”
“I brought a few things. I’ll come to town tomorrow and buy some more.” I had made sure to pick up my two favorite things while at the small but surprisingly well-stocked store. I planned on a great dinner of over-buttered popcorn followed by rich ice cream. I forgot the syrup but would get some next trip into town.
“Okay, dear. It’s all ready for you. Mr. Cooper came out right away after Karen called and made sure everything was in order. I sent a few items with him as well so you should be fine for the night.” She paused. “Did you want me to come in with you?”