Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
All characters are over 18.
William stared out the bus window, watching as the tall buildings of the city faded behind him. The fancy life he once knew was gone now. His dad had run off with his new wife—a woman not much older than William himself—and left him with nothing but a backpack of clothes and a one-way ticket to Madison County.
The bus rattled along the highway, getting closer to the ocean with every mile. William could smell the salt in the air now. It reminded him of summers when he was little, before his mom died, before his dad got rich and moved them to the big city.
"Madison County, next stop!" the driver called out.
William grabbed his backpack. His phone buzzed—probably another friend from the city wondering why he'd disappeared so suddenly. He ignored it. What was he supposed to say? That his dad cut him off? That he was broke? That he had to live with his grandmother now and go to the local college instead of the fancy university his friends were heading to?
The bus pulled into the small station. As William stepped off, the warm coastal breeze hit his face. Madison County hadn't changed much—small shops lined the main street, people walked slowly, and nobody seemed in a hurry.
"William? Is that you?"
He turned to see Mrs. Peterson, his old neighbor, carrying grocery bags. She looked exactly the same—gray hair in a neat bun, bright lipstick, and clothes that seemed too young for her.
"Hi, Mrs. Peterson," William said, forcing a smile.
"My goodness, look how you've grown! You're all city-polished now." She looked him up and down, taking in his expensive sneakers and designer jeans—the last bits of his old life. "Your grandmother told everyone you were coming back. She's so excited."
William nodded, not sharing the excitement. "Yeah, I should get going. She's expecting me."
"Of course! The college girls come back next week. You'll have plenty to keep you busy." She winked at him in a way that made him uncomfortable. "Your timing is perfect."
William walked the familiar route to his grandmother's house, passing the high school where he'd spent his freshman year before moving away. Kids were playing basketball in the court, shouting and laughing. The beach was visible a few blocks away, waves crashing against the shore.
His grandmother's house was small but neat, with a garden full of flowers out front. Before he could knock, the door swung open.