It was midday at Horseshoe Bay, a popular destination for beachgoers just outside of Baltimore. There were far fewer visitors than during the summer, but the warm weather, which was ending soon, was enough to attract a number of the locals to one more outing. As such, the beach had just the right number of people: enough to be a lively place, but not so many that it was crowded.
In the distance, the regal lighthouses stood proudly at the ends of the two peninsulas, welcoming ships into the maw of the bay. The crystal clear water sparkled in the autumn sun, inviting everyone to indulge in its cool depths. However, the most eye-catching spectacle was not the scenery, but rather the posse of ladies with deceptively young, curvaceous figures that had just entered, all wearing their best swimwear. Carrying an assortment of beach towels, umbrellas, sunglasses, and other various supplies, the three middle-aged women breathed in the salty sea air with joy.
“Ah, this is just what I needed!” Violet declared, stretching in a way that was fully intended to show off her figure.
“Restrain yourself, Violet,” Daisy said as she laid her blanket on the sand. “We didn’t go on this trip to hunt for men.”
“Maybe you didn’t,” Violet replied, “but I’m the only one who’s not married! Anyone’s fair game for me.”
“Violet,” Ruby said soothingly, “we’re all here to relax. We can’t exactly do that if you’re going around flirting with every guy you meet.”
“Sure you can! Don’t worry about me. It’s how I unwind.”
Ruby rolled her eyes and finished unpacking their things while Daisy set up the parasol in the sand and the food on the picnic table. Meanwhile, Violet was already out of sight, getting friendly with whichever unfortunate guy happened to be close enough to be held captive by her motor mouth.
“So we’re going to Sherry’s after this?” Daisy asked, snatching a handful of chips from the plastic bowl.
“That’s the plan,” Ruby said, unwrapping half a sandwich. “We’ll stop by her orchard on our way to Baltimore, spend the evening in the city, then head out into the country tomorrow for the rest of the stops.”
“Got it,” Daisy said. “But try to relax, okay? You always stress about the details. Just take it easy for once. I for one am going to fall asleep on this inner tube and drift gently out to sea.”
“I’ll be sure to send for a rescue team.”
Time passed as the women enjoyed their afternoon. At one point, some young men had set up a tournament of beach volleyball and invited everyone to join. Violet jumped at the opportunity to see some sweaty beefcake, and with a little goading, convinced Daisy to join in as well. Ruby decided to just watch from the sidelines, which meant paying them no attention while she sunbathed in the sand near the picnic table.
“Well, lookie here. You alone, hot stuff?”
Ruby peeked an eye open and saw two men in their early thirties standing over her. She uninterestedly glanced around, then closed her eyes and went back to tanning. “No, actually, I’m here with some friends. We were going to be leaving soon.”
“Hey, that’s perfect!” the first sleazeball said. “We were planning on going too. Why don’t you bring your friends and join us? It’ll be a fun time!”
“We already have plans, thank you very much,” Ruby replied sternly. She opened her eyes again and gave them a cold glare.
Unfortunately, Ruby discovered then that her Death Stare only worked on people that rivaled at least that of a potato in intelligence, so neither of them picked up on it.
“Aw, why not make a change of plans?” Sleazeball #2 said. “We can show you a great time!”
Just as Ruby was about to get up and shut the men up herself, a cracking sound was heard. The second guy suddenly went limp and collapsed onto the ground. Standing behind his body was a very pissed off woman who looked to be in her early- to mid-thirties. She was quite beautiful, with dark blonde hair and light orange skin that accentuated her light blue eyes. Her bikini hugged her figure well, drawing attention to her hips. The woman winced as she held her right hand in pain.
“Were these guys … bothering you miss?”
The first guy was in shock, but his expression quickly turned to anger. “Why you bitch!”
“Stop right there!” The man froze in place and turned to look back at Ruby. She was now standing and staring him down. She was a few inches shorter than the man, but she could feel him shrinking away from her glare and commanding voice and presence. Even the new lady looked startled.
