From the Desert to the Ocean

The clouds are high. Probably means no rain. The wind is blowing. It's cold without a sweatshirt.

I am standing just above the high-water line, watching the surf. "I think the tide is coming in," I said out loud--to no one. There was no one within 150 yards of me. I had walked away from a busy section near the Pelican, a brewpub highly recommended by Mike, to find a deserted part of the beach.

Staring out to sea. This would make a great Ansel Adams black & white: "Lonely Man Watching the Sea." It reminds me of the Hemingway novel,

The Old Man and the Sea

. Except I am not old. And I am not supposed to be lonely at 28.

Gulls sweep overhead, squawking as they draw circles in the air above me. That is the totality of sound. Waves, wind, gulls.

I have come here to get away. Maybe 'run away' would strike closer to the truth. Liz, my wife of almost three years, announced 10 months ago she wanted a divorce. Out of the blue, as trite as that phrase is. It seems she had no complaints about me. She didn't like being married.

I don't buy it. I didn't buy that line then and I still don't. I think she was having an affair and wanted to pursue that, or perhaps pursue any person who crossed her path. Since we had no children and the house was mine before we met, the property division was simple and quick. She would have agreed to anything to end it quickly.

Funny thing is, a month after it was final, my grandmother died. She left most of her estate to my mother, her only child, but she left me--her only grandchild--the princely sum of $500,000. Liz filed a petition with the court to reopen the divorce, claiming I did not disclose my grandmother was old and dying. The judge told her to get lost, that an inheritance is not marital property anyway. He also scolded her attorney for filing the motion without any basis in law. My attorney said the judge was hinting to me to file a motion for attorney fees, but I had no stomach for any more fighting.

I graduated from Oregon State--OSU--with a degree in Computer Science. Then I went out of state for a couple of years to get an MBA. I was hired by a well-managed boutique software company in the Beaverton area. I was one of the early hires right after they got some major VC funding. The plan is to go public in 1-2 years. Since I have risen quickly within, I am considered one of the "main guys," whatever that means. At least that's what people in the company say.

All I know is I am paid a small fortune each year and bank a sizeable amount every month. I have no one to spend it on.

HR demanded that I use some of my accrued vacation time. They were a little testy about it. It seems I had not used any for the past four years. It's possible that had something to do with the divorce.

I called my best friend, Mike, and asked for suggestions. I told him I wanted solitude. Mike grew up in Newport, Oregon. He was in my first class at OSU, when we were first-semester freshmen. He became one of my closest friends and has remained so. A few years later, he introduced me to Liz, although he has since begged my forgiveness. "I will make it up to you," he promised.

I let my mind empty out as I watched the waves. Too soon, more thoughts intruded.

I don't have any firm plans. On Mike's suggestion, I rented a nice place in Pacific City. "Avoid places like Cannon Beach," he said. "That place is overrun by Portlanders." To Corvallis people, that was a damning epithet. "Pacific City is prettier. Check out the Pelican. There are other good restaurants as well."

More silence. Watching waves.

"Looking for company?"

Oh crap! There goes my peace. I turn to see. There is a woman standing about 8 feet away. I will just smile and say something about seeking solitude. Wait!

"Mindy! How are you?" Mindy had been one of a group of friends. Our group. Most of us met as freshmen at OSU and stayed together until graduation. I had always liked Mindy. I liked her a lot as a friend, but we never dated. I don't remember why that was. I do remember she was quiet, easy to overlook. But cute.

She walked over and gave me a hug. "I am great, Tom. It's really good to see you! How are you doing? I heard about Liz. The divorce."

"Well, then you probably know how I am doing. Between news of the divorce and me standing on this beach by myself. How about you?"

"Oh, you know. Life happens. I was engaged last year."

"Only engaged? Not married?"

"No, two weeks before the wedding I caught him in bed with my maid of honor."

"Had to get a new maid of honor?"

We both laughed.

"I'm sorry, Mindy. No one deserves that."

"I look on the good side. At least it wasn't two weeks after the marriage."

"Timing

is

everything, you know. Where are you living now?"

"In the Phoenix area."

Mindy shivered.

"Too long in Phoenix? Cold now in Oregon? Let's get out of the cold. Do you want to join me for lunch at the Pelican? Mike says I have to try it. I was planning to come back around sunset--he says they are great here--but I am starving now."

