Chapter 70

The gift shop, owned by his mother and stepfather, was one of those typical shops one found in seaside harbors. It contained T-shirts, sweatshirts, California knickknacks, sea life statues, and pictures…basic souvenir type stuff. It had been in the Village for years, since Drew was just a boy. Just then, the shop only had two old ladies as customers gazing at the hats in the corner that said Newport Beach on them.

“Ma, I’m going to take my lunch break if it’s okay,” Drew called to his mother, who was in the back area.

“Okay, honey, I’ll be right out.”

Drew waited for his mother to appear behind the counter and then he hurried from the shop and down the few doors to Java Central.

A perusal of the small coffee shop indicated what he’d feared. No Mark. He sighed with disappointment. Even though he expected it, he still couldn’t help feeling cheated.

“Hey, Drew, you want your usual?” Louise asked. She was a college student and pretty with red hair and freckles.