Wish I Had a Nickel: Sand Dollar Series, #2

By A. L. Vincent

Will their reunion lead to love? Or another long good-bye?

Born two days apart in the same hospital, Alex and Leigh grew up to be inseparable. They were fierce protectors of each other, and it was only natural for everyone to assume they would one day find their happily-ever-after together.

Unfortunately, nothing in life is that simple.

When Leigh's family decided to move to another state, it was only a matter of time before the distance between her and Alex caused them to drift apart…until finally, the special connection they had shared was lost.

Thirty years later, fate offers a chance at reuniting, but is it possible to erase years of separation? Or will fate require a little help?

Can a matchmaking mother and a smart-mouthed daughter working behind the scenes help Leigh and Alex regain what was lost?

Buy now to read the second book in this sweet romance series!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bienvenue Press
• Release date: Sep 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781393131144

Book preview

Chapter One

Bare feet touching bare feet, they sat across from each other amid the tall pampas grass bushes located in a nearby neighbor’s front yard. This was their favorite place to hide and just be alone to talk or take a break.

You think I’m pretty? she asked, wiggling her toes against his.

Yeah, he answered matter-of-factly, his attention moving from the wiggling to an attempt to tickle her feet with his own toes.

Stop! Alex, I’m serious.

Yeah, Leigh, you’re pretty.

She sighed. "Are you saying that because I’m your friend or because I’m a girl?

Confused, he ran a hand over his cowlick.

Aren’t you both?

I want to be both. Sort of.

That doesn’t make any sense, Leigh.

She sighed in frustration. I’m asking because I want to be your girlfriend.

Oh, Alex said, then repeated it again, this time a bit slower. Ooohh…

Do you want me to be your girlfriend? she asked with a mixture of anticipation and impatience.

I kind of thought you already were. He put his palms to the ground and leaned back slightly. We’ve known each other since birth, and I don’t have anyone else I’d rather hang around with.

Not even the twins? she asked.

Not even Stephen and Kevin. You’re my real best friend. You know everything about me, and I probably know everything about you. I don’t trust anyone as much as I trust you.

You don’t?

Nah. I can tell you anything, and you won’t go blabbing it to everybody.

Leigh sat quietly for a while. She appreciated Alex’s words, and she, too, felt safe in telling him anything.

When she hadn’t said anything after several minutes, Alex tapped her foot with his. Are you mad at me?

Why would I be mad?

Because I really didn’t answer your question about whether I wanted you to be my girlfriend.

Leigh’s eyes met his. She even felt safe in the way he looked at her. If he was about to tell her no, she knew he’d be kind.

I definitely want you to be my girlfriend, he said. Do you want me to be your boyfriend?

Her brow furrowed. Why would I ask to be your girlfriend if I didn’t want you to be my boyfriend, too?

Alex scratched his head nervously. Yeah, that was a dumb question, huh?

Have you ever kissed a girl before?

"Okay, now you own the dumbest question."

They grinned but did not laugh.

If you were a gentleman, Leigh said sweetly, you’d take your turn again with the dumb questions.

Can I kiss you?

Leigh blinked. She hadn’t expected that.

That’s not a dumb question, Alex.

Sorry.

Or did you think it was?

Leigh became defensive. Sitting up straight, she challenged his request. Were you trying to make a joke?

Alex wished he could escape, but where do you go if you’re already in your usual hiding place?

I was being totally serious. With his head still down, he added, I’ve thought about asking you before.

He really could tell her anything.

Then give me a nickel.

What?

Give me a nickel. Do you have one?

Not on me. But why?

Leigh thought about how asking for a nickel may have sounded. I never kissed anyone either. I just wanted something to always remind me of my first kiss. I just thought of the song we used to sing. The one about Michael and Cindy.

But he’s going to buy candy with that nickel.

Well, yeah, but then she says they’ll get married.

Uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was taking, Alex fidgeted and grabbed a long blade of grass from the bush and began to peel it in thin strips. You’re being weird, Leigh.

Am I? I was trying to be romantic.

Standing up as far as he could in the pampas grass enclosure, he said, Hang on a second.