"That would be nice. We have more catching up to do."

An hour later

Mike knew of my love for root beer. The Pelican brews its own.

"Mike was right. The food here is great! What did you think, Mindy?"

"I loved mine, too."

"Mindy, I've been postponing asking a question. Why are you here?"

"You mean my appearance on a deserted beach at the precise moment you were also there didn't fool you?"

"It did seem to defy probabilities."

"Tom, I... um..."

Her eyes suddenly filled with tears.

"I came to see you, Tom."

"From Arizona?"

"Yeah. After I heard about Liz, I called Mike to get your number. I wanted to tell you how sorry I was. We got to talking and he told me you were coming here. He knew you were staying in Pacific City."

"So you knew where and when, but Mindy... why?"

"Tom, I guess this is where I have to put my heart out on the table. Remember when we met as freshmen? You were introduced to me by Mike. Wasn't he later your best man, also?"

"Yeah, Mike has been everywhere. I had forgotten he introduced us!"

"Well, he did. From almost that moment I had a huge crush on you."

"Seriously? Why did I never know that? I always thought you were really cute. You still are, you know."

"Thanks, Tom. I was too shy to let you know. I kept hoping you would ask me out. There were times I was determined to ask you out, but I died a thousand deaths instead. Finally, when we were seniors, I made up my mind to ask you out, come hell or high water. Before I had the chance, I found out you were dating some bimbo. That's probably unfair, but that's what she was to me."

"I never knew. I am so sorry, Mindy. Really. I would gladly have gone out with you. I can't even think why I never asked you out. I suppose I put you in my friend zone. That wild social life computer guys are known for must have clouded my thinking!"

"I am sure that was it!" She laughed.

I love her smile! In some way I had not yet put my finger on, she seems more vibrant, more self-assured than I remember.

'Tom, I was only attracted to one computer guy. He was a friend and the most handsome man I knew. I feel a little silly telling you this today. Like, 'Hey, I'll show up on a beach and ask him out now.' Great idea. I'm sorry. Maybe it was foolish to come."

More tears.

"Mindy, I'm flattered you did this. That's not the right word. I am thrilled, I am almost moved to tears. I want to kick myself for not asking you out back then. I might have saved both of us a lot of grief later. I want you to know I don't think you have changed much at all. Still the wildly cute girl I remember from a decade ago."

Mindy was wiping away tears and I was close to it.

"So, Mindy, are you here to ask me out today? You already know what happens if you wait for me to act!"

"Tom, I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to go out with her."

"Nice! 'Notting Hill'. One of my favorites, Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts were magic together. But Mindy, before I accept, I need to know what you are asking me out for, what we are going to do, and when you will have me home. My parents will want to know."

Mindy laughed. "Tom, I guess this is where my plan, or my lack of planning, falls apart. Maybe I didn't expect you to accept my invitation."

"Just to be clear, I haven't accepted yet. I'm just asking you all the questions girls always asked me. Especially in high school."

"You dated in high school?"

"Ouch!"

Mindy was laughing. "Sorry, but that was too easy. Ok, how about this? I will text Mike and get his top five recommendations for us to do together tomorrow."

"I like that! Text him now, Mindy."

It took Mike about 20 minutes to get back to us, but we were having such a great time talking, we probably would have been there for an hour more anyway. Here was his list:

1 -- Spend a half day on the bay front in Newport. Have lunch at Mo's (get the clam chowder). Ask someone where the sea lions are and go see them. Then go to the tide pools by the Yaquina Head Lighthouse (make sure about the timing of low tide).

2 -- Drive north and visit Fort Clatsop at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Site. Then drive across the bridge at Astoria to the Washington side and return. Return and sit in the hot tub together (if one of you has one).

3 -- Drive south to Otter Rock. Stop at the Flying Dutchman Winery and pick out a bottle to share later. Cross the bridge at Newport and follow the signs to the Oregon Coast Aquarium and visit it.

4 -- Drive (farther) south to Cape Perpetua. Stop at the visitors center and ask for directions to the Cape Perpetua Overlook. Take a selfie of the two of you and send it to me. Visit Thor's Well and Devil's Churn (at basically the same place).

5 -- Make a reservation for dinner at Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay and share a romantic dinner together (if you are still speaking).

