Page 48 of Summer Love

I take a sip of coffee. It’s lukewarm now.

Jace…

Maya doesn’t push.

“You’ve got work to do, but it’s a beautiful house, anyway.”

I manage a small smile.

“Did Jace tell you about it? The house, I mean.”

About me, I want to say. Maya shakes her head.

“He doesn’t talk much. Nada. If you want info on Jace Walker, you’re better off watching than asking.”

She’d know.

I turn the cup between my hands. I’ve wanted to know since Monday. Since I saw Maya put her hand on Jace’s shoulder and my brain filled in the blanks all by itself.

This girl is beautiful, funny, warm. And nice, on top of it. That’s almost worse.

“You and Jace… have you been together long?”

Maya stares at me, then bursts out laughing.

“Jace? My boyfriend? ¿Estás loca?”

She’s still laughing. Her eyes shine.

“No, no, no. Jace is not my boyfriend.”

I breathe easier. Maya’s not his girlfriend.

She wipes the corner of her eye before going on.

“Two years ago, Jace helped me out. I was in deep shit. I needed a roof over my head, work, something steady. He gave me a job at the surf school and found me a place to stay. Kai was already there. Jace had helped him too. We both live at the lodge, in the long-term cabins.”

She takes another sip, then adds with a half-smile.

“Miles tells everyone Jace takes in stray dogs and busted-up people. Kai and me, we’re in the second category. Well, I hope so.”

It doesn’t square with the guy who told me “You’re not dead,” who cranks the volume the second he spots me.

“What happened between you two?” Maya asks gently.

“I’d rather not talk about it.”

“Okay.”

She doesn’t push. Her eyes slide to the water jugs lined up against the wall. The empty one on its side, and the other two partly drained.

“You still don’t have water,” she notes.

“No power, either. But I’m managing.”

“You know there’s a hose at the surf school? The one for rinsing the boards. You could fill your jugs there. Easier than hauling everything by bike.”

“I don’t think Jace would go for that.”