Page 110 of Sand in My Boots

It’s a long trek back to my condo, lengthier on the way home because I don’t have the energy to run. And though I don’t want to be late to meet Preston, my steps are unhurried, making it home in enough time to change into my wetsuit and grab my board.

Preston’s already on the beach when I arrive, sitting on the sand, his board next to him.

“Gorgeous morning.”

It’s not yet too humid, and the sky’s lightening up. In a couple of hours, it will be lit with oranges and yellows, a welcome to a new day.

“I can’t give her a life she’s worthy of.”

“Could you make her happy?”

Could I? I think so.

“Yeah.”

“That’s the life she’s worthy of.”

“But she’s used to a certain lifestyle, having nice things, things I won’t be able to give her.”

He waves his hand at the beautiful view in front of him. “But you could give her this. And this is pretty much a great life. A life that would make her happy and is worthy of her. A life with you, Cameron. Not your money. Not your station in life. You. ”

His emphasis on “you” guts me. Because isn’t that exactly what Juli was trying to tell me? And I got caught up on the money.

Life wasn’t always easy growing up—being poor took its toll—but it wasn’t all bad. Money isn’t the answer to everything, but it sure helps.

Life isn’t without stress or working for the things you want most. And for me, that’s Juli.

She’s what I want most. I’ve been too stubborn to admit it.

“What about the money? Do I let it go?”

“I can’t tell you what to do, but I can reiterate again she wanted you to have it. She wanted you to have this opportunity. I would think, with the way things are eating at you, she’d want it for you even more now.” He allows the comment to marinate a bit as he stands up and grabs his board from the sand. “She’d want you to be happy. Wouldn’t it be great if you both got what you want?” With a wink, he starts off for the surf.

I don’t follow immediately, my mind juggling with ideas, to find a solution to his question.

With where I am right now, can I offer her a good life, a life we could make better by being together?

I don’t have the financial means to provide her with a life she’s accustomed to, but there’s more to life than nice things.

Preston’s right—Juli doesn’t care about having material things. As teens, our one night together was probably the worst I’ve ever performed, yet she wasn’t fazed. Because we were together. Because it was something she wanted. Because it was me.

I have something special to offer her—me, just as I am.

What she does with it is up to her.

A burden lifts off my shoulders, and I grab my board and race to the water’s edge, diving in to catch up to Preston.

It’s a damn beautiful view, even at this time in the morning. And I’m a lucky bastard who has this in his backyard.

Maybe, just maybe, Juliana Langley would agree.

Chapter 28

Juli

My heart aches.

It’s been five days since Cameron left so abruptly. Since he asked me to wait for him while he figures out a way to work through some things.