Alex quickly made his way out of the hiding place and ran back towards his home. In less than three minutes, he was back. A bit out of breath, he sat down directly in front of her and opened his hand. Lying in his palm was a shiny nickel.

It’s a new one from this year, he said. If you wanted it to remember, then I thought it should have the right date.

Maybe you’re not dumb after all.

He grinned at her compliment.

Wish I had a nickel, too, to give to you, Leigh said, pushing some loose strands of hair behind her ear.

Ah, that’s okay, he replied. I won’t need one. I’ll remember everything.

One corner of her mouth rose to form her typical smirk. Yeah, you do have that annoying ability.

You don’t complain when you’re wanting answers on homework or trying to cheat on a test, he countered. And you’re going to need me again when we start seventh grade next year and have Miss Villermin for science.

She thought about throwing the nickel back at him but didn’t. This was just how they were with each other. Every occasion, every visit, or every conversation would eventually end up in an argument. She was determined that this would not be another one. In her heart, she was hoping today would cause a shift in their relationship.

But I would never do it for anyone but you, he finished.

Both softened their expressions.

Ready?

I guess.

Leigh put her hands on Alex’s cheeks and leaned forward, placing her lips on his and held them there for a moment. When she withdrew, Alex could only stare at her and blink.

Are you okay? she asked.

He nodded but was still speechless.

What’s wrong? You didn’t like it?

Alex shook his head, then realizing she might think he was indicating displeasure, he came out of his trance.

Yes! Yes, I did, he insisted. I just wish I had another nickel.

Leigh fell on her side and laughed.

That should maybe be our signal, she said. If either of us feels like kissing, we should say, ‘I wish I had a nickel.’ What do you think?

That’ll work. No one will ever figure out what it means.

They were interrupted by someone shouting their names.

Leigh! Alex!

That’s your Mom, Alex said. We better get back.

Leigh sat up, and Alex knelt next to her.

I’ll owe you another nickel, he stated, and when she lifted her head, he kissed her—hard— and ran.

You didn’t use the signal, she said, getting to her feet and chasing after him.

I wish I had a nickel! he shouted.

I wish I had a nickel! she returned.

Don’t run into this house like that! his mother, Emily, demanded.

Gigi, Leigh’s mother, agreed. Yes, and what are you two shouting about?

They want a nickel, said Lani, Alex’s five-year-old sister, who had followed them inside.

What are y’all gonna do with a nickel? Gigi asked.

Leigh and Alex couldn’t contain themselves and burst out laughing.

You two are too weird for words, Matthew said as he entered the room. What did you want us for, Mom?

We have big news about our Biloxi trip this year, Emily said.

Yay, Biloxi! Lani shouted, jumping up and down.

We’re not going in August. When all the children’s eyes grew wide, Emily finished. This year we’re going for the Fourth of July.

It’s the Bicentennial, added Gigi, and they will have lots more things to do… and fireworks, of course.

Leigh cupped her hands, leaned over, and whispered into Alex’s ear, Maybe we can find some nickels hidden on the beach somewhere.

He was sure his face turned several shades of red, and if his feet weren’t so dirty from playing outside all afternoon, they’d probably be red, too.

Chapter Two

Alex had been sitting on the floor of the living room when he heard the phone ring. He didn’t bother to get up. Knowing his mother was in the kitchen and mere feet away from the wall phone, he looked up briefly before returning to his science homework.

Middle school hadn’t been as bad as he and Leigh thought it would be. Both were acing their tests and assignments so far. He on his own ability; Leigh with his help in studying and copies of his notes and homework. She had yet to ask him to copy answers from his test as she had done in previous years. He knew Leigh was not as dumb as she sometimes pretended to be, but had she asked, he would have let her cheat in a heartbeat.

For her, anything was worth the risk.

And as for heartbeats, his had been at full speed since their first kiss back in May. Even the families’ trip to the Gulf Coast had been more than he could have asked for. Especially when he had actually found a nickel on the ground in the mall parking lot. Leigh had noticed him pick it up, and when they made eye contact, they both blushed.

What are you so happy about? Emily, his mom, asked. Not that homework I’m guessing.

No, Alex said, embarrassed he’d been caught in the middle of daydreaming about Leigh. I was just thinking about something that happened when we went to Biloxi this summer.

