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That moment, right then, had made it worth getting up early on the small amount of sleep I’d gotten.
But like a druggie, my high was short-lived, and I already found myself searching for the next wave.
I climbed back on my board and paddled back to the guys.
Brady whistled. “Hells yeah, man, now that was amazing. No wonder you’re a legend.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m a legend.” I sat up and crossed my arms over my chest with my eyes narrowed on the horizon.
“That’s what all legends say,” Brady jested, reaching over to punch my arm.
I shrugged him off. I’d never taken compliments well.
Before I could catch another wave, we ended up heading back to shore due to Ollie’s continuous complaints about his hunger. It was irritating because Ollie was always hungry. The guy was rarely without some sort of snack in his hands. I didn’t think he ever got full.
As much as I would’ve rather gone home and been by myself, I knew all the guys would’ve given me a hard time for that, so I sucked it up.
We met at a local restaurant that had some of the best pancakes in town. The pancakes sort of made up for having to endure actual socialization.
I’d always been a bit of a hermit, but it’d gotten worse since I moved to California. I didn’t do well with people I didn’t know, and it’d taken a while for me to warm up to Olli
e, Jeremiah, and Brady. Even then, I was closest with Ollie out of the three, and he was kept at arm’s-length.
Nobody really knew me.
And that was because I didn’t even know myself.
Ari
My day was not going according to plan.
First, I overslept, and from there everything spiraled out of control.
I discovered that while Liam had gotten me clothes, he hadn’t thought about shampoo or conditioner. Not that it was his responsibility, but it was my first day at the restaurant, and I couldn’t show up with greasy hair. That certainly wouldn’t score me any points.
I took a deep breath.
Maybe I could borrow Liam’s shampoo. That would be better than nothing, right?
The thought of asking him for it made me sick, though. He’d probably be all pissy, and I didn’t really want to deal with that, but I had no choice.
I always seemed to have no choice.
I eased open my bedroom door and peered out into the hallway. Sunlight streamed into the loft area from the big window above the front door.
“Liam?” I called hesitantly.
Nothing.
I eased down the hall to his room.
The door was wide open, and his bed was made. His room looked as neat as the rest of the house. He was probably the type to walk around with a white glove on to see if he could pick up any dust off the furniture.
I tiptoed into the carpeted space. “Liam?” I asked again, searching for a bathroom.
Still, there was no response. I figured he was out on the beach again.
I hoped, at least.
