The Beach House

 

Beth didn't get there until it was after dark. It was too cold. Why was she here? She was really second-guessing herself now. But Jasper just looked over at her as if she better get with the program. Naturally, he made the perimeter as soon as she got into the door.

YES! She was alone. Could she ask for anything more? Lovely peace and quiet. Of course, somebody wanted to go outside while she was unpacking, or at least trying to figure out where everything was to go. Like which room should she be sleeping in.

"Oh, you would," she put her hands on her hips hoping the electric kettle would kick on soon enough for hot water. She could at least have a pour-over. And she needed real coffee. Not instant. 

She hugged herself then as she shivered in her sweater. Of course, Jasper whimpered back.

"All right," she practically shouted. Hoping it wasn't a number TWO. She didn't know where the baggies went. And besides, it was dark. A part of her wished she'd left him behind. Still, she needed him here. Actually, she couldn't sleep at night without Jasper.

She reached for the leash. She'd get this done and then have some coffee and snack on something. Maybe. It was supposed to work that way, but somebody took off without her. Out to the beach to investigate.

This was not good as anxiety spread across her face. She winced wondering what that dog was up to. 

She ran into the sand just in her sneakers. It was a slow wakeup call to realize, this was not going to be a vacation at all. No, just a new struggle to put up with.

She put her fingers in her mouth and whistled hastily. No luck. She yelled for "Jasper!" until her throat was raw. What could she do? She didn't even have her phone. She walked on as she could hear the waves lapping in the distance. This was not the way she wanted to listen to ocean waves. Preferably a recording on YOUTUBE would do.

Beth sighed as her strands of hair got caught up in the tears that would not go away. Yes, she said it was the weather. But it wasn't. She didn't want to lose Jasper. She kept calling him as she walked down into the sand trying not to step where it was wet. 

Finally, she heard panting and it wasn't her. Yes. Jasper was here, after all. He hadn't gone off into the ocean. But he was on his leash now and there was someone holding on to the end of the leash.

"I take it, this is your dog," the deep male voice said.

"Yes," she said. "I'm so sorry, we just got here." She could barely make out who it was in the moonlight. 

"You can't just let him wander off, you know," he came closer and Beth took a step back. Unsure, if he might be crazy. After all, he had different shower shoes on and was in a robe. His locks of hair fluttered in the wind. They both looked as if they might have been shipwrecked.

"Like I said we just got here," she thanked him and she took Jasper on the leash and walked toward where she was staying. He walked with her. 

"I'm Roco, I paint seascapes," he told her.

"Seascapes?" Beth almost cracked up, before she knew it, he was drinking her coffee in a kitchen she knew nothing about.

He got into the Chips Ahoy before she did.

"Time gets away from me," Roco said he couldn't remember the last time he ate. He felt for the pipe in his pocket. Thankfully, he didn't light up. He wanted more coffee.

Beth pressed her lips tight as she hugged herself. Of course, Jasper was right at home with Roco. The dog went straight to the livingroom couch and snoozed.

At least, Jasper approved. Soon enough she was listening to what it was like to live in the Hamptons.

"I don't like it all," he shrugged and bit into a cookie. "Too rich for my blood. But there are a few places you'll find on the boardwalk. There are some townies that are friendly enough, but don't go looking for a lover around here because you'll just find a beach bum."

"Don't worry," Beth bit a grin. "I just came to get away." Of course, she felt as if she'd already fallen into something with Roco, thanks to Jasper.