The Gin and Chowder Club

Noelle put her hands on his arms and remembered how Asa had felt standing behind her.

She pushed the thought from her mind and whispered, “I’m the lucky one.”

Nate closed his eyes and held her. The silver in his sideburns had long ago started spreading into the neatly clipped hair above his ears. Noelle had told him that it made him look distinguished, but he wasn’t convinced. She continued to stroke his arms, pulling on his soft hair. She smelled his aftershave and felt a rush of warmth between her legs. Looking at Nate’s head bent down over her shoulder, she thought about the events that had brought them to this place. Her eyes were drawn to the reflection of the bedroom behind them. She studied the Shaker headboard and the blue and white country quilt that was tucked neatly into its oak frame. She had found the bed in an antique shop, and it had fit perfectly between the two windows that overlooked the ocean. The walls were painted a soft sea green and were offset by creamy white trim and wainscoting that reached halfway up the walls. Noelle had chosen the colors and repainted the room soon after she and Nate had married. Even so, the memory of another life-Annie’s life-still lingered. A gentle breeze drifted in through the windows and made the gingham curtains billow.

“We should go,” Nate murmured.

“Mmm-hmm,” she agreed, still lost in thought.

Annie, Nate’s first wife, had died in this room. She had fought her long illness valiantly until its very end. As Annie’s nurse, Noelle had witnessed the fight. She had witnessed the love and the heartache, and after Annie’s passing, she had watched as grief and despair had consumed the brokenhearted man who was left behind. Witnessing all this and offering what comfort she could, Noelle Ryan couldn’t help falling in love with Nathaniel Shepherd.

Blinded by sadness, however, Nate had barely noticed Noelle’s presence, much less her striking features. It wasn’t until they ran into each other some six months later that Nate noticed how beautiful she was. He had been going out of the grocery store as she was coming in. They had stopped to chat, and Nate had unexpectedly asked her if she had time for a cup of coffee. Noelle had obliged. They’d gone to a little outdoor cafe and continued their conversation, which Noelle had kept light. When they’d finished, Nate had leaned over to pick up his bag, and it had ripped open. Melted ice cream had dripped all over his shoes. “Guess I forgot what I had,” Nate had said, laughing. It had felt good to laugh. After saying good-bye, he realized that he hadn’t thought of Annie once during the conversation. It was a much-needed respite for his weary soul. Two weeks after their chance meeting, Samuel encouraged Nate to invite Noelle to one of their famous gatherings. He did, and by the end of the evening, it was evident to all present that Nate was smitten with Noelle, despite their eighteen-year age difference.

3

An hour later, Samuel was standing in the kitchen wearing a pressed white oxford, sleeves rolled to his forearms, and khaki slacks, mentally checking his list of preparations. Big band was playing on the radio. The kitchen counters were spotless. The shrimp was on ice, and the cocktail sauce had the perfect amount of fresh horseradish, Tabasco, Worcestershire, and lemon. The buttered French bread was in foil and waiting to go in the warm oven. The chowder was still simmering, and the fresh pepper grinder had been filled. The old metal tub was stocked with beer, white wine, tonic, and sweet tea on ice. Merlot, Tanqueray, and other mixers were on the old oak side table, and there were slices of lemon and lime in a chilled glass bowl. Sarah had cut blue hydrangea blossoms and made two bouquets, one for the kitchen and one for the porch. The outside table was covered with a pressed white linen cloth on which the glasses sparkled in the late afternoon sun. Samuel glanced around one last time. He prided himself on being an organized and conscientious host.

“Hey there, you old fox,” a familiar voice called out.

Martha slowly pulled herself up off the wooden floor and barked warningly down the steps while her welcoming tail gave away her true emotions.

“Hey there, yourself!” Samuel replied, stepping out onto the porch and reaching for Nate’s hand. The two friends clapped each other on the shoulder and hugged.

Samuel turned to Noelle. “I don’t know how you put up with this old bear,” he said, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips. “You are a saint-and a beautiful saint at that,” he added with a wink.

Noelle smiled and blushed. “You two are a pair-you must have attended the same school of gallantry.”

Samuel grinned back. “Actually, Nate learned everything he knows from me. So, in that regard, you are lucky!”

Martha continued to sniff and wiggle until Nate finally knelt down in front of her and held her head in his hands. “I didn’t say hello to you, did I, ole girl?” he said, giving her a kiss on the nose. “You are getting as gray as I am.”

Martha returned the kiss and, satisfied, went back to her spot in the sun.

Sarah came out and greeted her guests too. She’d grown fond of Noelle and gave her a warm hug. She then turned to Nate, and he took her hands and smiled at her. She leaned up and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. Sarah loved her husband’s oldest friend and had prayed without ceasing while she watched his heart break. And now, although she dearly missed Annie’s company, she was glad that Nate had found new happiness with Noelle.

Initially, Sarah had been skeptical of the romance. She was very protective of Nate and didn’t want to see him endure any more heartache. But their relationship had unfolded gradually, and Sarah’s concerns had eased. Finally, two years after Annie’s passing, Nate announced that he and Noelle were getting married, and Samuel and Sarah had been very happy for them.

The two couples stood chatting when Isaac appeared at the door.

“Well, here he is!” Nate smiled. “Come on out and let’s see the college boy.”

Isaac stepped out and shook Nate’s hand. “Hey, Uncle Nate,” he said, grinning. Then he turned and kissed Noelle on the cheek.

“So, how’s Providence?” Nate asked. “Did you have a good year?” He glanced at Isaac’s attire: stone-colored shorts, white polo, and black canvas high-top sneakers. “Looks like that crazy art community didn’t have too much effect on you.” Isaac nodded with a smile, and Nate looked up and noticed that Asa was standing at the door. “And here’s the other troublemaker!”

Asa couldn’t help but smile as he pushed open the door. He had showered and changed, too, and he had the same casual look as his brother except that his high-tops were white, and his polo was a faded cobalt blue that matched his eyes. He wore a Red Sox cap, which, when new, had been cream-colored with a navy visor and a deep red B; now it was frayed and faded, and even though he had a new cap, he always wore his old favorite.

Asa politely greeted his parents’ friends just as his brother had, with a firm handshake and a kiss. He lightly brushed Noelle’s cheek with his lips and slowly breathed in her familiar fragrance. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw; he was becoming well versed in the art of concealment.

“Look at these fine young men!” Nate exclaimed. “Sam, you homely old fellow, how did you manage to have such handsome sons?”

“Thank goodness Sarah had something to do with it,” Samuel replied, smiling. “Isaac, how’d you like to fix our guests some drinks?” Then he added, “Please use a proper stirrer this time.” He turned to Nate. “You have to watch him-he has an unconventional way of stirring.”

Nate nodded. “So, what’re you boys up to this summer?”

Isaac answered as he made their drinks. “I’m going into town with Dad during the week to help out in the shop and hopefully learn a little bit about interior architecture.”

Samuel shook his head and eyed his older son. “It’s not as innocent a plan as it sounds. As usual, there’s a woman involved.”

Nate raised his eyebrows. “A college woman, I’m sure,” he said, winking at Isaac as he was handed his drink. Isaac just grinned. Nate then turned to Asa, who was leaning on the railing. “And how ’bout you, Asa? Any women-I mean work- in your summer plans?”

Asa laughed and avoided looking at Noelle. “I’m working down at the coast guard station, repairing sills and painting.”