Mindy and I read through these and laughed together at the last one (I think the laughter was more a nervous reaction than anything).

I asked where Mindy was staying. (At the Anchorage Motel there in Pacific City.) I told her I had rented a quiet, private place in PC, and I had a hot tub, so #2 was possible.

"Mindy, you choose."

"Instead of choosing, what would you say about starting at the top and taking them in order, one each day? However, each night before we go home we have to both agree to continue. Tom, you have to promise me to be honest if you want to part company, and I will promise the same."

"I love the idea. So tomorrow is Newport. Isn't that where Mike grew up?"

"Yeah, remember? We visited his parents there once. All of us. That's why he was perfect for these suggestions."

"That's right! I had forgotten all about that trip. Is this the Mike fantasy tour?"

"Starring Mindy and Tom. I think so."

I wondered silently whether this was part of Mike's plan to make it up to me for introducing me to Liz. I hoped it was.

"Mindy, someone told me this morning about a great place for breakfast. How about I pick you up at 8 and we start there?"

"I will agree only if you let me pay."

"Not a chance, Mindy. First, I failed you miserably years ago by not asking you out. Second, I am the one who just inherited a crap-load of money. Third, you traveled farthest to see me again. Fourth, and I cannot stress this enough, I just will not allow you to pay."

"Ok," she put her hands up, "I surrender."

Day 1

I checked the forecast for Newport. Sun and 71 degrees! I texted that to Mindy.

As I drove up to the motel to pick her up, she was waiting outside her door. I could see she was wearing yoga pants with a sweatshirt on top due to the cool morning air. I was mesmerized by the pants and her amazing tush! I got out of the car and signaled to her to wait. I needed time to get to the other side and open her door.

"Wow," she said, "I heard you were a gentleman."

"I just want to be clear about something... we are on a date, right?"

"Yes."

"Well, then, forget you even know how to open that door. Unless of course I turn into a zombie."

"Got it. Otherwise, you will be there to open my door. Thanks, Tom."

We had a nice breakfast. We talked about all we had done since we last saw each other at OSU, where we had lived, our families, and other friends from our group.

As we drove to Newport, Mindy had made a list of questions for each of us to answer. I don't remember all of them, but there were several I do remember:

Favorite dessert: me -- Apple pie; Mindy -- cheesecake (I love that too!)

Most hated vegetable: I can't remember hers, but mine was brussels sprouts.

Favorite soda: me -- root beer; Mindy -- Mountain Dew

Favorite fast food: both said Chick-Fil-A because of the best customer service

Favorite thing at McDonald's: I said fries; she said a chocolate shake (she is wrong!)

Best Rom-Com: me: Notting Hill; Mindy: When Harry Met Sally (also good)

Newport was a lot of fun and the weather was amazing, with only a slight breeze. Mindy left her sweatshirt in the car, uncovering a tight-fitting cropped top that showed off her bare flat tummy, her cute navel, and prominent breasts. I was certain she did not look this good at OSU!

We found the sea lions without asking. We could hear them 100 yards away. They were piled all over a couple of docks, occupying every inch of each floating dock. Others swam around, trying to find a place to get on to a dock. Such attempts were made with a lot of barking and some biting. The newcomer sometimes stayed, sometimes got shoved off. Great entertainment! Constant noise.

Mo's chowder was great! Especially the pad of butter in it. As Julia Child said, one cannot have too much butter!

We knew low tide was about mid-afternoon, so after lunch we headed in that direction. After parking the car, we walked down the steps to the beach, then across the beach to the tide pools. As we started walking out on the rocks, I held Mindy's hand. The rocks were slippery, you see. I wondered whether Mike had included this for that reason.

The tide pools were fun. Tiny little worlds of color. So amazing.

We continued holding hands while retracing our steps to the car.

We hadn't talked about dinner, but we decided to go back to the bay front in Newport. We had both noticed a restaurant, Thai Port, we wanted to try. After dinner (which was, by the way, incredible), we walked toward the end of the pier.

"Mindy, would you mind me asking a personal question?"

"Isn't that why we are on a date?"

"Well, to be blunt, I don't remember you looking this hot at OSU."

"Is there a question lurking there?"

OK, she is not going to make it easy on me.

"First, am I correct that you are way hotter now? Second, what have you been doing?"

"I cannot judge whether I am hot..."

