“It does.”
I can’t help but think that sounds way too easy, but I shrug. “It’s worth a shot.”
Aunt Val walks toward a built in sea-blue desk. When she turns around, she holds out a notebook. As she hands it to me, I see it has pink and gold flowers embossed on it. “I’m a journal collector you could say. I have loads of them. Nothing like a fresh journal to jump-start a new adventure.”
“It’s beautiful.”
“I got that one in Portofino, Italy.”
“Thank you.” I run my fingers over the smooth cover.
“Now,” Aunt Val points at me, “if you want to know the best hidden gem in Sunshine Shores, it’s called Leon Inlet. Try to get there by eight so you can see some surfers. Take my car, I’ll be working here today.”
“Are you sure?”
“Absolutely. I can’t wait to hear what you discover.”
I follow the directions on my GPS to Leon Inlet, which appears to be a few minutes north of Sunshine Shores. It brings me down a short road to a small, paved parking lot.
I grab my book bag out of the passenger seat and walk toward a wooden path. After taking ten steps, the ocean comes into view. Two jetties extend into the sea, creating waves on both sides. The beach is surprisingly empty, except for one surfer.
Making my way to a spot near the shore, I spread out one of Val’s brightly colored beach towels. I grab my notebook and pen from my backpack. Taking a deep breath, I brush sand from my legs and off the towel. In the process, sand crumbs get all over my notebook. Oh this is not my favorite. Sand is apparently nature’s glitter, just sticking to everything.
After wiping as much as I can off my body and journal, I concede defeat. With a sigh, I stare out at the waves and soak in the breeze. It really is beautiful. The endless horizon is mesmerizing, like the infinite life possibilities before me.
This is exciting, right? Yes, focus on the positive. The unknown isn’t terrifying. This is a brand-new chapter in my life. An adventure. What do I wantmy storyto be?
Looking down at my new journal, the white and black lined pages remind me of a prison uniform. How can I be free from my previous job but feel confined at the same time? My own expectations and fears are caging me in. Analysis paralysis. I have to find a way to keep moving forward. But how?
What did Aunt Val say to do?…Pray…and reflect. Then write down what comes to mind.
All right God, what do you got for me next? I sit quietly, observing a small boat bouncing across the waves. Gratitude washes over me like the sea dousing the shore. I’m so blessed to have a loving family—not a perfect family—but I know my parents care. Sometimes they do it in overbearing ways like giving unsolicited advice or emailing me five times a day (yes, my parents like to email instead of text), but the intention is there.
I’ve been blessed by getting an amazing job. It took a lot of hard work in college and long nights at MVP. I’ve had fun creating my manuscript. It was a good stress reliever after work. Although I’m super disappointed Linda didn’t like it, I love my characters and their journey. I don’t want to give up on it. I know it might not be literary genius, but deep down I believe in the story. I think the right audience could appreciate it.
My thoughts are interrupted by the surfer catching a wave. He twists suddenly, cutting into the top and riding it in with impressive ease.
I’m fascinated by the way surfers maneuver on the water. It’s like they’re in command of the waves. They're confident in where they’re going and what they need to do. I could observe this surfer dance on the water for hours. He’s making it look so effortless.
The surfer glides toward shore and hops off his board. Then he tucks it under his arm and walks toward the sand.
I nod at him as he passes a few feet from me and then quickly look down at my notebook, not wanting to stare. Also, stranger danger.
“Chloe?”
I squint into the sun. The man comes closer, and I see him run his hand through his dark black hair, slicking it back. Oh goodness. It’s Leo in a wetsuit. I know I’ve seen him shirtless, but there’s something about a tight-fitting wet suit that really highlights his entire frame.
“Hey,” I say, trying to sound unphased.
“What are you doing here?”
“Ah…just searching for a life plan.” I smile over at him. “Aunt Val recommended this place.”
“She’s giving away my spot.” He smirks and takes a seat on the sand next to me.
“This isyourspot?”
“Yeah, I told Val about it one day when we were volunteering at Seaside Bird Sanctuary. Only the locals know about this place. I come almost every morning.”
