Creating Love

By Sue Langford

Every country song has a story, but it takes a songwriter to write it.

When Mia was at her highest, she had 2 songs on the top 10 that everyone knew. A few years later, she was still writing the songs, but was determined to write the ultimate power ballad that would be the wedding song for the ages. The next God Bless the Broken road. She hoped it would happen, but when she got writer's block that didn't go away, she started doubting herself and her talent. All she needed was a safe spot and a little inspiration.

Jaxon had a dream of writing the next gone with the wind. He'd written stories that had made their way to the bestseller lists and sold thousands of copies of each, but still he wondered what else could happen. He wanted that dream to come true. He wanted the new story that everyone would want, read and re-read. He wanted the level so everyone knew his name, or at least his pen name. When he got stuck with yet another round of writer's block, he opted for a change of venue to a house on the beach near Charleston. He was always the one to write what he saw or knew, but he needed a new muse. One that would inspire more than just one book.

When one beach house inspires and eliminates writer's block, does it spark romance too?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sue Langford
• Release date: May 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215189740

Sue Langford

Sue Langford has been a practising psychologist for more than thirty years, the past twenty of which have been in private practice, working in both clinical and organisational roles. She has provided consultancy services to the Department of Defence and other government agencies over the years. Her particular interest is in trauma management.

Book preview

Creating Love

Sue Langford

To Dad

I would rather share one lifetime with you,

than face all the ages of this world alone

JRR Tolkein

Chapter 1

When you have a magical kind of love, there’s no way to break it. There’s no walking away, no breaking a promise and when it inspires a love song or a romance novel, everyone pays attention, but what happens when the romance novel doesn’t have a happy ending? What happens when the love song breaks your heart all over again? What happens when the writers lose their inspiration? That’s where this story begins.

Jaxon had been staring at that view since the day he first saw the house. He’d written every bestseller sitting on that porch looking out at the view of the ocean with the waves lapping at the shore, in and out, in and out like a lullaby. Every sunset was shades of pink or purple or red. He stared at the other half of the house that had been set up as a duplex. He’d always offered it up to family or friends. Now, they’d all passed on it and got a place of their own. He sat down on the porch swing and tried to breathe. He went to his old faithful laptop and tried to write, but nothing came to him. He knew that if he couldn’t write, he’d need the income. He stared at the listing he’d managed to write and loaded the photos, but he couldn’t post them. When he tried to get something written again and was stumped, he had no choice. He pressed post and shook his head. If nothing else, it’d be an income. Something. If the publisher demanded the advance back, he’d need it. When he got a message within a half hour that someone wanted it for a month, he accepted almost immediately. He went in and cleaned it up, changed the sheets and got it ready. Whoever she was, maybe she’d inspire him.

******

How in the world she got writer’s block with her writing, she’d never know. Years had passed and she’d never ever had writer’s block. A song would start in her mind and echo until it came out from the ink of her pen or the lead of her pencil, or even through her fingers onto her laptop. Mia shook her head, determined to make it happen. Maybe all she needed was a change of scenery. She put her things into her bag and went over to Tybee Island north beach and found a quiet spot that was tourist-free and tried again.

Mia Samuels had been a songwriter since she was a teenager. She’d managed a few amazing songs that were enough to keep a roof over her head, gas in her tank and the lights on, along with a full fridge and cupboards full of food. Now all she needed was the top ten hit that would get her the awards and the big paycheck. She needed a big hit that was bigger than any she’d ever heard. The ultimate love song that people would play for years at weddings or romantic moments or the ultimate party song that would be played at every party, every bar, and every show. It was a dream. A big one. One that she’d strived for. One she’d dreamed of writing since she’d started. It was big when she got her song into the top 5 on the countdown. It was even bigger when she’d almost made the top 2. Still, nothing was to that level yet. She’d hung out at the publishing house, the Opry in Nashville, and even in Forsyth Park in Savannah. She’d gone 2 months without anything worthy of submitting. Maybe she just needed some inspiration of the love kind.

