“You’re ridiculous.” I take a second to think about Bristol staying with us, and how it will ruin my chances of bringing anyone home. I’m just glad it’s Spring instead of Summer, because her ass would be looking somewhere else for a couch.
“Don’t worry, Caleb. I won’t cock block you or Coop. I know that’s what you’re thinking.”
“Is not,” I lie.
“Whatever. It’s all you care about.”
We’re going to have to cut the conversation short. I’ve had a long day and the bar is calling my name.
Chapter 6
Kadence
The bickering only gets worse when we arrive back at the beach house. Apparently Davina and Steph wanted to stop by the local liquor store to stock up on Cristal. Unfortunately, they don’t carry it. In fact, after going around the island we discovered no one even has it. She was so pissed she wanted to cancel the rest of our trip and drive back to the city.
I spend the rest of my afternoon out on the balcony watching the horizon and the beautiful sun setting. I swear time stands still in this relaxing place. No matter what’s going on inside of the house, I feel peace and comfort. I still can’t believe a bunch of grown ass women would rather spend their vacation complaining than enjoying it.
Making a call to my parents isn’t necessary, but I’m the type of daughter who always wants the people who love me to know where I am, just in case something happens. Mom always worries, even though she doesn’t admit it.
I decide to Facetime them so they can see the beauty of the island. Mom answers after the third ring and smiles when she sees my face. “Hi, Mom. I’m checking in.”
“I was just thinking about you. How’s the weather?”
I point to my lightweight jacket. “It’s breezy, but not too cold. It’s beautiful here, so tranquil. You’d love it.”
“Have you been doing much?”
“We went kayaking this afternoon. Yesterday we were going to go to the beach, but Mandy had cramps, so we stayed in. We did a little shopping at some local shops, but that’s about it.” I turn my phone around to show her the horizon. “This is my view.”
“It’s wonderful.”
"I hope you have a great time and don't worry about anything here at home or school. Unwind, Kadence. You've worked hard and deserve the break. Live a little. If you don't you'll regret it when you're older."
"I promise I'm having fun, Mom. No worries."
"I'll tell Dad you called. We're getting ready to have dinner. Love you."
"Love you too."
When the call ends my focus goes back to the screaming people in the house. Deciding to avoid them at all costs, I head down the back steps and grab my wristlet from the car as I walk past. Who knows what they plan on doing for the rest of the night? I'm not interested in finding out. All I plan on doing is finding a nice place I can have some dinner and maybe a couple glasses of wine while listening to the sounds of the island.
My walk takes me through a residential neighborhood. Every neighbor I pass waves or offers a hello. One older woman asked if I wanted to borrow her bicycle, though I declined and thanked her for the offer.
This island makes me feel like I'm back in time. There's no hustle or bustle. People walk or ride bikes. They sell seashells on tables in their front yards. Everyone seems to know everyone. They're friendly and welcoming. The air is clean, and while taking my walk I appreciate the quiet. No traffic, sirens or horns.
While sitting on the porch I researched my dining options for the evening. Unlike my companions, I'm open to try new things, like a local diner who is known for its fresh seafood and friendly service. Afterwards, the bar is a short walk upstairs. Apparently the same family owns them. As long as they serve Chardonnay or can make a martini, I'm happy.
Dining alone is strange. There's no wait for me to be seated. I'm given a corner booth looking out at the Main Street. Local stores line the road, all housed in historic buildings. I make a promise to visit every one of them before the week is over.
After ordering from the menu, I sip a fresh iced tea and read about the annual pony swim that takes place every July. From what I understand, it's an unforgettable experience to watch.
My waitress is in her twenties. She walks around with a smile, greeting locals as they enjoy their meals amongst friendly faces. We don't have places like this, well none that my family has ever gone to. This saddens me.
I have to admit, there's a lot about this place my friends would complain about. Take the decor for starters. It's charming with photographs of the town and its people. There are fresh flowers in little vases at every table. The menus are laminated and they use paper napkins. Davina would go ballistic about it being too cheap, but after my first taste of tea, and bites of my meal, I know better than to judge a book by its cover. My meal is scrumptious. It's not about the arrangement of food. Where I'm used to smaller portions being served on big fancy plates lined with both edible and non-edible decor, this plate is overflowing with yummy goodness. The shrimp are cooked perfectly and seasoned with a local made rub. I know, because a jar of it is on every table with the salt and pepper shakers.
My mashed potatoes are fresh, as are the stewed tomatoes I piled on top of them. It feels like Thanksgiving, and by the time I clear half the plate I'm so stuffed I can barely move. As much as I want to try the homemade desserts, I know I’ll combust if I do, so I make a promise to return again before we have to leave.
It takes all of my energy to make it upstairs to the lounge. Several tables fill the space surrounding a full wall of bar. I take the furthest stool and order a glass of wine. Soft music plays from a nearby jukebox, while a few patrons talk loudly amongst themselves. A couple is standing playing darts. Each time they take a turn they high-five each other. I smile, thinking of the simple things in life, the things I’ve gone without in order to achieve a dream. One day I’ll have time for a relationship. Probably by then, I’ll regret all the guys I turned down along the way.
