Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
“I bought a boat today,” I announce nonchalantly.
Well, it’s not official yet, but I have savings enough that I can manage it.
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Jack nearly spits out his beer. “You going through a mid-life crisis or something?”
June shushes him. “Let him explain.”
“It’s a used boat. Small enough to handle.” I blow out a breath, wondering if I should’ve kept it to myself a while longer. I'm not sure why I expected anyone to understand. “One I’m already quite familiar with.”
My siblings stare at me until the answer registers in June’s expression. “You bought Micah’s boat.”
“I did,” I admit quietly, and the idea still feels right in my gut.
But I can see Jack winding up. “Why the hell would you—”
“I don’t need anyone to question me,” I bite out. “I’m a big boy and can make adult decisions for myself.”
“Yes, you can.” June throws my brother a severe look. “I’m sure you have your reasons. Even if they’re nostalgic.”
“You’re right. Sorry.” Jack studies me. “Maybe you think Micah will come back for it. Or maybe you plan to take it to him at some point.”
Those thoughts have crossed my mind, even if the logistics don’t line up. Still, I don’t admit it. “Actually, Micah won’t know I bought it. Cash purchase.”
“Can you even aff—”
“Of course he can,” June hisses, and I want to kiss her for trusting me. Jack will come around eventually, but he’s got to ride me and brood about it first.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence. Besides, I thought it would be good for us.”
Jack’s eyebrows knit together. “Good for us?”
I smirk. “Yeah. We live near the ocean. None of us have been brave enough to step foot on a boat since the accident.”
June’s eyes widen. “Johnny, I don’t think—”
“Micah got me out there.” I smile sadly. “I was terrified, but it turns out I enjoyed myself. We never ventured far beyond the break wall and never chanced it if a storm was brewing.”
A sobering quiet descends in the air, swirling around us. It’s still painful to talk about, but we’re getting there.
June’s late husband, Dan, was an avid boater, and she seemed to only tolerate it. They went for long rides more than she liked, but I thought sailing eventually grew on her. It certainly did on my parents. They looked forward to being invited for a ride. The day of the accident changed everything. The idea of being in the middle of the ocean in any sort of vessel was a trigger not only for June but for all of us.
June leans forward. “Isn’t it enough that I attend Cain’s tournaments?”
I squeeze her hand. “It’s a start.”
Jack blows out a breath as if finally resigned to the decision. “Don’t let Aaron get wind of this.”
I huff out a laugh, and it’s contagious. In fact, I’m laughing so hard I have to wipe my eyes with a napkin. June and Jack aren’t too far behind. It feels good, like a release.
“What’s so funny?” Aaron asks as he pulls up a stool, and it only makes us laugh harder.
34
MICAH
“Okay, thanks, Bert.” I end the call and slip into my shoes.
My heart sits heavy over the sale of the boat, though I’ll be grateful for the money in my bank account. Not that I didn’t think it would sell, more that it might buy me time. For what, I’m not sure. As it stands now, I’ve given up the house and boat, but I can’t bear to file those divorce papers just yet. I will, soon, because that’s what we agreed.
The last few days have been a blur of laundry, practicing for the role, and showing my face at the restaurant to let my manager know I’m back in town.
“Glad to see you,” he says as I slide onto a stool at the bar. “When do you want to pick up some shifts?”
“As soon as possible.” Anything to keep my mind occupied.
He smiles. “Tomorrow works.”
Louis, one of the bartenders, approaches with a cider and the menu. “How’s it going?”
“Pretty well.” I take a quick glance at the food selections I know all too well. “I’ll take the steak salad.”
He nods. “I heard you scored a part in Cold Blade.”
“I did.” I smile, but it doesn’t feel genuine. More like I’m going through the motions. My heart is still in Aqua Vista with John, but I’ve got to get my head back in the game. At least I’ve searched everything about the show online and even binge-watched the last season so I could catch the vibe. With luck, it’ll all go my way.
“My buddy who worked on the set last season said if you do well, they might ask you back for a recurring role.”
It’s something I’ve wanted for so long, so why do I feel so underwhelmed by the notion? “That would be nice.”