She’d been single for almost 2 years. Not giving in and settling was the one thing that her friends reminded her was a mistake. She had enough inspiration, writing songs about moving on and being happy being single. She’d had so much interest that some musicians were fighting over her music at one or two points in her life. Hell. It had happened just a matter of months ago. 14 to be exact. She had enough to cover what she needed. Being back in Savannah should’ve helped.

She was the sandy blonde-haired girl that was like that girl next door. She wasn’t anything special, or at least in her opinion she wasn’t. She was the natural beauty. She wasn’t a big makeup fan, could count on one hand the number of times she’d stepped foot in a Sephora, and was in blue jeans and a tee most days. She was almost 5 foot 8, but she did love her heels when she was talked into a night out.

Mia made her way to the beach and sat down trying to talk her brain into spurting out lyrics. Just as she was about to take a sip of her iced latte, she heard people. Why couldn’t she just find somewhere to be alone? She looked over and saw a man walking out to the beach, hand in hand with his girlfriend and swore she knew the guy. When she heard his voice, she shook her head. The ex that had cheated more than once was proposing. Part of her wanted to yell out, Don’t do it. The man is scum. The other part of her just wanted to remove herself from the sight of him. Just as he was asking, a wave hit him and knocked him on his backside. Thank you mother nature. Much appreciated, Mia mumbled to herself. She got her things, put them into her truck and shook her head, opting for a quiet corner away from the drama. She walked over to a piece of sand that was in full view of the Cockspur lighthouse and sat down, attempting to again write.

By the time the sun went down, she had two lines. Two measly lines that she’d probably scratch out within the hour. She needed a complete change of scenery. One where she wouldn’t be bumping into old boyfriends or being distracted. When Isle of Palms popped into her mind, she took a deep breath and went back to her condo, looking up somewhere she could stay for a few weeks. By the time she’d eaten, cleaned up and got ready for bed she had her condo booking in her email. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what else to freaking do, she said to herself as she locked the front door and headed to bed.

The next morning, she got up and packed up enough clothes for a month and packed up her truck, locked up and put the alarm on then headed to her beach house that she’d booked. The drive was beautiful. Enough that she almost wanted to pull over by the river and write. Maybe she’d surpassed the block she had. She shook her head and followed the directions, going over the bridge, past a mall or two and pulled into the parking for the beach house. When she saw the view, her jaw dropped. The wrap-around porch, the blue of the water, the sunset that she could just imagine would be beautiful and just the feeling there was more than enough to wipe away the negative and get her music going again.

She unloaded the truck and brought her things upstairs. When she walked in, everything was shiplap, white and that totally clean feeling. The fruit basket was even on the counter for her. When she brought her bags into the bedroom, fresh flowers were sitting on the dressing table. She couldn’t have asked for a better location. She opened up the balcony door and looked out at the view. If this didn’t kick the inspiration into overdrive, she had no idea what else would.

She got settled and unpacked then opted to head over to the market to grab the groceries that she wanted. As she was heading down one of the aisles, someone bumped directly into her cart.

Oh. I’m sorry, Mia said.

My fault. I wasn’t paying attention, the man said.

Mia smirked and grabbed her cereal as he went to grab a box. When she noticed it was the last one, she slid it in her cart.

Maybe they have more in the back, Mia said as she called one of the stockers over.

Do you have any more of this, Mia asked.

Unfortunately, no.

Sorry, Mia said as she shook her head and headed down to get the last of her groceries. She paid, loaded up her truck and headed to the beach house. Her side of it was beautiful. She almost wondered who was on the other side.

She got her groceries put away, poured herself a glass of sweet tea and headed out to the balcony. She was just putting her feet up when she swore she heard the guy she’d bumped into at the store.

Had to go take the last dang box, he said as she heard him slam a door. She shook her head, made one call, and got an extra box of the cereal delivered over to the house with a few extra things she hadn’t picked up. When it showed, she went around to the other side and knocked at the door, leaving the box of cereal on the doorstep. When she got three steps down, he saw her.

You.

Mia, she replied.

You have the other side? She nodded.

Thanks for this. I’m sorry for the crappy mood.

