Harvest Moon by Sharon Struth Page A

father, not after what happened between them seven months ago, which strained their relationship further. To the outside world, Frank Jamieson was a well-known partner and founder of a premier law firm in the US and abroad. To Trent, he was the father who’d ignored him during childhood, the lion’s share of his attention devoted to work. Whenever fate brought them together lately, Trent longed for the days when getting high or drunk eased the discomfort the two had always shared.
    Yet tonight, he’d cling to the knowledge that having a clear head would let him enjoy everything else life offered. Truly be in control of his actions. Far better than the way he used to live.
    He’d focus on the other guests, only talk to his dad when necessary. After tossing on a pair of black slacks and a white dress shirt, he reached into the wardrobe cabinet for a tie, but instead grabbed a linen gray sports jacket.
    He went into the kitchen and made a cup of coffee to help him wake up. Taking a seat at the peninsula stool, he logged into his e-mail account. On top sat an e-mail from Etta. He’d been so relieved yesterday when he got her response, thankful his forward remark hadn’t done any damage.
    He opened it.
     
    To: [email protected]
    From: [email protected]
    Subject: Self-help books
    Do you ever read self-help books? As a rule, I don’t, but I came across one called Unleash the Past . I checked it out from the library and now can’t put it down!
    Usually, this genre annoys me. An industry, trying to make a buck off people’s suffering. As I read this one, though, I find myself wanting my life to be different. It’s powerfully written and engages the reader.
    And for once, I feel motivated to deal with my past. Only here’s where I stumble… Telling people close to me still seems far too risky. What if I can’t face things after I open my mouth? There’ll be no escape from their questions.
    But then I figured this… If I told one person about my plan to move my life forward, it could force me to stay strong with this new outlook. Don’t you think?
    That said, I will admit to you—and no one else—how my past has held me hostage for a very long time. Going forward, I’ll attempt to keep an open mind to living my life without the barriers tossed up decades ago. Well, easier to get off my chest than I’d thought. Guess what? I feel a sense of relief.
    Can I consider you my unofficial “face the past” trainer? You could gently guide me through this, not let me off the hook too easily if I try to let it go?
    Am I crazy to let a book make me feel more positive and hopeful? I mean, it’s just a book, but… Right now it feels like so much more.
    Have a relaxing weekend.
    Etta
     
    His spirit lifted at the idea she’d share this with him—only him. Nobody in his entire life ever considered him a confidant, but her belief in him made him feel taller and stronger, basking in a real sense of pride. He hit reply.
     
    To: [email protected]
    From: [email protected]
    Subject: Self-help books
    I’m about to run out, so will comment on self-help books later. About your new attitude, though, it already shines—at least from what I’m reading. Whatever it is you are going for, reach for the brass ring, and I’m positive it’ll make a difference in your life. Remember this: I’ll catch you if you slip. Consider me your new personal trainer. More to follow…
    Ry
     
    He drained the rest of his coffee and closed the computer top. After the negative thoughts about his father, Etta’s e-mail lifted his mood. Despite having agreed with her to keep personal details private, moments like this one made him wish to see her face, hear the sound of her voice. He brushed his teeth, took his keys off the kitchen counter, and left for the party.
    A few minutes later, he followed the road around the lake. His thoughts drifted to Angie. Enjoyable enough, certainly sexy, but lacking in something he couldn’t define. The