We try Google, the phone book, asking around. But we find no information on Mushberry, California.

“Maybe the old dude was talking crazy and this place doesn’t exist,” Leah says, taking a bite of her ravioli. The small café is not very crowded, but we picked a table in the back so no one can overhear.

I play around with my fettuccine alfredo. “He was telling the truth. I don’t know how to explain, but I just know.”

She takes another few bites. “Yeah, he did know the name and the story behind it, and that there’s one that grows in the ocean. It matches what the girl told us.”

“For all we know, she could be his granddaughter and believes the stories he tells her.”

Leah taps her chin. “Good point. We should have asked the daughter and husband if they’re related.”

I finally take a small nibble. “Forget it. We don’t have time to take a cab over there. And like I said, I feel like he told the truth.”

“What I don’t get is why we can’t find anything about the plant online. Surely it would have been documented in historical books.”

I shrug. “I guess they didn’t want people to know about it. Even back in the late 1800s they kept it a secret.”

She nods as she thinks my words over. “So what happens now?”

“Well, I was hoping we’d find the plant and would leave for Florida tonight. But it looks like we might have to stay another day.”

She smiles. “I’m not going to lie. I’m loving our mini vacation. The only thing we have to do is some shopping and I can die a happy girl.”

My stomach growls, but I can’t seem to get any more food passed my lips. When I offer my plate to Leah, she gladly accepts.

“Some of the locals have to know about the town,” I say.

“We can ask around when we go shopping.” She flashes her teeth.

I laugh. “Okay, Leah. I got the hint more than once. We’ll go shopping after we’re done eating.”

“Woohoo!”

“But I’m not leaving California without the plant. If it exists.”

She salutes. “Aye, aye, captain. And we’ll have to find a hotel.”

As soon as we’re done eating, we ask around and are directed to a large mall. Leah looks like she won a million dollars. As she scurries from store to store, I step up to a few salespeople and ask if they’ve heard of the town of Mushberry. None have.

I sit down on one of the benches, trying to keep my thoughts positive. Every time it seems like we have a lead, we’re just yanked back to square one.

A shirt is held in front of my face. “What do you think?” Leah asks as she shakes it. It has a picture of a blue whale. “Isn’t this the most awesome thing you’ve ever seen?”

I smile. “Is that for me?”

“Yep. We both need some clothes, since we hardly packed anything.”

I hug it to my chest. “Thanks. I love it.” It reminds me of the ocean, Damarian, his family, the war with the sea serpents, how hard Damarian and I fought to be together. It doesn’t make me feel helpless. Rather, it pumps me with determination. We’ve gotten this far, and I’ll be damned if I don’t let us get even farther.

“Okay, no more Miss Nice Girl.” I step up to a woman whose selling custom-made hats. “I’m looking for a town called Mushberry—”

“I’m sorry, but I told you I don’t know—”

“And I’m not leaving until someone here tells me where it is. So make phone calls, speak to your coworkers, or ask your family. I don’t care. But I need answers.”

The woman looks at me like I just threatened to shoot her in the head.

Leah pats my arm. “You’ll have to excuse my friend. We’ve had a long day and are still nowhere close to finding what we need. Is there any way you can get us the information we need? Please, we’re really desperate.”

The woman’s eyes move from me to Leah. “I don’t know…I mean…my son is good at research…”

“Can you please ask him?” Leah asks.

“Okay.” She whips out her phone and walks off to the side.

Leah gently slaps my arm. “Stop scaring people.”

I rub my head. “Sorry, I don’t know what came over me. I guess I’m just so sick and tired of feeling helpless.”

“Don’t lose hope. You feel in your heart that the old dude was telling the truth. Hang onto that.”

The woman returns to us. “My son told me he’d get back to me.”

“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I didn’t mean to sound so harsh. It’s just that…never mind.” I doubt a stranger gives a damn about what’s happening to me and Damarian.

She gives me an understanding nod. “Don’t worry about it. Everyone has stress they’re dealing with.” Her phone rings. “Excuse me.” She steps aside to answer it.

“Damn, I wish my parents were as understanding,” Leah says. “My dad’s always on my case, asking me when I’m finally going to make a decision about law school. Actually, he just wants me to make a decision about something and not spend the rest of my life working at a smoothie shop. If only he knew what I’ve been through and that I need some time.” Her eyes flick to mine. “You’re lucky you told your mom about everything. Keeping so many secrets takes a big toll on a person.”

“Did you ever consider telling your parents?”

“What? That my boyfriend turned out to be a sea monster and nearly destroyed the ocean? That he wanted to kill my best friend, who happens to be a mermaid?” She snorts. “Yeah, right. Besides, that would mean I’d have to tell them that mermaids exist. Not that they would believe me, anyway.”

I take her hand. “Sorry about all of this. Just remember that Damarian and I support you.”

“Thanks.”

The woman returns to us with a road map. “I just got off the phone with my son. He told me he heard rumors about a small town that can’t be found on any map. He’s not sure of the name, but it doesn’t hurt for you to check it out.” She opens the map over the counter and motions for Leah and me to join her. “My son thinks the town should be somewhere around here.” She circles an area with a red pen. It should take you about four hours to get there.”

