Safe To Shore

Safe to Shore

SUE LANGFORD

DEDICATION

When you think you’ve lost your way,

you can always watch for the light

To find your way home.

Thank you for reminding me why

To Nadine, Leanne, Lorri and my friends

And to the lighthouse that never fails to inspire.

If you open your eyes very wide and look around you carefully, you will always see a lighthouse which will lead you to the right path! Just watch around you carefully!

― Mehmet Murat Ildan

Foreword

When I first went to Tybee this past summer, I was hit with the scent of peaches in the trees, magnolia flowers in the parks and the feeling that I was surrounded with immense history. From the squares of the Historic District of Savannah, to Forsyth Fountain I was inspired by everything that surrounded me. When I went out to Tybee that first night, I couldn’t help but stare at a small little lighthouse that stood on a small patch of land. It almost looked like it was on its own island as it was high tide and it had immersed it in the waters of the Savannah River at the entrance to the ocean. The smell of the shrimp boats and the excitement of a dolphin tour had me hooked, but truly, the first photo I took was of this beautiful lighthouse. I had no idea what it was, what its history was or what it would come to mean by the end of that short vacation. After going out on a dolphin tour, and a few dolphins visiting the boat, I still was snapping photo after photo of the little lighthouse. When the sun started to set, I could almost see a small patch of land and realized that people could actually walk out there. When the boat tour paused in open water to tell all of us about that beautiful little lighthouse, I not only got some amazing and inspiring photos, but came to realize just a touch of the history.

When Fort Pulaski was attacked, bombs and artillery went over her and she still stood tall and strong. Even when the hurricane season came year after year, she still stood with all her might and held on. When the guide said that there were probably remnants of bombs or weapons that had gone passed her in the war, I was even more intrigued. Not for the love of artillery and gun powder, but because that little lighthouse was still there. A few scrapes and a few adjusted bricks, a few bricks out of place and in need of a new paint job but she was standing. Her light had gone out a while ago, but I couldn’t help but look at her. I only call the Cockspur Lighthouse she because in my opinion of course, it takes a strong woman to stand through all of that. I never fail to be drawn to places like that. The Grand Ole Opry was my first inspiration and it was only a year post flood that I was sitting in that pew realizing it would’ve been under water during the flood. Now, I was face to face with a lighthouse that had stood longer than the Grand Ole Opry and had an even bigger history. I got photos, reference books and even got in touch with the lighthouse to get information and got more than I could imagine.

When I asked what they were doing to build the lighthouse back up, they told me that she was being restored to her former glory. That someday soon that light would be directing people back to her shores. That she’d probably withstand another 200 years if we were lucky and there is where the idea came. After a dozen calls, and getting more information than I could handle, I came up with Safe to Shore. This book is my inspiration. I decided to donate part of the proceeds of the book to the restoration of our fair Cockspur Lighthouse. If nothing else, I wanted to be there to see her light shine again.

We all have things that we go through in life. We dim, we get jaded and we give up on our dreams. We have to find a way to make our light shine again too. This, right now, this charity, is my way of doing that.

To my Cockspur Lighthouse – May you shine long into the future and guide us all Safe to Shore.

Chapter 1

I’m stuck. I’ve been trying for weeks to get anywhere on the music and the lyrics but I can’t. I just need to get away from here, Aria said. We’re supposed to be recording. You can’t just take off and leave town now, the producer said. If you want a song to top that huge hit I’m gonna have to, Aria replied. And where exactly are you taking off to, her manager asked. Home, she replied grabbing her old acoustic guitar, notebook and her lucky pen.

