by Jillian Dodd
“I recently broke up with the guy I’ve dated for over a year. We were the perfect couple. Like everyone thought we were perfect, but the truth is we weren’t. I don’t think he was attracted to me. Or maybe he really does want to wait until he gets married, I’m not sure.”
“You’re a virgin? Really?” He can’t help but be extremely pleased by this. The thought of being her first, fills his head. He fights an erection.
She hangs her head. “Yeah.”
He pushes her chin up so she is forced to look at him. “Keatyn, that’s a good thing.”
“My friends think it’s lame. It’s like I’m flawed or not sexy enough.”
“Sounds like your friends have some fucked up values. Sex is not what makes you sexy. I’m very serious about you being in my movie. Every guy in America is going to fall in love with you.” What he doesn’t say is that he already has.
“I highly doubt that. I can’t even seem to get the one guy I like to fall in love with me. And if that isn’t bad enough, my supposed best friend is threatening to tell everyone at school that I’ve never done it. Everyone thinks I did it all the time with my ex. If they find out, they’ll look at me like I’m a fake Prada bag.”
“Grandmother said that you shouldn’t care what people say about you. The people who say bad things are insecure about themselves. When I was young, kids at school used to tease me about my mom. I learned to fight. Got tough. When I lived with Grandmother, she told me that if I had confidence, everyone else would have confidence in me. So I got good at faking it. Now, I don’t even have to fake it anymore. Don’t let them get to you.”
“Okay, I’ll try.”
“I better get going,” he says. He doesn’t want to leave her yet, but at the same time, he knows their epic love story will continue on. That no one will keep her from him. But he has to do this right.
“I’m sorry again about your grandmother.”
“I really appreciate you being here, helping me. Will you give me your phone number, so I can get in touch with you?”
She recites her cell number while he puts it in his phone.
As he walks away, he says, “She’d love the fact that I met the girl I’m going to make into a star on her beach.”
He smiles, knowing that his grandmother would be very proud of him.
His phone vibrating in his pocket takes him out of his reverie.
“Sorry, I’m calling so early there, but I didn’t want him to hear me,” the girl who is on tour with Matt says. “But I think I have something for you.”
His ears perk up. “Go ahead.”
“I found out that his birthday is coming up. It’s December the fourth. We’re still in Hawaii, and, um, I think she might be coming to see him.”
“And you’re telling me this why?”
“Because when he was in Vancouver they saw each other. And he was different for a while after that. He’s finally back to normal. I don’t think she’s good for him. I would think you’d want her out of the picture. I think their relationship is volatile and I think the threat of losing his sponsor, you guys, even though it’s now just a partial one, would make him reconsider.”
“So you’re in love with him and want to get rid of your competition?” Vincent sighs. It’s been a long night.
“My motives are none of your business. You told me to call you if I had something. I have something. Do with it what you want. Goodbye.”
He sits on the beach considering it. The girl’s right.
On his way home to shower before going into the office, he calls his assistant and tells him to book a flight to Hawaii.
When he gets into his office, he finds the Entertainment section of the newspaper on his desk. He sees a headline at the top with Abby’s photo underneath.
The headline reads, Crowds Line Up To See To Maddie, With Love.
He wants to throw the paper away, but stops and scans it, hoping there is information on where the whore is currently. She had a huge press tour scheduled and from what he has heard bailed on them all.
“This is the kind of rare movie that both critics and fans alike will be raving about,” movie critic Tim Steward proclaims.
Fans outside the packed midnight showings were excited to see if Mr. Steward was right. We did our own poll among those exiting the theater, and fans had a lot to say about this film and how Maddie’s story touched them.
“Abby Johnston’s movies usually make me laugh and fall in love,” local resident Alice Truluck said. “This movie made me cry, physically ache, and feel completely uncomfortable. But it still made me fall in love. This is an amazing story of redemption. Abby has to win an Academy award for this.”
Rumors are flying as to why Abby hasn’t attended any of the premieres held around the world this week. Also notably absent from Abby’s life is her long-time beau, Tommy Stevens. Inside sources say a split is imminent.
There’s a photo of Tommy Stevens and a big yellow dog getting on a private plane. The caption reads, He’s moving and taking the dog with him!
Abby left earlier than planned from Vancouver where the movie she and Tommy were filming together has wrapped. Tommy’s publicist said in a statement: “Abby and their adorable children plan to join Tommy in New York, where he will be filming the third movie in the blockbuster Trinity series.”
But a day earlier, Abby’s publicist contradicted that statement. “Like many on the Vancouver movie set, Abby has come down with the flu and won’t be attending the premieres.” And, when pressed further about the health of the couple’s relationship: “Abby will not accompany Tommy to New York. She’s taking some time away from the movie industry.”
