Mending Hearts in Maine
by Clynn
Part One
She was breathing heavily, her feet pounding the gravel shoulder beneath her. I will get through this. I will get through this. She turned her head as she heard someone running behind her.
“Honey!” Mart called her name. She slowed her pace a bit, letting him catch up to her. “Are you just starting on your run or just finishing?”
“Just starting.” Honey turned to look at Mart. Despite her sadness she had to smile. He had finally let his hair grow out, his dirty blond hair curling out under the ball cap he was wearing. His blue shirt hugged his broad, muscular chest and his long shorts showed off the muscles in his calves.
“You’ve been crying.” Mart stopped, placing his hand on her arm.
Honey stopped. “Yeah,” she wrung her hands, “Nick broke up with me. He met someone while taking that art class in Italy.” Tears flowed down her cheeks from under her eyelashes.
Damn, she’s pretty when she cries, thought Mart. He shook his head. Get real Martin; you think she’s gorgeous no matter what. He cleared his throat. “He’s a fool, Honey. Why don’t I finish your jog with you, and we get home, we’ll grab some leftovers and hit the lake for a swim and a picnic?”
“Sounds great Mart.” Honey smiled, and the two picked up their pace once again.
As they lay on the dock in the sun, Honey told Mart about her relationship with Nick and how it had gone downhill. “It was already over Mart. I knew it. He knew it. We just didn’t want to say it.” She sighed. “Doesn’t make me feel any better though.”
Mart rolled over on his stomach. “Of course it doesn’t, Honey,” he whispered. “It hurts no matter what.” They fell back into companionable silence.
The next morning, as Mart was finishing breakfast, Honey arrived. As she joined him at the breakfast table he smiled at her.
She smiled back at him. “Almost like old times isn’t it?”
They fell into silence as they thought about summers past when they would each sit with Trixie at the same table.
“Mart, why did she not come back?”
“I don’t know, Honey. I don’t know if we’ll ever know. Maybe we will know and maybe we won’t.”
Honey shook her head. “I came down to ask you if you wanted to go for a ride in the preserve.”
Mart smiled. Woohoo!!! Time alone with Honey, and SHE ASKED ME! The little man in his head was doing a victory dance. Aloud he said, “Sure, just let me change.” He gestured at the flannel pants and t-shirt he was wearing.
A week later Mart was pacing on the Manor House porch muttering. “Hey Honey, wanna join me in Maine?” He shook his head. “No, no. Honey, I’m going camping in a couple of days, do you want to come?” Mart gripped his hair in his hands. “Argh! That won’t do either. Have you ever been to…”
“Mart is everything okay?” Honey interrupted him.
Mart blushed and stammered, “Yyyes. No. I… um…”
Honey cocked one eyebrow as she looked at him. “Is there something you’d like to say to me?”
“Yes. No.” Mart was distracted by Honey’s simple tank top. The thin straps looked like they wanted to fall off her shoulders, how he’d love to encourage them. He shook his head. “It was a silly idea. I’ll just go now.” Mart turned and started to walk down the porch towards the steps.
“Mart, wait. I really want to hear what you…” she paused. “I am sure it is not a silly idea, and I would love to hear it.”
Mart stopped where he was, he did not turn to look at her. Staring straight ahead of him, he took a deep breath and spoke quickly before he lost his nerve. “The day after tomorrow, I’m going to Maine for a week or so. I was going to camp, but I found this neat inn on the beach.” He paused. “I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent together the past week and, and I was hoping you would join me.” Mart braced himself for Honey to laugh, mock him or shoot him down.
Honey’s breath caught. Her heart was beating furiously. “I’d love to Mart.”
“Okay I under… WAIT! Did you just say you’d love to?”
Honey giggled, “Yes, I did.” She led him to the steps and sat down with him. “Let’s talk turkey.”
“Turkey? Cook made turkey?”
Honey laughed. “No, I meant let’s talk details. I don’t mind winging it, but I do need to have some idea so I can give Mother some details.”
Mart laughed. “All right. Well, originally I was going to just go to a campground near Old Orchard Beach. When I thought of asking you, I emailed a friend, who suggested this place. It’s called The Atlantic View Inn. It is right on the Atlantic Ocean, and I…” Mart stopped. His face, neck and ears were red.
“You got us,” encouraged Honey.
“I got us a room on the second floor. It isn’t a fancy hotel, our room has a sink in it, but we share the washroom with the rest of the floor.” Mart glanced uncertainly at Honey. She smiled at him. “The room has a double bed, and enough room at the foot of it to inflate a twin mattress.”
“Mart, it sounds lovely. Is it right on the beach?”
“Yeah. And at the end of the hall on our floor, there’s a sitting room and you can see the ocean out the windows. The wrap-around porch is also down that hall. We’ll have to eat all meals out, but I am sure there are many people who could tell us where’s good to eat.”
“With you around, I never worry about food,” Honey teased. “When do you want to leave?”
“I thought about 9 o’clock. It takes about four or five hours to drive there.”
“Perfect! I’ll be ready to go at nine o’clock Thursday morning.”
Thursday morning – Crabapple Farm
Thursday morning, Mart was sitting on his bed staring at the clock. Seven o’clock. Mart stood and put his duffle bag on his bed, and double checked the contents. He picked up his beach bag and put in an extra towel, a book to read on the beach, sunscreen, sunglasses, and two swimsuits. Throwing his beach bag over his shoulder, he grabbed his duffle bag and boogie board and quietly crept downstairs.
“Breakfast is ready.”
Mart jumped, dropping both his duffle bag and boogie board. “Moms! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?!”