Noticing her widening grin, Alex knew that she had discovered what—actually who—had put a smile on his face.

But then his mother sighed.

That was a great trip, wasn’t it?

Alex noticed something less than ‘great’ in his mother’s voice, but he didn’t say anything.

That was Miss Gigi on the phone. I’m going to drop Lani off for her dance lessons and head over to her house. You want to come with me and see Leigh?

Is the Pope Catholic?

Yeah, he said, failing to hide any excitement as he gathered his school things into a neat pile.

I’ll go get Lani ready, and can you tell Matthew?

"He’s not going to want to go. He’s Mr. I’m-In-High-School now."

Emily laughed. Then just tell him where we’re going, okay?

Alright.

And feed Smiley, too. I’ll meet you outside when we’re done.

Alex didn’t want to hear his brother complain, so why even pose the question. He opened the door of their shared bedroom and declared, We’re going to Miss Gigi’s. You don’t have to come.

Closing the door quickly, he walked back through the house. He grabbed a handful of Purina from the bag in the washroom before he opened the storm door and stepped onto the patio. Smiley, a rat terrier, came out from under the house when she’d heard Alex dropping the kibble into the bowl. Smiley took one bite and decided she’d rather play instead. She looked up, saw Alex sitting on the steps, and went over to him. Putting her front paws on the first steps, she let out a weak, Woof.

Alex picked her up and put her on his lap. It was getting harder and harder to do. Smiley was fat. There was no other way to describe it. Yet she managed to roll over onto her back, a clear invitation that she wanted her tummy rubbed.

Again? Alex asked. Every day you want your stomach rubbed.

Perfectly content, Smiley let her tongue hang out of her mouth as her tail pounded a steady rhythm on the top step.

Yeah, Alex said. I love you, too.

Eventually, his mother tapped on the glass of the storm door, clicked the button to lock it, and told Alex to meet her at the car around front. He sat Smiley upright, and she took off for the bowl and ate like she hadn’t eaten in weeks.

You’re so lucky you’re cute, Alex said, closing the gate and heading for the carport.

Matthew’s age allowed him to stay home by himself. It also allowed Alex to sit in the front seat of the car. He and his mom didn’t say much on the way to the dance studio; Lani’s non-stop yammering rarely gave them the opportunity.

Once the old Impala was back on the road with just two passengers, Alex observed that his mom was not only quiet, but she also had a pensive look on her face. Something was on her mind and she rarely glanced his way.

Odder still was that once they had gotten inside of Miss Gigi’s house, the two women had hugged each other a bit longer and a bit tighter than usual.

Leigh’s in her room, Alexander, Miss Gigi informed him. She was the only one who still called him by his full given name.

Let’s go out on the patio, Emily suggested.

He watched the two women walk through the sliding glass door before heading down the hallway.

Hey.

Her door had been open, and Alex saw Leigh sitting up against her headboard, knees drawn up and tucked under her favorite orange t-shirt. It was the same t-shirt that had gotten him in trouble last month. Leigh’s neighbor, Greg, who was a year older than both of them, had made fun of the shirt, the color, and Leigh. Alex promptly attacked Greg and bloodied his nose.

Love the shirt, Alex said upon entering the bedroom, but isn’t it time you get a new favorite color or something?

Leigh didn’t say a word. She didn’t make a joke or start one of their typical arguments. He couldn’t comprehend her being silent. It scared him a bit.

After a moment, she moved slightly to the left, an invitation for Alex to sit beside her.

Dad’s getting a new job, she finally said.

Is that all? Alex was somewhat relieved as he sat next to her and nudged her right foot with his left.

I remember my dad changing jobs a few years ago, Alex offered. Mom and Dad seemed kind of worried, too, at the time, but everything’s worked out great.

Leigh leaned her head on to his shoulder and said, It’s not the same, Alex.

What do you mean?

Dad’s new job… was as far as she got before she began to take jagged breaths.

Dread quickly entered Alex’s mind, and he wondered how bad this was going to get.

He let her head remain on his shoulder and tried to comfort her by placing a hand on her upper arm. It wasn’t long before Alex felt something hit his own arm, followed by a coolness trailing downward to his elbow. He looked down and watched as another one of Leigh’s tears fell onto his skin.