Those of us who have seen the frightening photos of a too-skinny Abby hope she’s planning on eating during her break.
Vincent calls his friend, Bobby. He knows the casting is mostly done for the Trinity movie and he’s moved on to his next job, but he’s hoping he’s heard some gossip.
But Bobby knows nothing.
He shuffles through the papers, ignoring the numerous articles about how Abby is going to win an Oscar, and focuses his attention on the ones his assistant marked.
Search For The Next Abby Johnston Falls Short
A Breath Behind You Films CEO Vincent Sharpe has been touring the country, looking for the next Abby Johnston to star in their remake of her cult classic, A Day at the Lake. Sources from inside the company say that the search has not gone as planned, and that they will soon have to start looking at more seasoned actresses. Only three roles have yet to be cast. Sources say that Luke Sander, former child star who just wrapped the lead of Danny Zuko in the remake of Grease was rumored to be in the running to play the boyfriend. His publicist says he has withdrawn his name from consideration due to a conflict with another project. No word yet on who might play the killer.
He already knows that answer to that question.
He will.
He finishes his day then goes home and prepares for Hawaii.
In Hawaii, he can’t get close to Matt. His plan was to somehow get close to him, drug him, stuff him into a large case that could contain multiple surfboards, and take him home for filming.
If he’s in place, he knows Lacy will come willingly.
He finds that Matt has security around him at all times.
And the last thing he wants to do is end up in jail. Not when Lacy is waiting for him.
But that doesn’t mean he can’t send him a message.
I'm brushing my teeth when my phone rings with a call from B.
“Hey! Happy birthday!”
“Thanks,” he says. “And thanks for the presents. The skateboard is wicked sweet.”
He's saying the right things, but there's something in his voice. Something’s off.
“What's wrong, B?”
“There was something weird delivered today. Before I opened it, I thought it was from you.”
“What was it? Was it from Vincent?”
“A Malibu Ken doll.
It had a noose around its neck like it had been hanged.”
“That doesn't seem like something Vincent would send.”
“I don't think it was. I'm neck and neck with a real asshole in this weekend’s competition. We have a saying, like when we screw up, that we hung ourselves. I think maybe he's trying to psyche me out. I'm getting ready to go out there. Look, I'm sorry I couldn't help you on the takeover. Um, and, well, there's something else.”
“What?”
“I’m pretty sure I'm being followed.”
“Did you tell Garrett?”
“Well, the security dudes. They've seen him too. It's just all messing with my head.”
“B,” I say softly, “do you remember when we were in Biarritz? When those local guys were giving you shit about how big the waves were? Do you remember what you told me before you went out there?”
“That I'd find control in the chaos.”
“Exactly. The waves were crashing. The guys were saying you couldn't do it. But you went out there and found a wave you could control. That's what you need to do today.”
“Keats, you inspire me in a way no one else can.”
“You know in your heart that you can do it. Sometimes you just need to hear someone say it.”
I hear his name announced over a loudspeaker.
“I’m up.”
I hear him mutter, “Control in the chaos,” before he hangs up.
I get into bed, grabbing my laptop and plugging in my headphones so I don’t wake Katie, and do something I've yet to do.
I log into the live feed of the surf tournament and watch.
The swells are huge. The sky looks dark, like it could storm.
The announcer is loud. I turn the volume off, watch B paddle out, and quickly pop up on his board.
The wave he chose loves him.
He moves like he's part of a symphony of water, waves, and wind.
He shreds the wave. Owning it. Flipping in the air.
I can't even believe how much he's improved.
He comes out of the water with a huge grin, looking like the Brooklyn I loved for so long.
He gets a great score from the judges and throws his fist into the air.
Then a skinny, leggy blonde excitedly hugs him.
I didn't realize while I was watching him that tears were falling down my face.
And in this moment, I finally get the quote, A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
What B just did—minus the blonde—was truly a thing of beauty.
I send him a text.
Me: For the first time, I allowed myself to watch you surf. You were amazing, B. I've never seen you do some of the things you did. Congrats. And I wish I was there to share some cake with you.
Something Vincent was wishing, too.
I get Cooper to let me leave soccer a few minutes early, sneak into his office, and call Damian.
I need to know something.
When he answers, I say, “Damian, in St. Croix you were going to tell me something.”
“Yeah.”
“Was it that B is seeing someone?”
“Yes.”
“Are they serious?”
“You know B. He doesn't really do serious. I met her in Japan.”
“What was she like?”
“She works for one of his sponsors—selling t-shirts and modeling bikinis in their tent—so she travels around with the tour. She's blonde, cute. Honestly, she reminds me of you. But . . .”
