Broken Hollow

By Stacey Watts

Selena Peterson lived her life in hiding. She ran away to a paradise by the sea. Starting her life over was all she desired to do. Soon the tide turns and she must return home to a place of terrifying memories. Could she hold on to her happiness? Can she finally make peace with the town she once called home? Broken Hollow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stacey Watts
• Release date: Feb 26, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393557203

Stacey Watts

Stacey Watts loves telling stories, as her writing reflects this. She currently lives in a small town in Texas with her husband and three children. Her imaginative spirit will not disappoint as she weaves stories of romance and intrigue. An author with Self-Published works; she invites you to consider her words.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Brown framed glasses perched on top of Selena Peterson’s head. Rubbing the corners of her eyes, she took in a deep breath. The fall line needed attention, but with the bright sun, the sea breeze drifting through the window, the nice weather was a distraction.

Studying the sketches of comfort panty and bra sets was taxing her nerves. She was cross-eyed staring at the samples in front of her. The fabrics and designs blended as one large mess on her worktable.

Standing up and stretching her arms high above her head, she yawned. Staring out the picture window, Selena needed a break.

"What are a couple of hours? I am owner of Lady of the Shores Undergarments. I should have the freedom to make my own choices. She reasoned with herself.

The ocean was just a few feet from her back door. The waves were beckoning her to come out to play. She could finish her work later. Taking the stairs up to the second floor, and arriving in her plush new bedroom, she smiled to herself.

"I love this house." She whispered.

It was far from the trailer park where she grew up in the small town of Broken Hollow, Texas. She searched her dresser, looking for the one article of clothing she had yet to use.

Feeling around in the drawer, she finally felt the smooth rayon beneath her fingertips. Shedding off her shorts and t-shirt, Selena spied herself in the full-length mirror. Letting out an aggravating gasp of air, she wiggled into her blue and white polka-dotted swimsuit. Her skin was flabby in places. Not to mention, she had pasty white skin that was in desperate need of sun. All the scars in various places on her body stood out like red crayon lines on a white piece of paper. A tan would help cover her imperfections. 

Grabbing a cover-up from the closet, she draped it around her shoulders. Now was the time to take the plunge. She was ready for her first swim in the sea. Selena and her sister Caroline only ever went swimming in stock tanks back home. They would sneak into Mr. Jacoby’s pasture and take a dunk in the evening. It was a good thing their father never found out. If he did, a severe punishment would ensue.

Selena went down the stairs and slid the patio door open. The warmth was soaking into her sun deprived skin. Taking each step, she noticed how quiet it was. All she could hear were waves rolling gently to the shore. It was serene. Here she was free. This was one of the last things she needed to do on her move in list. Unpacking was first, settling into her new life was second, then third, taking a swim in the sea.

With each step she took, the sand gave way little by little until it covered her feet.

Summer was over; most families had returned to their winter homes to prepare for school. Not her. She was a local. It gave her a keen sense of belonging. Selena just needed to get out and meet her neighbors, instead of staying holed up working most of the time. Then maybe she could be a part of her new beach side community.

Living here for the last two months was total freedom. She had become her own person. Sometimes she would stroll down the clean sidewalks and have lunch in the small little diners in town. No longer did she have people controlling every aspect of her life. Her father, sister and ex-husband were out of her life and she was grateful for this fact.

Inching her way closer to the edge, the gentle waves lapped at her feet. It felt nice. The sun was filling her up with warmth. This isn’t so bad. She thought to herself. Once the water hit her waist, it felt comforting.

Deep in thought, she kept walking. The water was magical, they seemed to be melting her troubles. No more abusive father, no more murderous ex-husbands, and no more co-dependent sister to worry about. Turning around, Selena wondered how far she had gone. She never even paid attention to how far out she was. The water was around her neck. She could barely see the shoreline. Panic engulfed her as a wave knocked her off her feet. Struggling to stay afloat, the waves were pushing her out further and further. She swam with all her might. Her muscles tightened and weakened. The tide was coming.

Oh God, I can’t do this! She screamed.

