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CHAPTER1
Eve
I staredat the blinking cursor, praying for divine intervention to drop words into my head. Obviously not just any words. Wonderful words. Magical words. Or at least words my readers won’t give a one-star review.
My cell vibrated, giving me a reason to tear my eyes away from the blank page. I smiled as my favorite aunt’s face filled the screen.
“Aunt Winnie. How was the yoga retreat?”
“It was wonderful. The villa was absolutely beautiful and I felt such an amazing connection to all the attendees.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.”
“I truly did. There’s nothing like getting away from your normal space. It really helps recenter and rejuvenate,” she said.
“Your normal space is pretty great, but I suppose it still doesn’t compare to Tuscany.”
“Seaside is lovely but it’s nice to visit other parts of the world from time to time. There’s a different energy everywhere and it’s so healthy to experience and absorb it.”
Aunt Winnie is what my grandmother calleda hippy-dippy. After graduating high school, she hopped into a Volkswagen Vanagon with five other people, hit the road, and lived like a nomad. She eventually settled in the idyllic town of Seaside, Oregon. And despite the fact she lived across the country from me, we managed to form a deep bond through her annual visits, phone calls, and a lot of letters.
“I should join you next time. A yoga retreat in Tuscany may be what I need to get myself straightened out.”
“Oh honey, are you still having trouble writing?”
I nodded, even though she can’t see.
“I’ve been a writer for the better part of a decade and yet, for the past three years, the words just won’t come. It’s like I forgot how to write. What’s wrong with me?”
“You’ve experienced trauma and need to give yourself time to heal from that.”
“The divorce was final three years ago. I should be healed by now.”
“Hmmm, maybe,” she said. “If you actually dealt with what happened.”
“I think I dealt with it pretty well. As soon as I found out John was cheating, I told him I wanted a divorce. I even went back to using my maiden name once it was final. Not to mention how I stepped out of my comfort zone and started taking pole dance fitness classes. I’m in better shape than I was at eighteen. Plus, I’ve made some amazing friends.”
“That’s all wonderful dear, but it doesn’t mean you’ve mentally sorted through it all or let it go,” she pointed out. “And the divorce isn’t the only trauma you’ve experienced. Grace graduated college then moved to England to pursue her master’s degree. That’s a big change for a parent.”
“I agree, the divorce and Grace moving across the pond were both big changes. But I honestly don’t think either of those are my issue.”
“Then what is?”
“I wish I knew.”
Thankfully I had some books stockpiled so my publishing schedule hasn’t totally
stopped, just slowed down a bit. But the last of my reserves is releasing next month, so if I don’t write something else soon, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“I have an idea,” Aunt Winnie said. “Why don’t you come here for an extended visit?”
“I appreciate that, but I don’t think I can.”
“Why on Earth not?”
“I really need to get at least one book done and I don’t write well on vacation.”
“Everly, you haven’t written well for the past three years and you haven’t gone anywhere.”