* * * * *

Aria Holt had been performing and singing country music since she was a girl growing up in Savannah Georgia. When she finally got signed to a big record deal at the age of 20, she decided that she needed a fresh start and made her stage name Georgia Hayes. The numbers of fans doubled and tripled over the years, but when she started recording music she didn’t believe in, she knew she needed to start on something new. She’d thought it would’ve been easy just to do what she’d done before and just write something that everyone could relate to. When she came up with the worst case of writer’s block yet, she knew that the only thing that would fix it was going home. Back to the historical mansions, the ice cream at Leopold’s that she craved and the views from Tybee Beach. She thought about it as she packed up her bag and remembered when she’d gone to the beach and managed to write 3 songs in one afternoon. I’m comin home, she said to herself.

Aria was a bombshell of a woman. Long wavy blonde hair and the crystal blue eyes that matched the cool blue of the water that lapped against the shore on the beach. When she wasn’t on stage, she was in beat up blue jeans, but when she was on stage it was all sparkles, glam and shine. At almost 5 foot 10, she always stood her ground and in the right heels she towered over every guy she’d met. She started going for morning runs as a teenager to get away from the stress at home and school. Now, she did it to try to help her write. Every inch of that beach was ingrained in her mind. She belonged there. She always had.

Aria loaded up her pickup and filled the tank and left Nashville behind. She took every back road that she’d taken when she first came to Nashville that would lead her home. Now, some of them were still there and others weren’t. Everything had changed so much since she was last home. She drove passed Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, the craziness of morning traffic in Atlanta then started on the highway that lead her home. She went passed the peach vendors, the little towns she used to go to so she could visit friends then she saw the sign – Savannah. The more she drove, the more full her heart was. When she got there, she went straight to Leopold’s. If anything was gonna get her into the creative mood, her favorite iced cream as a kid would do it.

She went in and grabbed one small cup and sat down on her tailgate. It was like every spoon helped her remember all of her good memories. As soon as it was done, Aria left and went to Forsyth Park. She parked the truck, grabbed her guitar and notebook and her lucky pen, locked up the truck and headed to the fountain. She remembered back to her younger years where she’d just sit and watch the water in the fountain all day. The moss, the trees and even the sounds of the trumpet player transported her back to a time where she didn’t have any worries or cares in the world. She sat down on the bench by the fountain and watched the water. The tourists snapped photos of the fountain, of the monuments and the mansions in the square and once it was quiet, the trumpet player started with a trumpet solo that made you turn and watch. If you have a request, the trumpet player said. As long as it sounds like that, just keep playin, Aria said as she gave the man a tip. He kept playing and it was beautiful. She listened to the sound of the water and tried to write even if she wasn’t playing the music and she barely got 3 lines. Stop pushin yourself, Aria said quietly to herself. She sat and tried to just take it all in and shook her head.

Once the trumpet player was done his song, Aria thanked him and got up and headed to her truck. She grabbed a few groceries and headed down to the cottage she’d rented on the beach. It was the one she’d stared at and dreamt of when she was younger. She got the keys, headed in and got everything from the truck and started getting settled. The cottage smelled like fresh peach cobbler, which was another small addiction that Aria had as a teenager. She took her bags upstairs then walked out to the balcony and took a deep breath of ocean air. That’s what I needed. If anything is gonna work, this is what will, Aria said to herself. She got an instant grin ear to ear, slid her t-shirt off and went and slid into a tank top and shorts and went downstairs. She grabbed her notebook and her lucky pen and walked out to the lower porch and sat on the porch swing. She looked at the lyrics she’d started in the park and managed to get a little more done but ended up stuck on a chorus. This is just getting ridiculous. I’ve done this a million times. Why now, Aria said to herself. She watched the sun bathers on the beach and tried to just give it time. What the heck can I do that’s gonna get my mind off it, Aria asked. She saw a man running down the beach with his earbuds in and smirked. Alright. A run it is, Aria said.