Helen chuckled at her son. He was obviously very nervous about this trip. She sighed; I wonder if he realizes that she cares for him as much as he cares for her? “Put that stuff in your car, and come back inside for breakfast.”
Mart smiled, kissed his mother on the cheek and did as he was told. As Mart sat, eating waffles and fruit, he answered Moms’ questions about the trip. “I’ve got both directions and a map. The place we’re staying at is pretty low tech. I’ve left the number on the fridge, and both Honey and I will have our cell phones. Reception is sometimes patchy up there, but if you leave a message I’ll call you back.”
“How long will you be gone?”
“About a week.” Mart glanced up at the clock. “I’m going to go now, Moms.”
“All right, sweetie. I have a couple of things for you to throw in the car,” Helen mentioned as she disappeared into the mud room. She returned a few minutes later holding a cooler and a beach umbrella. “I thought the umbrella might come in handy on the beach, and the cooler is full of food and snacks to get you there, but is small enough to take to the beach with you.”
Mart hugged his mother. “You’re the best, Moms!” He grabbed the umbrella and the cooler and ran out the door.
Helen stood in the kitchen shaking her head.
Mart approached his car, a large grin spreading across his face. He loved his car. Brian had asked him why he bought a Grand Am. Grand Am SE, Mart was always quick to point out. As he smiled wider, he put the umbrella in the large trunk then closed it. Mart ran his hand over the metallic blue spoiler. It had taken him ages to find the perfect replacement spoiler. He placed the cooler behind the driver’s seat, closed the door, climbed in the driver’s seat and headed up the hill.
Thursday morning – Manor House
Honey rolled over in her bed, she had had a hard time falling asleep the night before. A soft knock sounded at her door. “Come in,” she called.
Her mother walked into her room. “Excited, darling?” She smiled.
“Mother, isn’t it a little early in the morning for you to be up?”
Mrs. Wheeler smiled. “Good morning to you, too.” She bent and kissed Honey on the forehead. “It is rather early, but I thought we could have breakfast together in your room before you finished packing.”
“I’d love that.” Honey scrambled out of bed and put her robe on. The two women smiled at each other as breakfast was brought up by the new maid and placed on the table by the window. They sat across from each other and began to fix their plates.
“So, sweetie, you have been spending a lot of time with Mart lately.”
Honey blushed. “Yes, Mother.”
Madeleine smiled at her daughter’s blush. She had seen this coming for a while, long before Nick and Honey had broken up. Nick was a nice enough boy, and both Madeleine and Matthew had liked him, but he wasn’t ‘the one’. Madeleine sighed. All those years of pining after Brian and his brother IS the perfect one. “You’re going to have a wonderful time, sweetie. Have you packed everything? Do you know the route you are driving?” As she listened to Honey, Madeleine continued to think. She’s been on so many trips since we moved here. Mart’s been on almost all of them, usually with the other Bob-Whites, and Trixie. Madeleine tried not to look sad at that thought. Somehow though, I know the daughter that is leaving on this trip, will not be the one who comes home. The love of friends, the closeness we’ve enjoyed since moving here has done wonders for her, for my baby. Oh but darling, the love of a man will make you blossom even more.
“But Mother,” Honey was saying, “it feels kind of weird going just Mart and I. No Bob-Whites,” she paused. “No Trixie.”
Madeleine squeezed her daughter’s hand. “I know, sweetheart. Maybe one day we’ll know the why, but for now,” she looked her daughter in the eye, “you need to get ready and go on a very relaxing beach trip with a very hot neighbour.” Madeleine winked at her daughter.
“Mother!”
“Well, he is, isn’t he?” Madeleine raised an eyebrow at her daughter.
“Well, yes,” Honey admitted, and mother and daughter dissolved into laughter.
As they continued to chat, Honey double checked her suitcase, her beach bag and her purse. She ran into her closet and came out with the pump for Mart’s air mattress. “I think I am done Mother. I have emailed the name and number of the Inn to Dad, and left it on a sheet of paper on your desk along with Mart’s cell phone number,” Honey paused. “Mart did mention though that reception is sometimes patchy, but we both have voice mail, and we’ll check it.”
There was a knock at the door followed by Miss Trask popping her head into Honey’s room. “Mart has pulled up.”
Madeleine hugged Honey. “Be careful, have fun.” She pulled back, looked straight into Honey’s eyes. “Be safe.”
Honey blushed under her mother’s gaze. “Mom, we’re two friends going on vacation together. Nothing like that is going to happen.”
Madeleine kissed Honey again, and then hurried her downstairs to where Mart was waiting.
Mart pulled the car into a parking space. The building in front of them sat in the middle of a park. Honey looked at the single level building.
“Um, Mart?” She said questioningly.
Mart smiled at her. “No parking at the Inn. And not likely on the street either. It is just behind us, a minute walk from here.”
They exited the car, grabbed their bags and headed to the end of the street and their inn. Mart knocked on the door and entered the small office. An older woman came through from a private apartment.
“Hello dahlings. Welcome to the Atlantic View Inn. Do yah have a reservation?”
Mart smiled at her. “Yes, Ma’am. Belden, I’m Mart Belden.”
She flipped open a large book. “Ah yes, Belden, from New Yahk. Yah ahre in room 8, second flahr.” She handed keys to Mart and Honey. “Where’d yah pahk yahr cah?”
“Just by the library.”
She smiled again. “Let me show yah to yahr room.” She ushered them out the door they had just entered. She walked up the sidewalk, just before they were to step on the walkway to the beach, she turned left and walked up onto a low porch. She opened a door and turned to them. “This is one dahr yah can use, the other dahr is around the side. That one is the beach dahr.” They entered the inn and walked down a hall, through a door on their right and up a set of narrow stairs. As they reached the second floor, she opened the door and turned right. “The first room is yahrs.” She unlocked the door and left them, disappearing down the stairs.
