“It wasn’t a date…well…I guess it sort of turned into one, but it went really well.”
“What do you mean, it turned into one?”
“We ended up a couple by the end of the night,” Beth stated happily. “You’d love him, Mom. He’s so adorable.”
“I’m glad you’re making friends, sweetheart.”
“I have to go get changed into my swimsuit. We’re hanging out on the beach tonight.”
Her mother smiled when she got a good look at Beth. “You look really excited, dear. I hope this works out for you. Lord knows you need it after all you’ve been through.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll see you later!”
After changing into her suit and throwing on a pair of khaki shorts and a gray tank top over it, Beth went out the back door and waited patiently for Nick. It kind of reminded her of the old timey stories where girls would sneak out to meet their lovers on the beach or in the forest or whatever they did back then. She was surprised that her mom didn’t freak out about the boyfriend thing, especially after what had happened in Minnesota. Most mothers wouldn’t let anyone near their girls after that. But Ms. Willow trusted her daughter’s judgement. She knew Beth had learned to look closer at people before making decisions about them.
Just then, Beth felt a pair of hands tickle her waist, making her shriek. She turned around to see Nick laughing. “You’re ticklish, huh?”
“Yes, I’m very ticklish, and if you ever do that again, I’m gonna…” she trailed off, not sure of how to finish it.
“Very threatening, Beth.” He sat down next to her on the sand and pulled her close to him.
No one said anything for several minutes; they were content just sitting there. Beth buried her face in his chest and inhaled, trying to memorize his smell.
Nick finally broke the silence. “Elizabeth. That’s such a pretty name.”
“It’s too long, though.”
“But there are a lot of nicknames for it. Beth, Liza, Liz, Lizzy…I personally always liked Lizzy. I think it’s so cute.”
“No one has ever called me that before. I’ve been Beth for as long as I can remember. Well, my dad called me Betsy, but I don’t let anyone use that name for me anymore. I don’t need to remember my dad.”
“I don’t know much about your dad.”
“He was an asshole. He cheated on my mom so many times, but she didn’t find out until Lissa was one. I guess he always treated me and Liss well, but I hate him for what he did to my mom. That’s why we took her name instead of keeping Mueller, his name. I haven’t seen him since the divorce. I never wanted to.” Though she fought to keep it in, a tear rolled down her cheek and fell onto Nick’s hand. He tilted her chin to face him and wiped away a new one that was starting its course.
“I’m sorry.”
“Hey, it’s life. I guess it made me a lot closer to Mom.”
“Yeah.” He paused. “Can I call you Lizzy?”
She giggled. “Sure, but no one else can use it.”
“Don’t I feel special now!”
Again, she leaned into his shoulder and just enjoyed the feeling of being in someone’s arms; someone who really cared about her. Eventually, she spoke. “I’m ready to tell you now.”