After changing into her workout gear and her runners, Aria slid her earbuds in and went and stretched. She closed up the door to the back porch and locked up the front door, sliding the key into her pocket and turned her iPod on. She went for a run on the same path she had through her teenage years and ended up back at her parent’s home. Aria, her dad said as he was coming out the front door. Hey, she said. What are you doin back, her dad asked. Just needed to get some perspective back. I’m having really bad writer’s block, Aria said. Well, tomorrow’s Sunday. You comin for dinner, her dad asked. Sure, Aria said. So where you headed, her dad asked. Goin to finish my run and head back, Aria said. Tell me you didn’t go and rent that cottage on the beach, her dad said. Better than I dreamed, Aria teased. Well, we’re eatin at 6 sharp. We’ll see you for dinner, her dad said. Do you need me to bring anything, Aria asked. Just you, he said. See you tomorrow then, Aria said. Your mom’s makin seafood pasta tonight if you wanna come. You shouldn’t be out there all alone, her dad said. I’ll be alright. I’ll come over tomorrow, Aria said. She gave her dad a hug and headed off for the last bit of her run. Just as she was about to get to her cabin, she bumped into the man that she saw running on the beach.

Hey there neighbor, the man said. Hey yourself, Aria replied. So you’re renting the cottage are you, he said. For a little while, Aria replied. You from around here, he asked. Aria nodded. Born and raised, Aria replied. So I guess that means you’d be willing to show a newbie around, the man said. I could but I’d sort of need to know your name, Aria teased. Where are my manners? I’m Tristan. And you are, he asked. Aria, she replied. Nice to meet you Miss Aria, he said. So where are you from, Aria asked. North Carolina. Outer Banks area, he said. So what part have you seen of the area, Aria asked. The beach, the pier, the Crab Shack and the wine shop. I wanted to go and volunteer somewhere, like I do every summer, but I wouldn’t even know where to start, he said. I can suggest a few things, but I’m not completely sure where you’d be needed yet, Aria said. Did you want to maybe talk it out over dinner, he asked. I actually just got back to town after being gone a while. Tomorrow lunch, Aria asked. You sure, he asked. I’ll go check a few things out and find out for you, Aria said. Well thank you Miss Aria, he said. You’re welcome. I’m gonna finish up my run, Aria said. I’ll see you soon, Tristan replied.

She had to give it to him. Tristan was handsome and probably had never been turned down by a woman before. He had been working out for years, which was quite obvious, stood around 6 foot 2 and had a golden tan, which was probably from those early morning beach runs. The dark brown hair and green eyes attracted her, but she knew that’s not why she was in Tybee. Getting her inspiration back and finally finishing a song is what she needed. When Aria turned around, girls on the beach were watching him run. A playboy was the last thing she needed.

Aria went back inside after her run and got showered and dressed and sat down to have breakfast when her cell phone buzzed. Aria looked at her phone and saw an ex boyfriend’s number and ignored the call. She went and sat back on the porch swing and had her lunch then started thinking about that idea that Tristan had mentioned. Aria grabbed her laptop and started researching the volunteer opportunities in the area and came across the listing for volunteers to help restore the lighthouse on Cockspur Island. She’d stared at that lighthouse a million times. She’d taken pictures from a dolphin cruise boat of the beautiful old lighthouse at sunset and had fallen in love with it long before she dreamed about the music. One phone call and she got the information and volunteered. If being at the lighthouse she loved didn’t give her inspiration, she didn’t know what else would.

After getting two more verses completed without a chorus, Aria looked down at her phone and it said 5:15pm. Great, Aria said. She got her purse and her keys and went to head out to grab dinner when she saw Tristan. So I made us a reservation at the Crab Shack, he said. I actually have a few things I need to do, Aria said. We can do dinner first, he said. Aria wasn’t about to start making excuses, but being out with a man who was obviously a playboy wasn’t a good idea. If the paparazzi found out, they’d eat them up and spit them out like last night’s dinner. You sure we can’t just do this Monday, Aria asked. You have to eat, he said. I guess we can… Good, he said. He walked her over to his truck and opened the door for her and they headed off.

