Page 26 of The Rhythm of their Souls

I lightly pat my cheekbones with a pink blush while staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. I went with a more natural look for this evening. I’ve never cared to cake makeup on my face. For one, it is too much work. Second, I hate the taking it off part. And to be honest, if I’m only appealing with my face covered in toxic products, I’d much rather be invisible and unnoticed.

My ashy brown hair falls below my breasts, holding crinkled beach curls. I love the way the salty air works its magic on each strand. I see so much of my mother when my hair is like this. The mother she once was long ago.

After trying on a few outfits I bought before this trip, I go with a sage green flowy summer dress. The straps are around an inch thick, and the front cuts down into a V. It reveals a small amount of cleavage, but just enough to keep it classy. The length reaches right above my ankles with a high front leg slit. I adore all things sage. Different shades of green make me feel at home. How ironic considering my name. I don’t know how my mom came up with it, but I’ve always admired the uniqueness of my first and middle name. See, there are some things I like about myself.

Danielle went all out for tonight, as she should. She did loose curls on her hair, bringing it right above her shoulders. She’s wearing a pink floral crop top with high-waisted denim shorts. Her makeup is flawless as always. My best friend is stunning from head to toe. Chase is most definitely going to choke when he sees her.

We find the boys sitting by the firepit waiting for us. Once we exit off the back deck, they both become mute and turn to look at us. I’m pretty sure Chase has eaten at least three bugs with how wide open he’s holding his mouth. I hear Danielle snicker beside me. Glancing at Theo, I notice him running his tongue along his bottom lip, while making it known that he’s eye fucking me.

It shoots jolts of pleasure through my entire body. Dirty thoughts creep into my mind. I quickly shove them away and lock them out. Get ahold of yourself, Olive.

“Wow, you ladies look fucking hot!” Chase croons at us both.

“The two of you look pretty dapper yourselves,” I say behind a dramatic wink.

Chase is wearing a mint green button-up with khaki shorts. Theo, on the other hand, is in his normal attire. A plain navy blue t-shirt with cream-tinted shorts. I love that he doesn’t even try to dress to impress. He could make any outfit look good. Honestly, all four of us are looking rather lovely this evening.

We park at a different entrance this time, where cars and golf carts line each side of the parking lot. I instantly get a whiff of fresh seafood and a hint of hushpuppies.

My stomach growls at the smell of it. I can’t wait to get my hands on something tasty. The restaurant is swarming with people. The server guides us to the back side of the restaurant to an outside seating area, which is connected to the entrance to the pier. We can hear the band perfectly from here. Right now, they’re playing a mixture of classic blues and rock music.

Either I was close to malnourishment, or the food was that damn good. I cleared my entire plate within minutes. I haven’t had flounder that good in a really long time. Once everyone finished their plates, Theo insisted on paying for our food. I fought him on it and finally gave up—stubborn ass.

The pier is much longer than I expected it to be. The band has set up under an awning near the middle. Chairs wrap around in rows for people to sit and enjoy the music. There’s even a cleared-out area where some are dancing together and swaying to the music. A small tiki bar is situated near the band, making me crave a refreshing lime margarita. And of course, I’m the youngest one in the group and will have to depend on one of them to get me an alcoholic beverage.

Just when I’m planning to ask Danielle, Theo walks up behind me and places his hand on my lower back, which catches me off guard. He leans in close to my ear. I can feel his warm, minty breath hit my neck. “What would you like to drink, my little underage criminal?” he softly whispers in my ear. I barely hear him because of the band’s loud instruments.

I turn my head slightly to look back at him. I reach my arm back, running my hand along his belt loop while making eye contact. I take two fingers and slide them into his pocket just enough to place a twenty-dollar bill in them. I give him a testy grin and lean back to where I am gently pressed against his hard body.

I tilt my head up. My lips are so close to his ear that I picture gently biting his earlobe. Focusing back on his question, I let him know what beverage I’d like to have.

I don’t know what Theo and I are doing to each other, but it feels exhilarating with a taste of danger. And right now, I am enjoying the body high it’s generously feeding me. Something has significantly shifted between us, ever since our talk on the beach earlier today. I’m trying hard to be good. It’s difficult for me to open up when I’ve been deeply betrayed by those I once trusted.

I’m trying to give him the benefit of the doubt. There have been no red flags thus far. If anyone has given red flags, it’s me. Baby steps are in the works, so that’s progress, right?

Whoever is working the tiki bar must want me drunk because I can taste the generous amounts of tequila with each sip. I can already feel the alcohol soaking into my bloodstream, sending warmth through every vein. One thing is that I’m a lightweight, and I drink very little. I got all that out of my system during my teenage years. It’s a very occasional thing for me now. This one drink will probably be enough to have me slurring my words slightly, I’m going to do my best to pace myself.

But damn, this margarita is good, and now I’m vibing with the music that my body sways along with each note. The worries that normally pick and pry are subsiding with every gulp.

I don’t remember the last time I felt this free. I glance over at the three people I’ve been spending the last couple of days with. They’re all smiling, talking amongst each other while watching the small band perform. Danielle is freaking glowing with contentment. I love seeing how giddy she is around Chase. Something tells me their story has just begun.

Chapter 16

The crowd has tripled since being on the pier. There are people all over dancing and cutting up with friends and I presume loved ones. The night is still young, and I am slightly buzzed from my stout drink. Danielle tried to get me another one, but I’m quite pleased with where I’m at, and I don’t want to push my limits. I get Theo’s attention and point towards the end of the pier. I need to break away from all these people for a moment.

As I approach the end of the pier, I inhale slowly and exhale through my mouth. Calming the tingly sensation of nerves that try to surface. This view is remarkably beautiful.

The moon is full and reflecting on the ocean, shining a path to the pier. I grasp the pendant wristlet I got for Nora and me. The waves have calmed since earlier today when we brought the pups out for their walk. I imagine myself floating far from land, the moonlight shining on my body as I drift further away from the shore. Most would find that daunting but for me, it sounds so peaceful.

Theo appears beside me gripping the wooden railing along the pier. I watch him for a moment as he stares out at the horizon. His pronounced side profile could put anyone to shame. I truly appreciate the view of Theo Rivers. Watching how the ocean breeze fondles his golden locks makes me want to reach up and slowly run my fingers through it. My dream pops back up into my head, and it makes me wonder if that’s how his hair really feels.

“Come on, Let’s go,” Theo demands politely.

I shoot him a confused look. “Where are we going?”

He grabs my hand and leads me back towards the direction of the band, looking back at me with excitement in his eyes. “Away from all these people.”

As we pass by the seating area near the band, I spot Chase and Danielle dancing around each other. They are goofing off and laughing hysterically. Danielle looks my way and blows me a kiss. Theo must have told them what we were doing.