Page 55 of Before Eve
With a nod, his dad waves us off.
West disappears into a back room, comes back with a guitar and a blanket, and nods to the front door. “Grab your hoodie. We’re going to the beach.”
“Um…” I give his family a look. “Thank you for everything. Dinner was great.”
Gramma winks. “Sure thing, hon.”
West flicks on a small flashlight as we walk down his dark street, across the coastal highway, and follow a path through the dunes down to the beach. The moon sits high, glowing off the calm Atlantic. For a moment, I simply take it in as I listen to the ocean softly lap to shore. A boat way on the horizon twinkles with tiny lights. A chilly November breeze stirs the dune’s stalks of grass.
Tugging the zipper up on my hoodie, I turn to West. “This is gorgeous. I can’t believe you grew up here.”
He spreads the blanket out, and smiling, opens the guitar case. “So, tell me about that music.”
“Music?”
“That piece you were strumming in Columbus.”
“The same day you gave me the stickers.” The same day we kissed.
“Yes.” He sits, motioning me to do the same. Once I’m settled, he hands me the guitar. “Well, I think it’s incredible, and I’m about to surprise you with something.” He pulls his lyrics pad from the case, shining the flashlight on it to show me the words. “I’ve been messing around with this song for the better part of a year and haven’t been able to put any notes to it. Then I heard you play that song, and it’s like it clicked. They go perfectly together.”
“Um, I’m not a songwriter, West.”
“Trust me, okay?”
“Do you want me to just start playing?” I settle the guitar across my lap. “Is that how this works?”
“And I’ll come in with the words when I feel it’s right.” He flips off the flashlight, and we’re surrounded by the night, the moonlight, stars, and the ocean breeze.
I begin strumming my song as he starts to sing…
I didn’t know I was waiting
Till you walked through that door
Now every quiet moment
Feels fuller than before
You smiled like a sunrise
That melted all my doubt
And I knew in that heartbeat
What love is all about
Take all of my tomorrows
They're yours to have and hold
Every dream I’ve ever whispered
Every story left untold
I’ll stand through any weather
As long as I’m with you