They made small talk through dinner then Tristan asked her if she’d found out anything about volunteering in the area. Aria wasn’t about to tell him about the lighthouse. I heard about a few things in town. They’re restoring a few houses in the historic district, Aria said. That works, he said. They chatted a little more than he made an even worse move. So odd question but where can I find a good spot to grocery shop, Tristan asked. There’s a ton in Savannah and a few here. It all depends on what kind of shopping. Everyday stuff you can go anywhere. The more gourmet stuff, there’s a health food grocer up on White Bluff, Aria said. So which is your favorite, he asked. I go to the places that are on Tybee for the most part. It’s just a little easier to do, Aria said. So I’m gonna ask somethin and you can kick me if I’m asking the wrong thing, but how on earth can a woman like you be single, he asked. Long story for another time, Aria said. We have time. It’s only 7:30, he said. Aria shook her head. Then we go for a walk on the beach and you can tell me, he said. So you’re either avoiding going home to what...you’re girlfriend, Aria asked. An empty house thank you, he replied. I still have to go, Aria said. They got up and headed out and Aria went to leave. Aria, Tristan said. Yes, she said. I have to ask you something, he said. Which is, Aria asked. What are you doin Monday, he asked. I’m actually working, Aria said. He shook his head. You could’ve just said no, he replied. I’m actually working Tristan. I promised a friend I’d come help her out for a few weeks, she said. Then we’ll go for a run, he asked. We’ll see, Aria said. They got back to his driveway and he hopped out and got Aria’s door. You sure I can’t talk you into a walk just until the food settles, he asked. Aria should’ve said no, but she said yes.

Is it bad that I’m kinda glad you said yes, Tristan asked. Why me, Aria asked. Meanin, he asked. Every girl on the beach was pretty much staring at you. Why me, Aria asked. Because I don’t want someone who’s just gonna be with me because of how I look. If we can have an actual conversation, I’m good, he said. So what did you wanna know about Tybee, Aria asked. I don’t get why there are two lighthouses in the same bay pretty much, Tristan said. That’s all history stuff. You can do a tour of the lighthouse and get more info if that’s all, Aria teased. Still don’t get it, Tristan said. One was old and hadn’t been working in a long time and they built the updated one. The older one is on Cockspur Island, Aria said. That’s over by Fort Pulaski right, he asked. Aria nodded. So when you could be anywhere else in the world, why come back here, he asked. Haven’t been here in a long while. Figured goin home would be fun, Aria said. So really odd question, but if you’re comin home why wouldn’t you just stay with your folks, he asked. A lot of questions for someone who barely knows me, Aria said. So what you got for me then, he asked. I really need to go, Aria said. It’s not even 8pm, he said. Tristan, she said. What’s so dang important that you have to run off, he asked. Aria went to get up. Why are you walkin off, he asked. Aria went and headed back inside. Aria, he said. She closed the door behind her and went and sat down on the upstairs balcony and tried to get some writing done.

Aria managed to get the first line of the chorus then when she looked at it, there was no way it would measure up. It just wasn’t good enough. She looked out at the sunset. Maybe if I just get my mind off it all, Aria said to herself. She got up, grabbed a cup of tea and drew herself a hot bath. She relaxed in there until the water cooled then slid into a satin teddy and slid into bed. She tried getting some lyrics written again. When the first two verses came easily she tried more and couldn’t. After the lighthouse, she said to herself. She went and made sure the lights were off and the doors were locked and went and tucked herself into bed. When she was just about asleep, there was a knock at the door. Aria shook her head, slid her hoodie on with her shorts and walked downstairs.

