He was telling me about a call he got yesterday from the two infamous feuding neighbors.
According to Luke, they’re well-known rivals, and one of them is always hooking up her hose to the other’s water supply.
When Margie’s water turned ice cold while she was in the shower, she called the station to put in a formal complaint.
While he questioned her neighbor, she smiled innocently and offered fresh-squeezed orange juice. It’s drama all around for those two. From what Luke said, the pettiness stems from when they were younger and Margie dated her neighbor’s crush in high school.
I couldn’t make this shit up if I tried. Who moves in next door to the person they can’t stand and then goes on to taunt them for years?
He laughs, clapping my back. “It’s small town America.”
We walk down the boardwalk, and I take in a deep breath of the salt and sea air that creates a unique mix. Living in Dallas didn’t offer the opportunity to visit the beach often. Emerald Bay is right on the water, and the change in atmosphere is nice. There are worse places to live.
People are usually around enjoying the water or the shops and outdoor areas. The town always feels like it’s full of pumping energy. If I had all the time in the world, I’d also sit on that white sand and let the waves steal my worries.
I sound like a Kenny Chesney song.
“Ready for some live music?” he asks with a wide smile.
I look out at the beach area and take in the view in front of me. Hundreds of people crowd the space in front of a stage. When he asked if I wanted to come to the beach concert, I hesitated for a beat before Brooke practically pushed me out of the house.
She should be here enjoying this, but she promised she wanted a day to relax at home and do nothing.
We show our tickets at the entrance—courtesy of the station—and join the rest of the people ready for a show. The energy buzzes with anticipation as everyone waits for the first band to come on stage. It’s a new artist making a name for himself, but that doesn’t diminish the excitement. From what I hear, he’s local to the area, so a huge crowd is out here supporting him.
“There’s Erik.” Luke points ahead of us to another co-worker. We move through the crowd to meet up with him and a few others, making my steps falter when I realize who’s with him.
Lizzy’s eyes widen as she notices me before snapping her gaze away. Of course my co-workers would know her. They’re all about the same age, so they probably went to school together.
“Ladies,” Luke says to Lizzy and the other women she’s with. One of them is another teacher at the school, but the third woman is unfamiliar. “You know Nate, right?”
“Yeah,” Lizzy and the teacher say.
“I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting you yet,” the stranger says with a knowing smile as she glances at Lizzy.
“D,” Lizzy warns quietly, but her friend keeps going.
“I’m Dani, Lizzy’s best friend.”
“Nice to meet you.” I nod.
“Be nice, D,” Luke tells her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
“I’m always nice,” she complains, pushing him off. “Shouldn’t this shindig be starting already? I’m ready for some music and a beer.”
“Shouldn’t you know since you work at the station?” Luke raises his brows.
“I’m off the clock today.” She grins.
“I can help with the beer,” Erik tells her with a wink.
“Stop flirting and get me a beer.” She laughs, handing him some cash.
“Coming right up.” He bows.
Watching them, it’s clear they’re a tight group of friends who have known each other for years. I never had a group of friends like this. When I was in high school, I didn’t hang out with the best company. I have a couple friends back in Dallas, but nothing that would make me miss spending nights out with them.
“How many beers?” Erik looks at us, but I shake my head while Luke and the other teacher raise their hands. “Lizzy?” He lifts his eyebrows in question.