The Chase

“At least she looks better, but I don’t think we should take her straight back to the condo.”

“Hell no.”

“Up for a drive?”

“Traffic will suck, but it beats taking her home to wallow.” Beck paid the check as the waitress appeared.

When Heavenly returned from the restroom, they left and climbed into Seth’s SUV. He pulled from the parking lot, then headed to PCH, turning in the opposite direction from the condo.

“Where are we going?” Heavenly asked.

“It’s a surprise,” Seth told her.

“I’m really tired…”

“Humor me.”

She sighed as Seth merged into killer traffic. He drove like a true New Yorker—aggressively as he laid on the horn. After jockeying his way across several lanes of traffic, he pulled into an empty public lot and killed the motor about twenty minutes before the sun kissed the horizon.

“I love the beach…but what are we doing here?” She sounded confused.

“I figured out after my first few days here that it’s the only place to truly appreciate a sunset, angel.”

“Sure, but…”

She was reluctant to enjoy it.

Seth took her hand. “I get it. Your life has been turned upside down and it sucks that you feel so empty while people around you look happy and carry on as if nothing has changed when everything has. But joining them again”—he pointed to the people enjoying the shore—“that’s your goal. Your dad wanted you to be happy and live. You’ve got to try.”

Heavenly bit her lip, clearly exercising all her will to hold herself together.

She almost broke Beck’s heart.

Together, the three of them exited the SUV and headed for the sand. At the edge, he kicked off his shoes and socks. Seth and Heavenly followed suit. Soon, the warm sand was sinking between their toes.

The waning sun glowed on Heavenly’s face as she watched the pelicans dip and swoop over the water. In the distance, a couple stood their infant in the sand as the chilly foam rolled over his feet while he giggled. Two older women chatted, trekking toward the sun, seemingly lost in conversation.

Life. Everyone around them was living it. Heavenly would have to decide when—or if—she embraced hers again.

As they strolled toward the pier in the distance, Beck was dying to take her hand, give her comfort, and remind her of their connection. He didn’t, instead giving her personal space, trying to enjoy the time and scenery they shared.

The wind ruffled her hair, blowing it back like a banner in the breeze as Heavenly paused to watch the fiery sun, now a deeper shade of orange and red, slide farther toward the water. The awe and wonder dancing across her face reminded him of her expression the day he’d taken her to Disneyland.

She needs to see the world, experience life. To be free. Don’t tie her down.

Abel’s words echoed in his ears. He didn’t disagree their precious girl had a lot left to experience. But he and Seth could show her, teach her anything and everything she needed to know. None of them should have to give up on love so she could do whatever Abel defined as living.

“So beautiful,” Heavenly whispered.

“Yes, you are.” Beck couldn’t peel his eyes off her.

“Way more than the sunset.” Seth clasped her hand and drew it to his lips.

She sent the man a soft glance that panged envy through Beck. “Thank you.”

He had to fix this frustrating wedge between him and Heavenly.

After a companionable walk, they wandered back to the car. It was dark when they arrived at the condo once more. He and Seth carried in her packages. Heavenly headed straight to the bedroom. Before they’d even rounded the corner, she’d already stripped off her shorts, crawled back into bed, and closed her eyes, shutting them out again.

Beck’s heart sank.