No problem, Mia said as she headed back over to her side and went back to trying to work on music. She hadn’t even got his name, and she really didn’t care to know it at that point. She didn’t need the distraction. She took a deep breath, stared out at the view, and tried to get something written. At that point, it didn’t matter what it was as long as she got something written. She closed her eyes and when she looked at the pen and notebook, she started writing. She had an entire beginning done and was about to keep going when he showed up on her balcony.

Hey, he said.

Is this gonna be an issue? I just wanted to make up for the last box.

I appreciate it. I wanted to introduce myself and say I’m sorry for the bad attitude.

Okay, Mia said.

Jaxon, he said.

Nice to meet you, she replied as she did her best to hide that she was rolling her eyes.

How long are you staying, he asked.

A few weeks. Just trying to get work done with a better view.

Same here. I’m kind of a night owl, so if my lights or anything are bugging you just knock on the wall.

What do you do that you’re up so late? Part of her almost wanted to guess that he was a musician.

I’m an author. Just working on a new manuscript.

Cool. Written anything I’d know?

Some kind of love, he replied mentioning the last bestseller he’d released.

I think I heard something about it. Sounds like a good one. She was faking interest and was doing a horrid job of it.

Just wanted to pop over and say thank you, he said noticing her acting a little cold towards him.

I’m sorry. I’m just in the middle of working on something. I really have to get back to it. Can we talk later? He nodded and after a quick goodbye, he headed back to this side of the rental house.

Mia went back to working on her music until he felt a storm coming in. By the time she made it in, the storm had got worse. She made sure her windows were shut on the truck and headed inside, curling up on the sofa. When she realized the moment was gone, she opened the windows to listen to the sound of the water and rain. She took one deep breath and closed her eyes. Give me something, she said quietly to herself. When an idea came to her, she got her notebook and dove headfirst into a song. One way or another she was finishing this. At least one song. When she looked down, she had half a song. She had a chorus. She just didn’t have an end. She kept going, trying to push herself into finishing the song, and by the time her stomach was rumbling for a meal other than ramen or a tv dinner, she had something. It was in no way amazing, but it was a good start. She went to put something on for dinner and got an instant craving for seafood.

She locked up, closed up the windows and went to head out to the restaurant when she saw Jaxon.

Going out for dinner? Mia nodded.

Got an odd craving for seafood. Where you headed?

Cane’s. Figured that even if I don’t finish, the chicken makes a good midnight snack. I can suggest a couple places if you want.

I may just get takeout and bring it back.

You could just come over to Cane’s.

She shook her head and hopped in her truck, heading over to whatever restaurant she could get takeout seafood from. By the time she made it back, she had a bag of Cane’s in hand with an oversized Dr. Pepper. Chicken would have to do.

She curled up and flipped on an old movie. She had to give it to him. Jaxon knew his chicken. It was amazing. She would have to add that into her restaurant choices. When she finished up dinner, she cleaned up and went back to working on the song. When she looked up, it was almost 10 and there was a knock at the door. She knew who it was. There was only one person that knew where that rental was.

Hey, Mia said as she answered, putting her notebook down.

Did you find a seafood place?

Ended up at that chicken place you mentioned. It was actually pretty good.

Always is. How are you doing on what you were writing?

It’s going. Slow, but going. How are you doing?

Still stuck as usual. Did you want to go for a walk on the beach?

While I appreciate the offer, I want to try and get this writing in.

You need fresh air. It helps, plus nobody should ever walk on the beach at night alone.

Fine, she said giving in.

Good. Did you want a drink? Mia shook her head.

No thank you, she said as she grabbed her cell, locked up and walked down to the beach with him.

You do know that…

I’m sorry for dragging you out here. I’m still stuck on what I’m working on. I needed a distraction.

What are you so stuck on, Mia asked.

Trying to get a book out but I have the worst writers block ever. It’s been months and I can barely get a chapter out.

You just need a muse. I tried myself when I was stuck, but it kinda backfired.

How, he asked as they found the perfect spot and just sat down together.