Honey giggled, “She’s lovely. A character, but lovely.”
Mart looked at the room; the walls were a soft pink. An old fashioned, wrought iron bed stood in the middle of the room. On the close side there was a wooden chair, the matching chair on the other side under the window, in between the dresser and the closet. The sink, with separate hot and cold taps, was behind the door. He glanced nervously at Honey, he loved the room, but would she?
Honey turned to look at Mart. “It’s a lovely room. There is enough room at the foot of the bed for the mattress.” She paused, taking in the nervous expression on Mart’s face. “It looks just like a room at the beach should look.” She smiled at him.
Mart laughed. “Even though it looks nothing like the rooms at the Moorings?”
Honey’s smile disappeared. “I’m kind of glad it looks nothing like the rooms we shared on Cobbett’s Island,” she whispered.
Mart wrapped his arms around and pulled her close. “Honey, I miss her, too.”
Honey sighed, “I don’t just miss her. I am also angry with her. And hurt. Very hurt.”
“I know.”
After a moment of seeking comfort in Mart’s arms, she pulled back slightly. “I really do love the room.” She smiled at the look of relief that passed over Mart’s face. “Let’s go get the rest of our stuff.” They closed their door and made their way out to the car. Their bags collected they walked in the same way they had been shown. They hung some clothes up, and Honey unpacked the rest of her things into the dresser. Mart tucked his duffle bag in the corner near the chair.
“Should we get an early dinner?”
Mart gave Honey a look.
“Right, well then, I’ll just pop across the hall into one of the washrooms to freshen up.” Honey giggled as she stepped out of the room and into the tiny powder room across the hall.
Mart wandered down the hall and into the sitting room. He chose a comfy chair in the corner and gazed around admiringly. The room was simple, the chairs plentiful, and the décor decidedly New England. He smiled as a man came into the room and sat in a chair near his.
“Waiting for your little lady?”
Mart smiled at him. “Yeah, but somehow she makes it worthwhile.”
The man chuckled, “The right one always does.”
“Do you have any suggestions for dinner?” Inquired Mart.
“Well,” the man started, “if you’re looking for a non-chain restaurant,” he paused, and Mart nodded. “Wormwood’s is just south on the 9. You get to that by driving up to the main street and turning left. There’s also a breaker there you can walk out on.” He paused to think. “Huot’s is also down there, next door almost to Wormwood’s. Lobster is a little better, but is usually a lot busier. Huot’s is where the locals go. Wormwood’s is just as good. The Clambake is in the opposite direction, again on the 9. Cascades is attached to a motel, you can either take Temple up to Ocean Park Road then to the 1. Or you can drive through the Orchard, take the 9, also known as West Grand, to Old Orchard Road then turn right onto Portland Road that turns into Cascades Road, and turn right onto the 1. Now, in Old Orchard there are several greasy spoons, and right near and on the Pier are walk up pizza places. Of course, right here in town, one street over, there is Yellowfins, it is open for dinner and is bring your own wine. Now, to get your own wine, that you have to leave town to do. If you take Temple up to the 5 corners, then Ocean Park Road into Saco, you’ll see right there is the Hannaford’s. Near Hannaford’s is Rosa Linda’s, you’ll see planes flying over the beach, trailing advertisements behind them for them. Oh yes, and up there, there are some chain restaurants.”
“Patrick Kelly! Are you chewing this poor boy’s ear off?” An older woman appeared in the sitting room with Honey. “This lovely lady would like to go to dinner and that isn’t going to happen if you’ve got her boyfriend involved in a food debate. Now, say good-bye and let’s go play shuffleboard.”
Patrick chuckled. “The right woman, son.” He winked at Mart and followed his wife down the stairs.
As soon as they had disappeared, Mart and Honey dissolved into laughter.
“Shoshannah is really quite lovely. She had some suggestions for dinner, and I gather so did Patrick?” Honey cocked an eyebrow at Mart.
Mart rolled his eyes. “Did he ever! Plus driving instructions. If I can remember them properly, we’ll be fine for food.”
Honey giggled again, she held her hand out to Mart. “Shall we?”
“We shall.” They walked down the hall, down the stairs, out the door and down the street to the car.
As they drew up to the stop sign to turn left, Honey spotted the shuffleboard courts, and the Kelly’s engaged in what looked like a fierce game. “Do you know how to play?” She challenged Mart.
“No,” he admitted, “but I’m willing to try.” He paused and looked at her. “What are you smiling about? The Kellys?”
“No.” Honey shook her head. “That family.” She gestured to a few teenagers and children crossing the main street.
“How do you know they’re a family?”
“By the way they behave.” Honey responded by waving at the young woman who had waved her thanks. As they turned the corner, Honey watched as the family climbed the steps of the house on the corner. Mart and Honey drove on a winding road, through trees and came upon some houses set on very narrow roads. After a sharp left that Honey was sure was going to leave them in the ocean, Mart pulled into a parking spot in front of a restaurant.
“Wormwood’s,” read Honey. “Is this where we are eating?”
“Yeah, I heard the food was decent, and the wait much shorter than Huot’s next door. There’s also a nice breaker that we can walk out on after dinner.” Mart held the door open for Honey, and they entered the restaurant. Honey smiled as her eyes took in the simple wood interior. Mart rubbed his suddenly sweaty palms on his jeans. “Is this okay Honey?”
She turned to him. “Of course it is.” She smiled at the hostess. “Two please.”
“Right this way.”
