She’s thirty years older than me, but she has a unique sense of style. She’s independent and free spirited… And she’s alone.
Is that how I want to be?
It used to be. Granted, my destination choices are a little different, but I always dreamed of taking off, seeing the world. I never cared if I did it alone. Now everything feels hollow and empty. The trips that were so exciting before feel half as exciting now. It’s like I’ve lost part of the thing that made me want to go.
Have I lost it?
Turning my wrist over, I trace my finger along the lines of my tattoo. The bruises are gone, but the word is there bold and dark. Believe.
My throat is tight, but I reach for my phone. Touching the buttons quickly, I tap out a message. Every muscle in my body is tense as I stare at the words, my thumb hovering over the blue send arrow.
Before I can change my mind, I tap it.
Twenty-Five
Chad
The Admiral’s Club is filled with Charleston’s elite, and my mother holds my arm as we circle the room. I feel like a prized stallion being taken out for a walk.
“Buffy, your eyes look amazing.” She kisses the cheek of an older woman I’ve known since I was a child.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Evelyn,” Buffy, short for Elizabeth, shakes her helmet of hair. Her newly lifted eyes turn to me. “My goodness, Charles, you look just like your father in that suit. If I’d glanced, I’d have thought you were him.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Hatcher.” She leans forward to kiss my cheek, and her expensive perfume fills my nose. I do my best not to cough.
Once Buffy the Vampire Slayer was on television, Charity started calling her Mrs. Hatchett.
An older man joins us—Mr. Beau Hatchett. Yep, Buffy and Beau. It’s like that here.
He extends a hand, and I give it a firm shake. “Good to see you, son. How’s that golf game holding up?”
I smile, giving the expected reply. “Can’t seem to get below a 92.”
He slaps me on the back. “You need to join your father and I on the course. Get in more green time.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be up to your standards.” It’s a double entendre, and I know it. These old guys live in a different world—one I am not here to join.
I’m here for one reason only, and I haven’t seen her yet.
“What’s this I hear about you working as a sheriff’s deputy?” Beau’s voice lowers, and he catches my elbow, pulling me away from my mother’s grasp.
I feel her fingers tighten, but Buffy takes her arm. “Let the boys talk. Have you tried the pâté? It’s vegan walnut. You know Charlene is on a cruelty free food campaign. It’s actually quite delicious…”
They drift away, and Beau guides us into a more secluded area of the hall. He’s holding a tumbler of scotch, as am I, but he’s also clutching a large cigar.
“What’s all this business about?” He smiles, but I know he’s been sent to ask the questions my father never will. “Still got the urge to serve and protect? I bet we could find you something more prestigious right here at home.”
“I’m sure you could.” I take a sip of my drink. “I appreciate the offer, but I enjoy being in Oceanside.”
“Oceanside… that’s the little town on the coast. The one Randall Lockwood tried to develop.” He takes a pull off his cigar and blue smoke curls around our heads.
“From the looks of things, he did more than try. Oceanside Beach is thriving. Several celebrities have recently built mansions on the cliffs.”
“Is that what you want? A cliffside mansion?”
“No.” My eyes drift to the room, searching.
“What do you want then?” The words are just leaving his mouth when I spot her.