She took one look and saw Tristan sitting on her porch swing. What are you doin here, Aria asked. You gonna tell me why you’re so determined to stay as far away from everyone as possible, he asked. Tristan, I’m goin to bed. What do you want, Aria asked. Why are you tryin to hard to stay away from everyone, he asked. Because I do, Aria said. I’m not a bad person, he said. And, Aria said. You just determined to be single, he asked. Right now, I’m determined to get actual sleep, Aria said. Am I allowed to come and hang out with you, he asked. Aria got a feeling. You realize that I’m gonna be busy, Aria said. And, he asked. Seriously, Aria asked. You’re workin. When I find the volunteer job that’s right so will I, he said. I just don’t know if… I get it, he said. Meaning what, Aria asked. First date is always weird, he said. What are you getting at Tristan, Aria asked. I want a second date, he said. If I get back early enough fine. Until I get there I won’t even know what time I’m gonna be there, Aria said. Then we go for a run in the mornin and go from there, he asked. You aren’t gonna stop are you, Aria asked. If I did what I wanted to you’d drown me, he teased. Aria went to go inside. Sweet dreams, Tristan said. You too, Aria said as she headed inside.

Tristan went back over to his place and had a grin ear to ear. Taking the chance that she wouldn’t react how he hoped had worked out for him. At least that day. There was just something about her that drew him in. He couldn’t help himself. He just hoped that asking a million questions wasn’t turning her off. He tried to get sleep but ended up tossing and turning. He tried playing guitar, which normally knocked him back asleep but it just didn’t work. When he looked over at the clock it just reminded him that if he didn’t sleep he wasn’t gonna be much help volunteering. He finally made warm cocoa and within a half hour he was out cold.

Aria got up the next morning and took off for her run then came home and got changed for church. She walked in and intentionally tried to sit in the back, but the minister wouldn’t let her. He sat her up front with her parents. She finished church and left, following her parents back to the house. So how’s things, her mom asked. Good. Just gettin settled, Aria said. Do you want me to help you with dinner, Aria asked. Her mom shook her head. Got everything organized including your hash brown casserole that you love, her mom said. She hung out with them the rest of the afternoon, had dinner with them then headed home. She got back to her place and sat out on the porch swing and worked on lyrics.

What you doin, Tristan asked as he walked over to Aria’s porch. Just workin on a few things, Aria said. Come for a walk, he asked. I kinda need to work on this a while, Aria said. What you workin on, he asked. Just an idea I had, Aria said. The fact that he was standing there asking….she had to give him credit. Standing on someone’s porch asking her to come out with him was creative. She could’ve hung up a phone or not answered, she could’ve avoided him if she saw him away from home, but him standing there asking in beat up blue jeans and a tank top was funny as all get out. I’ll be there in a minute, Aria said. She walked upstairs and changed into jean shorts and a tank and came downstairs. I can’t go for long, Aria said. He smirked, slid his hand in hers and walked down the beach with her. So how was dinner, he asked. Good. Why, Aria asked. I kinda hoped we’d be doin dinner tonight, he said. I had to. If I didn’t, I’d never hear the end of it from my folks, Aria said. She slid her hand out of his and walked down towards the water. Where are you goin, he asked. Walkin in the water. Why, Aria asked. What’s goin on, he asked. About what, Aria asked. Why are you really avoiding a date? It’s not that big of a deal, Tristan asked. Because I didn’t come down here to date. I came down to try and find myself again, Aria said. Then find yourself with someone cheerin you on, he said. You can’t really accept no can you, Aria asked. Not when it comes to you, he replied. And what makes me so special, Aria asked. He walked over to her. Come here for a sec, he asked. Why," Aria asked as she went up to her knees in the water. He walked over to her, pulled her to him and kissed her. Aria pushed him away and walked off shaking her head.

Aria got up the next morning and took off for her run. When she got home, the lights were all still off and the curtains drawn at his place. Aria was kinda glad to have the beach to herself. She got home and he was sitting on her porch swing with breakfast and coffee. What are you doin here, Aria asked. Waitin on you to come for the run but since you already left, he said. I have to leave at 8 to get over to volunteering, Aria said. You and me both. Guess I’m doin my run later, he said. Aria shook her head. He handed her a plate and they had breakfast together then after a quick thank you Aria headed inside and got showered and changed and Tristan headed home to get showered and get dressed. Aria headed out a little while later and headed to Cockspur Island to meet up with the rest of the volunteers. When she was heading in, Tristan was just about to pull into the parking lot. Aria shook her head.