Leave it at he proposed to the woman he cheated on me with in front of me at a beach in Tybee.

Dang. Yeah, I can sorta see how you’d need the change of locale, he said still stunned by the situation.

I need a lot more than that. After I caught him cheating, I got blocked with the music writing.

So, what’s the end game with the writing? The love song that everyone wants to get married to. The classic love song that everyone loves.

The next God Blessed the Broken Road? She nodded.

Something like that.

He actually understood what she was talking about. For once, someone who listened to her.

You realize how hard that’s gonna be right?

If I can even write a song at all I’d be stunned.

Just as bad as me not being able to write.

You do realize that you can never match something like Gone with the Wind right?

I know. That’s the all-time dream. Right now, I’d be happy with something that sells. Hell. I’d be happy with a few chapters.

What’s the plan for the new book then?

No idea. That’s part of why I’m stuck. I haven’t even got an idea yet.

It’ll come. I was stuck too until I came up with an idea. Even if it’s stupid, run with it and see what happens. That’s what a few songwriter friends told me.

It is pretty good advice, but it’s not really like that with me. I have no idea where to even start. It’s like two seconds after I start trying to write something, I end up deleting it. None of it makes sense. That’s why I came out here. If I can’t write, at least I’ll have a little sunshine and sand to make me feel better.

I have a few ideas for songs, but I can’t seem to get the wording right. Did you want to trade, she joked. He smirked.

I wish it were that easy.

Maybe we can help each other, Jaxon suggested.

Mia had such bad writer’s block that she literally could barely finish a song. She’d get the beginning then be stuck. He had a point. She could help him, and he could do the same for her.

What do you suggest for the worst writer’s block ever?

Distraction. Go hang on Folly beach, check out a few tourist places. Something to get our minds off the insanity of writing.

We could. Definitely not tonight, but tomorrow maybe. Would get me out of here, but we both have to at least try and work on whatever we’re writing.

Jaxon nodded with a grin that was almost contagious. Fine. He was good looking. More than she even wanted to admit.

Come get me when you want to head over tomorrow. We should probably leave early and get ahead of the traffic. Mia nodded.

There are a few other places I wanted to see while I was here anyway. Might work to inspire a little.

If it gets us both writing, I say go for it. I’ll even drive. Mia smirked and looked at him. She could see the defeat in his eyes. The annoyance that words weren’t coming easily to him.

Where were you thinking Mia?

I have a list in my head. The list of places that inspired Nicholas Sparks, places where movies I love were shot, places that seem too big to even be noticed in. A very long list.

You’re here for a while. There’s plenty of time to get that list completed.

It’s a long list, she joked as they got up.

Then we start tomorrow. Beach then whatever you want, he said as they made their way back up towards the rental house.

I’ll see you in the morning, Jaxon asked.

Mia nodded and headed up the steps, heading inside, locking up behind her and opting to try and work on lyrics for a while on the sofa. The sunset had been beautiful. Even the sand was amazing. That soft feeling where it glides like silk between your toes. The warmth that keeps your feet warm and not burned. The house was just what she had wanted, and the sand and the beach and sunset were like the whipped cream and cherry on top of the sundae. All she needed now were the words. She opened the window just a little and listened to the sound of the waves lapping against that beautiful white sand. It almost lulled her to sleep, but she fought it trying to calm herself instead so the words would come more easily. Before she even noticed, and at 11 instead of 2am, she nodded off on the sofa listening to the lapping of the waves.

The next morning, Mia woke up to the same waves, lapping at the same sand that had run through her toes the prior night. She smirked, freshened up and grabbed a shower, made some breakfast, and went to get changed. When she heard a knock at the door, she smirked and went to answer.

And good morning to you too, Mia teased as Jaxon came in.

I could smell the coffee, he teased as she got him a cup and handed it to him.

Are we doing Folly beach today?

Up to you. We could.

Since it might be raining, how about we try something different.

Such as?

Reliving the swan scene from the notebook. Jaxon smirked and shook his head.

You do know I haven’t seen it right? She looked at him completely stunned.

