CHAPTER ONE Chad

Six Months Later

"You're not yourself, honey," Mom said, stroking the back of my neck while I leaned forward in a deck chair, face in my hands, and ignoring the beautiful beach in front of us. "Where's Mr. Sunshine been lately?"

"He's lost, Mom," I replied.

"You're only twenty-two, kiddo. You can't lose that wonderful boy that quick."

I leaned back in the chair and let out a long sigh, wiping my eyes. "I didn't see this breakup coming," I whispered, catching a cry from escaping my throat. "I was way off on this one, Mom."

"I know you think that, baby, but I don't believe for a moment that you've lost any of your skills when it comes to life and love," she began. "In fact, I'd bet this is a teaching moment for you."

"I wanted one great love, Mom. One," I stated, turning toward her. She wiped tears from my eyes and pulled me in for a hug. "I truly thought Clint was that person."

"I know you did," she agreed. "Dad and I figured you had as well, but guess what, honey?" I pulled away from her and met her eyes before she finished. "Life has thrown you another curve. Just like when David died and then again when you met Perry. Look how you helped Perry through his grief and the way you were there for him. The two of you healed together and now you're close friends. You should be proud of that."

"I am, but sometimes I feel like I didn't save enough for me. Does that make sense?" I asked.

"That's because you give so much to others. Your sweet and sensitive soul has always been that way, and I'm not asking you to change, but like I said, you're barely an adult. Give yourself a break, son."

"First, David leaves me after only a year and then the same with Clint. What about me is only worth a year?" I ruminated.

Mom tsked and swatted my hand. "First off, David died, honey," she clarified, frowning at my ridiculous comment. "Second, Clint went through a life-changing event and perhaps he was so overwhelmed that he committed to something he wasn't ready for," she advised. "But I, for one, do not see how either of those events stops you from trying again. You love hard, son. That is what you do. Don't give up so soon."

I reached for and held her hand. "But how can I be sure the next time?" I asked, needing her reassurance as well as her guidance.

"You can't be," she admitted, much to my chagrin.

I rolled my eyes and tapped her hand in disappointment. "Thanks, Mom," I replied sarcastically. "I appreciate the support."

Mom's eyes narrowed, and she squeezed my hand to make sure I was paying attention. "You don't need my help, Chad. You'll always have mine and Dad's support, but you're a special being, so how about we quit with the pity party?"

Mom held the sides of my face and pulled me closer, kissing my nose. A single tear slid down my face before I could stop it. "What do I do next?" I asked.

"Extend your visit. Stay in the guest house for the summer," she suggested. "Come home to Mom and Dad and let us spoil our only child."

"That'd be okay with you guys?" I asked, already knowing the answer.

"More than okay, honey. I think Dad and I need your gift for uplifting souls," she said, smiling at me. "Plus, it'll be fun," she added. Mom squeezed my cheek. "And I can fatten you up a bit."

"I don't have a job here though," I reminded her.

"I think your dear old mom and dad can afford you for a couple of months, silly, but why not go back to the hotel in Virginia Beach for the summer? Nothing too stressful. It'll get you out and interacting with folks again."

I pursed my lips, giving thought to her idea. I'd met Perry at the hotel after David died, pulling me out of a slump then. Maybe it could work again?

"Thanks, Mom. I love you and I'm gonna do exactly that."

"Then it's settled. You'll stay here for the summer," she stated. "I like that a lot and so will Dad."

I stood and pulled Mom to her feet, where I hugged her tightly. "I'm gonna walk on the beach," I said. "Gather my thoughts."

"Say hi to David and Jack for me," she said, smiling.

"How'd you know?" I asked, amazed at how in tune my mother was with my spirit.

"Because that's where you always start a new journey," she began. "Saying goodbye to your past and moving forward. I'm excited for you, son."

I turned away from her and stared into the distance. The white-tipped waves crashed onto the sand, repeating the cycle over and over for millennia. That's what I loved about the beach and the waves. Nothing stopped their forceful path. They were relentless. So was I, and it was time to get back to being me.

"I'm excited for me too, Mom."