that had never been an issue with any of my other romantic partners. But everything with Billy was different. It was more. The question was, how much more…
My mind was a million miles away, or at least five miles at Southern Comfort, when I realized I’d finally made it to my destination. Thankfully, I’d managed to mindlessly arrive there by virtue of the flock of people herding me.
When I entered the pier beneath the large wooden arch that read Firefly Island Pier, which I’d seen when I’d taken the trolley tour, my senses went into overload.
Music blared from a zydeco band that was playing on a stage at the end of the pier. The smell of barbecue wafted through the air in the form of a smoky haze as a man with an I Have World Class Meat apron stood in front of a smoker shouting, “Get your hot meat here!”
Pink puffs of cotton candy were being swirled out of a large, whirling steel bowl by a woman dressed in a fuchsia tutu and Princess Leia buns. A baby was crying in a three-wheel stroller. A clown was making balloon animals.
This place was a circus, and not just because there was a clown. I was pulling my phone out of my purse, which I was wearing with the strap across my body, to text Nadia that I was there when I heard my name.
“Reagan! Rea! Over here!”
I looked up but couldn’t find my friend in the sea of people. All I saw was brightly colored tops and bikinis, cowboy and large floppy hats, sunglasses, and faces I didn’t recognize. I felt as if I was doing a real-life Where’s Waldo puzzle. It took several scans before I spotted a lone arm waving in the air. My gaze followed it down and saw it was attached to Nadia’s smile.
We both shimmied our way through the masses toward one another.
“You look so cute!” I enthused as we hugged.
I’d always admired Nadia’s ability to pull off what she called her “Daisy Duke” look. Today she was rocking cutoff denim shorts, cowboy boots, and a red tank top that complimented her sun kissed skin.
“So do you!” She held my arms out to the side, not even seeming to notice the people she bumped as she did.
I’d ditched my bridal shower dress and was rocking a maxi dress with spaghetti straps and ballet flats. Back home, it would’ve been perfectly acceptable if I’d been going to a New England-style crab feed, but here in Firefly, I stuck out like an overdressed sore thumb.
“This is crazy!” I exclaimed, dropping my arms back down to my sides.
Since moving down here a week ago, I’d heard people talking about the insanity that was spring break in Firefly, but I had to admit I’d underestimated the event by a long shot.
“I know, right!?” she shouted to be heard. “Come on!”
With that command, she wrapped her fingers around my wrist and held on as she went back the way she’d come. I trailed behind her as she shoved people to clear a path. I kept my head down and tried not to make eye contact with anyone as she bulldozed her way through.
When we finally came to a stop, I lifted my head and saw that we were standing in front of a booth that read Moore Farms Moonshine. Nadia was handing over a twenty to the woman that Cheyenne had said was her preschool teacher, Mrs. Rhonda.
Nadia dropped my hand and made the peace sign. “Two sweet teas, please.”
Sweet teas. This must be what Billy had warned me about.
The woman gave Nadia some change before handing her two mason jars with floating lemon slices and a white and red swirled straw sticking out of each of them. Nadia was on the move again, then, and I trailed behind her like a gosling following her mama goose.
She led us to a bench with our backs toward the water, looking out on the dance floor in front of the stage where the band was playing. The noise level was still in the loud range, but in this spot we were able to hold a conversation without screaming.
“Here you go.” Nadia passed me one of the glasses. “Cheers, to your new life in Firefly!”
We clinked our beverages and before the straw touched my lips, my friend warned, “Be careful, it’s strong.”
I’ve heard. I took a sip, bracing myself for an intense alcohol taste. But I was surprised to find the drink light