Devonne Brown

“I’ve packed all the snacks,” said Celia.

“I forgot the wine,” said Doug, “Can we stop at Kroger?” 

“Is it even open yet? It’s 6:30 in the morning.” Janet was aggravated. “I knew somebody would forget something. I got  really great charcuterie boards to go with the wine for tonight and tomorrow to go with the wine. We have to stop.”

“By the time we get to the store it will be open, it’ll just take a second for me to run in, don’t worry,” said Doug, “I know exactly where it is, and what I want to get.” He rolled his eyes, Janet was being difficult. It was no big deal. What was a few minutes? They were going to have to drive six hours anyway. What was half an hour extra in the grand scheme of things? The beach would be there, warm and bright. 

Alex chimed in, “He’s right, it’s only half an hour, I’ve got the groceries packed. Everything is ready. We’ve rented the house. Half an hour’s not that big of a deal. I’d rather tag a half hour here than stop at the grocery store here than at the beach when all we’ll want to do is get into the house and get out in the sun.

“It will probably only take me fifteen minutes anyway. Time me, for real. We’ll be on our way. Wait in the car, I’ll be right out. Road trip here we come,” They could tell Doug was contrite as well as excited to get to the beach. He wanted sunshine, sand, and warmth as much as everyone else.

They didn’t wait in the car. They insisted on going into Kroger’s superstore and everyone went in a separate direction. Celia went to the cheese shop. Janet perused the deli counter for a meat tray and artisan bread. Alex had to go to Starbucks where the line was a half a mile long. Doug went straight to the wine section, grabbed the wine he intended to purchase, and went straight to the self checkout in less than five minutes. He stood tapping his foot, waiting for his friends to check out. “You guys were mad at me for thinking I would take too long. It’s been forty-five minutes already. It could be sunset by the time we get down there. Let’s get on the road, shall we?”

The purchases were put in coolers or boxes in the back of the van, everyone buckled in and they settled in for the six hour drive to sunshine, sitting in sand chairs with sand washing out under their toes, and margaritas with salt in fancy glasses. 

The hours, like the road flew by with good company, beach music on the speakers, and anticipation. They arrived at their place as the sun was still in the sky. It warmed their hearts, their skin, and the friendship they shared.