Mart followed Honey through the restaurant. As they sat at a booth, Mart chose the side against the wall, allowing Honey to have the seat that looked out the window and over the breaker. The chatted pleasantly as they waited for their food. Mart was reading his placemat, trying to figure out if he could dismantle a lobster in front of Honey without making a fool of himself. Dinner passed quickly, with no lobster mishaps.
As they walked out, they headed towards the breaker. They walked along the rocks that made up the breaker, occasionally hopping across wider gaps. They nodded and smiled at the fisherman sitting on the rocks. As they reached the curve in the breaker they turned to look towards their hotel.
“It’s gorgeous Mart. Is that an amusement park?” Honey pointed just north up the cove from where they were staying.
“Yeah. Would you like to go there one night?”
Honey nodded and smiled. She sighed contentedly and reached for Mart’s hand as she turned to walk back to the car. Mart held the door open for her and she slid into the car. They chatted quietly as they drove back in the twilight. Mart found a spot a few down from the one they had vacated earlier. As they walked to the hotel, he turned to Honey. “Would you like to walk on the beach?”
Honey shook her head. “Not tonight. I’d love to go upstairs, crawl into from flannel pjs and sit out on the porch.”
Mart smiled. “Sounds great.”
The next morning they made their way to the Soda Fountain for breakfast before heading to the beach. Mart put up the umbrella as Honey spread out the towels and put up two beach chairs.
Mart grinned. “I knew I forgot something. I’m glad you remembered.”
Honey stuck her tongue out at Mart and settled herself in with her book. Mart pulled off his shirt, and walked down to the water. The tide was almost all the way in; high tide was officially at 10:30, another half hour from now. In a couple of days, the mornings would be great for boogie boarding. Mart grinned at that thought. Honey had already told him she’d never done it. He waded in up to his knees and turned to look at her. She’s gorgeous; as if she could sense his thoughts she looked up and waved when she saw him looking at her. Mart trudged back up the beach and flopped on his towel.
“How’s the water?”
Mart grinned. “Fabulous. How’s the beach.”
“Beautiful.” She smiled.
Mart was suddenly struck by the thought that this woman has sat on and enjoyed the most famous beaches in the world. Does she really think it’s beautiful? Is she just being polite? Or does Honey really like the beach?
“Mart, stop worrying.” Honey was smiling gently at him. “I do love the beach, it is beautiful, our place is right there, the view is gorgeous, no one cares who anyone else is, and I have great company.” She paused as he blushed. “Now, grab your book and get comfy I have no intention of moving for at least another 5 hours. Well… maybe for a swim.”
Mart laughed, grabbed his book and lay on his towel, settling in for a satisfying day of reading on the beach.
A few hours later, Mart was dozing on his towel when he was woken by the sound of a stomach rumbling. “Why Miss Wheeler, I do believe you’re hungry.”
Honey laughed. “Touché. I guess I’ll have to move.” She sighed. “And I really didn’t want to.”
Mart groaned. “I can take a hint.” He laughed at the guilty look that crossed Honey’s face.
He grabbed his flip-flops and his money and walked up the beach. He headed to the grocery store, grabbed a couple bottles of water and got in the sandwich line. Soon after he had his two lobster rolls had paid and was headed back to Honey on the beach. They ate in comfortable silence. Honey cleaned up their garbage and lay down for a nap under the umbrella. As she slept, the sun shifted and Mart covered her legs with her beach wrap. The spent the rest of the afternoon lazing around on the beach. Honey reluctantly stretched, and turned to Mart. “The sun seems to be a bit lower in the sky. Should we be thinking about going up to the inn and cleaning up?”
Mart lifted his sunglasses. “Yeah, sounds good.” He stood and began packing up their belongings. They walked slowly up to the inn and around the side to the door they had been told was the ‘beach door’.
Honey, who was walking in front, suddenly laughed.
“What’s so funny?”
“Remember how we thought the other stairs were narrow?”
“Yeah?” Mart responded.
“These are worse.” Honey turned herself sideways in order to be able to carry the two beach chairs up the stairs.
Mart took one look at the stairs and laughed. “Um, will I fit?” He turned sideways and made his way up the very narrow staircase. He let Honey shower first, content to stand on the porch looking out over the ocean.
“She’s not your girlfriend is she?” Shoshannah had walked up behind him.
Mart shook his head. “No. We’re just good friends.”
Shoshannah smiled. A smile that only time can create Mart thought.
“You need to open your eyes Mart, and your heart.” She turned as her husband called her name, her eyes lighting up. Looking over her shoulder, she said “Listen to what she isn’t saying.”
Mart thought about what Shoshannah had said while he waited for Honey. He continued to think about it while he showered and while walking to the car. In the car, Mart turned to Honey. “I thought we’d go some place a little relaxed. I’ve heard that the Clambake is a great restaurant. Patrick also mentioned that it is a bit different.”
As they pulled into the parking lot, Honey looked at the single level, long, barn-like building. “It’s huge!”
They walked into the restaurant and made their way to a line-up. “A line?” Honey inquired.
Mart grinned. “It’s kind of like a cafeteria. You lineup at the cash register, order what you want, and pay. They’ll give you a number and your receipt. Then you wait for your number to be called. When it’s called, you go over to the window and grab your food and find a table.”
“Wow. Did Mr. Kelly tell you all of that?”
“Well, he did tell me about it, but I read most of it off that sign behind you.” He grinned impishly.
Honey turned, looked at the sign and stuck her tongue out at Mart. They walked up when it was their turn and ordered the twin lobster dinners and pops. As they waited for their number to be called, they looked around at the map on the wall, and other things they could do. “While these all look interesting, Mart, I want to spend a lot of time on the beach.” She looked back at the board. “Maybe, some shopping in Freeport. And,” Honey paused. “An afternoon in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport?”