Ruby went in at the guy. “I gave you and your friend plenty of chances to leave peacefully. However, you’re testing my patience. This is your last chance: pick up your friend and get out of my sight, or I’ll arrest you here and now for harassment and aggravated assault. Are we clear?”
The guy said nothing. He went pale white, picked his friend off the ground by wrapping his arm around his shoulders, and walked away. He didn’t look back.
Ruby let out a sigh, then turned to the new lady. “Are you alright?”
“Me? I was going to ask you.”
“Oh, I’m perfectly fine. But you punched him in the head. Is your hand okay?”
The woman rubbed her hand a bit. “It hurts, but it’s not broken or bleeding.”
Ruby smiled. “That’s a relief. Hey, why don’t you stay a little? I could use the company. Want some lemonade?”
The woman nodded and followed Ruby over to the picnic table. A half-full covered pitcher of lemonade was set out. They both sat down.
“I hope it’s not too diluted,” Ruby said as she poured a glass. “The ice cubes are already almost gone.”
“I don’t mind,” the woman said. She took a sip. “So, you’re a police officer?”
Ruby blushed and looked away sheepishly. “Well, no. I do work in the legal system, and I am friends with most of the officers in my city, but I’m just a deputy clerk.”
“Then why—?”
“Those guys didn’t need to know that. Plus, it was more intimidating to say I could arrest them than that I could get somebody else to arrest them.”
The woman’s eyes narrowed. “But isn’t impersonating an officer illegal?”
“Yes it is,” Ruby admitted. She gave the woman a smile. “So, are you going to turn me in?”
The woman laughed. “No, I guess I won’t be doing that. Thanks for the save.”
“I should be thanking you, Miss …?”
“Dawn Writer,” the woman replied.
“Ruby DeJure,” Ruby responded. “I’ve met very few people who would do what you did back there.”
“What else would I do?” Dawn said. “I can’t leave someone in trouble all alone. That would go against my Christian values.”
“Well, not too many people have the courage to do that. I may have been able to handle them myself, but I really appreciate you stepping in like that, Miss Writer.”
“Please, just call me Dawn. ‘Miss Writer’ makes me sound old.”
“As long as you don’t make me feel old, not a problem.”
“Okay, Ruby, I have a question: Why didn’t you just tell those guys you’re married?”
Ruby blinked several times. For the first time all day, she’d been caught completely off guard. She glanced at her left hand to check if she’d removed her ring for the day, lest she lose it in the water. It wasn’t on her finger, so she looked back at Dawn with undisguised surprise.
“How did you know that?”
“Call it a mother’s intuition,” Ruby said. “You look great, but I can tell you’ve had at least one.”
Ruby raised an amused eyebrow at Dawn. “Oh you can, can you? Alright, I’ll give you that. But how does that prove I’m still married?”
Dawn shrugged. “I just guessed. But even if you weren’t, you could have still said you were and they’d have left you alone.”
“Hm. That’s good thinking,” Ruby admitted. She noticed that Dawn’s cup was empty. “Want some more?”
“Please.” She watched Ruby fill her cup again with watered-down lemonade. “So how many kids do you have?”
“Just the one,” Ruby answered. “Teenage boy. You can imagine what that’s like.”
“Oh, tell me about it. Five hours of sleep a night. Is embarrassed to be seen with me by his peers.”
Once again, Ruby couldn’t hide her surprise. “You … you know?”
“Hm? Yep. My son’s in high school. I unders—” Dawn stopped when she realized what Ruby was implying.
Ruby’s eyes widened when she realized her mistake. “Oh my gosh, Dawn, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
Dawn sighed. “Yes, I had Soul when I was … very young. But that’s a whole ‘nother story.”
“I’m so sorry, Dawn,” Ruby apologized. “Um … so, if he’s not here, then what are you doing?”
