Page 117 of The Shell Collector
“I didn’t catch your name,” Amanda said.
“James,” he said. “James Hall.”
Maeve started laughing. “Home, James.”
“Not the first time I’ve heard that. You just give me a heads-up if you’d like to stop, or we can plan to do so every hour where you can get up and stretch your legs.”
“Yes, please,” Amanda said. “We won’t dawdle, but it would be good to take a break and move around.”
“We could practically line dance back here!” Maeve shouted toward the driver. “How about we stop at around two hours and then an hour after that, then just two more hours and we’ll be there?”
“You got it. Push that button if the situation changes or you need to break for snacks or anything else. I’m at your service. You have your own access to the radio and movies back there.”
Amanda started pushing buttons. “Movies too? Check this out.”
“I’m truly delighted to experience such grandeur. And more than the limo, I’m glad to be with you,” Maeve said.
“Well, here we go.” Amanda took Maeve’s hand in hers.
The limousine backed out of Maeve’s driveway. Tug raised his hand in the air, waving as they left.
“This town looks different from this vantage point,” Maeve said. “It’s grown so much since I was a little girl.”
“I’d loved to have seen it back then.”
The ride was so comfortable that time flew by, but getting out to stretch did make it an easier day.
Maeve told Amanda all the town secrets. Who she could count on and which people to watch out for.
As they crossed into South Carolina, the landscape changed.
“I wonder if Jarvis and I would’ve ever made this trip had he not died so unexpectedly.”
“I wonder. I think about things like that too. Like our trip to Denali.”
“You know what I’ve missed most about Jarvis?”
“What?”
“The way he held my hand.” She put her own hands together. “There was something about the way he held my hand. Not too tight, but firm, and I could feel his love in that simple gesture.”
Amanda’s heart pinched. “Jack always gave me forehead kisses. I loved them.” She closed her eyes. She could almost feel him kissing her on the forehead now. The way he pressed his lips to that spot. She blinked away tears.
“It’s the little things.” Maeve pointed her finger toward Amanda. “Always the little things that make the difference.” She clicked her tongue against her teeth. “The funny thing is, I can’t pinpoint what might’ve been the little thing he would have loved about me. I bet he had no idea how much the way he held my hand meant to me.”
“Interesting. Jack always told me forehead kisses were the most honest and complete showing of love. For that reason alone, they meant the world to me. I wonder what he would’ve missed about me.”
“I hope I remember to ask Jarvis when I see him again.” She patted Amanda’s leg. “When I see Jack, I’ll ask him too.”
“Good. Let me know.”
“I’ll see if that’s allowed. Listen to the ocean, because if at all possible, that’s where I’ll be.”
Amanda had no doubt that would be the case. “I’ll do that. Did Jarvis love shells like you do?”
“No, and I didn’t collect them like I do now when he was alive. But back then, I had a few special pieces. Doesn’t everyone? You know, the obligatory jar of shells, and the one on the back of the toilet in the bathroom. I found comfort in collecting them after he was gone.”
“You’ll have so much to tell him.”
