Page 118 of Champagne Nights

“Are you going to tell me what just happened and who that good-looking guy was?”

Shit. I had no intention of ever telling him where I went last night. I could have lied and said he was someone from the paper, but I didn’t.

“Get in the water, and I’ll tell you.”

We put our surfboards in the water and climbed on. As we paddled our way out, I told him about last night.

“Instead of going straight home last night after dinner, I stopped in at that support group.”

“Way to go, sis. And?”

“Ben, the man we just saw, was there. It was his first time attending the meeting, and his wife passed away about a year ago.”

“Wow. He looks around your age. How crazy is that?”

“I know.”

“Did you talk?”

“Just a few words. I just wanted to get out of there and go home.”

“Okay, I’m going to say something I normally don’t say, but he’s hot, Paisley.”

I smiled. “I know. I’m not blind.”

“So, are you going to go back to the meetings?” he asked.

“No. I went, I saw, I conquered, and I don’t need to go back. Do me a favor and please, I mean please, don’t tell anyone in the family about this. I mean it, Keaton.”

“I won’t. Get ready, sis. Here comes a wave.”

“Wow, look at you,” I yelled. “Hot surfer boy on the loose!”

He laughed and lost his balance. After we finished surfing, we headed back to the truck.

“Remember, don’t tell the family what I did last night.”

“My lips are sealed.”

Romeo jumpedon my desk and sat down on the edge while I took out the pale pink stationery and pen.

My dearest husband,

What a week it’s been. Kenny added another column to Dear Paisley. He wants me to answer questions about sex. Try to contain your laughter up there. How am I going to write about sex? I mean, I know about sex and what’s good and what’s not – at least I did when I was with you. I’m not sure if I can do this. Out of curiosity, I went to a support group for widows last night. It was weird sitting there and listening to people talk about their grief. I could relate, though; somehow, it was comforting. Keaton dragged me to the beach to go surfing with him this morning. I will admit that I had a good time. It felt good to hit the waves. I got caught in a rip tide and went under. For a few moments, I didn’t try to swim back up because being pulled under and the feeling of drowning wasn’t any different than how I felt above the water. I miss you. Happy Halloween, darling. I wish you were here to save me from having to celebrate with my family tonight. Never forget how much I love you.

Love forever,

Paisley

I folded the letter, sealed it in the matching envelope, and put it neatly in the drawer. I sighed as I looked over at Romeo. Hewas staring at me with his bright blue eyes. He purred as I placed my hand on his head and started to pet him.

“Happy Halloween, Paisley. Where’s your costume?” my mom asked as I walked through the door.

“I’m wearing it. See? I’m a widow.”

The frown on her face told me that she didn’t think I was funny.

“I can’t believe you just said that,” she said as she turned around and stirred the spaghetti sauce on the stove. “Your sisters and brother are in the living room.”

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