“Well, Soul and his father are excited to see the new Star Wars movie, so they decided to marathon the series this weekend in preparation. I needed to get away from all that, so here I am. What about you?”
“Oh, my friends and I like to get together from time to time and go wine tasting. It’s an annual tradition around this time of year. We go to as many cities as we can, but we also find hotels to stay in. Today’s our easy day with only one stop along the way, so we’re just enjoying the weather out here.” She suddenly looked out at the ocean with regret. “I wish I’d brought Night here at least once over the summer.”
Dawn tilted her head in interest. “Is your son in high school too?”
Ruby nodded. “He’s into Star Wars too. We should see if they can ever hang out together.”
“That might be difficult,” Dawn said with a frown. “We’re actually moving away from Baltimore to Canterlot in a few weeks.”
Ruby did a double-take. “Wait, Canterlot? Really?” That’s where I live!”
Dawn’s eyes went wide. “Really? Oh, then that’s perfect! You can show us around while our sons get to hang out.”
“That’s a great idea! You be sure to let me know when you make the move, and we’ll meet up to welcome you.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Dawn said. “I look forward to seeing you again, Ruby.”
“Likewise. I think Canterlot’s about to get a little more interesting. Do you mind if we exchange numbers?”
“Not at all,” Dawn said with a smile.
Ruby and Dawn continued to chat for a half hour, talking about some of the things to expect in the city, great spots to visit in Baltimore, places to avoid, and what their kids were like. Finally, Ruby stood.
“Well, it’s been fantastic talking with you this afternoon, but the girls and I need to head out soon.”
“You’re visiting The Charry Orchard tonight, right? Do you have a designated driver?”
“Eh, more like a designated fewer-shots-than-the-rest-of-us,” Ruby admitted.
Dawn’s eyes widened in horror. “You can’t be serious! Driving while drunk? What kind of officer are you!”
“A clerk, the right term is ‘intoxicated,’ and of course I’m serious. A single shot doesn’t even get me buzzed.”
“You’re unbelievable! What kind of irresponsible behavior is that? I won’t stand for this!”
Ruby blinked a few times before looking at Dawn quizzically. “Come again?”
“You heard me. I’m coming with you. The Lord won’t let me let some ladies get drunk and get themselves killed driving to their hotel. I’ll get you where you need to go.”
Ruby stared at Dawn, speechless. She suddenly smiled. “Dawn, I’m touched that you show so much concern for me. You know what, I would be honored if you’d come with us.”
“Are … are you sure?”
“Absolutely. You’ve been a complete delight today. Consider it my thanks for defending me from those guys earlier.”
At that moment, Violet and Daisy walked up to the picnic table. They were covered in sand from the game, and Violet was moping. “Why are the most attractive guys gay?!”
“Oh, Violet, you’re being melodramatic,” Daisy said.
“I really thought he was interested! Oh, I’m never going to find a man.”
“That sounds terrible,” Ruby said with disinterest. “Violet, Daisy, this is Dawn. Dawn, my girl friends Violet and Daisy.”
“Hello, Dawn,” Daisy said with a wave.
“Are you getting hammered with us tonight?” Violet asked.
Dawn stared Violet down. “No. I’m here to keep you in line. Any funny business goes down, and you’ll wish you’d been pulled over by the cops.”
Violet gaped and tried to speak, but nothing came out. She couldn’t form the words to create a sentence in response. Ruby whistled.
“You just left Violet speechless. Please, teach me your ways, Dawn.”
As the four ladies gathered up their things and prepared to leave for the evening, Ruby thought about how lucky an encounter this was. She had inside information on the new neighbors in town, though they wouldn’t be living anywhere near their neighborhood, and among them would be a new student.
Ruby smiled at Dawn as the four of them piled into the car. In a way, it worked out well for Dawn since she’d taken a cab out to the beach. As they drove, Ruby thought about the opportunity Night would have to open up and make a new friend.