Page 14 of Speechless

“Thanks Luce—he’s really cute.”

“I know. And so does he.” I give a little ruffle to Rowan’s head. “Do you visit your family a lot? You said you’re from Northern California, right?”

“Yeah, Oakland. And no, I almost never see them. They kind of disowned me when I decided to be a musician instead of a doctor. I was cut off the minute I moved to New York.”

“Really? It’s not like you’re playing in some garage band. Don’t they know how successful you guys are?”

“Henry’s the successful one, remember? And it wouldn’t matter anyway. They’ll never approve.”

“I’m sorry. That really sucks. I hope they come around one day.”

“Yeah, I won’t hold my breath. Anyway, what brought you to LA? All Henry told us was that you were moving here with no place to live.”

I’d already filled Graham in on the bullet points of what brought me here while we grocery shopped: the divorce, Sarah, my wonderful luck in life. I don’t really feel like going over it again. And since Jayce seems to love messing with my head, I decide to have a little fun with him.

“Well, my church is based here and if I ever want to reach the higher levels I need to be here where I can learn from the Captains.”

“Thewhat?”

“The leaders. By being here in LA I think I’ll finally be able to find true spiritual enlightenment.”

He deadpans, waiting for me to get to the punchline, but I just stare back at him with a glazed smile on my face.

“Hell no. You are not bringing any of that voodoo Scientology shit into our house.”

He actually looks scared of me and I’m beyond elated to finally get him back for earlier. Part of me wants to keep this going but I slowly remove the entranced look on my face.

“Chill out. I’m Jewish. The only thing we push on other people is food.”

“Luce,get your swimmers on—let’s go.”

During breakfast Graham insisted Rowan and I accompany him to the beach today. Apparently, he wants to teach me to surf.

Never going to happen.

He interrupts my peaceful chat with Jayce carrying two surfboards above his head and his eyes are filled with determination. I agree to walk down there because it’s beautiful outside and I love lying on the beach, but I have no plans for doing more than dipping my toes in.

Once we make it down to the shore, he hands off one of the surfboards to me.

“Come on shark biscuit, I’m a terrific teacher, I’ll have you standing in no time. I promise you there’s no better feeling than surfing, it’s fucking magic.”

I’m . . . tempted. I’ve avoided the ocean for years, but Graham makes it seem so easy, natural, like it’s not an incredibly dangerous sport that could have me drowning or eaten by a shark in a matter of seconds. His encouragement is making me feel braver than I have in a long time.

Helookslike such a surfer too: sandy-blonde hair, vibrant turquoise eyes, the perfect golden tan that I’m sure is rampant in Australia. His body is well-defined with large muscles and smooth skin, like the perfect specimen of a rugged man. He reminds me of the guys Sarah and I saw in Vegas when we went to Thunder from Down Under for my bachelorette trip.

“Luce, you coming?” He smirks at me before raising his brows. Oh God, I’ve been openly ogling him. A hot guy in a wetsuit should not have this effect on me.

“I’ll try. But no promises. I’m kind of scared of the ocean to be honest.” I wade into the water behind him, awkwardly holding my board while his looks effortlessly balanced under his arm. My nerves start to surface but I’m determined to get knee deep.

As soon as the waves reach my chest, I start to feel the undertow. Feel my footing lose control, feel my body fight to stay upright.

No, I definitely cannot do this.

“I’m so sorry Graham, I can’t. The current’s too strong. I just . . . I’m sorry.”

I run back to the beach as quickly as I can, grabbing Rowan and trying not to cry. This was silly. I should have known not to tempt fate. I haven’t been in the ocean in almost a decade—we do not get along.

Graham is surprisingly understanding and offers to hang at the beach with me after he catches a few waves. He admits they’re bigger today than usual so it’s not the best day for a newbie, but makes me promise to try again another time.

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