“Whatever you want,” Mart paused. “That was our number.” They grabbed their trays, got some salad and chose a table. They laughed as they put on their lobster bibs. “So, Honey,” Mart licked his lips nervously. “What do you think of this place?”
“I like it. It is different and fun.” Honey took a deep breath. “Look, Mart. Please. Stop worrying that I am comparing things we do, and, and, places we go with the places I’ve been with my parents.” She grabbed his hand. “Money isn’t everything. The best places in the world aren’t always the best places in the world. I think where we’re staying is lovely. The beach is awesome. The restaurants have been great.” She gestured. “Unique. Where else would we eat in a place like this?”
“There’s even a gift shop,” Mart felt the need to add.
Honey laughed. “And I’ll gladly visit it with you, after dinner.” She squeezed his hand. “Feel better now? Stop worrying, please?”
Mart nodded and dug into his second lobster. “You know,” he said. “I think I’m going to turn into a lobster by the end of this trip.”
Honey threw a napkin at him. “If you haven’t turned into a Wimpy’s burger by now, I think you’re safe from turning into a lobster.”
After dinner they wandered through the gift shop and the gift shop next door. The drive back was slow and relaxing. They chose once again spend the night in, sitting on the porch. They were joined by the Kellys and talked late into the night.
The next few days passed like the first. They hung out on the beach and ate out every night. A week after they arrived, they were lying on the beach, enjoying the sun and relaxing.
“Honey, know how I was saying we would go home tomorrow, but I was wondering if you would mind staying longer.” There, thought Mart, appropriate vocabulary, casual sounding, exactly what I was going for.
“Longer?” Honey lay on her towel. More days alone with Mart, more time lying in the sun and laughing the nights away. She cleared her throat. “How much longer?”
“Sunday, maybe Monday. I heard that Saturday is Illumination Night.”
“What is Illumination Night?”
“Illumination Night is a celebration. The night starts off with a Strawberry Shortcake Festival in the Square, and a band plays.”
Honey rolled her eyes playfully. “I should have known it involved food.”
Mart continued as though he hadn’t been interrupted. “When the sun goes down, people light up their homes with twinkle lights and candles, some go all out apparently, and the community walks around looking at them. Just after nine o’clock there is a highland band playing up near Jakeman Hall.”
“That sounds fun. I would love to stay for that.”
“Excellent.” Mart gestured at the water and the waves. “Ready for some boogie boarding?”
“Sure am!”
They grabbed their two boogie boards, attached the leashes to their wrists and headed down to the water. As they waded into the water, a teenage girl almost ran into Mart.
“I’m so sorry,” she stood smiling at Mart and Honey.
“No worries,” smiled Mart.
Honey looked at Mart. “She’s part of that family we saw the first night. The family staying across the street from the shuffleboard courts.”
Mart shrugged, he hadn’t really noticed. He knew there were other women around, but he saw little other than Honey, and it took a lot of concentration at times to ensure that she didn’t see any physical evidence of that.
Honey laughed as a wave hit her; she jumped and leapt in the water, heading further out to where the waves were breaking. Mart joined her, and soon they were riding the waves and rolling around in the surf.
“How about we eat at Yellowfin’s tonight and then play some shuffleboard?” Mart suggested as they walked up the beach.
“Sounds delightful.”
Later, as Honey showered she chuckled to herself. Wow, years ago I would have cringed at staying in a place where I had to share a shower. Now I just put on my flip-flops and go about my business. She sighed. This is so wonderful. Mart was so sweet to change his plans to include me. It has been so romantic. She turned off the shower and dressed quickly in a pair of capris and a sleeveless blouse. She opened the door, crossed the hall into their room.
“Your turn, Mart.”
Mart grabbed his clothes and headed into the washroom.
Honey wandered down to the wrap-around porch. She sat in a chair and looked out over the water. I have to do something to show him. He probably thinks I’m still hooked on Nick. How can I do this? Yellowfin’s is a lovely restaurant, from what I have seen. And shuffleboard should be fun. I’ll have to do it soon, maybe Illumination Night.
As Mart stood in the shower he thought. Honey really seems to be having a good time. I hope she’s not still pining over Nick. I really want to show her how I feel. Argh! When and why did this become so complicated? Every night I crawl into bed at the foot of her bed and listen to her breathe. And it comforts me. He shook his head and stepped out of the shower. He grabbed his khakis and his polo shirt, pulling them on before stepping out into the hallway. He met Honey on the porch and the two of them walked over to the next street and into the cozy restaurant. They sat and chatted and admired the restaurant’s décor. After dessert they headed out to the shuffleboard court.
“Seventy-five cents per adult per game.” Honey smiled at Mart. “I think we can handle that.”
“Okay, so where do we start?” Mart looked at Honey.
“I have not a clue. Don’t you know?”
Mart shook his head. “I have an idea but not really.”
“Oh you are so dead, Adam! I’m going to wipe the court with you.”
Mart and Honey looked around trying to see who was talking.
“Ha! You wish! Who beat who in the tournament last year?”
Honey nudged Mart and nodded in the direction of two teenagers walking their way, the girl was the one who had run into Mart earlier that day.
“Only because you had a ringer for a partner.” The girl paused. They were now standing right in front of Honey and Mart. “Hi again.” She smiled.
“Do you know how to play?” Asked Honey sweetly.
The boy nodded. “Sure do. We even have a family tournament each year.”
“Do you think you could help us out?” Mart asked.
“Of course. Just let us pay and we’ll grab some cues. My name is Adriel and this is my cousin Adam.” They shook hands as Honey introduced herself and Mart.
