Lulu's Loves by Barbara S Stewart

reached for the door handle and turned to say thank you.
    “Lulu, I mean it when I say that I can’t wait to see you later.” He leaned closer and drew me near. His kiss was sweet, but there was a nibble on my bottom lip that left me wondering about later.
    “Thank you.” Holding my breath, I stepped out of the car and didn’t look back.
     
    I went inside to grab the book I’d brought with me and returned to the hammock. Just as I got comfortable my phone rang.
    “Well, hey there!” I said when I saw it was my dad.
    “How’s it going?”
    “I went to Charleston this morning and did some snooping around. It’s beautiful there. I love the colors of the paint on the houses. Thank you for suggesting I get away. How are you doing?”
    “Good. Busy,” he said. “I just wanted to see if you were enjoying yourself. I love you, Lulu.”
    “Love you too, Dad.”
     
    The next thing I knew, the alarm on my phone went off. It was 5:30. I’d had a nice relaxing snooze. I called the Pub Crawl Trolley, made a reservation for a ride and went to get a shower and change. I put on a long black sundress and pulled my hair back in a loose bun. By the time I was finished, it was time for my ride. Fifteen minutes later, I was walking in the front door at the Do Drop.
    “Wow,” he said when I sat at the bar. He set a glass of wine in front of me. “Since you like sissy whites, I chose Gewurztraminer. A little sweet, but it’ll go perfect with what I asked Ike to make for dinner.”
    “Thanks for sharing a bit of your Charleston with me this morning. I enjoyed your version. If I’d taken one of the other tours it would have been the canned speech, like when I go to St. Augustine. It’s always pleasant, but they tell you what the company trains them to tell, maybe with a little of their personal spin. Today, I got your personal view.”
    “I meant it earlier. I’d love for you to come back and I’ll show you some more.”
    “I’m not sure,” I began, but Thom looked up so quickly that I stopped. His eyes full of question, he watched me.
    “My goodness, what is this?” I asked.
    “You said you weren’t sure. I haven’t offended you in some way, have I?” he asked.
    “You didn’t let me finish,” I smiled. “I’m not sure when I can afford to come again.”
    “That won’t be a factor, Lulu. You can stay at my place.” My wide eyes made him continue. “I have a small efficiency apartment downstairs with beach access. My mom comes sometimes, so this place was perfect. You are welcome anytime.”
    He has the most beautiful face. The sun has kissed his skin regularly, tan but not too tan, just the color of someone who enjoys the outdoors. The scruff on his face, that isn’t quite a beard, makes him look rugged. His eyes are the color blue that makes one think they’re looking in a serene pool of water, the kind you just want to jump into because it looks inviting. Right now, they seemed to dart back and forth in anticipation, waiting and wondering what I would say. As I looked in them, I too wondered.
    “I’d like that.”
    “Let me see if our dinner is ready,” he said. “I hope you’ll like it.”
    “I trust you.” I knew that he knew it wasn’t just dinner I was referring to.
    “Good,” he said and reached across the bar to squeeze my hand.
    He went to the kitchen and returned carrying two hot dishes. The aroma that followed him was heavenly. I couldn’t wait to taste whatever it was. He poured more wine in my glass and joined me at the bar.
    “I can’t stand it! It smells delicious,” I said, inhaling deeply.
    “Delicious,” he repeated, but the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t talking about what was in the bowls. I grabbed mine and scooped up a bite.
    “Macaroni and cheese?” I asked, as I blew the bite to cool it down.
    “Oh, it’s so much more,” he smiled and took a big spoonful from his bowl.
    “Mmmm. It’s different cheese, but… what is that? Shrimp?”
    “Yes. Do you