Back to the Beach

11

We finish dessert and Grandma asks all the little ones to help with the clean up. The rest of us move back into the living room. It’s somewhat strange having Zach here. I had invited him so many times only to be met with disappointment – the one time I don’t ask him he just kind of invited himself.  I wonder if he spoke to my Mom about coming, I make a mental note to ask her later.  It would be so unlike her not to tell me. More to think about – my head just might explode.  

As I bring myself back to reality, I notice that a heated hockey discussion is underway.  Zach as a New York Ranger fan is terribly outnumbered in this house full of Islander fans.  He doesn’t stand a chance! It does my pride good to see my family giving him crap about where his loyalties lie – it’s almost comical to think that underlying all the good-natured ribbing at Zach’s expense is their way of talking about me! A shrewd smile crosses my face.  When Zach notices he pokes me. “What’s so funny over there Bern? Enjoying your family ganging up on me?” “Why yes Zach, I am actually.” I snicker. 

Before long, everyone starts to gather their Easter treats and care packages of leftovers. Grandma managed to throw some Easter goodies together for Zach along with some cookies for the road. We are all saying our goodbyes when my Mom pulls me into Gran’s bedroom.  “Bern, I know you’re a grown girl now” she begins “I’m not making any judgments or going back on my word but you’ve got to give Zach some credit for today.” I sigh, exasperated at her words as she always has given him benefit of the doubt. “Look, no one is perfect but he is really trying. Before you make any harsh decisions consider everything, please.” She reminds me. “Mom, I’m not that easily impressed with one day of Zach 2.0 – it’s going to take more than today to make me reconsider anything with him.” Again, I don’t know if I’m trying to convince her or me. 

Zach promises my younger cousins a pick-up hockey game around Thanksgiving or Christmas.  I can’t believe how presumptuous he is – thinking he will be invited again or just inviting himself again. The little ones can’t wait and Zach flashes me with a wink.  As we continue our goodbyes, Zach thanks my Gran again and we head out. Before we even reach the elevator, I’m chastising him.  “Don’t be inviting yourself to anymore family dinners sir. Just because you have charmed my younger cousins and my older, somewhat senile grandmother doesn’t mean you’ll gain any points with me.” He just grins and laughs at me. “We will just have to see about what I can do to impress you then.” I think I’m in trouble now.

As we approach the car, Zach opens the door for me.  He slides into the drivers seat, quite pleased with himself. It irritates me to no end.  He looks like the cat that swallowed the canary as he drives away from my Grandma’s apartment building.  The silence in the car is palpable, as I don’t know what to say to him.  My phone chimes a welcome interruption and I smile when I see Killian’s name on my screen once again.  “I intend to be the ONLY one who puts that smile on your face Bernadette.” Zach says firmly, his hands gripping the steering wheel.  I scowl at him. “We shall see about that, friend.” I reply, not missing the threat that seems to hide behind his voice. 

I type a quick text to Killian. “Just leaving my family, I’ll call you when I’m home! Xo” The reply is instant. “Til later mo chroi xx” That gets me every time - I can feel him whispering it in my ear.

Before long, I notice we are headed in the opposite direction from my apartment. “Zach, I’d really appreciate it if you’d just take me home please.” I plead, exhausted from today’s events.  “Soon enough Bern, I just want to spend a little more time with you, please.” The plea in his voice is almost painful.  I take notice that we are headed north and give him a puzzled look. “Are we going to visit your older brother in Connecticut?” I ask inquisitively. “Nope.” He replies even before I can finish my question. “You’ll just have to trust me.” He says as he gives me a sweet smile, the same smile I fell for so long ago.  What is it with the men in my life lately? After a few minutes, I see we are getting off the highway somewhere in Eastchester.  The last time I remember being here was prom – almost six years ago.  There’s no way Zach could possibly remember that right?

Wrong! Because we are pulling into the back parking lot of the very place where my senior prom was held. Of course, Zach had been my escort that night. He was all I wanted back then. The night was magical but it didn’t last.  I could have stayed in that moment for the rest of my life and I would have if Zach had said the word then.  But those times have passed and I was no longer the girl I was on that night.  He can see the surprise on my face and looks quite pleased with himself.  For some reason, this irritates me so I suck my teeth knowing it will break the silence. “Really?!? Bernadette, I thought you were more mature than that.” He says to me. How dare he?! “See that’s the thing Zach, you seem to bring out the worst in me.” “Hmmm, well maybe after I show you around you’ll allow me to see a better part of you.” He replies as he puts the car in park and we get out.