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“Mom.” I choked out a cry as I ignored her wishes and ran over to her, wrapping her up in my arms.
With a kiss to the top of my head, she mumbled, “Summer, those people never knew about secondary drowning. I mean, of course, they knew it existed, but apparently, they saw no signs in Paul.” She heaved the words out in a rush. “Everyone did what they could. Your aunt stayed by his side, the lifeguards, and this amazing son of his managed to get to him so fast. If they hadn’t, I wouldn’t have even had those last moments.”
“Mom. This is…”
“I know it’s hard. I know you and your dad didn’t make it. I was selfish and thought of myself. I had to get there before I called. I should’ve done it sooner. I know you forgave me for that a long time ago.”
“I did Mom. I did,” I cried.
“I wouldn’t have been there to say goodbye if they hadn’t been so fast on their feet. It was the hardest thing in the world to go through. I mean, Paul needed me. Summer, do you get that? I had to get to him. You and he mean everything to me.” She breathed, pushing each word out as she pulled me in close to her.
“I know, Mom. I know.”
“Just please don’t risk anything. Don’t make me regret this decision and please let me know where you’ll be. I… I can’t cope with worrying like I have today.” She breathed, pulling back from my grip. “You’re still my daughter and I’m going to worry. That’s never going to change.”
“I know. I’m sorry for scaring you. Tomorrow I’m going to be with Jess, Amelia, Finn, and Hudson at the beach.” I watched the flicker of panic in her vision appear before she turned her gaze away from mine. “Mom, Finn and Hudson are lifeguards. Please understand that out of everyone…” I took a breath. “I know the panic associated with water.”
“Okay, Summer. I know I need to trust you.” Mom sighed harshly. “Shall we eat now, then maybe enjoy a film?”
“Sounds perfect,” I replied, as my smile spread wildly.
I forced myself to sit through an hour of an action thriller before I excused myself. I hated putting on an act. Mom deserved the truth. I mean, she’d been honest with me. The thing is, had she ever thought maybe I was old enough to decide what I could and couldn’t deal with? I mean, I didn’t have to still be at home. I could’ve had my own family even, but instead I’d stood by her side, scared of how she’d be alone. Without anyone to talk to.
The only thing I was certain of was she’d betrayed me by getting me to leave everything I’ve ever known on false pretenses. I thought I’d be angry—disappointed even—but no, I was happy because if she hadn’t, I’d never have met Hudson.
CHAPTEREIGHT
HUDSON
Where was she? I’d spoken to Finn earlier and found out we were meeting at the beach at midday and now it was after quarter past. I was beginning to panic over why had I left her to go home alone. I know she’d been concerned about her mom finding out about us, but I could’ve waited at the end of the street and watched her go in. What idiot doesn’t? Me, that’s who. I thought she knew what was best and didn’t want to throw off overprotective boyfriend vibes. I wish I had now.
“H? Mate, what is wrong with you today?” Finn asked, throwing a handful of sand at me at which didn’t even make me flinch.
I flitted my gaze toward him and then turned away, back toward the entrance of the beach, counting down the moments until I said fuck it and went in search of her. I was losing it and going caveman. The shadow of Finn’s body laid in my line of vision, and I could feel his questioning gaze darted on me.
“Finn, I’m fine,” I huffed out. I shuffled myself to the side slightly as Finn’s body was blocking my view, not caring if he called me out. If Summer did come onto the beach now, she wouldn’t see me easily with his back laid in front of me.
“Stop with the bullshit. I’ve known you for years.” Finn sighed. “If I’d pulled that move on you before, you’d have chewed me out and probably thrown sand down my shorts before making sure I’d been thrown in the water, just so the grit rubbed my skin and dick the wrong way. Just to piss me off.”
“I would have,” I agreed, solemnly. “It’s just…”
“Summer,” Finn replied, schooling my features carefully. “I thought the girls were just messing. I mean, I was too, but it’s more than just that. Isn’t it?”
“Much more, Finn. I feel like I can’t breathe without her,” I whispered, scared at the vulnerability I’d admitted to my best friend as I tore my vision to face him. “She has me in knots completely, and I don’t know what to do.”
“Go and get her,” Finn uttered shyly. “I know you think this with Jess…” His smile broadens wildly as he glances at his girl sunbathing next to Amelia on some rocks that overcast the ocean. “That it’s all a game, but it’s not. I care for her a lot. I can’t be without her, so I get this sudden grip this girl has on you. When you’re apart, you feel lost. Like a part of you is missing or something.”
“I never took you for an emotional type of person?” I smirked at Finn as recognition dawned on me. We weren’t. It was our women that had caused us to open up and listen to this side of us. “It’s all her. I mean it, find Summer.”
I sat up and dusted the sand off myself before jumping up to stand, as Finn stood by my side and grabbed me for a hug.
“Thanks man, I think I will,” I replied.
“H, I think she found you,” Finn uttered, as I dropped my hold from him and saw my woman stood at the path edge, her eyes flitting in search of something—someone maybe—then they landed on me. “Go.”
He pushed me a step forward as I let my feet move before I knew it. I was running as fast as I could to grab her and hold her. Relief coursed through my bones, knowing she was okay. Everything would be fine now. She was here in my arms.
“My ko’u aloha, are you okay?” I lifted her chin from the crease of my neck, moving the tousled locks that had fallen across her face back behind her ear as I noticed the redness under her eyes.She’d been crying.“Talk to me,please?”
