Page 125 of The Summer Between Us

“How did that make you feel?”

Kelsey’s chin trembled. “I knew you couldn’t go, Rowan. If I lived here with family and Bagel and surfing and friends, I’d never leave ever. You’d hate the city.” Her smile was forced but she was trying. “I tried to explain to Dad that I didn’t want to go back, either. That I like it here. That people are nicer. That they don’t care about stupid clothes or test scores or—” Her breath caught. “That I likememore here. Because of you. But I don’t think he heard me.”

Rowan closed her eyes briefly, the ache moving through her like undertow. How could she blame Everett for doing the best he could? He was still terrified of being anything less than perfect for his daughter. He’d built his life on rules; he didn’t know how to interpret a heart-scream like this.

She reached out and took Kelsey’s hands in hers. “Hey. Look at me.” The girl turned and met her gaze. “Your dad loves you more than anyone in the world,” Rowan said, letting every word land with the full force of truth. “He may not have heard you the way you needed, but he will. I promise you he will. He’s trying so hard, and sometimes when grown-ups try too hard, it makes them stubborn and scared and a little bit dumb.”

Kelsey let out the tiniest chuckle, which helped loosen Rowan’s chest.

“And I meant what I told you,” Rowan continued, brushing a strand of hair off her forehead. “I’m here. No matter what happens. If you need me, you call or text and I’ll stop whatever I’m doing. I’m not going anywhere.”

Kelsey flung her arms around her neck. “I love you, Rowan,” she said softly.

“Love you, too, surfer girl.” Rowan hugged her back, tucking her chin against the girl’s hair, inhaling that faint scent of sunscreen, ocean, and childhood she’d grown so attached to.

After a long moment, Kelsey mumbled into her shoulder, “Can we surf? I just want to stop thinking. And I don’t want to go back yet.”

Rowan leaned back and smiled. “Lucky for you, I happen to know a great spot for avoiding thoughts.”

Kelsey blinked. “The North Shore?”

“Exactly. Grab your board, grom. We’re playing hooky. Text your dad.”

Tino poked his head around the shaping bay, brows lifting. “North Shore again? You two gonna give me a heart attack. Traffic gonna be heavy.”

Rowan tossed him a look. “We’ll leave now. Beat most of it.”

Kelsey wiped her cheeks, sniffling but lighter already. “Can Bagel come?”

“No,” Rowan laughed. “He’s in one of his moods. And no one wants him judging their paddling.”

Kelsey actually laughed. “Be right back, gotta pee.” She disappeared into the tiny back restroom, and Rowan stood for a second, letting her pulse settle.

This girl had cracked open spaces she’d sealed off since her father died. And now she was caught between wanting what Kelsey wanted ... and knowing Everett had to follow his own path.

They walked out into the bright afternoon, boards under their arms. Rowan loaded everything into the truck, and Kelsey climbed into the passenger seat, bare feet up, already looking more like herself.

They headed north.

Everett thought he was driving to Purity, but he ended up at the surf shop.

Cursing under his breath, he stared out the windshield at the mango-colored building. He wanted to talk to Rowan, but he wasn’t sure what to say. Instinct pushed him to see her before he got to work, even though they’d said everything to each other the other night.

His chest tightened. He was getting out of the car when the text came through.

At North Shore with Rowan. Beach party @4. Rowan said I can stay.

Everett sighed and stared at the screen. She wasn’t even here. She was off surfing with his daughter, who adored her.

In that moment, resentment spiked. He should be with them. Holding Rowan’s hand while she laughed and called him Suit. Watching Kelsey catch a wave and ride it in with sheer bravery and joy.

He gave the text a thumbs-up.

Dad, come to party tonight if you can.

It’d probably be the last one he could make. The thought made his gut clench.

Might as well say hello to Tino while he was here and grab a water.