Worth lost his say when he filed for divorce.
This time she turned the phone off entirely.
It had been a little over two weeks since the morning she woke up to his absence, and regardless of what Mertha said about him needing time to sort things out, Lily felt in her bones, in her blood, that he wasn’t coming back. That they really were done. Hour by hour, minute by minute even, she seesawed between fizzy bubbles of relief in her chest—a relief that surprised her every time it showed its giddy face—and a terror so solid and thick she could feel it threatening to suffocate her.
But as she had for the last two weeks, she swallowed the terror, stuffed it down into a small space in her overcrowded heart, and mentally took the next step. She smoothed her hand across the front of the flyer once more. Safe Harbor Village.
* * *
Early the next morning, in the quiet stillness of her rented house, Lily called the number on the flyer before she could change her mind.
“May I ask why you’re calling?” the clipped voice on the phone asked. “Are you a potential resident?”
“Oh no, I—”
“I have to ask because we only have a couple cottages open at this time, and we require a detailed background check, personal references, and a phone interview before we invite potential residents for an on-site tour. I’d hate for you to drive all this way for nothing.”
“I see. Do you require all that for the hairstylist position?”
“Hairstylist.” The woman’s voice flattened.
“Yes, ma’am. I saw the flyer at the grocery store and . . . someone told me to come see Rose.”
“Is that so?”
“It is. I used to cut hair. And I’m looking for a job.” Lily nibbled on her thumbnail.
“Well. That was fast.” She sighed as if disappointed to have a job candidate. “I suppose I could see you around two o’clock today. Do you have a pen? I’ll tell you how to get here, but you’ll have to pay attention.”
Lily jotted down the directions and kept herself busy until it was time to go. Her stomach was a knot of nerves, fluttery and vaguely nauseated, but she tamped down the butterflies. She knew nothing about this place or the people who lived there, but it was a job she could do. She could cut hair. She generally liked people. And she didn’t want Worth’s money anymore. She needed a way to make her own.
Lily turned right just past the sign for Jack Edwards Airport, then took another right. The road ahead was long and empty, straight as an arrow, and lined on both sides with tall trees and thick brush. The woman on the phone had said this road would feel too long, like she’d taken a wrong turn.
“Stay the course,” she’d said. “The road only leads one place, and we’re at the end.”
Lily gripped the steering wheel, the sun’s heat sinking into her palms, giving her courage. The thing that had been needling the back of her mind since Worth’s disappearance, the thing that kept her hanging on instead of drifting away, now stood at attention in her mind. She was alone, but she was enough. No one was coming to her rescue, but maybe what would save her was inside her. Maybe it had been inside her all this time.
The Village Vine
Your Source for Neighborhood News
May 9, 2018
Compiled by Shirley Ferrill
Good day, Safe Harbor Village!
Tides
High tides will be in the 6:15–7:45 p.m. range, while low tides will fall somewhere between 4:10 and 6:20 a.m. Make your fishing plans accordingly.
Weather
Summer is cranking up early with temps in the mid-80s during the day but falling pleasantly to the mid- to upper 60s at night. If you take an evening stroll, consider bringing a light sweater.
Marine Life
A manatee has been spotted by more than one concerned villager in recent weeks. It seems the large mammal is trying to swim toward the Bon Secour River, but the current is pushing it back. Attempts to direct it toward the bay have been unsuccessful. Marine authorities have been contacted, and I will update you again as soon as I find out more.
Safe Harbor News
The Summer Kickoff Party will be held the last Saturday in May. I know it’s a few weeks before the meteorological start of summer, but as we all know, temps creep up as soon as the white pants come out, and the beginning of another summer season is a reason to celebrate.
For months now we’ve been hearing about a possible new resort, Island Breeze, coming to the island. The name may be apropos, but can you imagine the trucks that would tear up the roads and the commotion a building project like that would stir up? I assure you, villagers, I was ready to stand all day with my picket signs if necessary, but the powers that be have elected to build their fancy resort elsewhere. It seems people are learning about our quiet little haven here on Safe Harbor Island. Next time someone asks you where you live, consider telling them about the odor from Humphrey Hammond’s infernal crab traps.
Recreation
The paddleboats Coach ordered should arrive any day now. As soon as they’re in, he will plan a guided tour of Bon Secour River for interested parties. You’ll find the sign-up sheet on the clubhouse bulletin board. I feel it is my civic duty to inform all of you that the last time Coach was on a nonmotorized vessel, he and everyone in the boat capsized. Sign up at your own risk.
Reminders from Management
Please keep the homeowners’ association guidelines in mind as you make decisions regarding outdoor décor. Yard art is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to, dolphin-shaped mailboxes, concrete or plastic figures (flamingos, deer, garden gnomes, etc.), and oversize bird feeders. Remember, if it detracts, give it the ax!
Dogs are tolerated in the village, but not their droppings. If your canine friend must relieve himself or herself, do us all a favor—pick up the waste and dispose of it properly. And not in the marina! There is a $100 fine for every violation. (Any money collected will be added to the bingo pot.)
Lastly, The Village Vine received a letter this week, and as editor, I feel compelled to share it with all of you:
To Whom It May Concern,
With last year’s departure of Beverly Pine and the resulting closure of the village hair salon, I would like to request that management hire a replacement. I understand that some people think a village hairstylist is unnecessary, but those of us who have been traveling all the way to Mobile to get a decent haircut would disagree. Other than an hour of travel time, our only other option is Coach Beaumont, who says he cut the hair of his whole fraternity during his college years. We ladies feel it is within our rights as Village homeowners to have access to a reasonably proximate and qualified hairstylist, no offense to Coach.
Sincerely, and with solid trust in management’s excellent decision-making skills,
Tiny Collins
Sunrise Café Menu
May 10–May 16
Mains: spaghetti & meatballs, shrimp & grits, Mississippi pot roast