by Jordan Ford
“I don’t know. I don’t care.” She shrugs. “What I care about is you. Showering. At the beach!”
I huff and shake my head. “It’s none of your business.”
Her glossy lips part, her dark eyebrows making a sharp V above her nose. “As your closest cousin, I am offended by that remark.”
I roll my eyes again.
“Come on, Ace, I care about you.”
I used to love it that she called me Ace. It was our thing. I was her ace cousin, the swimmer who could beat them all. But I’m not an ace anymore. And she knows it.
Now she just calls me that to mock me—I can tell by the amused glint in her eyes—and it pisses me off. I need to wrap up this conversation real quick. Not only is it annoying me, but Savannah and Skylar can only go so long without seeing each other at school.
Any minute now, Savannah will come around the corner looking for her best friend. Things are super awkward between us. Again, Skylar knows this, and her evil side obviously wants to play. I swear, if she were a Disney character, she’d be that evil chick who was keeping Rapunzel in the tower. Gothel something. I can imagine Sky going to those kinds of lengths to stay young and beautiful. She’s the hottest property at this school, and she uses that power to her advantage.
Shuffling closer, she rests her shoulder against my locker so I can’t open it.
I narrow my eyes at her, and she gives me a simpering grin.
I sigh. “What do you want, Sky?”
“You’ve had your pout. It’s time to join the real world again. I’m throwing a beach party this weekend, and you have to come.”
I’d heard about her planning some event. That’s what she loves to do. She must get it from Aunt Marlo. That woman knows how to put on a party.
Everyone’s been talking about Skylar’s beach soirée. She’s calling it that to make it sound classy, but it’ll just be the standard bonfire and booze-fest it always is. Loud music pumping from a Bose speaker, red Solo cups littering the sand, couples draped all over each other while they use dancing as an excuse to get vertically hot and heavy.
It’s going to be a huge deal. Everything Skylar does is a huge deal.
“I’m not sure.” I give her a noncommittal shrug.
She, of course, ignores this and acts as though I’ve just said yes. “It’s on Saturday night and Savvy’s going to be there. I’ve told her to look out for you.”
I frown and gently shove her off my locker. “Why?”
“Because she misses you.”
I still, hope sparking in my chest for a brief moment. “She said that?”
Sky grins. “Well, she’s not going to openly admit it, but she’s my best friend. I can practically read her mind. I think she regrets breaking up with you, but she figures you don’t want her anymore because she hurt you. She’s such a sweetie. I’ve told her to just talk to you, but she’s too nervous. It’s not like your lazy ass is going to do it, so I’m helping you two out.”
I pause, my eyes narrowing as I try to sniff out some prank or ploy.
“Don’t look at me like that.” She frowns. “This is legit. You know you want her back, and I’m providing you with the perfect opportunity.”
I don’t say anything and try to read her expression. If Savvy and I did get back together, Skylar would take all the credit. Is that why she’s doing this?
Skylar rests her head back against the lockers, her dark locks smooshing against the metal. “Aidan, come on. Don’t be a douche. Savvy is sad without you. You guys were great together, so do something to make that happen again.” She lightly slaps my arm to really drive her point home.
My lips twitch with a grin. “Yeah. Yeah, I guess.”
“So be there.” She pushes off the lockers and smooths down her hair. She’s getting ready to strut off down the hallway, but her eyes start to sparkle as she spots something behind my back.
I turn to my right and see Savannah waiting at the corner. She’s watching us, her big brown eyes curious. I’ve always loved her brown eyes—those pale, nearly amber orbs with so much sweetness and soul.
“Promise you’ll come,” Skylar whispers and then points at me. “Say you promise.”
“I promise, Sky.” And then instantly wonder if I’ll regret it.
Skylar’s triumphant grin makes my doubts scream to the surface, but she’s already strutting away. She’s nearly reached Savannah’s side when Craig appears around the other corner and sweeps her off her feet with a growl. She screams and then giggles, her short tartan skirt riding up as she wraps her legs around his waist.
They start making out in front of everybody, like two hungry beasts.
It’s disgusting.
I turn away from it, but then can’t help glancing back. Skylar’s gripping the back of Craig’s hair, taking control of the kiss. She’ll pull away in a second, say something sassy, and then he’ll drop her back to her feet.
They’ll then walk to class like the king and queen of cool, their chins held high as they expect the world around them to fall into line.
Skylar’s always been like that—strong and so sure of herself. Even as kids she liked to boss me and Grayson around. Being in control is her thing. I don’t know how she always gets away with it, but if Skylar wants to make something happen, she will.
There’s no stopping a girl like that.
A girl who gets what she wants, no matter what.
16
A Place to Call Home
HARLEY
It’s not often that I get exactly what I want, but as I tuck my phone into my back pocket, I break into a happy dance. Just a little one and super short. I’m not normally a happy dancer, but…
Aidan said yes!
He said yes!
Even though we surfed this morning and I didn’t expect to see him again until Sunday, he replied to my invite for another surf.