“How about we play teams?” Adam suggested. “I can play on Honey’s team, and Adriel can play on Mart’s team. That would allow Mart and I to be at the same end and Adriel and Honey to be at the other.” Honey and Mart quickly agreed and headed to a court. They played a couple of practice ends, with Adriel and Adam explaining the rules and various techniques. The first game went quickly, with Honey and Adam narrowly beating Adriel and Mart.
“I demand a recount of points!” Declared Adriel playfully.
“No, but I’ll give you another game,” countered Adam. He turned to Mart. “Are you and your girlfriend up for another game?”
Mart blushed to the roots of his sandy hair at having Honey called his girlfriend. “Sure.” He looked at the other end of the court. “Honey, are you up for another game?”
“Bring it on!” Honey laughed.
After a couple of games, the foursome headed over to the Soda Fountain for some ice cream. As they chatted, Honey’s expression changed slightly.
Mart had been watching Honey, concerned by the expression on her face, he mouthed, “Are you okay?”
She nodded and mouthed, “Later” back at him.
As they stood to leave the Soda Fountain, Adriel turned to Honey. “It was great meeting you. I hope to see you on the beach tomorrow.”
Honey smiled. “See you on the beach.” With that they went their separate ways.
As Honey and Mart crossed the street he looked at her. “Why were you sad?”
Honey sighed. “I was… it is just that….” Honey paused. “Adriel and Adam reminded me of the way you and Trixie used to be.”
Mart held Honey in his arms. “The way Trixie and I are. She’s still alive Honey.” Mart took a deep breath. I need to be careful how I say this. “I love her, Honey. She’s my sister. I am also hurt. I know you are hurt. Part of me is angrier at her for hurting you than hurting me. I also understand that she is very hurt and angry. Maybe,” he sighed again, “maybe one day, she’ll come home, and we’ll know what happened, from her point of view.”
As they awoke the next morning, Mart spoke. “Honey.”
“Hrmph,” she grunted.
“Would you like to go to Freeport today?”
Honey bolted upright in her bed. “Shopping?”
“Yes. In Freeport. That’s where the outlets are. You did say that you wanted to go there didn’t you?”
“I sure did!” Honey’s eyes were dancing with delight. “Just let me shower and dress. We can leave right after breakfast.”
“All right,” Mart agreed. “While you shower, I’ll read in the lounge.” With that he grabbed his book and headed to the lounge. As soon as he got there however, he spotted Patrick Kelly and realised he wouldn’t get any reading done.
“Good morning my boy!” Patrick Kelly boomed. “And how are you and your beautiful friend today?”
Mart smiled, he couldn’t help liking this man. “We’re very well, thank you. Honey is getting ready. We’re going to head up to Freeport this morning for some shopping.”
“Ah, Freeport. Wonderful town, wonderful town. Now, have you been before?”
Mart shook his head in response.
“No, well then let me tell you a bit about it. First off, when you drive, you’ll need toll money. You drive up Temple, through the 5-corners and onto the highway. And make sure you get off onto the 295, a lot of people miss that and they end up too far north and too far west. You’re going to take the 125 down to the 1, that’s Main Street. The best place to park is up behind the L.L. Bean store. It is open 24 hours did you know that? Anyway, the parking there is free and you can walk anywhere from there. Now, walking up and down Main Street you’ll pass most of the good stores. The L.L. Bean factory store is off down a side street, but you’ll see it. If you want breakfast, try Isabellas Café. For a lunch or dinner, most of the seafood places are excellent. There is a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream shop there too, right beside L.L. Bean. Two stores you must go into are Cool as a Moose and The Mangy Moose. Great stuff in both of them.” Patrick Kelly paused for a breath. “Now, you’re little lady seems like she is a clothes lover. The Abercrombie and Fitch outlet is in an old fire hall, excellent deals there. Banana Republic; Gap; Polo; Cole Haan; and the Coach outlet. Yankee Candle and The Body Shop for that smelly stuff that women like.”
“Smelly stuff that women like?” Shoshannah Kelly made her way into the lounge. “For a man with a shelf full of candles that’s a bit rich.” She walked over and kissed her husband’s forehead. “And would you quit chewing the poor boy’s ear off?”
“I’m just offering him advice sweetheart.” Patrick protested.
“I’ll bet you were,” Shoshannah countered with a smile.
“Good morning.” Honey entered the lounge. “Mart, you’d better grab that shower.”
“Will do sweetie.” Mart hopped out of his chair, grabbed his things and disappeared into the shower room.
Honey blushed. He called me sweetie. Was it intentional? Was it a slip? Did it mean something? She smiled at Shoshannah and Patrick. “How are you this morning?”
“Wonderful. Thank you for asking dear.” Shoshannah smiled at Honey. Young love is wonderful, she thought. “I understand you are going to Freeport today?”
Honey nodded. “And I am sure that Mart got a lot of advice from Patrick.”
Shoshannah and Patrick laughed. “He sure did,” she agreed. “Let me give you some though. Park behind the L.L. Bean store and be sure to go in it. It is open 24 hours a day and it has a fish pond in the middle. Walk Main Street, most of the side street stores have signs that hang out over the sidewalk so you’ll know what is down there. Eat breakfast there at Isabellas. The highway to get there is the one up Temple, past the 5-corners. And on the drive there, make sure you get on the 295.”
“That’s what I told Mart!” Patrick protested.
“I am sure it is, sweetheart. But I can guarantee you used about ten times the words to do it.”
Patrick chuckled. “Guilty as charged. I am hungry, let’s get breakfast.”
Shoshannah smiled at him. “When are you not hungry, Patrick?”