She kept fighting the waves. After the battles she had fought in her life to survive. It came to this. A flash of the news headlines tomorrow assaulted her brain. Selena Peterson, CEO of Lady of the Shores Undergarments, has drowned in the sea. Would anyone attend her funeral? Her family didn’t even know where she was. For some odd reason, she didn’t even care.

CADE WAS SITTING ON the leather sofa in his den. In a complete act of boredom, he picked up the latest gun magazine off the coffee table. Boy, things had changed in the business since he was working. He remembered the day he drooled over the metal weapons, wishing he could own the latest and greatest models.

Daddy! Daddy! The scream sent him flying off the sofa in fear. He took the stairs in doubles. Something was not right. Amy sounded scared or hurt. When he reached her room, the little girl was crying.

Daddy, help! The woman is drowning. Amy cried, pointing out the window.

He confirmed his daughter’s fears. Running as fast as he could, hopefully he could reach her in time. When he arrived at the edge of the water, Amy was close behind him. Cade instructed her to stay put, handing her his cell phone.

Call 9-1-1. He said.

Stripping his jeans off to his boxer shorts, he jumped in the water to rescue the drowning woman. The salt water waves were assaulting him. Why pick now to take a swim? The tide is high. He thought to himself as he fought the waves to reach her.

When Cade was inches from her, another wave crashed into him. He could tell she was fighting hard to stay afloat. The waves became less intense finally. He reached out and grabbed her arm.

Pulling her closer, he felt relief wash over him. She melted against him. He looked into her eyes and could see the exhaustion and fear.

I got you. You will be fine now, Miss. He whispered in her ear. He floated with her and let the last few small waves carry them to shore. Before he got to the shore, the woman became jelly in his embrace. She was breathing but not responding to his words. His drowning victim must have passed out. He pulled her out of the water and tried to calm his panicked six-year-old daughter.

Is she all right, Daddy? Cade couldn’t stand the confusion on Amy’s face.

I think so, honey. You did great. Did you call 9-1-1? Cade asked, trying to catch his breath.

I did. I gave them my phone number and address. Amy said with a proud beam. Cade smiled at her confidence.

Well done, baby. You saved her life. She was in big trouble out there. Cade reassured her.

When will she wake up? Is she dead?

Cade looked over at the woman lying still. She reminded him of a fragile doll. He checked her over to make sure everything was still working. Her pulse was strong, and her respirations were slowing, Cade knew she would be fine.

No sweetheart, she’s tired and resting. Cade laid back on the sand for a minute. Taking several deep breaths, he calmed himself.

SELENA FELT WARMTH spread through her body. She squinted against the bright light and closed her eyes. The pain left. She could feel something cool and soft beneath her. Did I die? Trying to move her fingers, it felt familiar. It reminded her of little grains of sugar. Sand! I am safe. She made it to shore, but how?

Opening her eyes, she peered between two sets of worried eyes on her. They were brown eyes. One set with gold flecks and smaller than the other, the other set a pure chocolate color. Did this man save me from drowning?

Just stay right here. Are you feeling all right? The man said with a comforting smile.

I am fine. Selena whispered. She looked over at the little girl. Selena could see the worry etched on her face. She inched her hand toward the small child. Gingerly, Selena took her hand and relief spread over both their faces.

My name is Cade Donovan, this is my daughter Amy. The deep calming voice said.

My name is Selena. Croaking out a response, she felt a deep cough coming. Her throat burned. I’m embarrassed. I should have remembered the tide was coming. It does the same time every day. Selena said with sarcasm, trying to catch her breath.

Are you new here? Cade asked.

Yes, I moved in two months ago. Selena tried to raise herself up on the sand. Two strong arms reached around her to keep her upright.

Easy now! No sense in rushing things. We called the paramedics. They should be here soon. He said.

RELIEF WASHED OVER Cade when the paramedics arrived. Backing off, he gave them space to examine her. Swallowing the knot forming in his throat, he prayed she was all right. He pulled his jeans back over his damp boxer shorts.

"Daddy, can she go home with us? She