That was the extent of our conversation until our food was served. Even while we ate, “Pass the ketchup” was about it. Fortunately, on the beach right outside our window, a parasail unit had set up shop. It was fun watching the customers being lifted hundreds of feet into the air, to see how the boat slowed as it turned to come back, making the parasailers think they were going to be dunked.

“You know,” Fred said finally, “I had a long talk with Haley yesterday.”

“What about?” I watched a woman fall flat as she landed on the beach. She got up laughing.

“She says I’m too careful, not impulsive enough. But, damn it, Patricia Anne, you’re too impulsive. Like going over there yesterday and nearly getting yourself killed.”

“We’ll work something out,” I said idly. Another parasailer was swept from the beach. I looked back at Fred. “Is that what’s been eating you today?”

“You scared hell out of me.”

“I know.”

He sighed. “But I think she’s right. I am too careful.” He motioned for our check and took my hand. “Come on.”

We walked down to the parasail group. Sure, they agreed, we could both go up at the same time.

“You’ve got to be kidding,” I said. “You don’t have to prove anything to me, Fred.”

“Nope. Damn it, Patricia Anne, Haley’s right. It’s time we did some fun things.”

“Y’all run a little as the boat takes off and as you come back, too,” the guy told us.

And we did it! Fred and I went parasailing. He held me tight and we soared into the air, out over the Gulf. The sky was a bright blue, the water emerald. We were so high, we could see Jason Marley’s pink house over on the bay.

The boat turned and we dipped to the water, our feet touching, and then we soared up again swiftly. Up into the warm, sensual air.

The beach came up to meet us and we ran a few feet as we had been instructed.

I turned to Fred. “Oh, darling, that’s the most exciting thing we’ve ever done!”

“Aargh,” he said and threw up on my feet.

Now that’s what I call true love.

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