The conditions are perfect for him, and when I saw the late afternoon report, I just had to see if he was keen for a second session. I’ll make this one free of charge. It won’t be a lesson, just a chance for Aidan to practice some more.
Nerves trill through me as I wait for him to arrive.
I actually asked if he could pick me up from my place, as it’ll be quicker to get to the beach and we can get in at least forty minutes before the sun sets.
Mom’s not home, so inviting him over isn’t as scary as it normally would be. There’s no way in hell I want Aidan encountering my mother. I don’t know what kind of family he comes from, but I’m guessing they’re whole and complete. I bet his mother is beautiful and his father is smart. He mentioned an annoying little brother the other day, and I could see it all so clearly—the all-American family with their tidy house and white picket fence. Parents with jobs you wouldn’t be ashamed to tell anyone about. Meals around the dinner table, play fights between the brothers, an annual Christmas photograph, and of course a massive turkey for Thanksgiving.
It’s nothing like my life.
Last Thanksgiving my mom was working, and I ended up at the beach, wrapped in a blanket and eating a limp Caesar salad from Freshmart.
We don’t do family dinners around a table with lively conversation. All I’ve ever known is me, my mom and whichever boyfriend happens to be around at the time. Thankfully Mom’s current squeeze is deployed on some aircraft carrier. I don’t know which one, and I don’t care. I can’t stand Mr. Navy. The guy’s a creep.
I think that’s one of the reasons I try so damn hard to be different from my mother in every way I can. I don’t want to end up old and miserable, having dated a string of losers who never stick around.
When I was a kid, I used to dream that one day my dad would show up and he’d whisk me away to a normal life. The kind portrayed on TV shows, where everyone in the house ultimately loves each other, even if they do bicker and argue sometimes. My father would welcome me into his family and I’d be brought up by his sweet wife, have siblings to play with, and even a puppy named Rocket.
Why the hell did she even keep me?
Some days, I honestly don’t know.
I never knew my grandparents, so she must have done all the baby stuff on her own. Maybe she used to love me when I was cuddly and cute. Maybe she still loves me now. I’m not sure.
I try not to think about it.
All I can focus on is becoming the opposite of what she is.
Drying the last plate, I stack it in the cupboard and am satisfied the kitchen is clean enough. The living room is a total mess, but it’s not like Aidan will be coming into the house, so I walk through the clutter and head to the bathroom.
I change into my blue bikini and throw a rash guard over it. Snatching a towel off the railing, I shove it into my backpack along with a dry T-shirt. Throwing on my denim shorts, I zip the fly, then jump into my flip-flops before heading out front.
It’s probably best that I wait for Aidan outside. I don’t really want him entering my crappy little house. It’s bad enough that he’ll see the outside of it.
Why the hell did I ask him to pick me up here?
I suddenly regret my decision.
Everything can’t always be about maximizing my time in the water.
Yanking out my phone, I’m about to text him that I can just meet him at the beach when his car appears in my driveway.
“Hey.” He grins at me, his head popping above the windshield.
Of course he owns a convertible.
I should be grateful. That tousled hair look really suits him.
“Will the boards just fit in the back seat?” He gets out of the car and starts walking towards the carport.
He doesn’t seem bothered by the clutter. His eyes are on the longboard, and he looks like he’s hungry for a surf.
This weird kind of elation blooms inside my chest.
He’s getting into it.
He loves it, just the way I do.
I clear the butterflies out of my throat and say, “Yeah, we can make it work.”
“Sweet.” He picks up the board and starts carrying it to his car.
I snatch my shortboard and follow him, helping him arrange the boards so they’re sticking up in the air out the back of his car.
“Nice ride,” I murmur as I slide into the passenger seat.
“Thanks.” He gets behind the wheel and starts up the engine.
“Was it your sixteenth birthday present?”
He stops reversing just so he can throw me a withering glare.
It makes me laugh and I wipe a hand over my mouth.
“You and your notions,” he mutters, shaking his head. “It’s like you think I’m some TV character from a teen drama series about rich bitches and their hot boyfriends.”
I giggle at the voice he’s putting on, then quickly bite back the sound. Giggling is so incredibly girly, and I hate it when a sound like that comes out of my mouth. Unfortunately, it seems to happen a lot around Aidan. The guy knows how to make me laugh, and teasing him is just so much fun.
So I keep going. “I can’t help it, you’ve just got pretty rich boy down to an art form.”
“You promised not to call me that, Harley Quinn.”
I wrinkle my nose at him.
Touché.
I decide to play it safe and change the subject. “So, how was school?”
“Good.” He spins the car around and starts heading for the beach.
He seems lighter this afternoon. Happier.
“What made it good?” I quietly hope he says surfing, but instead he pops my sparkly balloon with a reality pin.
“Turns out my ex regrets breaking up with me.”
“Oh.” I force a smile. “Well, that’s cool.”
