Sea Glass: Box Set

By Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

Sea Glass is a collection of inspirational stories by Jefferey Martin Botzenhart. Each tale depicts an uplifting story when faced with adversity. Sometimes, love is found in the most unexpected situations . . .

This Box Set, not only contains all five books in the Sea Glass series but also contains a bonus story, Mythology, written exclusively by the author for the Box Set.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Stories included are, Blue Tides, Beneath the Depths, Most Impossible, The End of the Season, and The Tide Pool. Plus bonus story, Mythology. 69,500 words in total.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Jan 31, 2020
• ISBN: 9780463570388

Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

I was born on November 9, 1967 in Warren, Ohio and grew up in a country trailer park in Southington Ohio with my two brothers and parents.I currently live in Girard, Ohio with my wife and sons. After graduating from Chalker High School in 1986, I went on to attend Kent State University.Originally, I sought to pursue a degree in education, but changed degrees after a few years in school. After working my way through college for eight years, I graduated in 1994 with a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations.Aside from writing, I also draw and paint. My other passion is soccer. I have proudly been a coach of a soccer team for autistic and special needs players.

Book preview

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE

COPYRIGHT

BLUE TIDES

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

BENEATH THE DEPTHS

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

MOST IMPOSSIBLE

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

THE END OF THE SEASON

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE TIDE POOL

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

BONUS STORY - MYTHOLOGY

DEDICATION

INTRODUCTION

MYTHOLOGY

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

END CREDITS

SEA GLASS

BOX SET

Blue Tides

Beneath the Depths

Most Impossible

The End of the Season

The Tide Pool

and bonus story

Mythology

JEFFERY MARTIN BOTZENHART

LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP

SEA GLASS: BOX SET

Blue Tides, Beneath the Depths, Most Impossible, The End of the Season, The Tide Pool, and bonus story Mythology

Copyright © January 2020 Jeffery Martin Botzenhart

Cover Art by Poppy Designs

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

For Mom

BLUE TIDES

Sea Glass, Book One

Welcome home, lost fragile souls. Find solace in casting worldly troubles away to my blue tides . . . so sayeth the Ocean.

Attending the wedding of two close friends, as well as seeking to cleanse her troubled thoughts, Lauren is drawn back to her beloved beach house, just north of Cape Hatteras, by the lure of the ocean’s blue tides. Spellbound by the echoes of crashing waves and the unexpected sight of a soaring kite, she makes her way down to the beach. There, she encounters a message in a bottle in the form of a carefree younger man.

Drawn in by Brody’s free-spirited presence, Lauren forgoes her intended solitude by inviting him in. As their weekend together passes, to each other they reveal how carelessly they were cast away by those they loved. Their mutual attraction fuels cravings to be desired once more, yet the depths of a secret she initially withholds from him, clouds their future together.

Will she accept salvation from his message in a bottle . . . or cast him back to the blue tides?

CHAPTER ONE

Feelings of nostalgia flooded Lauren’s mind as her car pulled into the driveway of the beach house. She thought of this place as being one of the perks of her divorce. Anthony, her ex-husband, was happy to rid himself of this property. While they were married, he had always hated coming here with Lauren for a week every year. Lauren, however, was passionate about this place. The lure of the sea had always been a constant in her life. Many of the rooms in their house in Baltimore had paintings and collectibles that reflected her love of the sea. Here, the rigors of a hectic life in the city would instantly be washed away by the blue tides that caressed the shores near the beach house. Lauren could simply sit for hours and watch the waves roll onto the beach. What seduced her most about this place were the sounds at night. There was tranquility in the songs of the waves at bedtime, a lullaby that she greatly admired.

Each time she arrived, the routine was always the same. The first thing she did, once she crossed the bridge out onto the Outer Banks, was to stop for a bite to eat at an Australian-themed restaurant called The Down Under. And every year the waiters would warn the customers of the blacktip reef sharks that lurked just under the surface of the ocean. They wouldn’t kill you; they just wanted to taste. Never did she fear these beasts of the ocean depths. There were far worse things to be in fear of.

