Boys of Summer

As summer began, I had several interested suiters. I had even invested $3000 in a matchmaking agency for six quality introductions. I had already used three, and they were all ridiculously unsuitable for me. The other potential matches that summer were also disappointing, especially the one who stood me up at the beginning of this story. A new match was arranged, and the gentleman wanted to meet for dinner the following week. I declined. I wasn't interested in meeting another man since Lewis had made his intentions clear. It wouldn't be honorable on my part or fair to him. I accepted the financial loss and withdrew from the program.

It was December, and our annual Christmas Boat Parade was here. Each year, I had a theme, and this time, I wore a Mermaid tail adorned with Christmas lights. I used a bubble maker to create an underwater effect and wore a Santa hat. Lewis agreed to pilot the boat, and several couples joined us. Upon returning to the dock for the party, I noticed my ex was there, so I kept my distance and avoided his group. Not Lewis! He boldly approached him and announced, "Rebekah and I are seeing each other." Wow, what just happened? My ex replied, "It's fine, brother, I have no issue with you." Lewis speaking to my ex was a gesture of honor, reminiscent of a previous generation.

I didn't feel Lewis was being possessive in a negative sense, but it made me feel secure and valued. Some on the dock though were not happy that I was seeing Lewis.

After the party, one of his female friends, a coon ass from Louisiana took me aside. I had never had a negative interchange with the woman, but like me she was single and one of Lewis's closest friends. She was a highly successful divorce' and always hovered around Lewis enjoying the fine dining and wine he often provided.

"You better not hurt him!" She said after pulling me away from the group. I asked why she thought I would do that? That isn't who I am. I realized no one on that dock cared that someone had hurt me earlier that year. Most of them sided with the man even though I was the one that owned a boat and paid slip fee. I assure her that I would not hurt Lewis and that I hoped the relationship would grow to be my last.

"Know this, every love story has an end. However, your life will be enriched for as long as he and you exist simultaneously. When one leaves, the story ends. Here with us when you return there are no couples or need for partnerships as we are all one and that need no longer exists. Just as the cycle of lust for procreative opportunities exist, they are no more for you now- so you are entering a world of sexuality that will in time dissipate and what remains is the real magic- real love. Even though it does not come in the wrapping paper you expected-let go and let us show you how wonderful love can be. These other inferior men showed themselves to be like Chocolate Easter Bunnies- hollow on the inside. Don't worry how long this will last, enjoy the present moment as that is all you really have."

Lewis discussed the closeness between a man and a woman, mentioning that there are various forms of intimacy in a relationship. It wasn't solely about sex. I paid close attention, hoping he would elaborate, but he did not.

I was content to allow things to unfold as they would, organically. The others would soon see that I truly have feelings for Lewis. Time would be my friend.