Inhale, Exhale - By Sarah M. Ross Page 0,43
was taking its toll.
“Mom, I’m going to make a Starbucks run and get more coffee. Do you want anything?” I tucked my phone in the back pocket of my favorite jeans, so old they now molded to my body, and swiped my keys out from my purse. More caffeine was not what I needed, but a change of scenery was. I’d been here for over eight hours and needed a break.
“Your Aunt Natalie is on her way and bringing me some of her special herbal tea, so I’d better not.” Mom continued flipping through her US Weekly. “But take your time, sweetie. Between Daddy and your aunt, you may not get in to see Gamma during the next set of visiting hours since they only allow two at a time.”
“Okay. Then I’m going to run home and check on things there. See if there are any messages or flowers for Gamma or anything. I’ll be back later.”
I pushed the button for the elevator and was surprised to see Grant inside when it opened. I stepped inside, riding it back down with him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked. He was holding a small African violet plant set in a black vase.
“I wanted to give this to your grandmother.” He handed me the flowers and smiled shyly. “And I wanted to check on you, see if you needed anything.”
“They’re beautiful. She’ll love them.” I bent and inhaled the rich, sweet aroma.
Neither of us moved as the elevator doors closed. We stayed idle for a few seconds until I pushed the G and waited until it dinged and the doors opened at the garage level.
I stepped out and Grant followed. “Where are you headed?”
I blew out a breath and halted. “Honestly? I needed a change of scenery. I was going to go to Starbucks, but I don’t know if I can handle any more caffeine.” Without even realizing it, I’d leaned into Grant. He put an arm around me in a comforting hug. “Today has been so stressful, and I needed to take my mind off of it for a while before I explode. Can we just drive around for a bit?”
“Yeah, of course. Whatever you need.”
We climbed into Grant’s car and veered toward the highway. I didn’t know where he was taking me, but that was okay. I didn’t need a destination, just a journey.
It was a bright summer day that any other time I would have found as the perfect excuse to put on my bikini and head to the beach. Today, I lowered my sunglasses to my eyes and opened the window, letting the warm afternoon air rush over me. Grant didn’t say anything, or even turn on the radio, seeming to understand I needed less noise right now, not more.
With each mile we drove, a little more of the stress that had piled on me slipped away. I forgot about everything and focused on the warm sun on my face. That warmth melted everything else away.
I could have kissed Grant for being here for me, knowing exactly how to make me feel better. So, I decided that was exactly what I was going to do.
“Pull over,” I ordered, sliding closer to him.
“Um, where exactly do you want to go?” He seemed confused, and I couldn’t blame him. I hadn’t spoken in almost an hour and this came out of the blue to him.
“I don’t really care. Just somewhere without people.”
Grant looked around. “There’s a little beach next to the inlet at this next exit. It’s not easily accessible since it doesn’t have a parking lot or anything, so not a lot of people head there. I only know about it because JT and I went fishing there once. It should be pretty empty.”
“That sounds perfect.” I rested my head on his shoulder, and he took my hand, entwining our fingers.
Grant took the next exit, heading off the main road and turning onto what looked like a dirt pathway. Thick brush inhibited my view, but a few minutes later we came to an opening. In front of us lay Manhead Sound. Once parked, we got out of the car and looked around. The beach was surrounded by palms, shielding it from view of the road. Not another soul occupied the inlet beach, and being so far off the main road with more accessible public beaches not far down the road, I doubted many even knew about this place.
I rolled up my jeans to my knees and slipped my flip