Page 4 of Beyond the Stroke

“Haven’t been in yet.” I nod to the beach where the Atlantic Ocean is lapping gently at the shoreline. “Going to head out there now.”

“Rory?” Eli calls as I turn toward the hallway.

“Yeah?”

“You know I’m not blowing smoke up your ass. I meant everything I said.”

He extends his right hand out to me in a fist.

“Yeah. I know.”

My knuckles meet his, then I leave him there in the living room with Charlie and Logan, who’s still eating his bucket of chicken, to change for a swim.

My phone buzzes in my shorts pocket. I don’t even have to look to know who it’s from.

While the guys are good at drowning out the noise of the media, short of changing my phone number, I know it’s going to be a hell of a lot harder to avoid Daphne and my parents.

two

. . .

SUMMER

The leash tangles around my ankle just as Scarlett’s voice crackles through my ear buds.

“Tell me you’re not still dodging that guy from the dog park.”

“I’m not dodging him. I’m strategically re-routing.”

Scarlett sighs.

“Summer…it is time,” Scarlett says dramatically. Her emphasis on each word reminding me of the beloved movie from my childhood.

“All right, Rafiki, cool your jets.”

I hop twice, trying not to face-plant as Chef, an enthusiastic black labrador, lunges for a rogue leaf with the fervor of a dog who thinks he’s saving the world.

“Speaking of the circle of life, you need to get back out there.”

“Out where? I’m already living at the beach, having a fulfilling life with Edgar.”

“I’m talking about your art.”

“I know, I’m working on it,” I mutter, adjusting my backpack against my shoulder. It’s full of dog treats, biodegradable poop bags, and my sketchpad.

“Working on it isn’t the same as doing it,” Scarlett presses. “You’ve got talent pouring out of you, Sum. You just need a little confidence. A little flirting. A little…whatever the opposite of dog hair in your coffee is.”

“Is this a pep talk or a roast?” I scoff.

“Both,” Scarlett confirms with a laugh. “But seriously, it’s time to start dating again and make new memories.”

“I thought we were talking about my art.”

“We are, but also I hate to think you might be lonely.”

“I’ve got Edgar and my dog crew.”

“People, Summer. Human beings. Maybe even a cute guy.”

---