Her Summer Crush

When there was finally a lull in Sylvie and Ben’s conversation, Cody said, “How about a walk on the new boardwalk?”

Sylvie blinked at Cody and then at Luci, as though suddenly reminded of their presence. “That’s a good idea. I love the new boardwalk.”

“Ever been to Atlantic City’s boardwalk?” Ben folded his napkin and laid it beside his plate.

“Why, no,” Sylvie said. “You’ll have to tell me all about it.”

Ben’s account of the famed landmark led them all the way outside and down the path to the beach. Luci marveled at Ben. After barely speaking to her on the way to the restaurant, his words spewed forth, as though a dam had broken. He was eloquent, too. And gesturing, as if he were onstage. She guessed he was, playing to an audience of one.

They reached the boardwalk and climbed the ramp. As they began their stroll, Luci buttoned her jacket against the stiff breeze. She was glad she’d worn flats and marveled that Sylvie could walk in her high-heeled sandals.

Pointing to a mounted telescope, Sylvie sped up into a trot. “Oh, let’s look,” she called over her shoulder.

Ben took off after her.

“Don’t you want to look, too?” Luci asked Cody.

“I’ve got my scope right here.” He patted his camera.

Sylvie and Ben reached the scope. He dug into his pocket, pulled out some coins and stuck them into the slot. Sylvie bent to look in the eyepiece. He stood behind her, putting his arms around her to grasp the scope and turn it from side to side.

Cody raised his camera and aimed it at Ben and Sylvie.

Sylvie spotted him. “Oh, there goes Mr. Cameraman.”

“Look through the scope again, Sylvie,” Cody said. “There, that’s it. Now, Ben, lean over again, like you’re showing her how to use it.”

“He is,” Sylvie said.

Luci rolled her eyes.

Finished with the scope, Sylvie and Ben stood at the railing with the setting sun as a backdrop, and Cody took their picture.

“Okay,” Cody said, “now, Ben, I want one of you and Luci.”

“Me and Ben?” Luci asked.

“Yes, ah, at the railing, too, but, let’s see, looking at each other. Silhouettes of your profiles against the sunset. Yes, that’d be good.”

Luci stood at the railing and turned to Ben. He faced her, too, but instead of looking into her eyes, his gaze drifted over her shoulder. Standing nearby, Sylvie folded her arms and tapped her foot.

Cody continued his picture taking. By the time they’d reached the end of the boardwalk and were turning around to head back, the sun had set and the water had turned a deep turquoise. Ben was beside Luci again, and Cody walked with Sylvie. Nobody said more than a few words, and when they reached Cody’s SUV and Ben’s truck, their goodbyes were brief and polite.

On the drive home, Luci thought about trying to make conversation, but, in truth, she didn’t have the energy. Ben lapsed into his characteristic silence. No, not characteristic. Sylvie had pushed a button and, like a mechanical doll, Ben had come to life.

“Thanks for dinner and the nice evening,” she said when they reached her apartment.

“You’re welcome. I’ll walk you to your door,” he added but made no move to silence the truck’s engine.

“No need. It’s right there.”

“Okay. Good night, then. When you want to talk more about birds, give me a call.”

“I most certainly will.”

* * *

“SO WHAT WAS that all about, Sylvie?”

“What was what all about?”

He took his gaze from the road long enough to meet her innocent eyes with a glare. “You know what I’m talking about. You were flirting with Ben.”

She pressed her lips together and fingered her purse, which was balanced on her lap. “I couldn’t help it. I took one look at him and our eyes met and, well, I just knew that he was special.”

“I thought you’d sworn off men. After Eddie gave you such a bad time.”

“I thought I had, too, but, well, our eyes met and—”

“You already said that.”

She shrugged. “There’s not much more to say.”

Cody set his jaw. He’d wanted to help Ben and Luci, directing the conversation, seeing that they got to know each other better. And Sylvie? Well, she was along for...for the seafood salad, like she’d agreed. Only she hadn’t fulfilled her end of the bargain.

“You should know better than to try manipulating people,” Sylvie said.

“I wasn’t manipulating, I was, ah, assisting, guiding, mentoring.”

“Manipulating,” she said, more emphatic than before.

He slowed the SUV to turn off Main Street, heading for Sylvie’s house. “So what now?”

She shrugged. “What do you mean?”

“Did he ask to see you again?”

“As if that’s any of your business.”

“I think it is. I’m the one who got you into this.”

Sylvie heaved a deep sigh. “Okay, no, he did not. But he will.” She nodded, setting her topknot in motion.

Cody snorted. “How do you know that?”

“A woman just knows, that’s all.”

“Are men really that transparent?”