AllFreeNovel
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“Just concentrating on the surf,” Zane lied. “Nice ride for an amateur.”
“You left it wide open for me.”
“I’m nice like that.”
“Yeah, not usually. What gives? You handed over the win today, dude. You’ve got me worried you’re thinking about going SHE full time.”
The announcement from SHE had gone live a week ago, and the congratulations and kudos continued to pour in. He had his new position on his mind, yes. To be chosen for this role was his greatest accomplishment, and for the first time, he felt worthy of his fans. But give up the tour? No way. After his dismal performance today, knocking him out of the competition and leaving it wide open for someone else, he was pissed off just enough to want the next one even more.
“And let one of the other guys have all the glory? I don’t think so.”
“That’s a relief. I know you’ve got more championships left in you.”
“Definitely.” He hoped.
They sat in silence for a while watching the waves roll in. The peacefulness didn’t help clear the thoughts plaguing Zane.
“So.” Bryce broke into the quiet. “If it’s not SHE that’s got you preoccupied, what is it?”
Zane shrugged.
“We haven’t talked about it, but I’ve noticed you keeping your distance from even the nice girls since the film festival. Is it because of Sophie?”
Plenty of opportunity had presented itself, but the only woman he wanted in his bed lived in the Treasure State. Zane wove his fingers through the sand. “If I said leave it alone, would you?”
“Nope. You’ve got to get whatever’s bugging you off your chest. And it just so happens I’m a good listener.”
“That minor in psychology is going to make the hair on your chest fall out.”
“Whatever, dude. Talk.”
“I said some terrible things to her and about her. Things I wish I could take back. Things that weren’t true, but at the time I had my reasons.”
“The ‘her’ is Sophie?”
“Yeah. And shame’s pretty much been my constant companion ever since.”
“She called you on it?” Bryce asked, his tone supportive, nonjudgmental.
“She did. And put me in my place. But I hurt her. I thought being in the water and getting back to the tour would help get me over it, but it hasn’t,” he admitted, his gaze on the inky water as sunlight faded.
“You met a girl.”
“Not just any girl.”
He and Bryce exchanged glances. Growing up, he, Bryce, and Danny had used that phrase whenever they’d fallen for a girl and wanted to spend time with her instead of with the other two surf amigos.
Zane let out the breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. “I metthegirl.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“Nothing.”
Bryce turned to him. “No wonder you’re surfing like shit. Dude, you need to get your mind back in the game, and in order to do that, you’ve got to own up to your feelings. Otherwise they’ll keep dragging you down. Apologize, send her flowers, hell, send her a plane ticket to meet you in Portugal for the next event. Write her poetry. Dosomething.” He shook his head. “Jesus, I do sound like I forgot I have a penis.”
“I appreciate it,” Zane said, giving Bryce’s shoulder a quick squeeze.
“Good. Now pick up your damn phone, call her, and start the ball rolling.”