“But what?”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but she reminds me of the old you.”
“The old me?”
“She does whatever Brook tells her to do. When you guys were touring with us, when he was complaining, all that mattered to you was keeping him happy. Even if it didn’t make you happy. It wasn’t until that last night in London that you stood up to him.”
“So you don’t think it will work out if we got a second chance?”
“I’m not saying that. He’s changed too. He’s not high all the time. He’s more driven and focused. And, for god’s sake, he has a Vuitton duffel bag. I about fell out of my chair when I saw that. All I could think about was your argument about good luggage.”
“That makes me laugh, Damian.”
“Remember what I told you on beach?”
“About living now?”
“Yep. And, selfishly, I’d like you to marry Aiden, so we can be in-laws.”
“I saw you on the cover of the new Teen Beat.”
“And page twelve of People magazine.”
“Please make sure no one photographs you and Peyton together.”
“They won’t. It’s going to be a long, lonely week. Video chatting just isn’t doing it for me. Well, it sorta does it for me. Last night she was wearing a hot little nightie.”
“Do you and B talk much?”
“I talked to him on his birthday, but we’re both busy and, honestly, what we’ve always had in common is you. So, not to change the subject, but I wrote a song for Peyton.”
“The one we worked on at The Crab?”
“No, that’s not finished. This is a new one. I was thinking about singing it to her this weekend, but I don’t want her to think it’s dumb. If I play if for you, will you tell me if it’s lame?”
“Tommy says you know who your true friends are if they’ll tell you the truth.”
“And I know you will. Hang on, let me grab my guitar.”
I wait for a second, then Damian says, “I’m putting you on speaker. Here goes.”
“When the stars come out at night,
It's like when you walked in my life.
Burning so bright,
You became my light.
Oh-ooooh-ooooh-oooh,
Burning so bright.
We’ll light up the sky,
Like a meteorite.
With our hearts full of fire,
We’re pulsing inside.
Sparked by the flames
Of a burning desire.
Oh-ooooh-ooooh-oooh,
Burning so bright.
We’ll light up the sky,
Like a meteorite.
The day we said goodbye
Nearly broke me inside.
And the light won't return
Until you're in my arms, girl.
Oh-ooooh-ooooh-oooh,
Burning so bright.
We’ll light up the sky,
Like a meteorite.
Oh-ooooh-ooooh-oooh,
Oh-ooooh-ooooh-oooh.”
He stops strumming his guitar.
“Damian, I’m in tears. The part about saying goodbye. It’s beautiful. And I love the long oohs. Your voice is just so damn dreamy. You seriously amaze me. I don’t think I could ever write something so beautiful.”
“You wouldn’t change anything? Nothing sounds dumb?”
“I wouldn’t change a word. Just know that she’s totally going to cry. She’s a lucky girl, Damian.”
“I think I’m the lucky one. I’m glad you like it. Do you think it’s good enough for me to share with the band?”
“Hell, yes. Is it harder for you to share the ones about her?”
“Yeah, they’re so personal that I lose my ability to be objective.”
“You shouldn’t. You sang that with so much emotion it gave me goose bumps. Hey, random thought, but make sure there are no pics of our families together lying around when she comes to your house.”
“I’m one step ahead of you. All right, I gotta get to the studio.”
“Bye, Damian.”
I lean back in Cooper’s chair, replaying Damian’s song in my head and thinking about B. I know that the day we said goodbye broke me inside.
But I don’t really feel broken anymore.
I just need to figure out a way to keep him safe.
And I think I know how.
Me: I’ve been thinking about your safety. You should take the photos of me off your Facebook page and start putting up photos of
you and her. Maybe if Vincent thinks you’ve moved on, he won’t feel the need to follow you.
B: I’m sorry about everything. I think it’s good we’re seeing other people.
Me: You’re not jealous?
B: I’m trying not to be. It’s kind of like when I told you I was going on tour. You said you were happy for me, just not happy for you. That’s kind of how I feel.
Me: That’s kinda how I feel too. I saw her hug you after you surfed. I couldn’t help but wonder if Vincent hadn’t happened if that would’ve been me. Or if you’d have been with her anyway.
B: Remember what I told you? That it doesn’t matter where you’ve been, Keats, only where you end up.
Me: I remember.
B: It’s where we END UP THAT MATTERS.
Me: I want to be back on our beach.
B: We will be. And we’ll figure it all out then. Damian told me what you did. How you danced at a club in front of Vincent. Part of me thinks you’re crazy. Part of me thinks you’re really brave.
A few days later, Keatyn is sitting in class watching a movie.
And somehow it’s triggered . . . something.
Caused it to gnaw at the corners of my brain.
It’s a thought.
Or a memory.
Trying to get through.
