Summer's Kiss (The Boys of Ocean Beach 1)

I’m not sure where this is going but I decide to push the limits, since she keeps bringing it up. “He also dated Sugar, right? That’s what Anita told me.”

She snorts and I look around for the bottle of wine. How much has she had? “I wouldn’t call it dating as much as a rebound.”

Ahh, the rebound. I knew a little bit about that. “So…”

“So, contrary to modern legend, I was the one that dated Richard in high school, he only spent time with Sugar once I left.”

“Okay.” That’s a surprise, but not a big one. Obviously, there’s some bitterness between them all. Guy trouble could easily be the issue. “So is this why you and Sugar don’t speak anymore?”

She shrugs and takes a sip of wine. “Some of it. She was jealous of our relationship and when…well, when what happened, happened, no one around here could deal with it. I was the only one with enough maturity to walk away. They found solace in one another. It’s why I never came back.”

“What happened?”

“What happened is, once upon a time, I loved Richard. He was my fairytale, but I found out pretty fast that when shit hits the fan, he’s not the guy you can trust.”

I laugh. “And dad was?”

“Nope, he wasn’t either and that’s my point. Don’t go down this road with Justin or one of these other boys if you can’t handle what’s at the end. You’re here for the season and seasonal romances are romantic, wonderful things. But what happens here stays here. You can’t take this home with you.” Her eyelids droop and she leans back against the cushion.

“I’m not planning on marrying one of these guys,” I tell her. “That’s why I’m not getting exclusive with anyone. We’re just having some fun.”

“It all starts out as fun, sweetie, don’t forget that.”

“Why don’t you take a nap, Mom?” I suggest. “Here, use my bed.”

She doesn’t fight me so I help her off the couch and into the bed. I try to pull back the blanket but she’s already flat on her stomach, nuzzling her face in my pillow.

I’m pulling the curtains closed when she opens one eye and says, “Just be careful, don’t let him break your heart.”

I try for my most reassuring smile. “Don’t worry Mom, we’re just having fun. That’s all.”

* * *

Justin stops by the camper the next morning. My mother is still asleep and I’m reading when he taps quietly on the window over my bed. Not wanting to wake her, I tip-toe past her and open the door as silently as possible.

“Hey,” he says, greeting me with a fast kiss. The visit and kiss come as a surprise but I can get used to waking up like this.

“What’s going on?” I ask. I see he’s in his work uniform, so I assume that’s where he’s headed.

“Just wanted to see you before my day started.” His fingers tug at mine. “Invite you out tonight. Maybe hit the beach or come over?”

My stomach flutters at his invitation. I bite my lip to keep from smiling. “I have to work with my mom today. Not sure when I’ll get back.”

“Whenever is fine. We have a meeting after closing, too. I won’t be done until eight or so.” He’s staring at my lips. It’s okay though, because I’m staring back at his.

“Okay, call or text or something,” I say. He nods and takes a step forward and I move back on instinct. I hit the trailer with a thud. Justin’s hands wrap around my waist and he leans down to give me another kiss. This one I’m ready for and respond with enthusiasm. That is until Mr. Johnson turns on his weed-eater next door. The zipping sound rips through the air, breaking the moment.

“Tonight?” he asks, with a smile as big as the sun.

“Tonight.”

* * *

Seeing my mother groggy and hung-over is weird, but so is sharing a tiny trailer with her and listening to her talk about ancient history with Richard.

“That was another dead-end,” my mother says, tossing her notes into a folder and securing them in her bag. Since our visit with Darlene, she had spent her days either writing or researching possible victims. Somehow she managed to get her hands on several crime histories from the period, including the notes from the DA’s office. Her suspicions were right. Several victims came forward during that time period but their cases were never prosecuted. Most, she said, didn’t have enough proof or evidence for the police to proceed. This injustice has fueled my mother to give them their moment to speak. The problem we face now is that we can’t find any of these people. They’ve either died or moved away. Today we searched for three in the Conway area and came up empty-handed.

“We’ll try again,” Nick says. Yeah, he’s with us. Invested in our research and volunteering to drive since he’s familiar with most of the back roads, he drove while she took notes in the backseat and I sorted her files.