I spot him before he’s able to recognize me. He’s changed his clothes, wearing a pair of dark washed jeans that are complimented by long-sleeved printed shirt. I hadn’t noticed it before, but his hair is longer than I first noticed. When our eyes meet he walks right up to me, as if there are no other seats in the bar. “This seat taken?”
I shrug. “It’s a public place.”
He taps on the counter and is immediately handed a beer, as if he’s here entirely too much. “Sorry about earlier.”
When he turns his attention back to me it’s like he’s confused. “Come again?”
“The kayak tour. I’m sorry for how my friends treated you.”
His smirk says he understands, but what comes out of his mouth is shocking. “I’m sorry, I’ve never met you before. The name’s Coop though, in case you were wondering.”
He holds out his hand, but I’m still too confused to take it. “No. I’m quite sure. You were our tour guide.”
“Must not have been that memorable. I think I’d remember meeting someone who looked like you.”
Was this guy for real?
"Wait. My tour guide's name was Caleb."
"Yeah, it's not ringing any bells and I've been here my whole life. You sure you didn't dream this Caleb guy up?"
I snicker. This guy has to be pulling my chain. "I'm sure."
He keeps drinking his beer, and eventually walks away to chat with some other people. When I know the coast is clear, I decide to ask the bartender. "Excuse me, but what's that guy's name?"
She points to make sure I'm talking about the right person and I nod. "Cooper, why? You into him or something?"
My response is so quick it could be misconstrued as downright offensive. "Oh no. Definitely not."
"Yeah, that's what they all say."
I'm either losing my mind, or someone is seriously messing with me. The longer I sit and watch his body language, the more I'm unsure of myself. Maybe I'm bored and need to keep occupied. I spent two hours with the
guy while in a kayak. I could be mistaken. It's not like I memorized his face. Putting too much energy into something ridiculous causes me to laugh at myself. Just when I'm ready to forget about it, the guy returns for another beer.
"Have we met?"
An air-filled laugh escapes me. "Are you freaking serious?"
He tosses his hands up as if to surrender. "Geesh, woman. I was only trying to converse with you."
I watch him take his beer off the counter and walk away again. I've never felt so small in my life, but instead of cowering in my corner, I wave the bartender down for another drink.
Then, right when I’m focused on downing my cocktail, I hear his familiar voice on the opposite side of me. Wondering how he got away from me so fast, I have to do a double take. I swear it’s the same guy, but he’s wearing different clothes, and his hair is shorter. “I hear you were looking for me.”
My eyes scan the bar until I see the original guy I’d been talking to, and then come back to this one. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“What’s wrong? Coop give ya a hard time?”
Covering my mouth with my hands, I giggle. “I thought I was going crazy.”
He picks up a fresh beer and takes a swig, raising his brows with amusement. “Surprise, twins!”
Chapter 7
Caleb
It’s obvious from the get-go that my northern big tipper is confused. Finding out there are two of us has to have thrown her a loop. It happens often, especially in circumstances like this. I didn’t even have to be here for Cooper to play the part. He’s so used to it going both ways that there’s no longer a need to practice or plan ahead.
While the obvious truth sinks in her pretty little head, I take the liberty of ordering her another of whatever she’s drinking. She smiles when it’s presented in front of her and finishes off the remainder of the one she’s currently nursing.
While I casually scan the room for friends and more trouble I can get into, I notice Coop is talking to Evie and another chick I vaguely recognize. It doesn’t happen very often, so I wonder if we’ve met in passing, or maybe she only comes to the island for work. Either way, I’d like to take the two of them back to the apartment one day for a little private party, unless Coop calls dibs. We don’t share. It’s the only thing I refuse to do with my brother. If I wanted to sleep with that weirdo, I’d climb in his bed at night and cuddle, which I’ve never done, by the way.
After a few moments the female gets my attention by thanking me. “You didn’t have to buy me a drink, but it was very nice of you.”
“I’m a nice guy,” I say in a reminding sort of manner.
“I’m sorry for my friends today.”
“I’d be careful who you call friends. I don’t know your deal, maybe you’re related, but I’d look to finding better company. People like that are just evil.”
“Do you get many of them on the island?”
“That was the worst display of humanity that I’ve ever seen up close and personal. That chick you were with has probably gotten in touch with the local government to have our business license suspended.”
She’s quiet for a few seconds before nodding. “You might be right. She’s not a nice person, and I’m embarrassed to say we’re friends at this point. What she did to you was wrong. How she acted in general was terrible. You were doing your job while she continuously ridiculed you. It was vile. I’m ashamed to admit how long I’ve known her.”
“Family?” I question again since she ignored me the first time.
“No. We’re not related at all. I’m an only child, and my cousins live in other states. Davina and the rest of the people I’m here with all went to school together.”
“I’m guessing it was some fancy place like Hogwarts or some shit.”
My comment causes her to laugh, and I can’t help but wonder how many drinks it’s taken for her to lighten up and not be so serious. Maybe she’s naturally a fun person, but her personality was shielded by her friends’ lack of compassion regarding life and peers. I wonder how many times she’s had to apologize for the bitch.
