the Lumberton lawyer says he feels his blood pressure drop every
Thursday evening when he crosses the Cape Fear River. By the time he
reaches the drawbridge to Wrightsville Beach, J.W. Musselwhite breathes a
sigh of relief, for he is only a minute from his Island Drive home.
The front door frames a view of Motts Channel — its marsh islands green
with the season, the Seapath tower and marina docks filled with gently bob-bing
pleasure craft. The setting sun sends pale pink beams onto creamy
stucco walls, and a matched pair of glazed doors draws the body, mind and
spirit into the balm of twilight.
Through these doors J.W. strolls into the foyer to debrief during a long,
languorous weekend. Outdoors he passes through the lanai, with its sparkling
pool and hot tub.
Bare feet mark the lush green lawn or skip across stone pavers to J.W.’s
final destination — the pier house, furnished with an upholstered banquette,
a teak round table with deck chairs and a trio of loungers styled in deep navy
beneath a Carolina blue ceiling.
50
WBM august 2012