“Hey, guys.” Her Spanish-Italian accent came through just slightly. Sofia’s English was nearly perfect, just like Alejandra’s. “Sorry for the timing. I’m working from home and checking on some things. I have a proposal for you.”
“Shoot,” Asma said, after everyone greeted her.
“In the beginning of April, the USL Championship will be here in Ericeira. It’s always a great opportunity for Salacia to find new sponsors, new clients, and basically reach more people. This year, they’ve offered us a stand in the market near the Athlete Zone. It’s the only European tour stop, and they also asked us to lead a few workshops. I was thinking… Why not invite Lamina? You could promote your work, highlight the partnership, and show how aligned we are in terms of values.”
Before Asma could interrupt, she added quickly, “I know it’s not exactly your target audience, but maybe you three could use a break from grey London. The surf world’s more connected than you think. USL partners with a lot of associations. The more visibility you have, the more partnerships you might land.”
Then she paused. “Also… Callum?”
“Yes?”
“Alejandra will be there,” she said, her tone mischievous.
“Why should that matter?”
Fucking hell, it mattered. He was already thinking about booking a flight if it meant seeing her in less than two months.
Sofia sighed. “You two are such idiots. You sent her a care package after Pipeline. You clearly care. She’s been in a shitty mood since the accident, and she won’t shut up about the books you sent her. So just come. Talk to her. Break the no contact bullshit. I’d love to see my best friend in a better mental state.”
“So, just to be clear,” Leif grinned, “is this about Lamina or Alejandra?”
“Both. I really think it’s a great opportunity for Lamina, but it could also help Ale. She’s my best friend. And in thirty-three years, I’ve never seen her like this. I’m trying everything I can to pull her out of it.”
“You’re a good friend, Sofi,” Callum said, his chest tightening. “But we still need to think about it. We can’t all just drop everything and go to Ericeira.”
“Maybeyoucan go,” Asma suggested. “Leif and I stay here, keep things running in London, and you handle the surf town charm in Portugal. You grew up by the ocean. You’ll fit in.”
“I mean, surf people aren’t aliens,” Sofia joked.
“No, but he’s got that laid-back energy when he’s not in a tux,” Asma teased. “He’ll attract people to the stand. Plus, maybe that’ll help him and Ale get closer.”
“Oh my god. Are you onTeam Cale?” Sofia squealed, dropping all professionalism.
“Team what?” Callum frowned.
“Team Cale. Callum and Ale.” Sofia was clearly grinning. “Ilias came up with it and he’s been recruiting everyone since.”
“I didn’t realize we had a fanbase,” Callum muttered, scratching his stubble.
“Oh, please. We’ve seen you two. Ale had a hickey on her neck for five days, and she was glowing. Then she dropped the no contact bomb, and we’ve been scheming ever since. Because when she says no contact, she means it.” She paused, her voice quieter. “But after Pipeline… She's not okay. And I think you could help her feel better.”
Callum didn’t answer, as Asma and Leif checked on his reaction.
“Just talk to her in Ericeira,” Sofia continued. “She clearly likes you, Callum.”
His heart clenched.
“Who said I’m going?” he replied, trying, and failing, to sound indifferent.
“I do,” Asma said brightly. “You’re going. Have fun. Break that stupid no contact rule.”
Callum bit his lip, but smiled. Portugal wasn’t such a bad idea. Not if it meant seeing Alejandra again. Even if it meant waiting another couple of months.
“Good,” Sofia said. “Ale helped me meet Ilias two years ago. Now it’s my turn to return the favor. Even if she’s too stubborn to ask for help.”
Team Cale.People actually believed they could be a couple. Sofia, Alejandra’s best friend, thought they could make it work. Maybe it wasn’t just him and his spiraling thoughts anymore, maybe that could be real if he just could crack Alejandra’s armor. She had opened up to him in Tarifa, but maybe that was different. Maybe she was more of a one night stand girl than a relationship one, maybe she hadn’t actually opened up to him and he was just fooling himself.
Asma interrupted his thoughts. “She couldn’t resist you back in Spain. I doubt she’s going to do it now, knowing how good you are in that department.”