“Yeah. There’s a chance I might be able to kick things off again this weekend.” He swallows, keeping his eyes on the road.
I’m glad. I don’t want him looking at me. I have no idea what my face is doing, but my heart is deflating, shriveling up like a melting piece of plastic.
But this is a good thing.
I’m not into Aidan.
I mean, I don’t want to be, so the fact that he’s after his ex-girlfriend is perfect.
Now our friendship can just be about surfing, and that’s all I really want out of this anyway. I bob my head like I’m not disappointed and torture myself by asking his plan of attack.
Who knew a trip to the beach could take so freaking long?
Who knew listening to plans of a bonfire beach party could hurt so bad?
As we round the corner, I spot the sparkle of the water and focus all my attention on the ocean blue. Once again those faithful waves will rescue me.
They’ve never let me down before.
And I can’t imagine they ever will.
Unlike people, you can rely on the water.
It’ll always be there, no matter who you are or what choices you make.
It doesn’t change its mind about you.
It just calls you home.
17
Questions That Don’t Want to be Answered
AIDAN
Harley’s gone kind of quiet. I don’t know what I said to annoy her, but her lack of response over a question that she asked me is way awkward.
So I stop talking.
As soon as I park the car—which yes, my parents bought me, but not for my birthday, and as soon as Grayson gets his license, we’re expected to share it—I suggest we get in the water.
This makes Harley smile, so we unload the car quickly and rush down to the waves.
As soon as the cool water hits my skin, I feel that sense of home envelop me. Harley always talks about the water being her sanctuary. For me, it’s like a playground. I haven’t felt so free and liberated in a long time. Rather than a sense of peace and calm, I get a rush. And I love that feeling.
Running my board out to the waves, I watch the water carefully, tracking a building wave with my name on it. I spin the longboard around and lie down, ready to start paddling. As soon as the board starts to lift me, I plow my arms through the water, gaining speed and then rising to my feet.
“Woohoo!” I yell, nearly losing my balance. I quickly correct myself, bending my knees and riding with the board.
“Go, surfer boy!” Harley yells behind me. Her laughter is free and easy.
I’m glad whatever tension was lingering in the car has been broken.
Broken by the magic of the water.
I ride the wave for as long as it will carry me, then flop into the water with a splash.
When I stand, Harley is up on her board, carving up the wave with quick swipes and turns. She’s freaking awesome.
I hope I can be that good one day. Although I won’t be able to do any of those tricks until I get a smaller board.
Looks like I will be board shopping this weekend. I’ll have to ask Harley’s advice. Maybe I should see if she wants to come with me.
I like that idea.
Spending a day hanging out with Harley and looking at surfboards.
Man, I kind of love it.
The thought makes me pause.
Should I love it? Or am I walking on dangerous ground?
I’m trying to win Savannah back. How would she feel about me spending the day with another girl?
I think about my ex-girlfriend’s sweet face, gather up those precious memories that I’ve been trying to avoid. If Skylar’s right and Savannah does want me back, then I can’t screw it up.
But it’s not like that with Harley. She’s my surf instructor. A friend at the most.
“Are you coming back out or what?” Harley shouts.
I shake my head, flicking the confusing questions to the back of my mind.
Right now, I just want to have some fun.
With a grin, I push my board back ou
t to the waves and get lost in the perfect distraction.
We stay out there until the sun is a burning semicircle on the horizon. It’s starting to get too dark to surf, and I suggest we head in. Harley doesn’t fight me on it, but it’s impossible not to notice the disappointment we both share. We’re not ready for the fun to end.
As we’re toweling off, I blurt out a question before I think better of it. “Hey, you want to have some dinner? I could murder a burrito or some tacos right now.”
“Ooo, I know a great place!” She flicks the towel over her shoulders. “Why don’t we drop the boards back at my place, get changed, and then we can head there? It’s super cheap and only like ten blocks from my house.”
“Sounds good to me.” I smile at her, then follow her up the beach, all confusing questions shoved deep into the recesses of my brain.
18
Corn chips, Guacamole & Real Talk
HARLEY
Hanging out with Aidan is fun.
I was stoked when he suggested dinner together. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him, and I said yes to his invitation before thought could stop me.
Was it the right thing to do?
As I dip my tortilla chip into the guacamole, I tell that question to eff off. I just need to enjoy the moment—the crunch of the chip, the creaminess of the avocado, the squareness of Aidan’s chin, the husky depth to his voice. I chew and swallow before I start working my way down his body.
“So yeah, then we moved here.” Aidan grabs a chip out of the bowl and scoops out a huge mound of guacamole. He’s already demolished two burritos. I’m stuffed to overflowing after my fish tacos, yet we still can’t stop nibbling the leftovers.
I force my eyes away from his mouth and ask, “You like it? Ryder Bay?”
He nods and finishes chewing. “It’s pretty awesome. I mean, living right on the beach, you can’t really beat that. Our house overlooks the water, and that view is good for the soul, you know?”
