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"Yeah, I knew they would. When we took over the shop, they only sold surfboards, but skaters like to skate up and down the boardwalk and around these beach shops. I was surprised they limited their inventory the way they did. Down the road, I plan to order snorkel gear and hopefully pair up with someone to offer scuba lessons."
"Bryce, when did you get so business savvy?" He eyes me up and down, his gaze lingering on my stomach before I snap my fingers. "Eyes up here." He laughs.
"I've always been business savvy. Maybe you've just been too focused on other things to notice." He shoots back sarcastically before storming out of the shop.
Shocked by his apparent displeasure with what I thought was a lighthearted comment, I awkwardly turn to Vivian to see if she read the situation the same way I did, as a complete overreaction. Instead, she rolls her eyes, clearly exasperated with the situation. "Let's take that lunch break."
That's when I notice Aiden sitting on the floor in the corner, unpacking a box of surfboard wax with a scowl on his face. What the hell did I do to piss everyone off?
I throw the clipboard I was using to take inventory on the counter and walk out.
Vivian and I are finally sitting on the beach eating street tacos and drinking Coronas. Yes, we are drinking beer at lunch. Why not?
"Maybe we shouldn't help out at the shop," I suggest. "Maybe living under the same roof and working with them is way too much time spent together."
Vivian finishes her taco before pulling her tank top over her head, revealing her yellow bikini top and naturally toned stomach. I swear some girls are just blessed with fit bodies they don't have to work for. The girl just ate tacos, and she doesn't even have a pooch. She pulls her hair up into a messy bun and then lays down on her towel, not a care in the world.
"You don't have to ask me twice. I felt like we should be soaking up the sunshine this entire time. I'm just following your lead."
"So, you agree Bryce's reaction was probably because we are spending too much time together?"
"Nope, not at all." She slides her glasses over her eyes.
"Care to elaborate?" I ask. Typically, she would just speak her mind, but I think she’s been biting her tongue, waiting for me to show signs that I’m ready to open up.
Sitting up, she grabs her beer and takes a long swig before saying, "Well, if you're in the mood for a dose of reality, sure. But I don't want to make you cry or add to your already abysmal mountain of guilt."
I nod and take a sip of beer. "Let's hear it."
"Well, you told me Bryce left for Florida because of you. He said he wouldn't get over you if he stayed in Missouri, hoping you'd change your mind. Then you come here, and he's supposed to look after you and play house, only to hand you back over to another man."
Yep, that is definitely a guilt trip, but I didn't ask for this, and at some point, I have to stop feeling dejected. Being angry that my plan for my life has been severely sidetracked isn't going to get me anywhere.
"What would you do if you were me?"
Leaning up on her elbows, she smiles before saying, "I would do exactly what we are doing right now. Lay on the beach, eat at food trucks, swim in the ocean, beach bonfires, and sunsets. We only live once, and life is too short to be spent crying over spilled milk. We can't change what's happening. Mason loaned you money, and I know you hate that, but you can pay him back in time. Bryce offered to help. It's not your fault he wants more. I think you just need to roll with the punches like you've done your whole life and leave the feelings out. Don't get me wrong, if you want to run away, we can do that."
I laugh a deep belly laugh, and it feels good. I couldn’t tell you the last time I laughed that hard. That's the thing about my best friend, she is down for whatever and gives zero fucks about all the 'what ifs.' I can waste entire days dreaming up all the adverse outcomes from one choice, while she just says, ‘fuck it.’
Once I'm done laughing, I say, "Thanks for coming with me."
She smiles before saying, "Wouldn't miss this shit for the world."
“Vi, I’ve been meaning to ask. Where do you think Mason came up with all this cash?” I know his dad’s company is doing well, and Mason got an Audi for a graduation present, but I feel like I’m missing something.
Pulling in a noticeable breath, she sits up and straightens out her towel before saying, “The only reason I know where he came up with the money is that he told me right before he let me in on this little trip he was sending you on. I don’t want you to think I was hiding it from you I was just waiting for the right time to bring it up. You already know Mason is working for his dad now. That’s nothing new, but recently, they acquired a security company per Mason’s insistence that it would fit well into the company's portfolio. His dad took the risk, and it paid off. Now Mason is in charge of that side of the company and part-owner. I’d imagine that came with a nice salary.”
I know my eyebrows must be touching my hairline while my mouth hangs open in shock. Mason has always been super smart. I shouldn’t be so surprised. “Wow, that’s amazing. I’m just confused about why he didn’t tell me.” Not only am I confounded, but I’m a little hurt. That’s all great news that I would think he would want to share with me.
Vivi doesn’t miss the disappointment hearing those words from her instead of Mason causes, since she quickly adds, “Gigi, I think he wanted to tell you this news himself. In fact, I know he did. I think he knew I’d question the money, and that’s the only reason he offered up any details to me. You’ve had a lot on your plate, and I think he was waiting for the dust to settle before he shared that news with you.” She might be correct, but it’s also not the first time Mason has kept part of himself from me.
After a few minutes of silence she asks, "So, when are you going to lay the heavy on me?"
Frowning, I know what she's asking, but I don't know if I'm ready to speak what I feel out loud.
She shrugs. "Okay, so you're not ready to talk, I get that. Do you want to know what I think?"
Over the past week, I’d opened up about everything that had happened between myself, Mason, and August, but I never addressed how I felt or what choice I would make when this is all over. Yes, I told August I was his girlfriend but does everything that’s happening now change things? I haven't decided.
