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

“Conner’s retiring,” she began, grabbing her glass to take a sip. Conner was the main cook


“What? Why?” I asked around a forkful of food.


“One of his kids is sick in Michigan—cancer—and needs help with the grandkids. Says he’ll be leaving at the end of the week.” She sighed and drank more water. “He’s been here for years. I’m gonna need help, and fast. I can’t cook and run this place by myself for long. I don’t know anyone who’d be willing to work for barely above minimum wage.”


I thought briefly of Murphy but figured that was a lost cause. “I don’t know what to tell you, Bertha. I guess you’d better start looking. At least it’s not so bad right now, since it’s the off season.”


“Yeah.” We talked about how cold it was and what it would be like come spring when the tourists returned. While we spoke, I heard the familiar rumble of Murphy’s motorbike and looked out the window.


Chapter 7