"Well, I can, and you are way hotter. Treat that as an established fact."

"Thanks, Tom. That is sweet of you. After I broke up with Asshole, I decided to start going to the gym. I am down a dress size since I was a freshman at OSU and I feel great. I have a lot more confidence, too. I mean, look at me--flying from Arizona to find you. I do feel sexy, maybe for the first time in my life."

"You are most definitely that. Not wanting to offend you in any way, Mindy, if you had looked like this back then I would not have stood a chance. I would have been trampled by other guys."

She looked straight into my eyes. "Actually, Tom, you were always the only one I would have said 'yes' to. I just didn't have the confidence to pursue what I wanted."

"Are you pursuing me now?"

"Do you want me to pursue you?"

I was silent for a minute. We were standing at the end of the pier, looking over the bay, towards the bridge. I turned her to face me, my hands on her hips. Then I kissed her. She hesitated a second and then wrapped her arms around me. Our tongues danced together.

"Tom, just to be clear, was that a yes?"

I kissed her again. Long and hard. She whimpered.

"Mindy, you are a smart girl. What do you think?"

She just smiled and held my hand with both hands as we walked to the car.

When I pulled up to her motel, I said, "Mindy, we agreed we would decide each night whether to continue the next day. What is your vote?"

She kissed me. "Tom, you are a smart man. You figure out how I am voting."

"I'll take that as a yes."

I walked her to her door. "I will see you tomorrow morning at 8. I will check out the map tonight and find us a place for breakfast. Sweet dreams, Mindy."

We kissed. A sweet good night kiss.

"I don't think sweet dreams will be a problem. Good night, Tom, and thanks for a great day!"

Day 2

We were headed north, past Tillamook, then all the way to the outskirts of Warrenton, where the GPS told us to turn right to head to Fort Clatsop. It was a beautiful drive! It is hard to imagine what it looked like about 220 years ago. I had read a couple of books about the expedition, so the reconstructed fort was fascinating to see. Mindy seemed to be enjoying it as well. We held hands most of the time.

Then we headed to the bridge. Such an amazing bridge. The approach on the Astoria side is like an up & down circular ramp out of a parking garage. There was no room for a more normal approach. It was originally a toll bridge and the opponents (i.e., experts) said it would never pay for itself. Tolls ceased two years before they were planned to. Gotta love experts.

We decided to try a new restaurant. The River House Nestucca, also in Pacific City. The food was really good. The view quite romantic.

Mindy had brought a bag with a towel and her swimsuit, since our last item on the agenda was my hot tub. I changed in the bedroom and then went outside to uncover the tub. Mindy was in a second bedroom changing. I got in, because it was getting a little cold now the sun was down. Mindy came out wrapped in her towel, then dropped it to get in.

I was stunned at the vision standing there. She wore a one-piece suit, but it accentuated the curves, her flat stomach and her amazing breasts. It was almost a thong in back, the leg openings cut quite high on her hips to accentuate the line of her legs. It also showed off the beauty of her ass. I was glad I was in the water already, because that sight got something's attention!

"Wow, Mindy! You look stunning in that suit!"

"You like it! I was worried you might think it a little too daring."

"Not at all. I think it shows off your amazing body perfectly."

"Good to know. Maybe tomorrow night I will be brave and wear my bikini. I assume there will be a tomorrow night."

"Now that I know you brought a bikini, there will be. Want to start at 7 am in the hot tub?"

She hit me, laughing.

"I know where your mind is."

"Sorry."

"What are you sorry for? You just paid me a huge compliment. Just between you and me, when you kissed me earlier, I got very wet, and just now, the same affect. I assume you have also had a reaction in nether parts. Right?"

"I would not wager against that."

She moved over and I put my arm around her. We sat, without speaking, looking at the sunset over the ocean.

"Tom, this is beautiful. We need to do this every night. And this as well."

With that she kissed me. We kissed each other. A lot.

After we came up for air, I said, "Mindy, I wanted to talk about a couple of things. I don't know about your experiences, but a couple of times I have rushed things with someone who probably represented no more than an infatuation. I don't want to do that with you. I think we might have something special here, and I know we have at least a few more days together. Are you OK with taking things slowly?"

"Tom, that is what was on my mind as well, Complete agreement here. Especially the part about maybe having something special."