Dustin plopped onto the couch like he was back to being his college roommate, begging him to skip studying to go hang out. “Man, I thought you’d snap out of it by now.”
Trevor avoided that conversation and picked up his phone to look up engine repair guys near him. He swiped up to find the news app headline: “Business Mogul Rhett Darington Engaged to Lingerie Model Marsha Thompson.”
Fire erupted inside Trevor. No. Not already. The final divorce papers were only signed weeks ago. He tapped the image of his ex-wife in the arms of another man and read further. We find it shocking after Marsha’s recent divorce from the once-hailed “most handsome bachelor,” Trevor Ashford. Yet, we can’t turn our eyes away from the Marsha love life train wreck. Will she crush another man into becoming a hermit, or will Rhett be able to handle this gold-digging beauty?
“What is it?” Dustin asked, sitting up straight. “I know that look.”
Everything inside Trevor screamed that he wanted to punch something or kick something or scream something at the world. It wouldn’t help, though. He eyed the picture and felt nothing for the woman with the fake smile and false intentions. That was his past, and he needed to look toward his future. “It’s nothing.”
Dustin snatched the phone from Trevor’s hand. “No, are you serious? That woman is pure evil.”
“No, she’s not.” Trevor knew her better than most, and evil wasn’t the problem. For such a beautiful woman, she lacked confidence, and she’d sucked his from him over the seven years they were married.
“You’re still defending her? How could you still be in love with that woman?”
Trevor blinked, shaking his head, shedding the eight-year-old fog from his brain. “Love her? No, I don’t even like her. But that doesn’t mean I don’t feel sorry for her. That woman is damaged and will never be happy.” He took the bolt from his pants pocket and handed it to Dustin.
“What’s this?” Dustin asked.
“You said you’d pay to have my engine fixed. If that’s the price you want to pay to go tonight, I’m in.”
“Really?” Dustin tossed Trevor’s phone down on the table. “Yes. Let’s go. Well, after you shower. Dude, you stink.”
Trevor looked down at his hermit appearance and made a decision. It wasn’t time to hide from the world. It was time to start living again. He wasn’t looking for romance, but dinner on the beach sounded easy and fun. How long had it been since he’d had either of those things? “I’ll pay you back when I can move some money out of my investment accounts.”
“Nope, it’s my gift to you. And me.” Dustin laughed. “I hate boat work.”
“I never would’ve guessed.” Trevor headed up the stairs but paused. “One thing, though. I’m not going to hook up with a woman. I’m going so I can start enjoying life with some friends. Got it?”
“Breaking hearts already?” Dustin lifted his arms over his head and turned to the four corners of the room, announcing, “Ladies and gentleman, our heavyweight heartbreaker is back.”
Trevor shook his head and escaped to the small master bathroom. Master was a strong word. It was small and in need of repair, but it was quiet, and it was his.
After his shower, he headed downstairs, determined to have a fun night. The article had said one thing right… He’d been hiding from the world, and it was time to crawl out of his hole. Especially if he wanted his new business venture to take off. Two broken-down boats were only the start. After one season, he hoped to buy more boats out of the proceeds and build up to being the most sought-after charter company on the East Coast.
When he was done getting ready, it was only five o’clock, so they still had time to go to the store to buy some beverages and make it to the beach before sunset. He only hoped this Jewels woman wasn’t looking for something serious. He’d keep his distance, but he knew what it was like to be recently divorced, so he’d be kind. Friendship. That’s what he wanted from her, nothing more. Sure, she was pretty, in a mothering sort of frumpy way in her shorts and too-big top, but that wasn’t enough. He’d learned that the hard way. It didn’t matter what she wore. Even in a formfitting dress, with a pretty smile and slim waist, he wouldn’t look twice. Not tonight. Not ever again.
Julie hid away in her room with Houdini at her side. The little rascal always provided the comfort she needed and had been a blessing since Joe died. Why did everyone think she needed to get out of the house and socialize, to start dating, to move on with her life? What was wrong with the way she was living?
She stroked Houdini’s soft fur and relaxed to the sound of his snoring. With eyes closed, she took a moment for herself after dealing with Wind all afternoon. That woman was something. Had she always been that vivacious? Yes. Memories flooded in of Wind cheering on top of the lunchroom table on game day, or doing backflips down the hallway because it was Friday, or singing between classes as if providing an impromptu concert.
Back then it was fun and exciting. The girl lived for attention her entire life, probably because she never got any at home. How could she with six brothers and sisters? When the four of them were alone on Friendship Beach, though, life was perfect and calm. Perhaps tonight, despite only going to the end of the road and not to Friendship Beach, she’d feel a little of that calm that might provide a temporary light in the darkness she’d felt over the last