We’re moving to North Carolina, Leigh finally blurted, grabbing her pillow and throwing herself headfirst to the foot of the bed. She tried to bury her face directly into the pillow, but Alex could clearly hear the sound of her crying as he watched her entire upper body shake from sorrow.

Unsure of what to do, and unable to speak, Alex’s left hand drifted towards Leigh. In her position, he was only able to reach her ankle and her foot. Tenderly, he began to rub the instep, and Leigh’s body calmed, even if her tears continued to flow.

When? he asked after several minutes.

January.

Two months.

Leigh and her parents had stayed for one more day, saying their good-byes and ensuring that everything that needed to be completed had been. Her family had spent their last night in Louisiana with Alex and his family at his home. The children all slept on the floor in the living room. Leigh and Alex had slept side by side— when they had slept at all. Between the tears and anxiety, there was little room for peaceful rest.

Morning came, and Leigh went missing. No adult had been able to find her, but Alex was certain of where she was hiding. Quietly, he made his way to the neighbor's unkempt yard two houses down.

When he could no longer see his home, Alex knew that no one could see him either. He dropped to all fours and quickly crawled into the first of the overgrown pampas grass bushes. By the time he entered the second bush, he couldn't see Leigh, but he heard her sniffling. She was one bush away.

Are you okay? He knew it was a dumb thing to ask. Neither of them felt remotely okay at the moment.

Leigh got to her knees and grabbed him, hugging him tightly.

I don't want to leave, she said, as her tears spilled silently down her cheeks once more.

I don't want you to leave either.

His arms instinctively wrapped around her as well, holding on for dear life. The pampas grass tickled the back of his legs as he inhaled the scent of her hair and her skin. To his mind it was a perfect combination of Leigh herself, unusual and fascinating. A sweet mixture of coconuts and breakfast pastry. If this was all he’d have left to hold on to, he wanted all five senses capturing every detail. Even the ridiculous favorite orange t-shirt she was wearing.

Leigh! It was her father calling.

They’re nearby, Alex’s dad said. Matthew just saw Alex head this way. He'll find her and bring her back. Come on. Let's just give them a little time together to say their own good-bye.

Hoping to calm her, Alex continued holding on to her but tried to move apart so he could at least see her face. As he did, Leigh moved her head closer instead, causing Alex’s cheeks and lips to brush the side of her face. Alex tasted the sorrow in her tears.

We’ve been together our entire life, she said.

Well, I have, Alex said, trying a different way to lighten the mood. You were born two days earlier and carried on without me for a while.

Best two days of my life, she said, releasing him and pushing him lightly on the chest.

I’ll miss that mischievous smirk of yours, he said, taking it all in one last time.

I’ll miss your stupid name puns.

You mean my Tremendous-Leigh funny puns?

Just your Ridiculous-Leigh stupid ones, she said, adding her unforgettable smirk.

How about Hopeless-Leigh? But my favorites are Amazing-Leigh and…

The final words caught in his throat. It would be a long time, if ever, before he would see his best friend again.

Alex all but whispered, Beautiful… Leigh.

Feeling similar emotional gravity, Leigh smiled sadly before she lowered her eyes and brushed away dust and grass from her jeans.

We probably shouldn't make our parents mad, he said. When Leigh nodded, he grabbed her hand and helped her out into the open.

Thank you for coming find me.

Anytime.

She held his hand until they had reached the front door. When she let go, Alex looked at her. Understanding that she wanted to remain outside, he entered the house as Leigh sat on the steps.

A moment later, the door reopened slightly

Are you ready now? she heard her mother ask.

Leigh dusted off the bottom of her feet and slipped into her flip-flops.

I’m barely twelve years old. How could I possibly be ready for something like this?

Alex stood on the edge of the driveway near the back of the car, it’s trunk still open. He could only stare at the ground, focusing on Leigh’s bare feet and her orange flip-flops. He had been with her when she had bought that particular pair at Shell Shocked, the big gold-colored souvenir store located on the beach in Biloxi. The two of them had been on the verge of another unimportant argument when Leigh’s mother had found them.

