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

I lay under the covers and stared through the window at a night lit with stars, lost in thought. As I was falling asleep around midnight, I heard the rumble of Murphy’s bike outside. At least he’d made it home safely, I thought as I drifted off to dream.


The next morning as the sun came up over the horizon, I bent to pick up a star-shaped rock from the sand. I hadn’t seen one like that in a while. It would be a nice addition to my collection.


As I turned it over in my hand, a voice behind me said, “You paid me too much.”


I straightened and turned to see Murphy standing there, his eyes red and crusty. He must have just woken up and rushed out here.


“No, I didn’t,” I countered. “It was payment due for work performed. Great work, I might add. Thank you.” I stuck the rock in my pocket and started walking again. He matched his stride to mine and we remained that way for a mile or so.


Chapter 8