She swatted my arm. “Don’t be silly. You’re nowhere near cocky, just keep a level head out there. I wouldn’t put you in a bad situation. Rhian went out when she shouldn’t have, and it almost cost her life.” She looked out over the water. “Today’s the perfect day.”
Sean threw his hands into the air and shouted, “I’m the snowboard king; I got this!”
“I swear that guy doesn’t think. I’m ten times better than he is at boarding, and surfing is no walk in the park for me. I can’t wait to see this. It’s going to be amazing.” I wrapped my arm around Easton, and we walked over to the others.
“This should be interesting,” she said.
“You could say that again.”
Easton and I paddled out and sat on our boards to get a good view of the show as Dustin went first. After a few tries, he actually was pretty good. I mean he was no Easton, but he was a million times better than I was.
I watched Sean with his cocky attitude. I knew exactly what he was thinking. Dustin actually sucked at snowboarding and was able to do decently, so he thought he had it in the bag. It was a dick move but I prayed, yes prayed, that he fell.
I held my breath as he got up the first time. He actually did all right but jumped ship before he fell. The next couple of times went much the same, but on the fifth try, he bailed hard. As much as it was entertaining, when the board popped up and he didn’t come up right after, we watched with bated breath, looking around. Easton got up on her board and dove in after him.
What felt like hours later, both Easton and Sean broke the surface. I helped Easton get him up onto the board. He coughed up some water, and I could almost hear everyone breathe a sigh of relief.
We got him to shore where he got up on all fours, coughing and trying to catch his breath. When he seemed to finally even out his breathing, he sat up. “Dude, did you see that? Let’s do it again.” Leave it to Sean to think what he just did was cool.
I shook my head and held back the urge to slap him. “You’re such a douche.”
“What?” He was clueless as to what just happened.
Easton convinced him to rest a little bit and also convinced me it was my turn. As we paddled out, she gave me a pep talk, explaining that what happened to Sean happens to everyone who’s cocky and inexperienced. She wanted me to focus and know my limits.
I nodded as she spoke, although I was terrified. For once, it wasn’t as much about the sharks but rather drowning. Honestly, I wasn’t sure which was worse.
I took a deep breath and went for it. I waited for the wave just like Easton had taught me and stood up when I was supposed to. It was a small wave compared to what you’d see in a movie or what I had seen Easton ride, but I got up nonetheless and rode it all the way to shore. I could hear Easton cheering for me, and when I was done, I looked over at her. Easton’s pride made me feel like I’d won the lottery. I honestly felt like she was the winning prize.
We’d all thrown a dart and I’d won when we landed on Pahokee, California.
Eleven
Walk Away Now
Easton
I’d been lying in bed since I got back from my run, trying to convince Spencer and Carson to let us use the Sea-Doo’s two days in a row. It was not an easy feat. They finally agreed to let us use three of them, which was all right by me, I’d just have to double up with Tanner, and Sean and Dustin could each take their own. We’d planned on taking them out after surfing yesterday, but the guys were exhausted from being beaten up by the waves. I wanted to get Tanner and his friends out on them before they left, so I bribed the guys with free drinks the next time they came into Barangas.
I dropped my phone after finally convincing them and sighed. He’s leaving tomorrow. The thought hit me like a ton of bricks. What was I going to do when he was gone? This was going to be the hardest thing I’d ever had to do.
My phone pinged beside me, so I picked it up, glad for the distraction.
Canadia: Morning, beautiful.
The butterflies took flight in my belly, and I smiled.
Me: Good morning. You guys up for getting back on the water today?
Canadia: Ummmm
Me: Haha. I mean on a Sea-Doo
Canadia: Hell yeah
Me: Awesome, we have to have them back around six, and I could only get three machines, but we can double up ;)
Canadia: Having your arms wrapped around me all day will be a tough day, but I’ll take one for the team.
Me: Wow, that’s such a sacrifice.
Canadia: I do what I can. So, what time do I get to see you?
Me: I’ve got to meet Joe for a little while, but what do you say around two?
Canadia: I’m literally pouting right now, but I’ll take what I can get.
Me: I’ll hurry, and if I finish early, I’ll text you.
Canadia: Sounds good, I’ll be ready.
Ugh, I couldn’t believe that after tomorrow I was never going to see him again. A tear rolled down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away. Suck it up, Easton. What the hell was wrong with me?
I took a deep breath and jumped out of bed to shower. I wasn’t going to sit around, feeling sorry for myself. I needed to get over this shit, and a shower would help.
Things ran a little later than expected with Joe. I’d let Tanner know, but I was disappointed. By the time we got out of the meeting, it was three-thirty, and I was in a horrible mood. But the moment I saw Tanner standing on the dock, my mood instantly perked up.
He smiled as he walked my way. “There she is.” He pulled me in the instant I was within reach. “I missed you.”
I kissed him and pulled him close, not wanting to let go. “I missed you, too.”
“Don’t sound so surprised.” He laughed as he hugged me back.
“I have to admit I am surprised. This last week has been full of new feelings, and it has shocked the ever-loving shit out of me.”
He looked down at me thoughtfully. “I’m a great influence. That’s why I’m not sure what you’re going to do without me.”
My voice caught in my throat. I wasn’t sure how to respond to that as I’d wondered the exact thing. I could feel my chest tighten, and my eyes watered slightly. I swallowed hard and breathed deep, trying to clear this feeling of dread.
His brow furrowed. “I’m sorry.” He kissed me, causing the world to melt away. When he pulled back, I could breathe again. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I was trying to be funny. Clearly, I’m an idiot. Can you forget I said anything?”
“It’s okay. It’s been a long day, and I just want to get out on the water and have some fun.” I smiled a fake smile and kissed him on the cheek.
We lowered the Sea-Doo’s into the water, and I gave the guys the rundown on how to use them. After a few minutes, Sean and Dustin took off. I climbed on behind Tanner and took hold of his waist. The guys circled nearby, waiting for us. When we reached them, they all raced off over the water like bats out of hell.