Down the Shore by Kelly Mooney Page A

ran into Stone Harbor to do some shopping on Ninety-sixth Street, my favorite. It was an overcast day; the sun hid all day behind the clouds, laying like blankets in the sky. It wasn't a good beach day, and being there made me think of my family. It was a tradition. We would always head into Stone Harbor on crappy beach days. I wanted to be alone today because I wanted to think. I stayed there most of the afternoon, walking past storefronts, eating ice cream, going into Hoy's 5 & 10, doing some light shopping. It always made me feel better. I loved to shop.
    I had the night off and I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to see Colin, and I knew he would be working. The decision to go came so quickly, it was like a lightning bolt had come down and hit me in the head. I hopped into Makenna's car, and jumped onto the Parkway to get to Ocean City faster. I preferred taking the long way through the beaches, but I had no time to waste.
    He was exactly where he was supposed to be, behind the big mahogany bar on the outside deck as I ran up to the restaurant. He looked amazing as always, his hair tousled to the left side, white button-down shirt slightly opened, cross hanging from his neck, nestled into his thick black chest hair. I didn't know what to say or do, and the hair on the back of my arms stood straight up. I hesitated, almost unsure of my decision, and thought of turning around and saving it for another day. I slowly walked over, and wondered if he saw me coming.
    I pulled the stool out from under the bar and sat down quietly. He was working, and I tried hard not to flag him down. I could be patient.
    He glanced up over his shoulder, looked at me and came right over. My heart was racing, as it always was when he looked at me. I thought for a quick second, the entire place could probably hear it jumping out of my chest .
    "What happened to you?” he spoke softly, refusing to meet my eyes as he cleaned a glass.
    I didn't speak;I couldn't.
    "Where were you, Abby?” he demanded, looking up and this time staring right into my eyes.
    I was embarrassed about what I'd done. He was my friend and I shouldn't have treated him that way. He had promised we could be friends, and I hadn't treated him like one. I answered him honestly.
    "I had a date with Nick and I was running late,” I stammered. “I should have come out and told you. I'm sorry,” I apologized. “Are you mad?” I asked innocently. Nervously, I bit my lip.
    "No, just disappointed,” he sighed. “I didn't think you were the type to stand someone up.” He frowned. I didn't like seeing him upset, there was no trace of his beautiful smile.
    I sat there, never once looking directly into his eyes. I didn't know what to do or say. I sat there, still and silent. I was uncomfortable, feeling guilty and wanting desperately to leave. I slid off the stool, staring at the floor. “Well, I guess I'll get going, then. I'm sorry.” I turned to walk away.
    He reached over and grabbed my hand. “Don't.” He stared right through me. He let go of my hand, “Abby, I need to talk to you.” His shook his head slowly back and forth. “How bout a walk later?"
    I nodded. That was the least I could do.
    "I'll come by after work.” I left, feeling defeated.
    I walked aimlessly around for a while. I strolled the boardwalk, grabbed a slice of pizza and went to the arcade. Time flew and soon Colin would be getting off work. Since there was nothing left to do, I decided to wait on our usual bench. I stared out into the ocean, unsure of what to expect from him when I heard the footsteps behind me. As I turned to see him, I saw that he looked uncomfortable for the first time ever. He came toward me slowly, rubbing his hands through his hair, as if he were trying to figure out something.
    "Let's walk.” He pulled my hand out of my pocket and held it softly in his. He looked out over to the water several times before he spoke. Other than the noise of the people running around, there was