Four hours? That seems like forever. With every second that passes, I’m breaking further and further away from Damarian.

“Thanks for your help,” I tell her.

She smiles. “No problem. But might I suggest you book a room tonight and travel tomorrow? It’s starting to get late and I’d hate for you two to drive at dark.”

My heart tells me to screw the dark. Every second—no, every millionth of a second—is so important. But my body is begging for sleep. I haven’t slept at all since last night, if those few hours can even be counted as sleep. The same goes for Leah. She’s trying hard to be strong for me, but there’s no mistaking the exhaustion in her eyes.

“Thanks,” I tell her.

She nods. “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Outside, Leah stretches her arms high over her head. “So are we ready for mini road trip number two?” She covers her mouth to stifle a yawn.

“I know you must be tired. Let’s spend the night here and leave first thing in the morning. Of course we’ll have to rent a car which will cost a lot of money, not to mention the cost of the hotel room…”

“Are you sure?” she asks. “Because I can totally keep myself up.”

Liar. “I’m sure. Besides, we have no idea what that town is like. What if like there’s a serial killer there or something? Going at night would be too spooky.”

Leah’s eyes widen. “You’re right! I don’t want to be the star of the best horror movie of the summer.”

I laugh. “I’m sure no serial killers live there. Still, I’d feel better going in the morning.” I check the time. “Let’s find a hotel.”

***

It’s been so long since Leah and I have had a sleepover. Not that this is a sleepover, but it feels like it. We hadn’t packed pajamas, so we’re both lounging on the huge bed in our underwear. Leah put on some lame comedy show that is anything but funny, and we’re having fun mocking it. Always in the back of my mind is the worry that while I’m spending time laughing with Leah, my bond with Damarian is growing weaker and weaker. I need to have faith that we still have time.

“Don’t worry,” Leah says. “It’ll all work out.”

“I’m that obvious, huh?”

“Well, the guy just said the most offensive thing against women in the world and I didn’t hear a reaction from you.”

“Oh, sorry.”

She waves her hand. “It’s okay. I kind of can’t stand waiting around, either. Nighttime can be such a bore.”

That gets her a small laugh.

“Too bad we’re not near the ocean,” she says, “It would be awesome to surf on the Pacific.”

“We can still go early tomorrow morning. Maybe catch a few waves before we leave.”

She clasps her hands in a begging manner. “Ooh, can we?”

The least I can do is make this trip enjoyable for my best friend. She’s awesome for coming with me and putting up with all of this. I don’t know what I’d do without her.

“Wake me up at four, and the ocean will be ours,” I tell her.

She throws her arms around me. “It’s going to be so much fun! I wonder if the waves are different here. Nah, it’s still an ocean. But still, I can tell everyone back home that I surfed on the Pacific.”

I’m so glad to see the shine in her eyes. Surfing has always been one of the things that could take us out of any mood and make us feel better. Leah hasn’t been surfing much these past two years because the ocean reminds her of Jace, but I guess the one here won’t be as strong of a reminder because the war with the sea serpents happened in the Atlantic. I hope she realizes how much she misses it and starts surfing back home again. I miss hitting the waves with her.

“Okay, we need to go to sleep if we want to wake up early tomorrow.” Leah dives under the blanket.

I get under and turn to face her.

“What?” she asks, most likely seeing the smile I’m trying to hide.

“Nothing. I’m just glad to see you excited about surfing again.”

She frowns like she hasn’t realized how she’s been behaving.

“No, don’t feel bad,” I quickly say. “I’m so happy to see you this way. I hope you’ll feel more comfortable getting back in the ocean in Florida.”

She stares off in the distance. “Wow, I didn’t think about Jace at all since we started discussing going surfing. It’s like I’ve entered a new life.”

I grab her arm with both hands. “Please don’t tell me you want to move here and start over. I want you to be happy, but I wouldn’t be able to stand you living so far away.”

She blinks a few times. “Move here?” She gets that faraway look again. “No way. I can’t move away from my friends and family. Plus I have Armando.”

“Yeah, because he’ll die if you leave him,” I mutter.

She rubs her forehead. “You know, maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I don’t have any bad memories here. Maybe that’s what I’ve needed all this time: a fresh start. It’s the only way to completely forget about Jace.”

I can’t be selfish. I can’t be selfish. As much as it hurts, I need to push Leah’s feelings before my own. “You have everything here,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “The ocean to surf, a beach which probably has a plethora of smoothie stands to choose from...”’

She sticks out her tongue and whacks my arm.

“And you can decide if you want to go to law school or just enroll in college. The future is full of possibilities.”

She rolls onto her back and stares up at the ceiling. “I can’t believe I never considered this before.” She closes her eyes and sighs. “The thought that I can finally move on…that makes me feel really excited for the future.”

I squeeze my eyes shut. I might lose Damarian, and now I might lose Leah as well. I don’t know how much ache my heart can take, but I need to do what’s best for Leah, and if that means letting her go, then that is what I’ll have to do.

My eyes spring open. “You know…if I’m no longer bonded to Damarian…” My voice quivers. “I guess I’d need to start over, too.”

Leah takes me in her arms. “I’ll do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen.”