Before hauling Leigh away, her mother had said, Quit the fussing or we’re leaving. That was the standard warning issued by both mothers. The implied threat of separation, meant to quell the misbehavior of two best friends, worked wonders as lips were shut and the argument ended.

Why they repeatedly quarreled was never clear to Alex. What was crystal clear was that neither he nor Leigh had done anything to cause today’s separation

Eyes still downward, he stuffed both hands into his pockets and touched the item he’d taken from his bedroom nightstand. Standing here now, he made the decision not to give it to Leigh. With the fingers of his right hand, he grabbed the round object and held it between two fingers.

Ever since he’d gotten the news that Leigh and her family were moving away, he’d hunted high and low to find the right one. Three days ago, he had ridden his bike to the bank across from the city park. He’d been by every week, but when he entered this time, one of the tellers had a big smile on her face. She motioned him forward with her finger. She had found a nickel made during the year that he and Leigh were born.

If Leigh would suddenly say, I wish I had a nickel, he thought he might change his mind and give it to her. As he stood there, however, he felt the nickel and the ensuing kiss would likely make things worse for both of them. It would have always been a reminder of this horrible day.

From a distance, he could hear Miss Gigi talking to his mom on the carport. I hurt more for those two.

Me, too, his mother answered.

Remember what Marcus’s momma said in the hospital? Gigi continued. ‘Imagine what kind of love story they could tell the world!’ Annele had said. ‘A real-life fairy tale maybe.’

Curse my big radar ears! Alex thought, wishing he hadn’t been privy to the conversation.

Time to go, my little family, Mr. Marcus called out as he closed the trunk.

Alex’s sister, Lani, who had been swinging on the gym set in the backyard, opened the gate and ran to her mother. With the gate left open, Smiley waddled over to Alex. Appearing to understand his sorrow, the dog lay on the ground, put one of her front paws on his foot, and looked up.

Alex wanted to lift his head, too, to look at Leigh’s face one last time. He just couldn’t. He knew if tears were not falling from her eyes, they would be if he made eye contact, and the tears would not be from her eyes alone.

They didn’t hug, didn’t say a word.

The sound of thunder was heard in the distance, and Alex could smell the change in the air. It would rain, and rain hard. He knew it was only a matter of time before Leigh would be gone, and he would lock himself in the bathroom and try to match the rain clouds drop for drop. The impending storm wasn’t the only one on the horizon, and the pain he now felt was about to become far, far worse than what Mother Nature could create.

Guess y’all need to get going before it starts, his father said, eyes turned to the western sky.

Doesn’t look good does it? replied her father. Let’s see if we can outrun it. Whatcha think, Peanut?

Leigh didn’t acknowledge her father, and when he opened the car door, she climbed in and found a spot in the backseat. There, she sat silently until the car rolled out of the driveway. Trees and houses on the street were blurred as tears rolled down her cheeks. She gripped something tight in her hand and tried to breathe past the pain of her heart slowly breaking in two. At least she had the nickel from their first kiss to hold on to.

Before reaching the end of the street, Leigh wiped her eyes and hurriedly knelt on the seat enabling her to look out the back window. Glimpsing the pampas bushes, the last moments she’s shared with Alex returned.

Thank you for coming find me.

Anytime.

How about anywhere, Alex? Anytime and anywhere, too?

Mustering enough strength to look up, the last image Alex had of Leigh was of her, head on folded arms, staring back as the family car stopped at the stop sign on the corner and then turned right and out of sight.

Chapter Three

Impatient, Alex stood up and walked around the room, examining the décor. The nautical theme wasn’t that unusual; the office was on the Mississippi Gulf Coast after all. The usual lighthouse lamp and the captain’s wheel hanging on the wall were present, along with the dark walnut paneling and the navy-and-white striped cushions on the furniture. There was even a wooden Adirondack chair sitting in the far corner of the room. A rainbow-colored beach towel was folded and draped over the back of the chair which itself sat on top of a beach blanket.

Next to the chair, he noticed an unusual-looking round table. Approaching it, Alex saw that the tabletop was a large replica of a sand dollar.

God… Alex said barely above a whisper. Something tells me that I didn’t choose this place by accident. I’m thinking you may have a hand in this?

