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CHASED ON ARRIVAL

T he apartment’s view is even better than I expected. From my balcony, I can see the beach and a well-known mountain peak, Strawberry Head, on one side, and then a golf course and mountains on the other.

As I take it all in, the leasing agent says, “Oh, and you might hear a dog yapping from time to time, from the apartment to your right. Sorry about that in advance.” She lets out a little laugh. “That’s my dog. I’m actually your neighbor.”

“Oh,” I say, a little surprised. “I didn’t realize that.” Not sure what else to say, I awkwardly add, “Hi, neighbor!”

I feel a little confused as I remember back to her insistence that I move into this specific apartment. You’d think that, given she lived right next door, she would have mentioned that. But she’s springing it on me now, as I’m moving in.

Why did she want me to move in next to her so badly? It just seems like an odd thing to do, especially as she waited to tell me this piece of information. Not that I’m expecting to host ragers or anything, but living next to someone who works in the building makes me feel a little bit like I’m under surveillance.

But I try to shrug it off. Maybe she wanted someone around her age, a single woman, to live near her. Thought I would be quiet and keep to myself, versus someone moving in with their partner and children. Maybe it was just selfish on her part. I’d say I’ll be keeping an eye on her, but I have this weird feeling she’ll be keeping an eye on me.

She leaves me to it, and I begin to bring the suitcases up one by one. It’s easy to unpack, given I don’t have much stuff. I load up the brand new washing machine with clothes—because they all have that ick plane smell—and take a moment to sit and just look out at the view. For the first time in a while, I exhale, and I’m still.

Although I’m glad to be here, I feel discombobulated, disoriented—my mind still hasn’t quite processed that I live here yet—on this island. But I know the hardest parts are behind me. Packing up the San Francisco apartment, getting my cat and my belongings here, and moving my things into this gorgeous place. I’m here now, and my mind will catch up soon. Getting Sabre out of quarantine will be the last step in setting up this exciting new chapter.

My phone pings. It’s Timmy again.

Timmy:

Hey! Let’s go feed the ducks at the park!

Me:

Oh man, that sounds fun but I’m exhausted.

Can we do it another day? I just got all my stuff moved in.

Timmy:

No pressure. I’m just really excited to meet you in person!

Me:

I’m excited to meet you too!

Sweet. It’s nice to have someone champing at the bit to see me the moment I arrive. I just don’t think I have it in me today to make a good first impression. I’m just so very tired.

I sit for a while in the apartment, taking it all in. I hop in the shower, washing off all the plane ‘stuff’, and come out feeling refreshed, like I have a second wind.

I realize I don’t have any food in the apartment except for the snacks I brought from the plane. And now that I live here, I’m only a short ten-minute walk away from one of my favorite restaurants in the city, Dock Bar. So I get dressed and walk down there.

The warm air caresses my skin, a gentle breeze carrying the scent of palm trees and sunscreen and sea salt. I smile as tourists walk past, chatting away about their plans for the evening and the remainder of their trips.

I really live here now. I don’t have to jampack my schedule with stuff to get the most out of a finite period of vacation. I get to take my time, and do all the things when I want to, without rushing.

I get to my favorite restaurant and it’s as gorgeous as always, with the most spectacular view of Strawberry Head as well as the beach. I sit at the bar, my favorite place. The bartenders recognize me, and I order one of their signature mai tais and a caesar salad. The mai tai comes out just as I remembered them, pale in color with a gorgeous purple flower garnish. I still can’t believe they make these on draft, because they’re seriously the best ones in Sunset Cay. I don’t even particularly like mai tais, but these are amazing! The bartender and I make small talk while she works, and I munch on my salad.

Feeling emboldened by my drink, and feeling great about being here in general, I text Timmy.

Me:

Hey! I’ve got a burst of energy so I’m down at Dock Bar having some food and a drink.

Timmy:

Oh my gosh! Want me to come and see you?

I’d really love to meet you! I’ve been waiting forever!

I laugh and feel my face flush a little. His persistence is flattering. It feels good that someone wants to make the effort to see me.

Me:

Sure!

Timmy:

On my way. Be there in like 20 mins.

I grin, but I suddenly feel nervous. It’s one thing to text someone I met on a dating app, but it’s been a long time since I’ve met a guy for the first time in person.

But something tells me this is the right time.

And it’s so sweet that he wanted to meet me as soon as I got here.