Patrick grinned impishly at his wife. “Almost never. Let’s go get breakfast.” He held his hand out to his wife and escorted her down the hall.
“Have a lovely time dear,” Shoshannah called over her shoulder.
Honey stared longingly after the couple. That could be Mart and I one day, right down to the love of food. She smiled as she saw Mart walking towards her. I love him. The thought startled her; she sat quickly on the chair behind her. I love Mart Belden. Honey’s smile widened.
Mart walked down the hall towards the lounge. He saw Honey sitting in a chair. There’s something different about her, Mart thought. She looks beautiful. He felt his smile grow wider. I love her. Mart’s shoulders relaxed. I love her. That thought sobered him. He felt his whole body relax as though something he had been waiting anxiously for had arrived. Mart walked up to Honey and held out his hand.
Honey looked into Mart’s eyes, took his hand and slowly stood. They stood smiling into each other’s eyes for a moment, before turning to walk out of the inn.
Honey stood at the door to the car, playing with the door handle.
“Um, Honey, I need to unlock it first.”
Honey looked at Mart and blushed. “Right.” She tucked her hands into her pockets, where her right hand immediately began to play with her lip balm. Should I tell him? Can I tell him? Why is he smiling like that? She heard Mart unlock the car, she absentmindedly opened the door and closed the door. This is something that should have been covered in charm school. How to behave around the man you love when you cannot let him know. Or maybe you can let…
“Honey!” Mart sounded amused, and he had a goofy grin on his face.
Honey turned to look at him, her train of thought completely interrupted.
“Did you mean to leave your purse on the roof of the car?” Mart handed her her purse.
Honey blushed. “Thanks Mart.” Wow, there’s that smile again. That’s not his normal smile. Why is he smiling like that? That’s very myster… NO I WILL NOT GO THERE. Mart is very sweet. Why didn’t they teach us something about this at school? She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. There’s that smile again!
Mart looked at her. “Ready to roll?”
Honey smiled and nodded in response.
As they drove towards Freeport, Honey allowed her curiosity to get the better of her. “Okay, Mart. What is with the goofy smile?”
Mart looked startled, his eyes grew wide. “Am I smiling in a goofy manner? Is my visage portraying something that my conscious thoughts are not aware of? Therefore making it an expression of my sub-conscious?”
Honey cocked her eyebrow at Mart. “That is flustered Mart-speak if I have ever heard it. I don’t know what is up with you however I suggest that … that,” Honey took a deep breath, she was having trouble getting her words out. “That you replace that over blown speech pattern of yours with …. put it into …. the… oh! Just put it away.”
Mart blushed. “I acquiesce.”
“Martin!” Honey warned, before laughing. She reached over and turned up the music. Their conversation was lively and before she knew it they were pulling into the parking lot behind the L.L. Bean. They decided to head for breakfast first. As they left Isabellas they formed a strategy plan, starting with L. L. Bean. As they wandered the store, Honey picked up a few things.
“Um Honey,” Mart looked at the growing pile in her arms. “You are aware that this stuff can be ordered through their catalogue right? And through their web site?”
She smiled. “Yes, but it is so much more fun in the store. And Jim and Daddy will both think it’s neat that it came from the original store, the 24 hour one, because well, it is the original 24 hour one.”
Mart laughed at her reasoning, he knew full well neither Matthew Wheeler nor Jim were going to care that the stuff Honey gave them came from the original 24-hour L.L. Bean store, the fact that it came from her was going to be what mattered. He shook his head as he took some of the stuff out of her hands. From there they headed down the street wandering in and out of various stores. At Gap Honey convinced Mart to try on a pair of dark jeans, which he was convinced were too tight.
“Honey,” Mart protested as he came out of the dressing room to look in the three way mirror. “They’re too tight. Look, they constrict my buttocks. That’s not cool.” Mart frowned at his reflection.
Honey shook her head to clear her suddenly steamy thoughts. “Oh no, they are not too tight at all, Mart. They fit just right.” Her gaze rested on his firm derriere which was nicely accented with the dark denim. Mart caught where Honey’s eyes were looking in the mirror and blushed a deep red.
“Um, well, if you’re sure Honey. I guess I’ll get them.”
“Oh, I’m sure.”
After Mart made his purchase they continued to walk up and down the street wandering in and out of the various shops. As they looked around in one shop, they saw a moose wearing a detective hat and carrying a magnifying glass. Honey picked it up and held it. As Mart approached her he saw the tears in her eyes. He gently took the moose out of her hands, and guided her tenderly out of the store to a bench in the sun. Tucking their packages at their feet, he held her as she began to cry.
“I’m so embarrassed,” Honey mumbled after a few moments.
“Don’t be,” Mart responded.
“You must think I’m a fool,” Honey muttered, still snuggled in his arms.
“I don’t,” Mart began; “I love…” he caught himself. He wasn’t quite ready to tell her that yet. “I love her and miss her, too,” he concluded rather lamely.
Honey straightened herself up. “Let’s finish shopping and head back.” She went to pick up her parcels, seeing that Mart had beaten her to it she looked at him. “I can carry my bags myself you know.”
Mart smiled. “I know, just let me be a gentleman.”
Honey giggled and led the way to the next store. The drive back was rather quiet. They grabbed a lobster roll as a late lunch and were content to sit on the beach until long after sunset.
As they lay on the beach the next day they were joined by the Kellys. Patrick and Mart engaged in a discussion of such magnitude and large vocabulary that Shoshannah and Honey did their best to avoid it and them. When the men went to get lunch, Honey spotted Adriel and Adam walking up the beach, boogie boards under their arms. Honey waved at the cousins and they returned the wave. Adriel said something to Adam, handed him her board and walked towards Honey. Plopping down on the sand, she looked at Shoshannah.