The grocery store was always the second stop. There was a nice one in Cape Hatteras, which usually had everything she needed, especially wine. Alcohol was always a requirement when coming here with Anthony. To endure all of his bitching and moaning required something to dull the senses.

Most of Anthony’s time would be spent with his laptop computer, his cell phone, or the widescreen television in the media room. Dinnertime was one of the few moments they were together during the day. Lauren would either send him a text or an email when the meals were ready. They would then spend an excruciating half hour of trying to find something to talk about. It was both fortunate and unfortunate their marriage lasted six years; fortunate that it was over, and unfortunate that it lasted at least five years longer than it should have.

Lauren found the key to the house under a ceramic flowerpot on the porch. After unlocking the front door and carrying in her groceries, she sat down on a stool at the breakfast bar and looked out through the oversized picture windows. A wide vista of ocean could be seen from the numerous windows on this side of the house. Fishing boats and pelicans passed through the scene before her. Had she not known Christmas had just come and passed, she would have thought it a scene from early June, when she usually first arrived.

Seldom ever did she come to the beach house during the holiday season. There were always parties and obligations in Baltimore that kept them busy during this time of year. This year was different. The wedding of her close friends was to take place in Cape Hatteras on the day before New Year’s Eve. That, and the desire to start the new year on a quiet, peaceful note had drawn her back to her beloved sea.

What Lauren should have done was retrieve her luggage from her car. But the lure of the waves crashing in upon the sun-kissed shore was much too overpowering. She bundled up to protect herself from the temperatures that were hovering in the mid-forties. Stepping out onto a small deck through the dining room, Lauren felt the sun’s rays upon her and smelled the sea air. The chaotic chatter of seagulls echoed through the crisp breeze.

From her vantage point, there upon the deck, she could see for a mile in both directions. It was to the north of her that her attention was being drawn. A yellow kite decorated with a happy face held its firm position within the wind. As much as she craved her solitude for these few days, it was nice in a way to know there were other souls who had been drawn, like her, to the blue tides. After making her way down a staircase leading to a patio and hot tub, Lauren then walked over a path made of wooden planks before descending another wooden staircase.

What she saw . . . was somewhat unexpected. Standing there, shirtless and barefoot, was a young man who seemed oblivious to the chill of the late December air. His washboard abs and nicely muscled arms and chest had attractive male-model qualities. As she walked closer to him, she could see the relaxed expression on his face as he commanded his happy kite’s flight. He saw her walking toward him and offered a wave to her.

Excuse me. I don’t mean to disrupt you . . . but aren’t you a little underdressed for the weather? It just seems a little crazy to me, that’s all, she said to the now smiling young man.

I’m the sane one. It’s the rest of the world that’s nuts, he happily replied.

From his jeans pocket, she heard his cell phone buzz. Are you going to get that? Lauren asked regarding his incoming call.

It’s nobody important, was his reply. There was something dangerous about his smile. Not menacing or cruel, dangerous in that it was so inviting, so attractive.

Come here. I need your help for a minute, he said as he waved her over. What she should have done was walk away . . . but she was making a history of doing the opposite of that today. She smiled and walked over to him. The wind blew a few strands of her blonde hair over her face. The young man reached over and gently pushed her hair away. She took notice of his strikingly beautiful brown eyes. Smiling even larger than before he said, Here, hold my kite. He handed the spool of string to her which she tentatively took. Time for a swim, he said as he pulled down his jeans. He dashed down to the shore in just his black boxer briefs and waded out into the frigid Atlantic water.

Stunned by his carefree behavior, Lauren could only mumble Oh my God and laugh at his apparent insanity.

Moments later he returned to her. Drenched and trembling uncontrollably he spoke through chattering teeth, Maybe . . . I–I should . . . have . . . brought . . . a–a . . . towel . . . with m–me. To her disbelieving eyes, he then removed his soaked underwear and pulled on his jeans, never once offering any shame in being completely exposed to her. From the adorable grin and dimple on his face, she knew he was a fearless, open book.

What she should have done was handed him back the kite string and said goodbye. Instead, she asked, Would you like some hot chocolate? My beach house is just over the dune. His beaming smile was the answer to her question.