That movie is a classic. Almost at a Gone with the Wind level. How in the heck could you not have seen it?

Because it’s not my thing. I can’t watch movies when I write, or when I’m stuck. I’ll just end up writing something similar to it then I’ll get in trouble for plagiarism.

Totally understood, but you need to see the place. It’s not that far I don’t think.

Alright then. Throw it in the GPS and we’ll go. Mia grabbed her reusable water bottles, throwing them into her bag with her camera, extra batteries, and a few snack bars. You realize that we aren’t hiking right?

There’s a walk we can do while we’re there too. It’s so pretty, I have to take pictures.

Fine. Talked me into it, he teased.

She couldn’t believe that she could possibly be excited about it. They were going to the one place that things were quiet and peaceful without a ton of people around. They got iced coffees and hopped onto the highway to head to the one place that was bound to inspire them.

This feels like we’re falling off the edge of the world, Jaxon teased as they drove down what was a very long route. When they pulled into Cypress Gardens, he shook his head.

And I’m guessing that I have to row us around on those rowboats?

We can take turns. I’ve always wanted to come see it for myself, Mia replied as they paid their entry fee and walked around a little until they were able to go out on the water.

What’s this, he asked as they walked into the butterfly sanctuary.

It’s pretty beautiful, Mia said as she looked at the colorful butterflies fluttering around them.

It is kinda warm in here though, Jaxon teased.

Then we should probably head out. We can do the water stuff then walk if you’re up for it.

You sure this is what you want to do, he teased.

When you get out there you’ll understand. Even the website doesn’t do it justice. They walked over to the dock and the guide helped them onto the pale blue rowboat.

This is kinda cool, Jaxon said.

Did you want to row or should I, she teased.

I got the first round.

They headed out through the twists and turns of the path. The cypress trees just made it that much more majestic. All different sizes and colors, water lilies then the dragonflies and the tiny frogs. All of it was beautiful. They went under the first bridge and he almost laughed, having to almost lay down flat in the boat to get under.

Well, that was an adventure, he teased. She smirked and saw a few perfect spots for photos. She snapped a few pictures and he smirked.

Really?

Nothing like remembering what inspires you right?

You have a point.

They rowed through the marsh, watching the dragonflies and the lilies and the murky water and the ripples the gators made as they brushed by the rowboat. It was almost too beautiful. Most people would say the opposite with the dark murky water and the moss, but to Mia it was beautiful and romantic and all natural. There were no rides, no tourist trap kind of things. There was the water, the rowboat, and the walking path. Period. More than she wanted to even say, but it was beautiful. Awe inspiring. They made their way under the second bridge and made their way back over to the dock.

Walk with me, he asked.

Mia nodded and they walked through the pathway. Everything was picturesque. When they made it all the way around, they stopped at the porch swing and sat down on it.

This is kind of nice, Jaxon said as they both guzzled down some water.

They listened to the ripples of the water as the rowboats passed them, watched the alligators pop up and down across the murkiness of the water.

I kinda get why you wanted to come. It’s so calming and relaxing.

Helps with the writer’s block, she teased.

They walked past a gazebo perfect for weddings then came back to the gravel parking lot.

I may have a few song ideas. How about you, Mia asked as they hopped into his truck and guzzled some more water as he started the truck and flipped the AC on.

A few ideas. It is kinda the most romantic spot.

Then the idea worked. Jaxon smirked.

And what’s next on the uber romantic bucket list?

Boone Hall. This was kinda the top on the list though.

Did you want to go today? Mia nodded.

If you’re up for it.

As long as you’re buying the coffee refills. She nodded and they stopped off at Starbucks, got refills of their iced lattes and headed off to Boone Hall.

When they pulled in, he stopped at the gate.

Hold on. They shot Gone with the Wind here. Mia nodded.

And the notebook and a bunch of other movies.

And this avenue of oaks is almost like Wormsloe in Savannah Mia.

That’s kinda why I wanted to see it myself.

It’s pretty amazing. They looked across the grass seeing the horses and the sheep.

I mean really, this place is almost too beautiful. It’s like we’re going back in freaking time.

