The Gin and Chowder Club

everyone was planning to finish up their summerhouse projects that weekend. Nate waited patiently in line, chatting with a neighbor.

“Hey, Nate, what can I get you?” Jack, the owner, asked.

“I need a quart of that antique red we use, and I’d like to square up my bill.”

Jack nodded and went to mix the can of paint. He came back with the can and the list of charges made that summer. “Did you already go through the other can?” he asked.

Nate looked puzzled. “What other can?”

“Sam Coleman’s boy was in here this morning, picked up a can and charged it to your account. Hasn’t he been doing some work for you?”

“That’s funny… I just saw him, and he didn’t mention it.” Nate shrugged. “Guess he forgot. Anyway, he’s done a fine job if you’re ever looking for someone to do some work.”

“I’ll keep him in mind.”

Nate paid his bill and headed out the door.

40

Asa and Noelle did not hear Nate’s car pull up. They did not hear the door slam shut. The only warning they had was the sudden, startling sound of wings as the mourning doves and songbirds flew to safety.

When Nate came in, Asa was at the sink filling a glass with water and Noelle had rushed up the stairs. Asa’s heart was pounding, and his cheeks were flushed.

Nate glanced at the peach cobbler and nodded. “Guess I better eat that pretty soon,” he commented with a grin. He handed Asa the can of paint and a new brush. “By the way, did you happen to buy paint this morning?”

Asa felt like he had been caught red-handed. “Oh, I did… I completely forgot. I’m sorry… I’ll give you the money for it.”

“Don’t be silly. It’s always good to have some around for touch-ups.”

“All right… I’m sorry about that.” Asa grinned sheepishly, amazed that he was capable of so many lies.

He took the paint and brush upstairs and knocked gently on the bedroom door. He listened, but Noelle didn’t answer, so he slowly pushed the door open. “Noelle, may I come in?”

She was standing by the window, looking out at the ocean. The screen door downstairs banged shut.

She turned to him. “Asa, this is crazy,” she said in a hushed voice. “Do you realize what almost happened? If Nate ever finds out, he will be devastated. You must promise me you will never say anything-to anyone.”

Through the end window, Asa could see Nate out by the pool. He looked steadily at Noelle. “I promise…” Then he half smiled. “It was fun, though.” He pulled his shirt over his head, let it drop to the floor, and knew she was looking at him. He turned to take the screen out of the window. “Do you know where that drop cloth ended up?” When he turned back to her, she was holding it in her hands. He took it from her, threw it over to the window, reached for her hand, and pulled her on top of him onto the bed. She laughed. “You are crazy, you know-and completely unsatisfiable!”

He rolled her over so that he lay on top, and then he kissed her. “I don’t think that’s a word, miss,” he teased.

“It’s Mrs. to you,” she said, “and it is a word.”

“Ouch, that hurts.” Asa rolled off, holding his chest, feigning pain.

41

When Asa finished painting, he came down to the kitchen to clean the brush. Nate was sitting on the porch, intermittently dozing and looking at the sports page. “Sox play a doubleheader tonight,” he said.

“I know,” Asa replied. “Wish I had tickets.”

Nate stood up and took out his wallet. He pulled out several bills and handed them to Asa.

Asa looked at the money. “This is too much.”

“Nonsense. You did a great job, and I appreciate it-and I think Noelle enjoyed having you around.” He smiled and added, “Besides, all college boys need extra spending money.”

“All right. Thanks, Uncle Nate.”

Nate reached out to shake Asa’s hand. Asa was flustered by a sudden wave of shame and guilt, but he pushed it aside and grasped Nate’s hand, realizing how strong and honest his grip felt. “The sill is going to need a second coat. Would you like me to come by tomorrow and finish it?” he asked hopefully.

“There’s no need, Asa. I can handle it.”

“Okay.” Asa hesitated. “Well… is Noelle around?” he asked.

“No, she had to run to the store to pick up a few things.”

Asa immediately wondered which store. Maybe he could find her-

Nate interrupted his thoughts. “We are definitely planning to come over next week,” he said with a grin. “The thirty-first, right?”

Asa nodded. There was no way he could wait that long.

42

Asa’s truck was gone when Noelle returned. With a mixture of relief and disappointment, she carried the groceries up the walk. Hearing her steps, Nate held the screen door and reached for the bags.

“Is there more?”

“No, this is it.”

Nate opened the refrigerator and carefully placed each egg into its curved cup. He put away the milk and orange juice, and Noelle gently moved him aside to open the freezer and put away the ice cream.

“Why don’t you leave that out and I’ll have some with my cobbler?” Noelle took it back out and put it on the counter. Nate lifted off the top. “Do you want some? I’ll share,” he said with a grin.

“No… you have it,” she said.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

She forced a smile. “Nothing.”

He pulled her into his arms. “It doesn’t seem like nothing.”

Noelle stiffened as Nate brushed his lips down her neck. He held her close, and she squeezed her eyes closed and silently pleaded, Don’t cry, don’t cry. Whatever you do, don’t cry!

Nate kissed her cheeks and lips. “I’ve missed you,” he whispered.

“I’ve missed you too,” she managed to reply. Oh, God, what have I done? How am I ever going to do this?

Nate slowly unbuttoned her blouse, pulled it back, and softly kissed her shoulder. Noelle kept her eyes closed and prayed for forgiveness.

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