I’d like to share a short, short story I wrote and entered into a contest. I hope you like it!

By the time Lanie made her way through the overly airconditioned Fort Lauderdale airport, her brother-in-law had retrieved her luggage.

“I’m so glad you’re here!” Maggie, her sister, gushed.

Walking to the car,
Lanie felt like she was rolled up in a wet rug.

“Isn’t it great to see the sun and not have to wear a jacket, even in January?” Maggie said.

Two weeks! Whatever made me think this was a good idea?

A sweeping view of the ocean captivated Lanie when she entered the condo. Maybe this will be nice, after all.

As she showed Lanie the guest bedroom, Maggie said, “It’s snug, but that’s okay because we’re going to be busy.”

“It’s lovely. But you know that I’m looking forward to sitting on the beach with my book.”

“Why sit around when there’s so much to do? Just for starters, we invited a couple from across the hall to play cards. They’re bringing someone for a sixth.”

“Maggie—I need to know. Is “the sixth” as you call it, a man? Please don’t try to play matchmaker.”

“You’re going to love our neighbors!”

After dinner, Lanie sat on the balcony savoring the view. Weeks of tension drained out of her body.

The doorbell rang, and a booming voice called out “hello.”

So much for peace and quiet, Lanie thought.

Reluctantly she joined the group in the dining area.

“Why you’re a cute little thing! Call me Freddie—just don’t call me late for dinner!” the neighbor said. Then he spun her around. Next, she was crushed into a hug by a buxom woman who introduced herself as Shirley. After plastering a smile on her face, Lanie nodded when she was introduced to their friend Paul. He returned her nod with a quick smile.

Later, she sat on the balcony watching a trail of light dancing on the waves as the moon rose over the ocean. Her tranquility was broken by Freddie and Shirley making their way onto the balcony. Behind them trailed Paul. Lanie forced another smile when he sat down. Soon Paul and Lanie were alone. They both stared straight ahead. Clearing his throat, Paul laughed and said, “Well, I guess this is the part where we get to know each other better.”

“I’m sorry about this. Maggie means well. You see my husband died a year ago. She’s constantly manipulating situations to get me “back into the swing of things,” as she calls it.

“Got it. Well, the view is great and I did enjoy meeting you. But I’m going to call it a night.”

“It’s been a long day for me, too,” Lanie said.

The next morning as Lanie sat, coffee cup in hand, Maggie bustled in.

“So, what did you think of Paul?”

“He’s pleasant.”

“So is that the way it’s going to be? You mope around being sad while I knock myself out trying to make sure you have fun? Would it hurt you to make an effort?”

“I appreciate everything you do. Really. I know you like to be busy, but I need to relax.”

The next day, Lanie settled into a lounge chair by the pristine pool. When she looked up from her book, she saw Paul floating on a raft.

He waved. Lanie waved and went back to reading.

“I guess we’re playing cards again tonight,” he said.

Lanie felt her shoulders sag.

That evening, after multiple hands of canasta, Lanie and Paul found themselves alone. Suddenly Freddie and Shirley invaded the balcony.

“You two have a nice evening,” Freddie bellowed, winking.

Lanie wanted to disappear into the stucco wall.

“How long have you known Freddy and Sally?”

“About a month. They’re very friendly.”

”That seems to be their forte.”

Paul chuckled. He rose to leave and asked, “Will I see you at the pool tomorrow?”

“I’m not sure. I think my sister wants to go shopping.”

“Well, have fun.”

She hesitated. Making eye contact with Paul, she said, “Just so you know, I’m not looking for anything more than friendship.”

“That sounds perfect.”

Lanie smiled, feeling relieved.

After entering his condo, Paul took off his shoes and placed them precisely on a mat. Then he picked up his phone and tapped a number.

He smiled when his call was answered.

“Hey,” he said. “Guess what I did tonight.”

“You played cards with that widow again?”

“Bingo! I think you’re going to like her. And she’s going to love you, just like I do.”

Harry smiled as he clicked off the call. He hoped Paul was right.