Page 3 of My Best Years

After my four-month contract in Seattle ended, I moved back home to live with my parents in Myrtle Beach before my next assignment began. As a travel nurse, I’m constantly moving around, so buying a house hasn’t been in the cards. It feels like a waste of money when I can stay with my parents between jobs.

I’m always itching to get back to South Carolina when I finish an assignment. I’ve traveled across the country for my job and enjoyed so many places I’ve been, but Myrtle Beach still has my heart. Maybe it’s because my fondest memories were spent here.

There’s just something about coastal towns that recharges my battery. I love the sway of palm trees, the smell of salty air, and golden sunrises. I enjoyed my time in Seattle, but I needed a break from city life, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to sign my next contract in Alabama. I leave for Gulf Shores in two months, which will give me plenty of time to see old friends and spend time with family.

“What’s going on in that brain of yours to keep you up all night?” Dad questions, pulling me from my thoughts.

I inhale a deep breath.

“Just thinking about life and how fast time flies,” I sigh. “My contract in Seattle felt like it was over in the snap of a finger, and now, I’ve already been home for a month. The older I get, the faster time slips away.”

“Tell me about it,” he scoffs. “I’m sitting here drinking my morning coffee with my thirty-year-old daughter. Never thought I’d see the day when my baby is in her thirties. Didn’t think it was possible.”

I narrow my eyes at him as a devious smile breaks across his face.

“Dad!” I chuckle, playfully shoving at his chest with my free hand. “I’m only twenty-nine. How dare you rob me of one good year?”

He throws his head back and laughs, the corner of his eyes wrinkling.

“Oh,” he exhales, catching his breath with a hand resting on his belly. “I wish your sister could have heard that. That was a good one,” he nods, applauding himself.

“Ha ha,” I mock sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

“Speaking of your sister,” he adds, sitting up straighter. “Have you talked to Winnie lately?”

Birdie and Winnie.

As you can tell, my parents didn’t pick ordinary names for their children.

“Yeah, she just called me yesterday.”

Dad clicks his tongue.

“That little knucklehead,” he huffs. “Ever since she moved out, Winnie thinks she’s too cool to call her old man.”

My younger sister and only sibling graduated high school and moved to California to pursue a career in acting. After a few years of working odd jobs, she finally got accepted into film school. Winnie is my best friend, but we couldn’t be more different. She lovesthe spotlight, and I will do anything not to be in the center of attention.

“Dad,” I reply, pursing my lips together. “You know that you’re her favorite person in the world. But you have to remember that she’s only twenty-four. She’s off in California, trying to make it as an actress. She’s broke, stressed out, and also having the time of her life. Win’s got a lot going on, but she could never forget about you.”

He nods and smiles sadly.

“I know,” he says in a low tone. “I just miss her.”

“Me too,” I agree. “Maybe you can all visit me when I get settled in Gulf Shores. I’ve heard the beach is beautiful there in the summer.”

“That’d be great, hun,” he grins. “I’m gonna miss you too, you know? I always do when you leave. When you come home, it’s like Christmas for me and your mom.”

A warm light flickers in my chest.

I absolutely adore my parents.

I’m so thankful that in a world full of billions of people, they are the two humans who brought me and Winnie into this world.

“I know, Dad,” I smile. “I miss you guys too. Speaking of Mom, is she up yet?”

“No,” he shakes his head. “She’s still asleep. She stayed up late watching some sappy movie last night.”

“Sounds like Mom,” I scoff.

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