CHAPTER TWO

Once inside, Lauren handed him a towel and a blanket to wrap in. Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to invite strangers into your house? the young man questioned with a mocking tone to his voice.

Lauren laughed at his question. Well, my name is Lauren Cutler. Once you tell me your name, we will no longer be strangers. His carefree smile beamed to Lauren.

Brody Hennessey, he said and extended his hand to her. Lauren completed their handshake and sat down on the sofa across from him. He pushed the blanket off his shoulders and pulled his shirt on. He then dried his feet with the towel and put his socks and shoes on. Lauren couldn’t take her eyes off him and scolded herself silently for this.

You have a really beautiful house here. How much are you renting it for? Brody casually asked.

Lauren smiled and said, "I own this place. Let’s just say it was a gift from my ex-husband. A smile and a laugh were Brody’s response to this comment. As she was going to continue Brody’s cell phone began to buzz in his pocket again. Are you going to get that?"

Brody seemed to force a smile before saying, It’s nobody important. He took a sip of his hot chocolate as Lauren took a sip of hers.

So . . . are you staying around here somewhere? Lauren asked in an attempt to end a moment of silence between them.

Why yes, I am. I have a room at the motor lodge just up the highway.

And . . . what brings a boy like you to Cape Hatteras? Lauren continued her questioning.

Well . . . I guess that escape would be my reason for being here, Brody said and then laughed at her surprised response. Relax; I’m no criminal. Well, I used to be a stockbroker . . . so maybe some might not agree with me. Lauren smiled when he said this. Brody continued, My escape would be from . . . cancer. Lauren’s smile faded quickly upon hearing the word cancer. He cast a sad sort of smile as he ran his hand from one cheek to another. Well, there it is. You are no longer looking at me. You are looking at the cancer.

Lauren felt embarrassed by her reaction. "I’m sorry. I really did not mean to make you uncomfortable," she said in apology.

Brody smiled. It’s okay. I have been cancer free for six months. After my last checkup, I decided to hit the road and do some of my bucket list. I know that most twenty-eight-year-old guys might not do that. But, I just needed to get away. He smiled again and finished his hot chocolate.

The afternoon sky was turning orange as the sun began to set over the sound. I should get going. Thanks for the hot chocolate, the towel, and the blanket, he said with the warm, friendly smile from before upon his face.

Let me drive you back to the motor lodge. It will be dark by the time you walk back, Lauren offered.

Brody smiled and said, Thanks. That would be nice of you.

As Lauren was getting her coat, she stopped and looked over to him. What are you doing for dinner tonight? Brody simply shrugged his shoulders. What would you say to dinner between two new friends? she asked.

That adorable smile of his seemed to light up the room. "I would like that, he replied. They walked out of the house together and then got into her BMW. Was this another gift from your ex-husband?"

Lauren laughed. That and a few thousand other things.

The trip to the motor lodge took about ten minutes. Do I have time for a quick shower? Brody asked.

Sure, take all the time you need.

Brody invited her to his room. The room itself lacked any impressive quality. The furnishings and colors were rather bland. Everything seemed almost sterile. Lauren took a seat in one of the rooms’ two armchairs, while Brody gathered clothing to wear to dinner. He placed his cell phone down on the bed. Then for a second time, he took off his clothes, standing completely naked before her.

Don’t you have any sense of shame? Lauren questioned as she partially shielded her eyes from his lean body.

No, not much, he said with a smile before heading into the bathroom. Lauren couldn’t help but smile. There was nervousness within her as she realized just how easily she had become attracted to him.

While he was in the shower, his cell phone buzzed again. Lauren should have ignored this . . . but curiosity overpowered her. She looked over and saw the name Allison listed on the screen. She sat back down and pondered just who Allison was. About ten minutes later Brody emerged fully-dressed from the bathroom. He wore jeans and a charcoal colored sweater over a white V-neck T-shirt. He embodied a boyish charm from head to toe, especially his beautiful smile.

Lauren knew she was in trouble.

