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And then the car behind us honked.
“Shoot,” he exclaimed, hitting the gas. I noticed he was heading toward the public parking for the boardwalk, though, so I thought I’d won him over.
“Don’t think I’m letting you win,” he said, parking the car. “We’re going to the boardwalk, but just to people watch, not to work.”
“But I...”
“Tillie Ashby, you’re right. I’m stubborn. I swear to you, if you go out there and try to take photos, I will blow my cover by singing a song, and then we’ll be swarmed by paparazzi and we’ll never be able to go anywhere again. My summer will be ruined, and it will be all your fault.”
“You wouldn’t.”
“I would. Now come on. We know you’re capable of working. But like I said, let me do this for you. Get out your phone and call the accountant back. I promise I won’t go overboard; we’ll deposit your missing wages and your medical bills. That’s it.”
I sighed. I didn’t want help. I didn’t want to be a charity case. But I also didn’t want to test if Leo was correct or not.
“I’m paying you back then,” I said. “Once I’m back on my feet.”
“Deal,” he said. “Consider it an interest-free loan.”
I hesitated but got out the phone and spoke to the accountant, directing him to my bank and account. We talked through details and legalities. My stomach sank a little when I hung up, disappointed that it had come to this.
“Now that’s settled, how about we continue the tour? Are you feeling up to walking up to the boardwalk for that people watching? I’ve heard it’s a beach experience you can’t miss.”
“Well, it’s more exciting during spring break, but yes, it’s pretty fun,” I said, not remembering when I’d taken time to do that.
“Then let’s do it. And on the way to the bench, you can tell me all about this photo op job you’ve taken up.”
“Well, there will be some people working the boards. Even singers.”
“Love that. Let’s check it out.”
So, we did, me hobbling up to the boardwalk while Leo carried the conversation and excitedly perused at every shop and person along the way. His excitement was contagious, and I forgot for a moment about finances and how he’d bailed me out. I forgot about Carl and my mother and my situation.
For a while, we were just two people, two friends, hanging out on the boardwalk on a warm day, watching the influx of crowds as the beach waves crashed behind us.
We came up on my spot on the boardwalk, and the man with the banjo was playing a fun song. We stopped, Leo admiring the man.
“So fun,” Leo said, smiling like a little kid and clapping when the song was finished.
“Come on. There’s somewhere else I want to show you,” I said, thinking about one of my favorite places. I crutched away after Leo dropped some money in the tip jar.
“Wait up,” Leo said as I headed straight for the spot.
***
THE WIND BLEW MY HAIR wildly about as we stood at the end of the pier, staring out at the ocean.
“It’s peaceful here,” Leo said.
I nodded, closing my eyes and inhaling the salty scent.
“When I was a teenager, I would come here sometimes and just sit on these benches to think. The hustle and the bustle of the boardwalk behind you and the sea in front of you—it’s just one of my favorite places to come. I haven’t been here in so long.”
We stood for a while not talking, and then I turned to Leo. “Do you have a quarter?”
“What happened to not wanting my money?” he said, raising an eyebrow. I shoved him playfully. He reached into his pocket and pulled out one.
“Come on,” I said, heading over to the viewing device and popping a quarter in. “Take a look,” I said.
