This is my first Contest Submission: SUMMER LOVIN'. The title of the contest sparked the idea for it. My muse and memories of summers-gone-by inspired it. One lonely spirit came to me and asked me to help set them free. I hope I succeeded. Please Read, Vote, and/or Comment. I love getting feedback and do take criticism into consideration. Enjoy and Thank You! :)
___________________________
"Momma!" The tiny tot screamed at the top of her lungs. Devin slammed the suitcase lid down and ran out of the room to see what the screaming was about. By the decibel of the scream, she figured her daughter must have fallen and gotten a booboo.
She entered the living room ready to rush in and comfort, only to stare and blink, seeing that her little monkey had climbed out of her playpen and on top of the golden retriever and was currently playing horsey, saying "Neigh, Neigh, dog, dog."
The dear dog took it like a champ and carted his little package around like the pony he was, without the aid of sight. The little imp had thrown her favorite blankey over the dog's head. When he crashed into the wall, she slid off and bonked her head on the floor, letting out a true scream. Mom ran in and rescued baby with one arm and whipped the blanket off the dog with the other, pushing him to safety. She blew a breath out lifting her sweaty hair off her face.
"Shaylee, Grady is not a horsey. Come help Momma finish packing for the beach." Eager to please, the green eyed fae child took her mother's hand and toddled along. Shaylee was sitting nicely in the center of Devin's bed watching her pack the suitcases. Devin was singing itsy-bitsy spider to her. She turned her back to get her swimsuit out of her top drawer when she heard an impish giggle. In the mirror, she could see that her clothes were scattered and the baby was inside the suitcase tossing panties and bras up in the air.
"Whee!" The little one smiled. Devin gave up on packing and swooped down on her little bundle of joy, tickling her belly until they both fell on the floor laughing. Shaylee snuggled against her and kissed her loudly on the lips. "Momma," she said softly.
"Oh baby, Momma's going to miss you so much!" A tear rolled down her cheek as she reached for the phone to call her own mother.
"I just don't know if I'm ready to leave her," she said into the receiver.
"You need this, Dev. Shay will be fine and so will you. We're going to take her to the amusement park and buy her ice cream. Grandpa will build blanket forts with her. This is your time."
"I feel guilty Mom." She bit her lower lip, a habit she did when she was unsure of something.
"Devin you have been home with that baby 24/7 since she was born. I know that things did not work out with asshole the way you wished they had. But, he's in your past now. The divorce is finalized and you are a free, beautiful, intelligent, strong-willed woman. Take time for you; pamper yourself, revisit your old haunts and let yourself feel like a woman again. Don't let what he did take anything away from you. He's the moron who hurt you and your baby girl, not the other way around. Trust me, your issues with him will be here waiting when you return. But for now, focus on you. Besides, you wouldn't deny me exclusive cuddle time with Shaylee, now would you?" Her Mom had a point, always the voice of reason.
"Thanks Mom. I love you."
"I love you too. Now finish packing and get that sweetpea over here and in my arms. Oh and Dev, honey? I bought a little something to help you celebrate." She could hear her mother's grin through the phone.
"Mom," she began.
"Nothing extravagant, don't worry. Just something to help you feel like the pretty woman you are." Her mother loved shopping, especially for clothes. While there was no denying that her Mom had great taste, she didn't want to be spoiled. Although, a small part of her thrilled at the prospect of a new outfit or two.
She put the baby down for a quick nap while she finished packing. Then she gathered dog toys, dog food, and the rest of Shaylee's toys and comfort lovies. She turned on the shower, undressed, and took a quick look at herself in the full length mirror.
Her blue gray eyes stared back at her. She had the typical freckles of a redhead that spread across the bridge of her nose and a generous supply on her cheeks. She had a petite body. Cute, was what she was always called. Her long, curly hair was in need of attention, and a trip to the stylist was the first order of business once she got to the shore. At thirty, her breasts were still pert. Motherhood had finally given her a grown woman's figure at long last. She lifted her breasts up and smiled at herself.
***
Devin stood in her parent's living room, her hands moist with nerves. She released the dog and handed the sleepy baby off to her mother. Her Mom had been true to her word and then some.
She lay out enough outfits to last her two weeks. Fun and flirty dresses, sassy and sexy tops and skirts, relaxed and causal outfits. Really cute. She was going to have fun trying them on and wearing them to the beach and boardwalk.
"Mom, you shouldn't have," she scolded. Her mom beamed at her.
"I wanted to." Her Mom reached into her pocket and pulled out an envelope. "It is just a little something to go towards pampering yourself. Treat yourself to a manicure, pedicure, and a blissful massage. I wish we could have sent you somewhere exotic. But for now, I hope this helps."
Devin hugged her mom and squeezed her eyes shut against the tears starting. Then she hugged her father who was currently being smothered with doggy kisses.
"Thanks Daddy. I'm sure you will spoil Grady rotten. But remember table food gives him a stomach ache. So please control the urge."
"Me feed the dog people food? Wherever would you get an idea like that, Devin?" When her father laughed, his blue eyes sparkled mischievously.
"Dad that goes for Shaylee, too. Just because you have a sweet tooth, doesn't give you permission to indulge my daughter in sweets, too." She gave him a stern look.
"Only one piece of cake a night." He winked at his grand-daughter who was eying his piece of pie. "Oh alright, and a cookie after lunch."
"Dad!" Her Mom came up behind her and put her arm around her, pushing her towards the door.
"Don't worry sweetie. I'll keep him in line with the sweets and the people food," her Mom assured her.
"No all day shopping sprees, either Mom. Shay still takes two naps a day." She pulled out a long list of instructions and emergency contact numbers.
"Boy, you have an awful lot of rules," her parents said in unison, laughing.
"Grappa," Shaylee shrieked, reaching for her grandfather and squirming out of her grandmother's arms.
"Yup, we'll be just fine." She kissed the baby on her chubby cheek.
"Pumpkin, you better get a move on so you don't hit rush-hour traffic," her father reminded her.
"Drive safely," Mom put in.
"I will. Thanks guys." She took Shaylee back in her arms and snuggled her, showering her with kisses as she tried her best to hold back her tears and not let her baby feel her apprehension.
"Mommy loves you so much. Are you going to be a good girl for Gramma and Grandpa?"
"Yeah, me go," the little one nodded. "Grappa," she said again.
"I see how it is," Gramma put in. "Shaylee, say Gramma."
"No. Momma." The imp pouted.