CHAPTER THREE

Lauren sat across from Brody at a small restaurant in Cape Hatteras. Her hands gently played upon her wineglass as she looked at him. It disturbed her that someone as handsome as Brody could be ravaged by something as terrible as cancer. And yet here he was . . . a beautiful survivor. The buzz of his cell phone disrupted their quiet moment. Are you gonna get that? Lauren asked, although she already knew the answer by now.

With his usual smile, he answered, It’s nobody important. He took a sip of soda from his glass. She should have let this go . . . but . . . she couldn’t stop herself.

Is it Allison again?

Brody nervously smiled before taking another sip of soda.

I’m sorry. It’s none of my business, she said.

Brody set his glass down on the table. No, it’s okay. Allison is my ex-wife. The smile slowly faded from his face.

After the waitress came with their dinners, Brody began his story. Allison and I were the perfect Manhattan couple; perfect apartment; perfect jobs; perfect cars; perfect life. And then I was diagnosed with cancer. And, her perfect husband . . . wasn’t perfect anymore. I was damaged.

Lauren reached over and touched his hand. She could sense the sadness upon the edge of his words and just beyond his beautiful brown eyes.

"Before I even started chemo she moved back in with her parents. The stress was too much for her. After she left, our friends seemed to disappear too. It was as if I was contagious and needed to be quarantined. I went through everything by myself." Brody tried to force a smile . . . but it was laced with a subtle melancholy.

What about your parents? Lauren asked.

"Well, my parents had me a little later in life than most parents do. My dad was fifty, and my mom was forty when I was born. I was a souvenir from a night of passion aboard an Alaskan cruise."

Lauren and Brody shared a smile over this comment before he continued, My dad died a month after my high school graduation. He had a heart attack. As for my mom, well, she kind of checked out. I went to college in New York, and she went to an artist colony in New Mexico. She was an art teacher. I guess it made sense to go there. I never even told her I had cancer. We aren’t very close. I don’t think it would have mattered much to her. My dad was the one who really raised me.

From within his pocket, the gentle buzzing sound of his cell phone could once more be heard. Brody quietly finished his dinner. Neither one said anything about it for the moment. Yet later, as their dinner was almost eaten, Lauren approached the subject once more.

Eventually . . . you are going to have to talk to her.

Brody simply shrugged his shoulders and said nothing more.

The waitress removed their dinner plates and brought them each a piece of chocolate cake, and their quiet conversation continued.

When the doctor told me I was cancer free, I decided to make things simple and get rid of everything that no longer meant anything to me. I don’t think I truly understood how shallow and superficial my life had become. Suddenly, there seemed to be so many unimportant things; things that I no longer understood why they had meant so much to me and Allison. I sold pretty much everything, including my expensive car and bought a used jeep. And once I signed the divorce papers, that’s when I left. I never once looked back.

Lauren should have let this conversation go, but her curiosity overcame common sense. What was it like . . . to do everything on your own? she asked.

Brody didn’t seem to be bothered by the question. "Well, I was scared a lot, especially when I was sick from the chemo. I did manage to make friends with some of the other patients. My best friend was this older guy named Reggie. For a few weeks I saw him, he didn’t talk to anyone. And then one day, just out of the blue, he started talking to me about the ‘seasons of life.’ He said we are born in springtime when things are new and fresh. Our best years are in the summer when we really get to live. Autumn is when we can slow down and appreciate how great summer was. As for winter, well . . . that’s when things fade away and die. He said we don’t have a choice when God calls us home . . . but we all have a choice as to what season we choose to live our lives in. Reggie said, ‘after he beat cancer he would treat every day until he died as if it was summer.’"

Lauren smiled. She liked Reggie’s point of view. Do you keep in touch with him? she asked.

Brody winked. He lives in Tampa and claims to have more than one girlfriend.

Lauren lifted her glass to toast. Here’s to eternal summer, she said.

Brody touched his soda glass to her wineglass. To eternal summer, he repeated and then smiled.

Lauren reached over and touched his hand once more. He allowed his fingers to twine with hers and smiled. The sadness within his eyes had faded away. She guessed, or maybe hoped