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Breck walked out of the water and along the sand, laying his board down as he reached for his towel. He grabbed his water bottle, opening it and taking long gulps. His skin felt rough, beaten up by the early-morning wind and the salt from the sea. Pouring some water into his hand, he splashed i
t on his face, rinsing away the dried-on granules.
“I’m getting too old for this.” Lucas threw himself onto the sand next to Breck, throwing his arms above his head until he was laying prone. “Remind me why we do this again?”
“Because it’s the closest thing to God?” Breck suggested. “Plus the beach is so perfect at this time of the morning. No tourists, no litter. The only sounds are the sea, the birds, and your complaining.”
Lucas grinned. “It sure is beautiful.” The wide expanse of sand was barely touched by humans that morning. The only footprints were from surfers, running in and out of the ocean. Between the hours of ten at night and eight in the morning, nature ruled the beach.
“You love it. You’re the guy who comes out here in the rain and wind, no matter the time of year. You told me the other day you hate summer, because when school’s out, the kids take away from the early morning tranquility,” Breck said.
“I said that?” Lucas grinned. “I didn’t even know I knew the word tranquility.”
Breck bumped his shoulder. “Shut up. You’re always pretending you’re not as clever as you are. We both know you’re the cleverest guy on the beach.”
“Nah ah. I’m sitting next to him.”
Reaching behind him, Breck unzipped his wetsuit. Snapping his arms from the sleeves, he rolled it down to his waist.
“Anyway,” Lucas said. “I’ve got something to ask you.”
“Sure, fire away.”
“I told Mom about your dad and brother visiting for Thanksgiving, and she’s got it in her head that you should come over and spend the day with us. I know you probably want to catch up with your family, but it would really get her off my back if you’d agree to come.”
Breck blinked. “Your mom wants all three of us to come? Won’t that be extra work?”
Lucas shrugged. “She’s already invited half the town. What’s three extra people among friends?”
“A lot of people to cook for?” Breck grinned. “But yeah, that would be great. My dad always liked your folks. Plus Daniel already said he wants to catch up with you all. Are you sure your mom doesn’t mind cooking for us?”
“You clearly don’t remember my mom’s cooking. It’s you who’ll mind it.” Lucas grinned. “Remember the Christmas she forgot to defrost the turkey?”
Breck swallowed. “Yeah, I do.” He remembered it all too well. He would never forget that Christmas.
“Oh shit,” Lucas said, realization crossing his face. “I didn’t mean…”
“It’s okay.” Breck smiled at him. “Old history. We don’t need to talk about it now.”
“Are you sure you’re okay spending a holiday with us?” Lucas asked. “I don’t want to upset any of you.”
“It’ll be good,” Breck said, his voice firm. “Let’s make some new memories and forget the old ones.” He hadn’t come all this way to turn his back on his fears. He was going to face them head on.
Even if they hurt.
“Okay then, that’s sorted.” Lucas grinned. “You’ll make Mom really happy. Thanks, man.”
“No worries. What are your plans for the rest of today? Do you have time to grab some coffee? I was going to head over to Déjà Brew to meet Ember. Wanna join?”
“Sure.” Breck nodded. “Let’s go.”
* * *
“Hey, guys. What can I get you?” Ally smiled at Breck and Lucas across the counter. On the far side, her boyfriend Nate was talking to his teenage daughter. It made Breck grin to watch as the kid tied him up in verbal hoops.
“Two flat whites, please,” Breck said, handing over his card.
“Hey Breck, hey Lucas.”