“How come you’re not out with your crew?”
“All they do is argue. It was supposed to be a relaxing vacation, but it’s been one thing after another, which is such a shame, because I happen to love this island. It has so much to offer, and you don’t know how refreshing it feels to be able to step back in time where people are still so kind and welcoming. We don’t get that often in the Hamptons. Everyone just expects things. Prices are triple what they are here for less product. I could never get a full glass of wine like this at home. It’s usually a third of the glass. This is the kind of place people should want to be. There’s no hustle and bustle.”
I take it upon myself to correct her. “The people on the island work hard for what they have, but we appreciate the little things. Like this bar, for instance, it belongs to my family, my father and his wife. My brothers’ run the best seafood boats around, and we work our asses off to stay afloat.”
“I wasn’t implying that you don’t work hard.”
“Just clarifying in case you were wondering.”
“So you don’t work with your family?” She asks.
“Oh, I do. The kayak tours only run during peak season usually. During the winter I’m on the boats. If there are events on the island, I’m chipping in downstairs at the restaurant. You may not know this yet, but I’m very, very skilled with my hands.”
She snickers while taking a drink. “I bet you say that to all the visiting women.”
“Only the sexy ones,” I admit.
“Oh my god, you’re so honest.”
“Why lie? When I see something I want, I work for it. There’s no shame in admitting it. Why waste time being someone I’m not?”
“Some of us aren’t privy to being able to live so vicariously. I admire your ability to work for what you desire.”
The way the word desire rolls off her tongue does something to me. I find myself drawn to know more about her. “And what do you desire?” I pause. “Sorry, I didn’t get your name.”
“Kadence, with a K.”
“Caleb, with a C.” I taunt.
“I’m guessing you’re always this forward.”
I wink, gulping down the rest of my brew and waving Jocelyn, the bartender, down for another round. “It gets me what I want.”
“Just so we’re on the same page, I thought you were a great tour guide, and would have enjoyed being able to finish without drama. That being said, I’m probably the last person on the island that you’d want to get to know, if that’s what you’re doing at all. I’m not the type of woman to allow total strangers into my bed.”
I literally spit beer all over the place. Talk about being direct. This chick knows what she wants and we’re not on the same page, at least not yet. What she doesn’t understand is that telling me I can’t have or do something, only makes me want it more. Now she’s got my undivided attention whether she wants it or not.
While wiping up the beer from the counter, I let her know what’s going to happen next. “Do you prefer pool or darts?”
“Neither if I’m being honest.”
“You have to pick one,” I tell her with an adamant stare.
She plays with her wine glass as she contemplates how to answer. “I don’t think I’d like either.”
“Darts it is,” I announce. Without asking permission, I take her by the arm and gradually pull her from the bar stool. She’s trying to get away, but I’m eager to prove rejection isn’t in the cards for me tonight.
“The object of this game is to get as close to the bulls eye as you can.”
“I thought you had to hit a different number each time?” She questions, telling me she knows more than she’s leading on.
“We’re going to be playing for time, beautiful, so just focus on the center.”
“Time? As in, you want me to spend time with you?”
“Perhaps.”
&n
bsp; “That’s not fair. You could be really good at this.”
“Oh, I am. Lucky for you, I’m going to play left-handed, with my eyes shut.”
“Well that’s stupid. Why would you handicap your favor?”
“Because it’s worth the opportunity to spend time with you right now.”
I almost laugh at myself as the words leave my mouth. It’s so corny and also a bit of bullshit. I’m ambidextrous, so using my left hand isn’t any different than my right. I’ve also played this game so many times with my brother that I know I can hit the bulls eyes with or without the ability to see my target. For now, I want this woman to assume I’m desperate, so if she happens to beat me, she’ll still feel obligated out of pity.
“What if I win?” She questions.
“If you win, you get to decide my punishment. Just so you know, I’m not opposed to light spanking and whipped cream in the bed.”
Another bout of laughter breaks the seriousness. At least she seems to enjoy my sense of humor. It’s usually my best attribute when trying to seal the deal.
“Has anyone ever said you were hilarious?”
“Not today.”
“Well, you are, but I’ll play your little game. It’s not like I’m doing anything else on this island tonight.”
I lean close to her ear as she takes the first dart and starts to aim for her target. “The night is just getting started.”
Her first shot clips the top part of the twenty and bounces off the metal frame, landing on the floor at our feet. She jumps to make sure it doesn’t hit her, and that’s when I notice her feet. They’re petite framed and manicured with intricate designs on them. I don’t necessarily have a foot fetish, but it is a turnoff when toenails are unkept. Her feet are like a masterpiece. Someone spent a lot of time and money on them. For a second I wonder if she has a boyfriend, but then I reconsider since I don’t care either way.
Taking my first dart, I aim before looking directly at her instead of the target, and with a sly smile, I deliver my first shot. I let her reel in defeat as she sees where it’s landed, before checking it out myself.
The Summer Catch (Oyster Cove Series Book 5) Page 3