“Hi, I’m Adriel.”
“Shoshannah, pleased to meet you. How do you know Honey?”
“My cousin and I taught her and Mart how to play shuffleboard.” Adriel smiled. “How are you Honey?”
Honey smiled at the teenager. “I’m fine thank you, thoroughly enjoying this beautiful weather.”
Adriel let out a laugh. “It is gorgeous isn’t it? I actually came by to tell you that Adam and I, with some other members of our family are heading down to the pier tomorrow night. You’re welcome to join us if you wish. We’re going to walk down at about eight. If you want to come, just show up at the house then.” She turned as she heard her name being called. “I think that’s my cue. I’m on lunch duty today.” She gestured to where a large group of people had assembled.
As Honey lay on the beach waiting for Mart, she thought about Adriel’s invitation. Then her thoughts strayed to the blond woman that Adriel reminded her of. She sighed. Adriel was like Trixie in so many ways: bubbly, happy, and inquisitive. Honey heard the telltale shifting of the sand, indicating footsteps approaching her, and looked up to see Mart gazing at her intently.
“Are you okay, Honey?”
Honey nodded, took her lunch from him and the four of them settled down to eat.
After several hours of more lying on the beach and playing in the surf, Mart turned to Honey. “Honey, where would you like to go for supper?”
Honey shrugged. “Doesn’t matter to me. But if we go somewhere now, aren’t we going to miss the strawberry shortcake?”
It was Mart’s turn to shrug. “Doesn’t matter. I’m more interested in the walkabout. How about we drive over to Ken’s? It is across the street from the Clambake. It is a small walk up restaurant.”
“Sounds great.” Honey smiled, tucking her reoccurring thoughts of her best friend away.
As they returned to the hotel after dinner, they had to park a little further away than usual. People were gathered in the square, music was playing and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Mart and Honey joined the crowd and listened as a man announced the beginning of the Illumination Night walkabout. Mart took Honey’s hand and led her away from the crowd, towards Adriel’s house. They wandered up and down the streets, holding hands and admiring the homes and the lights. Some people had snacks and treats out for their neighbours and everyone they passed greeted them happily. As night settled down on the town, Honey and Mart headed for one of the last streets. They had heard that a house was handing out candles for people to put on the beach. They made their donation, took two lit candles and carefully made their way down the walkway to the beach. They headed for a spot away from where others were standing with their candles. Mart spread the sand, making a flat area. They then placed their candles in the sand, creating divots as they did. Honey sighed happily as she looked around.
“This is beautiful.”
“So are you, Honey,” Mart startled himself by saying this thought aloud.
Honey glanced quickly up at Mart. She was glad the darkness hid the blush she felt growing across her face. “Thank you Mart. I...” She began to stammer. “I think you’re quite good looking yourself.”
Mart sat on the sand, Honey sat beside him. He gently placed his arm around her shoulders. “I don’t know how you feel, Honey. For all I know you could still be hung up on Nick,” he put up his other hand to stop her protests. “If you interrupt me I may never get the words out. This week has been magical for me, I’ve can’t remember a time when I’ve been so relaxed and happy. And the other day I realised why. I realised that it is because I love you.”
“You, you love me?” Honey asked, her voice trembling.
“Um, yeah.”
Honey smiled. Tentatively she wrapped her arms around Mart, nestling into his chest.
Mart wrapped his arms around her, his thoughts rumbled in his head. Is this good? I love the way this feels but I’d like to hear her say something. Please, Honey, SAY SOMETHING!
“That makes me so happy,” Honey whispered. “I love you, Mart.”
Mart kissed her gently on the lips, and the two of them sat there, beside their brightly burning candles, watching the reflection of the moon on the ocean. When their candles burnt out, they slowly walked, hand in hand up the beach towards the inn. As they reached their walkway, Mart turned to look at Honey.
“You are so beautiful,” he leant down and kissed her softly on the lips. “And wonderful.” He kissed her again. “And I love you.” Mart held her tightly against him.
Honey pressed herself into Mart. She reveled in the feeling of his arms around her; she inhaled deeply, the scent of the ocean mingling with the scent of Mart, one that reminded her of home. Home, she thought, that’s what this feels like, being in Mart’s arms feels like home.
Mart sighed deeply. I don’t want to let her go. He smiled as he thought of Honey telling him that she loves him. I don’t have to, she loves me and I love her. Mart reluctantly loosened his grip on Honey, with one arm still around her, guided her up the walkway and into the Inn. They quietly got ready for bed, following the routine they had established since arriving in Maine. As Mart settled into his bed, he listened to Honey settling herself in. When all was silent for a few minutes he spoke.
“I meant what I said, Honey. I am in love with you.”
The End
Author’s notes:
Ken’s is a real restaurant, as is Isabellas, both are in Maine. All of the stores are real and I do not own any of them, nor am I making any money off of them being in this story.
Trixie Belden and its characters belong to Radom House Books. This story is in no way associated with them. No money is being made off of this story.
An enormous thank you to Jill for reading and editing this story for me.
The Clambake and Yellowfin’s are real restaurants in Maine and they are fabulous. No money is being made off them being mentioned in the story.
Trixie Belden is property of Random House, and no money is being made off of this story.
Adriel, Adam and the Kellys are purely from my imagination.
Illumination Night is a real event in Ocean Park, Maine.
Thank you again to my fabulous editor Jill. Your comments are great and the punctuation help is awesome too.
The Atlantic View Inn is a real Inn in Ocean Park, Maine, I do not own it, though I have stayed there and the hosts/owners are wonderful people.