Austin Murray is fifty years old, owns a bookstore, and loves to walk on the beach at sun-up. He's a beachcomber, too, always in search of something unique to add to his collection. One such winter morning, an unkempt, sad-looking stranger roars into his life on a motorbike and his heart turns over for the first time, ever.<br><br>Murphy Vickers is world-weary, hurting, and unable to connect with anyone. He travels from place to place looking for work, but never stays anywhere very long. He's trying to outrun a painful event in his past that haunts him to this day. When he stops in a seaside town, he meets Austin, who offers him a job and a bed for however long he needs them.<br><br>Murphy is surly and reticent, But Austin won’t let that stop him from breaking through his barriers, and maybe getting a biker of his very own.

Happiness Is a Warm Bum

“Later,” I said before walking to my truck. I felt his eyes on my back but didn’t turn around. There would be time to explore my world-weary temporary employee soon enough.


After I got back home, I did the dishes, took a quick shower, and cleaned up the spare bedroom that hadn’t been occupied, except by the occasional guest, since I’d bought the place. If Murphy decided to stay around for a day or two, he’d need a place to sleep at night.


Before leaving for the store, I stood next to my truck and stared at the roiling ocean. What if Murphy was that somethingI’d been missing? Wouldn’t it be a hoot if a biker from out of nowhere defined my future? I shook my head and chuckled as I got into the truck.


Sometimes life just threw things at you, and the only way to survive was to ride the waves.


Chapter 3