Behind him, the only door, other than the one he’d entered through, finally opened. In the doorway was a woman approximately Alex’s age. Turning to face her, Alex noticed she was dressed casually in jeans and a sweater. She approached him and extended her hand. He could now see inside the office where a large metallic sun hung on the wall. It was hand painted with gold, yellow, and green accents. Like the woman before him, the artwork, surrounded by the openwork rays, was offering a warm vibrant welcome.

Shaking her hand, he smiled broadly as he was now certain God had indeed been busy setting this up. Remembering the phone call to Holly, the name of the counselor she suggested hadn’t seemed to be that unusual until now.

Veronica Sunn, the woman before him said. And you’re Alex?

Yes, ma’am.

You can call me Veronica.

Yes, ma’am.

She laughed. Somebody raised you right.

Before he could repeat the same statement for the third time in a row, Veronica invited him into her office.

Rectangular in shape, the office had only one window. The curtains, olive green against an unpainted brick wall, were almost completely closed, but Alex could see that there were blinds behind them. He knew the window faced the street, and had the curtains and blinds been open, he could have easily seen his own car parked just beyond.

There was a chocolate-brown faux leather sofa against the opposing wall. This wall and the two shorter walls had been painted a putty-like color. Having painted his house almost two years ago, he had become familiar with certain color schemes, with schemes being the operative word as he recalled. It drove him crazy when a consultant once tried to explain the importance of getting the right hues to match your décor, or worse, to provide the right mood. Considering that he was standing in a therapist’s office, however, he would not have been a bit surprised to learn that this shade had been recommended for its serenity.

There were also two matching wingback chairs. Veronica had already taken the chair in the corner next to an end table. Alex opted against the sofa and sat in the other chair directly across from her.

Just an introduction of how I like to begin with new clients, Veronica offered, today, you’ll start by telling me why you are here, and what’s concerning you most. I will probably ask a question here or there just for my clarification.

Fine, Alex replied, resting his elbows on each arm of the chair. He laced his fingers together, and nervously tapped one thumb against the other. He hadn’t expected to be so jittery and wasn’t until he entered the office.

So much for the serenity theme, he chuckled to himself.

Veronica noticed his uneasiness and smiled gently. Just try to be comfortable. This session is like a meet-and-greet for work. You really don’t want to be here, but when it’s all over, you’ll be glad you came.

This time Alex laughed out loud. He did want to be here. He knew full well he needed to be here.

Veronica noticed Alex’s thumbs come to a halt and the rest of his body seem to relax.

You can tell me what you want to tell me today, and from that, I’ll give you a writing assignment for the next time we meet. Actually, I’ll always give you some sort of assignment before you leave each session, but it won’t always be in writing.

And the reason for these assignments would be what? Alex asked.

It’s to keep something we discussed always in your mind between our appointments. I don’t want you or any of my clients to think that this room is the only place where it’s okay to discuss or think about whatever it is on your mind. If it happened out there, you will still have to deal with it out there. Make sense?

Absolutely. If I just wanted a room to escape to for an hour, I certainly could have found one cheaper than what this is costing me, Alex replied. No offense.

Veronica smiled. Sounds like we’ll get along great.

All right then, he said, wiping his palms on his knees. To answer your initial question, I am here because I don’t have a clue where I’m going or how I got to where I am.

Wow. Okay. She placed one hand on top of the other and looked directly into Alex’s eyes. Can you then start with where you think you are now?

I have this image of myself looking down, and all I see are my shoes. It is black all around me and even above me, but when I look down, it’s like I’m standing in a spotlight. And I’m standing on this small piece of ground, and everything around me has disappeared. I can’t move forward. Can’t move backward. That’s how I view my life right now.

That’s a pretty vivid description. Was that something you got in a dream, or …?

He bounced a palm twice on the arm of the chair. No, just an image I have when I think about everything.

Veronica’s eyebrows lifted. Everything?

Well, specifically with my last relationship, if I can even call it that. And by relationship, yes, I mean with a woman.

Your fiancée? Were you engaged?

"This time, it was girlfriend… at best, but I was engaged fourteen years ago. Different woman.