Covering the Carolinas by Casey Peeler Page B

wear on a date
here. Personally, I think you need to wear a short sundress with
cute wedges,” Tinleigh states, and I know which dress she’s
referring to and she’s right. It’s perfect.
    At six fifty-five, there’s a knock at the door
and I feel sick to my stomach. Deep
breaths. One… two… three. Carleigh comes to see if I’m
ready. “Dang. He’s gonna be speechless,” she says as I start to
follow her. When I round the corner, Brett is standing inside the
door. He looks perfect in a surfer boy kind of way, but it’s his
emerald eyes that hold my attention. Suddenly I feel like Dorothy
in the Emerald City.
    “ Wow. You look amazing, Marleigh.” I smile as
I grab my purse and make my way to him. He kisses my cheek and I
feel the fever rush to them. Looking at my sisters, they are
smiling like proud parents. I toss them a wave as we begin to walk
out the door. Just before the door closes, I hear Tinleigh say
something about being home by midnight. I just shake my head and
mouth “whatever”.
    Brett walks to my side of his BMW and opens the door
for me. I slide in as he makes his way to the driver’s side. He
smiles at me as he puts his seat belt in place, and I know tonight
is going to be a night I’ll never forget.
    As we leave Garden City and make our way down
highway seventeen toward Murrells Inlet, I’m curious to know where
he’s taking me.
    “ So you want to tell me where we’re going?” I
question.
    “ Do you like seafood?” he asks.
    “ I love it!”
    “ Have you been to Wicked Tuna?”
    “ Yeah, last summer. Their Mahi is amazing. It
like melts in your mouth.” Just thinking about it makes my mouth
start to water. “It’s got a neat atmosphere, too. Is there a band
there tonight?”
    “ I think so, but I thought if nothing else we
could walk on the marsh.”
    “ That sounds perfect.”
    Brett is a complete gentleman as he opens the door
for me yet again and pulls my chair out for me at supper. The
electric blue of the restaurant makes his green eyes darken and I’m
lost in them completely. After ordering, we talk comfortably and it
feels wonderful to be out with someone my age who is interested in
me. As the food arrives, we get quiet and enjoy our meal. When my
phone buzzes in my pocket I try to ignore it, but hearing the
distinct ring, I can’t ignore this call.
    “ Um, Brett. I’m sorry, but I have to take this
call. I’ll be right back,” I say as I stand and make my way to the
marshwalk. Hoping there’s enough light, I answer the Facetime call.
“Hey, Mommy!” He waves.
    “ Hey, little man! You goin’ nite nite?” I
ask.
    “ Yup. You look pretty, Mommy. Where
you?”
    I smile. “Thank you! Mommy’s eating supper with a
friend.” Then I see my mama peak into the camera and I can read her
expression. Her eyes give a warning, and I know exactly what she’s
thinking—be careful and remember why I’m there. I know I’m going to
have to answer a million questions tomorrow. “I better get back
inside. Be good and I’ll talk to you first thing in the morning. I
love you, Gunner.”
    “ I love you too, Mommy.” I blow him a kiss and
he does the same. As I disconnect, I turn and come face to face
with Brett. He has his hands in his pockets as mine covers my
mouth, unsure of what he overheard.
    Removing my hand and taking a step toward him, he
doesn’t move. “Brett, I can explain.” For the first time in my
life, I don’t want to hide my son. He places his finger over my
lips.
    “ How old is he?” he questions.
    “ Two and a half,” I say just above a
whisper.
    “ His dad?” he questions.
    “ Not in the picture.”
    “ I’m sorry he’s not around; he’s an idiot.” He
says as he pulls me into his arms. “Come on, let’s finish eating.”
I try to push aside the fact it’s not his daddy’s fault he doesn’t
know, but mine. I’m amazed at how Brett handled hearing I have a
child. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to this date than I