Chapter 1
Jenna Long paid no attention to the “DO NOT FEED” sign posted not five feet away from her as she threw stale bread to the flock of hungry seagulls. Their flapping wings and clucking was nothing compared to the tornado that just ripped through the Long house. Jenna’s long lost mother, Cara, had just returned after a 7-year leave. Seven years being raised by her father. Not that she would complain; her dad has been great. But a girl could always use a mother in her life. Jenna had been home not two days from college for summer break when her mother pulled onto the lengthy North Shore Road that lead to the Long house one night. Cara stated that she was back for good, that the last seven years had been a mistake; she just wasn’t sure how to come home. Jenna, her father Carter, and Cara had barely sat down at the dinner table when Carter let it rip. He yelled at her for leaving them, for abandoning his own daughter, and for never making an effort to contact either of them. Cara had proceeded to yell back that it was more complicated than that and that neither of them understood. This arguing had gone on for over an hour when Jenna finally decided to drive down to the boardwalk. It had been a rough start to her summer so far, and she didn’t like it. The summer wasn’t looking too bright for Jenna, but she was hoping things would change.
As she walked back towards her car from the beach, Jenna looked out over the ocean and noticed someone surfing. He was performing some pretty amazing tricks, from what Jenna could see, not that she was a professional surfer or anything. She watched from the hood of her truck for a few moments, and finally, the surfer emerged from the water. He looked to be in his early 20’s, tall, muscular, blonde, and handsome. He trudged up the sand, surfboard in tow, toward Jenna. She then noticed a yellow jeep sitting a few spots down. She waited until he was within earshot before saying, “You do know it’s 9:30 at night, right?” The surfer looked taken by surprise and turned toward her.
“I do,” he responded. “I feel I do my best when it’s dark out,” he added with a smirk.
“Oh really?” Jenna said, returning the smirk. “Are you that afraid that people will laugh at your mediocre skills?” Surfer boy stifled a laugh.
“You’re quick, you know that? I’m Jonah McAdams. I don’t think I’ve seen you around here.”
“I’m Jenna Long, and you have. I’ve lived here my whole life. My dad owns the seafood shop just down the boardwalk; Carter’s Crab Shack.”
“Ah, yes,” he said. “I used to go there all the time. Although I do think it’s weird that I’ve never seen you around before. Do you live in a hut?” he asked, referring to the apartments located over all the boardwalk shops.
Jenna laughed at the obvious Surf City saying. “No,” she answered. “I live with my dad just off North Shore Drive.” Jonah nodded. “So, are you a professional surfer?” she asked with a nod toward the surfboard, trying to make small talk.
Jonah chuckled. “Nah, I’ve always been a rec surfer. Soccer’s where my heart’s at. Got a full ride to Columbia for my soccer skills.”
“Impressive,” Jenna replied, nodding.
Jonah shrugged. “I guess. Hey listen, I was just on my way to the Coffee House to grab a quick drink. Wanna join me?”
“Sure! I’ll just follow you there,” she replied, pulling her keys out of her pocket and heading for the drivers door. For the first time, Jonah noticed her truck. He whistled in approval.
“Sweet ride,” he said, proceeding to check out the jacked-up F-250.
“Yeah, it was a graduation gift from my dad. I’ve always dreamed of having this truck, so he finally got it for me. It’s my baby.” Jonah laughed.