That’s why I love it. There’s a lot of bad history too, but it’s beautiful. Face value, it’s inspiring. She started getting that inspiration back and almost wanted to go back to the beach house to work on music but opted for a house tour instead.

While they sat and waited outside for the tour, Mia pulled her notebook from her bag and wrote out a few points that she wanted to remember.

You seriously carry that everywhere don’t you?

I have to write it down when I’m inspired. Even if it’s just an idea. Do you seriously not do this, Mia asked.

I can’t. Carrying that notebook is a little much on my end.

Whatever you say.

It is a pretty cool house. Imagine how much history is in those walls and that floor. Mia smirked.

And now you know why I wanted to come see it for myself.

Mia, this place was in Gone with the Wind. It was in a bunch of movies. How would this be inspiring for a book that doesn’t even take place in a time like that?

It’s supposed to be getting you to get in the mind set to write. Have you even started the manuscript?

Not really.

Then the book can take place anywhere and in any time Jaxon. Look at the view instead of brushing it off. They were called in for the tour and he shook his head. Mia walked in, did the tour, and walked the pathways. She called an uber and made her way back around to the gate. When she saw his truck was gone, she shook her head and got into the uber, heading back to the house.

She came in, put her bag away and grabbed her notebook, heading down to the water. She grabbed her beach towel on the way down and spread it out, sitting down and was determined to write something. She got going on what she’d already written while they were out that day and just got irritated. He’d actually bailed and left her there. What kind of moronic idiot was he? It was no wonder he couldn’t write a romance. He didn’t have a romantic bone in his entire body. He couldn’t see romance if it hit him in the head like an oversized dodge ball. She shook it off and got most of the way through the song but was completely stuck on the chorus.

When she looked up, the sun was starting to go down. She shook her head, got up and walked back in, grabbed her keys, and headed off to grab dinner. She was still mad, but now she was mad and hungry. Hangry. Really hangry. She shook her head, went for a drive, and got something for dinner, putting it in a bag to keep it warm and came back to the house. She parked her truck, locked it up and went inside, disregarding that he was even there at all. She went inside, locked the door behind her and sat down at the table to eat in peace and quiet. She finished, cleaned up and sat down, opening up the windows just a little and sat down to work on the songs. When he knocked an hour or so later, she ignored the knock.

I know you’re home. Just open it, Jaxon said. She shook her head and ignored him, getting back to working on music.

When he knocked again, she shook her head and got up answering the door.

What do you want Jaxon?

Where’d you vanish to?

Where’d you take off to Mr. Disappearing act?

I just needed air. That’s all. I came back and you were gone. She rolled her eyes.

Whatever. I kinda have a hard time believing that. You were pissed. "

I’m sorry."

Whatever.

Can you talk to me?

No. He shook his head.

Mia.

What? You walked off. You wouldn’t do the dang tour. You practically made fun of me for writing when I come up with an idea. That’s why I came here Jaxon. To get rid of the writer’s block. Not pretend that it’s not there. You don’t want to get that manuscript done then don’t bother. I can do all of these stops solo.

I get what you were trying to do. I totally get it. I just couldn’t do that old house. It reminds me too much of my grandparents place. Obviously it wasn’t that big, but it didn’t have good memories.

Look at it as inspiration for a place in the book. Stop always going towards the negative. You do realize that half of those classics all take place down here right? They all include houses or places like the one we saw today or even this beach. Just try writing something. Anything. Try it. Just wing it and write the first thing that comes to your mind. Stop constantly trying to make it seem like you don’t care about ever writing again.

I just don’t want something that everyone’s already seen.

You realize that you have a million excuses right? Write. Throw an idea on paper and see where it goes.

Are you gonna let me come in or what?

After today? No. Not after I had to uber back to the house. He shook his head.

Did anyone ever tell you that you’re stubborn as all get out? She nodded.

Also determined.

You do realize that writing a novel isn’t anywhere close to the insanity of country music. I can’t just randomly write something.

If you were determined to do it you would.

He shook his head.

I’m heading back to my place.

