AllFreeNovel
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If only it were that easy. But nothing in life is, is it?
I nod as I finish up. “Jay and Brock will be over later for some beers.”
Gramps stands, Rocky jumping off and running to the door. He knows the routine. “I may have a lady friend coming over later.”
I laugh and offer him my arm. He still has game in his old age, I’ll give him that. Gramps takes it, the relief evident on his face. He may not want his cane, but I’ll always be here for him.
Just like he has for me.
Down the rabbit hole and back up again.
Ride or die.
That’s how we roll.
Canes, dogs, surfboards, and all.
After locking up the shop, Rocky takes off down the beach. He knows exactly where to go, but he doesn’t go too far before he stops and frolics in the water, splashing around with his ball he carries everywhere.
The sun setting at dusk, orange and purple colors filling the sky, swirling into a mix with the clouds, almost like cotton candy, is my favorite time of day. We walk along the shore where the water meets the sand. The wet sand is easier to walk through for Gramps, and he insists on no help, refusing both my arm and his cane.
“Rocky, come on, old boy!” Gramps laughs as Rocky runs circles around him, both of them teasing each other.
I worked hard to rebuild my life, and I need to work harder to keep it.
“Smile, Cole, it won’t kill you.”
I roll my eyes at him and smirk. He’s said that for years. I smile … sometimes.
It’s hard when guilt nags at you constantly. Or when you carry the world on your shoulders and feel as if you’re drowning deeper and deeper every day.
You’re going to fuck up everything.
Everything you’ve rebuilt.
Where will you go? Where will Gramps go?
My mind races often in the dark hours of the night.
If only, if only, if only…
If only you didn’t fuck up everything you touch…
Besides surfboards. Those are mine. My pleasure to hold on to.
And I won’t let anyone take it away from me.
* * *
Gramps and I are finishing up with dinner when a loud knock, then a door opening with loud voices interrupt us.
The guys are here.
Rocky is already off and running, barking at the first sign of people.
“Back here, guys,” I call out. Rocky runs in first, his tail wagging so hard I think it might fall off.
“Yo, what’s up?” Brock’s loud voice and husky stance make him look like the next star football player, but he’s really a gentle giant who loves riding the waves.
