Oak Island Chapter 16: The Cuddle Addict

The Cuddle Addict

Chapter 16

In the drowsy aftermath, I asked Leo, “Why did it take you so long to get around to it?”

“I didn't want to rush you. I wanted it to be your idea.”

“Well, I am glad I finally did get the idea. We could have done this long ago, except that I seemed to have developed a cuddle addiction.” I asked myself how much longer would I have waited if Cheryl hadn't been so incredulous? Bless Cheryl and her nosy ways.

“That was part of it. You seemed to need affection more than excitement. I know things have been on your mind, with your mother. Facing your past is exhausting. When I was dealing with things after my father died, I was lucky to have an affectionate person in my life.”

I did not realize Leo knew I was wrestling with my past. I said so.

“I knew you were starting down that road the day I ran into you at the hospital. And sometimes you seemed far more tired than really made sense, unless something inside you was draining you.”

“And you had someone affectionate?”

“A very good woman, Susan. She sort of took care of me when I really needed it. I was a mess after my father's death. When I went back to drinking, she slapped some sense into me.”

“Went back to? You used to drink? Drink too much?”

“Yeah, those guys I hung out with in high school were big drinkers and I don't do well with alcohol. Took me a while to get that figured out. That's why I ended up doing a two year associates a few years after graduating, instead of a four year degree right out of high school.”

“What happened to Susan?”

“She moved back to Denver a while ago. She was a good friend.”

“I'm glad you had a good friend to help you.”

We were silent for a while.

“So you're a cuddle addict? You know where to come if you need a fix. I'm your cuddle man.”

***

Wednesday, March 16, Leo earned his journeyman electrician's license.

When Leo came to my door, he was grinning so broadly, I knew he had passed his exam.

“We have to celebrate!” I said as I gave him a hug.

“Yes, we do. Let's go out for a steak. Or maybe some ribs.”

We ended up getting some ribs at The Flamin' Pig BBQ. Best ribs in town. When we had eaten and cleaned ourselves up, Leo said, “This was a good celebration, but...”

“But what?”

“I think we should go to Oak Island for Easter. If you want to go, we could leave a week from tomorrow and take a 4 day weekend.”

“Will it be warm enough? That's not even April.”

“Well, maybe not swimming in the ocean, but we could swim in the motel pool and walk on the beach.”

“The motel?”

“The motel just across from The Dolphin. The Empress. It's not too fancy, but it has a nice pool. All the rooms are ocean view.”

“Let's do it!”

***

A week and a day later, on Thursday afternoon, I got off work and immediately grabbed my packed bag and got into my Camry. When I got to Leo's house, I popped the trunk and he deposited his own small bag next to mine.

“Is that all you brought?” I asked Leo after giving him a kiss.

“We're only there for 4 days.”

“I will never understand how you men do it, pack such small bags. I have two, plus a tote bag, and I feel like I must have forgotten something.”

“We depend on women to bring all the things we forgot or didn't think of.”

Once we got out of Columbia rush hour traffic, it was an easy drive, just two hours. Leo and I played what we called the animal game, a game from our trips with Aunt Pam. Each person has to name an animal that starts with the last letter of the previous animal named. Devilish Leo had me stumped with ibex. The only thing I could think of was Xerox, and that is definitely not an animal.

Leo and I arrived in time for a flaming sunset. We checked in and deposited our things on one of the two queen sized beds in our room, immediately got out of our shoes and ran down to the beach. We walked west, into the setting sun, which was putting on a spectacular show. It was too cool to splash in the water, so we stayed on the packed sand between the waves and the high tide mark. When there was nothing but dusky purple left, we went back to the motel. We dusted off our feet and crossed the street to the Dolphin.

After a delicious dinner Leo and I sat on a glider by the light of the pool. We reminisced about all the good times we'd had here on Oak Island, until we came to our most recent visit at the end of last summer.

“I didn't like that Ezra right from the start. You were wasted on that man.”

“I agree with you, but you probably wouldn't have liked any man I brought with me.”

“Not true. That guy was a special kind of b*****d. When I saw the way he treated you, I decided right then that I wouldn't let him get in the way of any ideas I might have about you. I don't usually try to kiss women who already have boyfriends.”

“I never kiss other men when I have a boyfriend. But you sure did get close.” I squeezed Leo tight and kissed him.

Eventually Leo broke off, to whisper in my ear, “Let's go inside.”

I was kissing my way down Leo's belly when Aunt Pam's ringtone sounded. Leo groaned when I looked up. It was past midnight.

“No, Cassie, it can wait,” Leo pleaded.

“It's Aunt Pam. She'd never call this late if it weren't something important.” I abandoned Leo on the bed and jumped to catch the phone before it went to voice mail.

It was like having a bucket of ice water splashed in my face. “Yes. Yes, I understand. There's nothing they can do? I'll be there as soon as I can. We'll leave right away.”

Leo sat up, looking serious. “What's going on?”

“Mother is dying. There is nothing they can do and she might be dead by the time we get there.”

Author's Note

Thank you for reading my story so far. I appreciate all comments, large and small. I am wondering again if this chapter is too short.

Reviews

[Isemay]

I really like most of this but it does kind of feel like parts of it are not fleshed out somehow.

The first sentence reads awkwardly, I would try to condense that. Maybe something like: 'Some time later, having transferred ourselves to Leo's more comfortable bed, I asked him in the drowsy aftermath, ...'?

I really would have liked her to acknowledge the fact Leo had an affectionate person in his life when he needed it and maybe get some details, no jealousy or drama needed. It's good to be happy that people we care for have had loving people in their lives. I really want to know more about Leo and with an opening like that I can't see how someone who cares for him like Cassie does not wanting to know more. It would also be a good counter-point to Ezra's childishness and nastiness.

Loved: “So you're a cuddle addict? You know where to come if you need a fix. I'm your cuddle man.” and “We depend on women to bring all the things we forgot or didn't think of.”

I would have liked the difference in Leo and Ezra to have been shown just a bit, they're in a less than 5 star hotel and having a lovely time. That is something that might be a small thing to anyone else but after Ezra's fit at the last hotel this seems like it would be almost thrilling to Cassie. A huge, noticeable, comfortable change. And I bet Leo helps with the bags too.

[SweetNutmeg]

Thank you for your ever helpful review. I addressed those things you pointed out in my new version. I left it to the reader to draw comparisons between Ezra and Leo, Clear Water and the motel on Oak Island. Do you think that is sufficient, or would you like Cassie taking note of the differences?

[Isemay]

“And you had someone affectionate?” - I would pull the "and", and then maybe couple it with a statement encouraging him to share more, like: "If you don't mind talking about it, I'd love to hear about it." Or "I'm glad you did, I'd love to hear more. I like the thought of you having someone there for you." But I have recently been told I overwrite, so your mileage may vary! *laughs*

And it really does seem strange to me that Cassie wouldn't take note of the difference on something so huge. But you might wait to get some more reviews to see if anyone else thinks so. I might be the only one!

[Shep]

is she really dying this time? or is it hopeful wish guess I will have to read on to find out you are such a tease?

[SweetNutmeg]

lol, i will tease you til you go crazy, if it makes you keep turning pages. (Or clicking "next chapter", more accurately)

[MeratheRestless]

The mother's possible final hours seems like icing on the cake to Cassie's happiness. I didn't expect her to be upset by her mother's turn for the worst.

[SweetNutmeg]

Thanks for the read and review. :)