LILY
BNR848
Disclaimer: The publicly recognized characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plots are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter 51
Dinner had been phenomenal. After rinsing off his gear, he and Lily had adjourned to their stateroom. They'd showered and gotten sidetracked, but eventually made it topside for drinks and a review of the video he'd taken. When dinner was served, a look at the fresh snapper on their plate had elicited a sad comment from Lily. She was sure it was one of the fishes they'd swam with that afternoon. James laughed, assuring her the Chef had not been fishing.
They enjoyed a nice bottle of wine and discussed the next day's plan. Lily told him the only schedule was for them to be back in Miami on Sunday for their twelve thirty flight. He was free to plan any dive he wished. She was fine staying onboard.
He jumped at the chance to talk to the Captain when Lily went for a shirt. Could they head towards Key West? He would like to spend Saturday on the key.
"We can have you in Key West for breakfast without a problem. However, if I may offer a word of advice. You may want to check first," the Captain offered.
"Let me guess, she's arranged for something. Perhaps a special dinner?" James volunteered. "I'll talk to her, maybe we can spend the day ashore and return to the ship that dinner."
When he returned to the deck Lily was waiting. She wore deep teal shorts that accentuated her tanned thighs, and a sheer teal, long sleeve shirt over a white tank top. She was barefoot, her hair was loose and she looked radiant.
"Hey handsome, where you been?"
"I was talking to the Captain. I was thinking, perhaps tomorrow we can spend the day in Key West. Visit Sloppy Joes, Hemingway's place, do some touristy things. Maybe get some authentic key lime pie. Then come back, enjoy a quiet dinner and our last night onboard. What do you say?"
"Well, tomorrow is your birthday, we can do whatever you want. There are still a few wrecks you can visit. I don't want you not to dive on my account."
"Lil, there's nothing I'd rather do on my birthday than spend the day with you. There are a ton of things to do in Key West that we'd both enjoy. Besides, they have these six toed cats at the Hemingway House; what more could a person want for their birthday," he added with a smirk and a laugh.
Lily walked up to him, sat on his lap, smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Fine by me. If spending the day with six toed cats is what you want, Key West it is."
They spent the evening watching the stars, laughing and stealing kisses. Eventually, they'd changed and gone for a midnight swim. The water was warm, the moonlight reflecting off the glass smooth ocean presented a calm that entranced them. There in the warm Atlantic waters, she'd wished him a happy birthday. They were alone, happy, playful and daring. In the dark of the quiet night, while the sea engulfed them he knew he'd never let her go.
Lily had wished him quite a birthday the night before. After frolicking in the ocean they'd retreated to their stateroom. She'd insisted on starting off with kisses, one for each year, plus an extra one for good luck. He'd never been so disappointed at only turning thirty-five. He awoke sore in all the right places. He woke her softly, pelting her with kisses, marveling as she stretched and yawned. He kissed her firmly and felt her smile.
"Hey sleepyhead, wake up we've got cats to see and toes to count," he whispered.
"You know this cat fascination of yours is starting to worry me," she proclaimed with a grin.
They showered, dressed and grabbed a quick bite. The Captain recommended they use an electric cart or scooter to get around. One could be delivered within minutes, and it would allow them to see more of the town. The golf cart was waiting for them when they exited the docks. They decided to start at the Hemingway House. They toured the house and the gardens, stopping to photograph the cats that lazily slept on the homes front porch without care. They stopped at the gift shop, where Lily bought him a baseball cap with an embroidered polydactyl paw on the front. Next, they drove down Whitehead Street for the obligatory picture at the southernmost point buoy. At the end of a nondescript block, the huge concrete marker, painted bright red, yellow and black is a must see in Key West. Tourist patiently line up to make their way to the spot and snap a picture. The teenager behind them kindly agreed to take their picture. They texted the photo to his grandfather, who'd called earlier to wish him a happy birthday.
They'd been grateful for the Captains suggestion of the golf cart. The ninety-degree temperature and seventy percent humidity was taking its toll, and walking would have done them in. No way would they'd been able to see as much had they walked. They would work their way down Duval Street until they reached the opposite side, ending at Mallory Square. Looking to cool off, their first beverage stop had been Margaritaville. After an ice cold Margarita, they continued on. Later, they parked the small doorless vehicle, made a stop at Key West's oldest house, and walked a few blocks finding a place for a late lunch. The quirky café, set in a historic 1800's Key West home, provided outdoor seating and shade. Lily ordered the conch fritters and James went with a shrimp po' boy. They both washed it down with a Key West lemonade, a concoction of orange vodka, and Key Lime rum. They sat enjoying their food and the many colorful people that passed by. Eventually, they made their way back to the cart and continued down Duval Street making several stops along the way. Spotting an ad for the best Key Lime pie anywhere, they'd found the shop. He'd ordered a slice of their award-winning pie, Lily had opted for a chocolate dipped frozen slice on a stick. Grateful for truth in advertising, James proceeded to order several pies for delivery.
Just past five, they'd arrived at Sloppy Joes. The historic saloon, known for its connection to Hemingway was still the most popular spot on Duval Street. They sat down to enjoy the music and a cold beer.
"You know if you let that beard grow out a bit, in a few years you can come and compete in the Hemingway look-alike contest," snickered Lily.
He'd forgone shaving the last few days, and his scraggly red beard had him looking more like a pirate than the famous writer.
"Tell you what. If you find a Yosemite Sam contest I'm all in," he replied as he sipped his beer.
She reached over, caressed his face, leaned in and kissed him. She liked Yosemite Sam she added with a smile. They listened to the band, slowly finished their beer, took their picture in front of the famous watering hole and continued on to Mallory Square and the waterfront sunset celebration.
Lily had arranged for a late dinner aboard their boat allowing them time to witness the sunset and enjoy the festivities. The nightly offering provided entertainment of all kinds. Everything from artist to acrobats, jokers to jugglers, and magicians to musicians gathered to ply their craft and entertain visitors. With sunset scheduled for seven fourteen, the festivities were in full swing by the time they arrived.
The event did not disappoint. They walked around catching different acts along the way and enjoying an array of music. They caught a sword swallowing pirate, a juggler on a high wire, a dog riding a unicycle, and a balloon artist who made Lily a flower, garnering a handsome tip from James. Just before seven, they settled in for the best act of all; cats walking a tight rope. At seven ten, with the sun setting, they stood by the water as the ball of fire disappeared beyond the horizon.
It was seven-thirty when they started the five-minute drive back to the marina. They turned in the cart, grabbed their bounty of souvenirs and walked to the boat. By eight-thirty, showered and dressed they'd headed topside for his birthday celebration.
Again out to sea, when they sat down to dinner it was just them, the stars and the calm waters. Everything was perfect, starting with the woman that sat across from him. This was turning out to be one of the best birthdays ever. They enjoyed a glass of wine, while the ocean breeze provided relief from the warm night. Lily excused herself, returning several minutes later singing Happy Birthday, carrying a cake displaying two lit candles decrying '35'. He rushed to meet her, laughing when he caught sight of the Batman decoration. He held his breath and closed his eyes, unable to think of a wish.
