I awoke every morning to the feel of his morning stubble rough on my cheek.
"Good morning, love," he'd whisper in my ear, kissing my temple.
Mornings were the best part of the day in our home. One of us would cook breakfast while the other showered, and after breakfast we would lounge on the balcony, overlooking the ocean waves crest up onto the beach, or more often make love.
We were currently staying in a beach front condominium he owned in Belmar, a small beach town in New Jersey. It was one of many condos he owned all around the country, but this one was closer to his heart, set in the landscape of his childhood.
Alas, it was a place I'm quite familiar with, always taking summer vacations there. Yet none of them compared to this one.
Standing on the balcony, he would wrap his arms around me and whisper sweet nothings in my ear. The Jersey shore had never held much appeal to me, but here, in the arms of my beloved, it was the most beautiful thing I'd ever saw.
He and I would take walks on the promenade, arm in arm, enjoying the shades of blue on beige and the delicate grey houses built up along the shoreline. Of course, in our situation, people noticed us.
We got the usual line of comments and snickers, "Slut", "Pervert", "Disgusting" - I learned to let it all roll off my back. They didn't know us, and couldn't possibly even imagine what we had. I almost felt bad for them, and hoped one day perhaps they too could enjoy something similar to our relationship. Maybe then they would know.
It was a day that started out like most days, and I found myself strolling along, my hand in his. His hands were large, warm, protective. They were possibly my favorite part of him.
I first noticed the gang of boys when they were not too far from us. They were not much younger than me, perhaps sixteen or seventeen.
Just a few months ago I might've looked upon them with desire, but now they were nothing in comparison to the diamond at my side.
They were laughing as they approached, staring hard.
"Hey Grandpa," one said, "Why don't you let me show her a real time?"
He frowned, "Why don't you mind your own business?"
The boy turned his attention to me. "C'mon lil mama," he grinned, "Don't waste all your time with an old man. He can't give you what you want!"
I heard a chuckle beside me and turned to see him with a snide smile on his face, "At least my balls have dropped."
The boy sneered, "That ain't cool," he said, "At least I can get it up!"
They passed on, laughing, but I was disheartened. Would they sink to any low?
I squeezed his hand hard, "Let's go home."