Life Lines

16: Charm of the South

Chapter Sixteen

"Ok. Tell me something about Maine I don't know."

After finishing dinner, he'd rolled out a camping mat in the bed of his truck and we were staring up. Some of the stars were blotted out because of the city lights but we could still see a few bright ones.

"What do you already know?"

"Um...they have crabs?"

The loud laugh was back and I looked over at him. His eyes were squeezed closed and the biggest smile was on his face.

"No, well, yes. Seafood is a thing but I'm pretty sure Maine is known for their shipbuilding."

"I thought that was Maryland?"

Along with the canvas chairs and camping mat, he also just happened to have a battery operated lantern. He was just loaded for bear. I was half expecting him to pull out a tent next.

So when he looked over at me, I could see the warmth and sincerity in his eyes when he said, "You're just all discombobulated aren't you?"

"Ha-ha, very funny." I looked back up, still smiling. "How about your hometown? Tell me that."

"CapeElizabeth. It's just outside Portland."

"I thought Portland was in Oregon." He was trying really hard not to laugh, I could tell. The corners of his eyes were crinkled, making the black line that swirled and ran up to his forehead ripple. "What?"

"There is a Portland in Oregon but there's also one in Maine. It's the largest city in fact..."

"You probably think I'm an idiot. I swear I'm not usually this blonde."

"No, it's ok. It's a common misconception."

"I was never good at fifth grade U.S. Geography. I know where all the states are, don't get me wrong, but I could never get the capitals right or where the Rockies are versus the Appalachian's. Ask me where all the major golf courses are, I can name every single one."

"And that's what matters."

"Ok. Tell me something else. What's it like in CapeElizabeth?"

"Colder," he chuckled, "sometimes I feel like I'm going to melt down here. The air is clearer, I think. There's a constant smell of salt and water."

"I never knew water had a smell."

"That's because you live down here and inland. Up in Maine, the air has a natural chill to it. Down here it feels like you have to swim through the air to get anywhere."

"Charm of the South. Just like the sweet tea and the waving. Not to mention the gumbo and seafood. You know what?" I sat up looked around. "Come with me."

He sat up. "What? Natalie..."

I scooted to the tailgate and hopped down. "Come on, whinny face. It's time you experience some of the real charm and magic the south can provide. Grab the lantern too"

"Should I be scared?" He landed next to me. "Because if you're about to..."

"Come on." I took his arm and started leading the way towards the woods. "Don't be scared. I'll protect you from all the big scary southern monsters that are hiding behind the trees."

"Promise?" he said in a little kid voice.

"Are you sure you're a guy? Because you're acting an awful lot like one of the Triplets right now."

"Very funny." He moved his arm and took my hand. "Let's get this over with. You said you'd protect me and I believe you."

"I'm pretty sure that line is supposed to be mine."