Go figure, she said sarcastically. She was more than stubborn. She could hold a grudge so tight that it would turn to gold in her hand. She worked away at the songs she had stuck in her head and put them all on paper while they bubbled to the surface. By the time she went to bed, she had 3 songs written. All of them were I hate you songs. At least she was writing was all she could think. She had to. She had to get her writing back even if they weren’t the love song she wanted to get on paper.

The next morning, Mia woke up to the sound of someone knocking at the door. There was only one person that knew where she was and she wasn’t caffeinated enough to see him. She walked over to the door and cracked it open.

Jaxon, it’s early. What did you want?

Can we try a different spot? I was thinking going down to the battery. Down to that pineapple fountain thing.

So, your opinion changed in one night?

You had a point. I shouldn’t have left.

Meaning?

I got a story idea and 5 pages last night.

You’re welcome.

Come on Mia. Just come so I don’t look like an idiot out there alone. She could’ve snapped back with a sarcastic comment, but she hadn’t had coffee enough to wake her sarcastic brain up.

Whatever. I’m gonna be a half hour. I have to get up and dressed.

Fine. I’ll buy coffee on the way over. See you in 30.

Mia shook her head. That hike to the battery wasn’t exactly walkable. If she got stuck out there again, she’d be more mad. Worthy of going to another house rental mad. She shook it off and went and grabbed a shower, got dressed and had a quick breakfast before she heard that knock again. She slid her pen, notebook, iPhone and AirPods into her bag and answered, locking up behind her.

Ready, he asked.

I guess. They headed down and hopped into his truck to head over to the fountain. It was no Forsyth Park, but it was pretty. They walked along the sea wall and grabbed a bench by the fountain to attempt to get work done.

Are you still mad, Jaxon asked.

Just get some work done. I need to work on this, Mia said.

Just answer.

Yes. Now work. She got half of a song done and managed to get part way through the chorus until she saw water droplets on her paper. She shook her head, went for cover, and sat down at an outdoor patio. When Jaxon caught up to her, he was soaked through.

Did you even get anything written, she teased.

Sort of. I managed an idea and tried to get it written down before I got drenched. When I saw that you were running this way, I came over here. You’re lucky you found a table.

It doesn’t exactly look like it’s gonna let up. Maybe we should head back.

It’s sunny on the other side of the water Mia. We’re fine.

Whatever. They watched the rain fall and Mia opted to head inside. When the lightning started, he took cover inside with her.

Okay. Fine. You were right, he teased.

Kinda had a feeling after checking the weather this morning. We can’t really go anywhere without getting soaked.

Then we go eat and wait it out. I’ll buy. She smirked. Where? he saw a few places nearby and after a quick call, he managed to find one with an available table. They ran for it, got into the restaurant and they sat down to have a relaxing lunch.

If you already live down here and know where you have to go and stuff, why are you up here instead of going down to one of the islands in Georgia?

Whole different change of scenery. I had to do something. I love being here. I figured why not.

You sure that’s the only reason?

I told you before. I needed to get out of Savannah. I wanted beach, so I came here.

Just think it’s kinda crazy that you and I ended up in the same house. She shook her head. They finished lunch and just as they were paying, the sun came back out just long enough for them to run to his truck.

Chapter 2

By the time they got back to the beach house, the summer rain had turned into a light drizzle. As soon as the truck stopped, she hopped out and went inside and he went out to the porch of his side of the duplex. He stared out at the waves lapping in and out. When a larger wave hit the shore, he took a deep breath. He grabbed his laptop and sat down staring at the screen and it started flowing like the water. By the time he heard her door open to get dinner, he was 3 chapters in. When he went to start the next piece, he got stuck again. He went back and re-edited what he’d written and was annoyed with himself. She leaves the house and the writing stops? Really? Maybe she was right. Maybe he just had to do what she suggested. Write no matter what, no matter how bad it sounds. She had a point. He only had one problem – why was it that the minute she was out or away from the house he couldn’t write a dang word?

He shook his head and leaned back in the chair, noticing his stomach growling. "Fine.