
TJ and Syn were childhood sweethearts. But TJ let his hormones get in the way of his heart and Syn moves to Chicago after graduation. When Syn's father develops dementia, she returns to her hometown to care for him and meets up with TJ on the beach one day. This time TJ is determined to win back the girl of his heart.
Over the last few weeks, I've shared small scenes from the story of Syn and TJ's romance. Today Syn has something special planned. Come along for the ride!!
~~~~~Seducing a man was outside my range of experience. I’d had only a few simple lovers feeling that my virginity was more of a hindrance than a blessing. After arranging for Dad to have dinner with T.J.’s mom, I ran to the local grocery for the ingredients to my famous chicken piccata. Packing my picnic basket with everything we might need from food to beer, I hoped tonight would be perfect even while I deliberated if I’d be able to go through with my plan.
With the basket in my hands and a smile on my face, I jumped into T.J.’s truck when he arrived after dusk.
“Where to pretty lady?”
“Let’s go back to where it started. Let’s go to the beach.”
~~~~~
Last week, Syn and TJ were at the local VFW hall with her dad and TJ's mom. The double date was TJ's idea and a way of getting Syn out of the house after taking care of her father.
In Amherst, Ohio, the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) hall is a local hang out for the over thirty crowd. Many of the gentlemen from town enjoy going there to have a beer or dinner. They sit around a room which has former war memorabilia or symbols of National pride on the walls. The hall also hosts BINGO night and local events. Many of the wives enjoy a night of dancing or an afternoon at the quilting club meetings.
The VFW hall was even a part of my own growing up. I had my sweet sixteen party at one of the local halls and my wedding reception at another. These places were important to the small town as it brought the community together and gave them a place to hang out, visit and socialize.
They weren't much to look at--just a simple brick building with a drop ceiling, linoleum floor, a kitchen and bar. Some had baseball fields out back or a volleyball court. And while they were a very popular place to belong to, not everyone was welcome in the VFW. I remember when my mom had applied for our membership. She had to show proof that my great-grandfather served in one of the many wars. Grandpa Mori was decorated for his actions in World War 1 and our membership was approved. Today some of his and my uncle's memorabilia sit on the shelves and honor their service. I haven't been back to the hall in over twenty years, yet my own father still goes at least once a week.
While you were growing up, what was an important place for you to spend time or an important part of your community? Did the club accept everyone? What things took place there? Leave a comment for a chance to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card. On Sunday evening, I will draw a name from the people who leave a comment. You have to comment to enter!
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