Hello Charlie

The first time I saw Charlie, I had no idea what a profound part of my life he would become. Hindsight being what it is, that day will forever be burned into my memory.
 
It was a beautiful Saturday, I had picked up a sandwich, an apple and a cold lemonade at the deli before finding my favorite table on the beach to enjoy my lunch.

There were a few other like-minded souls taking in the early arrival of this spring day with me. The sun was warm, the breeze gentle, and the waves playing my favorite sounds.

I noticed Charlie’s dog first, a gorgeous white Siberian husky. It wasn’t on a leash and was at the moment stalking some seagulls resting on the sand.

Taking slow, calculated steps, he edged closer to his prey. Then in a flash, he was running into the group which to his dismay, simply squawked and flew up and out of his reach.

I covered my mouth as I laughed. Just then I heard a whistle and a “Come ‘ere boy!” My eyes followed the sound and that’s when I got my first glimpse of Charlie.

He was absolutely the most handsome man this girl had ever seen. Dressed in khaki pants rolled up to mid-calf and a blue and red windbreaker, he made an impressive sight. At about 6 feet, give or take an inch, with dark sun kissed skin and jet black hair, I sat with my mouth open, and my sandwich somewhere between the table and my mouth, suspended in time. I checked myself quickly back to reality as I watch the dog bound back to his side.

I watched as he gave his pal assurance that all was good. He took the dog's head in his hands and lovingly shook it from side to side and then gave it a pat before they walked on. This small act of love made me smile.

A little while later, I was zoned out on memories when I felt this cold nose nudge my knee. Looking down, there was the same beautiful creature I had just admired while he chased seagulls. His eyes were a startling cross between brown and green, with a coat as white as freshly fallen snow.

“Hi fella,” I said as I stretched my open hand, palm up for him to sniff. “Are you looking for someone else to play with?” I asked.

Just then I heard, “Spookey, come! Stop bothering the nice lady.” I looked up to see the gorgeous hunk from the beach making his way across the sand to my table.

At a distance, I had thought him handsome… phew! He had star quality, good looks. His eyes were a hazel but had flecks of yellow in them. Featured in his dark complexion, they were mesmerizing.

“He is not bothering me… not at all. He’s gorgeous.” I said, looking from the animal to his owner. “What did you call him?” I asked.

“Ah, this gent here is Spookey.” he replied with a smile as he gave him a quick rub behind this ears.

“Hi, Spookey,” I said as I gave him a touch on his head. Turning to his owner I said “Hi, my name is Sarah” as I extended my hand.

“Charlie, Charlie Harrison.” He smiled and shook my hand as he sat down on the bench next to me. His touch was electric. I mean like a flow of current. I hope I didn’t jump or pull away at that precise moment.

I thought I knew most of the Island residents and said as much to Charlie.

“Oh, down here for some much-needed R&R.” he countered.

“You couldn’t have picked a better time weather-wise to visit the Gulf Coast,” I said, trying probably a little too hard to make conversation. Calm down breathe.

“Well, it’s certainly been beautiful today and Spookey loves the beach.” He replied with a dazzling smile and another rub to Spookey's head.

I laughed and said “Oh yeah, I watched him earlier trying to get acquainted with some of the locals.” We both laughed.

“Hey, now that I have your attention, thanks to Spookey, where is a good place to taste the local seafood?”

“That would be Barnacle Bills just before the bridge that gets you off the Island,” I replied.

"I have an idea, how about you have dinner with me and over some delicious seafood you can give me the lowdown on all the Island has to offer.” I guess he saw the slight hesitation on my face so he threw in, “Please!”

I thought it over for about a nanosecond before replying, “What time?”

This beautiful man would, in the months ahead become the second man I would love.
 
To Be Continued…