They took all the volunteers out to the lighthouse and gave them a little tour and assigned sections for each group. Aria and Tristan were put into separate groups, which was one of the big things she was grateful for. As long as y’all come in before the tide stars rising y’all are fine. There are canoes if you need to come back if you get stuck. Everyone is gonna have a walkie so if you get stuck out here we can still communicate. We all good, the head of the restoration said. She came over and pulled Aria aside. What’s up, Aria asked. So you’re gonna be working inside and helping to rebuild the steps. You alright with that, he asked. Aria nodded. Works as long as someone can tell me when we need to head out, Aria said. You’re gonna be paired up with Landon and Tristan. They’re workin with you inside, the director said. I thought they were on a separate team, Aria said. Is there an issue, the director said. Aria shook her head. It’s fine, Aria said. They spent the day walking the volunteers through what they’d be doing and Aria tried avoiding Tristan and talked to Landon instead.

So how long have you been doing this, Aria asked as they started making notes of what they needed to do. A while. I actually took building restoration in school. They put one person who’s trained with each group of volunteers. Have you done this before, he asked. I’ve been comin here since I was a kid. Helping to restore it to its former glory kinda works for me, Aria said. Tristan shook his head. So what do you need me to do first, Tristan asked. So, we have to count out how many bricks need to be completely replaced and how many we can restore. Trying to match it all up is the hard part, Landon said. Okay, so should we get started, Aria asked. He nodded and they started workin. When they were done for the day, Aria and Landon headed out with Tristan beside them. As soon as they were all ready to head out, Tristan stopped Aria and pulled her into his arms. What are you doin, Aria asked. He slid his hand in hers and walked her out to where his truck was.

What are you doing Tristan, Aria asked. Helpin you not make a… Aria broke away from him and shook her head walking back over to her truck. Hey Aria, Landon said. Hey, she replied. We’re all heading down to Sting Ray’s if you wanted to come, Landon said. Sure, Aria said. Tristan shook his head. Aria followed Landon to the restaurant with Tristan right behind her. They got there and Tristan got Aria’s door for her. Why are you here, Aria asked. Because I know guys like him. They’re takin advantage, he said. Aria shook her head. She locked her truck and headed inside. Fine. I’ll drive you home then, he said. Aria shook her head. If you’re playin babysitter, you can just go, Aria said. He grabbed her hand, pulling her into his arms. What, Aria asked. He leaned in to kiss her and Aria shook her head. She walked off and went into the restaurant. So what would you like, Landon asked. Jack and Coke, Aria said. Landon smirked and Tristan shook his head. What about you, Landon asked. I’m just gonna grab an ice water, he said intentionally opting to stay sober to keep an eye on Aria.

They all hung out and had dinner together then Aria’s phone rang. Yep, Aria said. So how are you doin, her guitarist asked. Gettin there. Think I figured something out that could work. Why do you ask, Aria asked. Was thinkin of comin down to see this place, he teased. Well, I’m kinda doing volunteering during the day so I’m swamped, Aria said. Get your mind off of it and work on it at night right, he asked. Yep, Aria replied. Call me later then and let me hear what you got, he said. Will do, Aria replied. They hung up and Tristan looked at her. I actually have to get goin, Aria said. You sure, Landon asked. Just have a lot to do while I’m down here for a while, Aria said. Well we’ll see you tomorrow, Landon said. Aria nodded and he got up to walk her to her truck. I’m headin out too. I’ll walk with you, Tristan said. Have a good night y’all, Landon said. Aria headed out with Tristan on her heels. Seriously, Aria asked. I know guys like that. It’s either me makin sure that they don’t do somethin stupid or you end up at their mercy, Tristan said.

Aria shook her head and headed back to her truck. I really do need to get some work done, Aria said. I get it Aria. I also get that you don’t want me around. I can take a hint, Tristan said. Follow me and we’ll talk, Aria said. He nodded. They headed back, she parked her truck and he parked his in his driveway and came over. You gonna tell me, he asked. I have actual work to do without the volunteering. That’s just to get my mind off things, Aria said. What the heck do you do that’s so huge that you need to get your mind off it, he asked. I’m a songwriter. I’ve had writer’s block for months and I needed to get my mind off things, Aria said. So you came home, he asked. Aria nodded. Then why are you so determined to not have a guy to hang out with, he asked. Because I need to concentrate on this. It’s nothin against you, Aria said. You do know that dating kinda does make for interesting music, he teased. Aria shook her head. You just don’t accept no do you, Aria asked. Not if I don’t have to, he replied. Aria knew. He wasn’t gonna just let her walk away. So you gonna stop givin me a hard time, he asked. As long as you can handle that I am not in the mood for a boyfriend or anything else, fine. I need to get rid of the writer’s block, Aria said. He smirked. I’ll help with that, he teased. Aria shook her head and went to head inside. Sweet dreams Miss Aria, he said. You too, Aria replied. She headed in and tried working on the lyrics again. She got a little more but was still completely missing a chorus.

She called her guitarist back. So I emailed you over the lyrics I have. I still can’t figure out a chorus, Aria said. It’ll come just like it always does. Do you need me to help, he asked. I love that you even asked, but I’m tryin to figure out why after all this dang time I can’t do it, Aria said. Girl, stop puttin so much pressure on yourself. When it’s right, it’ll happen and then you got the mojo back. Did you at least get to visit your folks, he asked. We had Sunday dinner. I just miss being able to do things so easily, Aria said. Just concentrate on the volunteer stuff. Which reminds me, what exactly are you volunteering at, he asked. Doin small stuff to help the people restoring the old lighthouse that I’ve loved since I was a kid, Aria said. At least it gets you in the right mind set. Aria, you need to just let it come in it’s own time, he said. I know. Thanks, Aria said. No problem, he said. So am I comin down to see this cottage on the sea, her guitarist asked. Not for a while, Aria said. Once you’re done it, you’re inviting me down, he said. We’ll see, Aria said. They finally hung up and Aria leaned back on her upstairs balcony and tried working on some music when she saw Tristan jumping into the water. She shook her head and got herself a bottle of water. She went and grabbed a blanket and went and sat back on her porch swing. Just as she was about to try to write, she heard Tristan.

Aria. Come down and come for a swim, Tristan said. I am tryin to get work done, Aria said. Can wait until after the swim right, he asked. Aren’t you cold, Aria asked. Stop makin excuses and get down here, he asked. Fine, Aria said. Playin along wouldn’t hurt. She slid into her bathing suit, grabbed her towel and came out. Now what is it exactly that you wanted me out here for, Aria asked. He grabbed her hand and walked into the water, splashing her intentionally. I swear you are doin nothin but distractin me, Aria teased. It’s one of my specialties, he joked. Aria shook her head and he picked her up and dove into the water takin Aria along for the ride. When they came up for air, they were both up to their chests in water. And, he asked. And what, Aria asked as she splashed him. Oh really, he teased. He splashed her until she dove under the water and ended up splashing him from behind. I don’t get it, Aria said as he pulled her to him. What don’t you get, he asked. You could date anyone on this island. Seriously, why me, Aria asked. Because you don’t fall for the lines and just date for the sake of getting some. You actually have a conversation. You get to know people, he said. There’s more to it than that, Aria said. Because you aren’t like anyone else I ever met. You’re beautiful and smart and you don’t take crap from anyone, he said. Okay, Aria said. And the fact that I’ve wanted to kiss you since we met kinda helps, he teased. Aria smirked and went to head back in. And where are you goin, he asked. Inside to get work done, Aria replied. He looked at her. Hate the water or just not with me, he asked. "Just not