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“Probably a good idea,” I said over Dee chattering in the back seat. It sounded like she was the one carrying the conversation.
“But the food wasamazing, and the vibe was so laid back everywhere. The water at the beach was like bathwater and so clear—not cold and fishy like it is here. I’m trying to convince my parents to send me to college there.”
I nodded as we drove along the road, trying to pay attention. Trying not to wonder if April would be walking by my house again. Wondering why I cared either way.
Dee laughed loudly in the back seat, distracting me from my thoughts. Kenzie and I both looked back at her and she blushed, covering her face.Sorry, she mouthed.
I looked forward again, taking the turn to Kenzie’s street. She lived a few blocks back from the beach.
“Diego,” Kenzie said like she was repeating herself.
“Sorry, yeah?”
“I was asking if you wanted to practice that stunt this weekend?”
“Sure.” I rubbed the back of my neck, trying to get myself back to normal. “Party at Seaton Beach on Friday, by the way. Can you invite the squad?”
She stuck out her tongue. “You just want some cute girls there, don’t you?”
“Always,” I replied. I stopped in her driveway behind her mom’s Miata. “See you later.”
“Later.” She got out of the car and bent over. “Thanks for the lift.”
Dee waved at me through the open door, still on her phone.
“Any time,” I replied.
I drove back to my house and found I was the only one there. Dad usually worked until dinner time, and according to the wall calendar, Adelita had dance practice tonight, which meant Mateo and Marisol were probably with our grandparents.
Des and Jude were back to work in LA, recording their new duet. I missed having her around, even though I liked that she was living her dreams.
If only I could find mine.
I took my board to the water. My legs felt like rubber from practice, but as soon as I was on the water, I felt light again.
The cold liquid stung my skin and brought me back to life as I lay against the board and paddled out. About fifty feet from shore, I stopped and just sat on my board. This far out, the houses started to look small. The noises of town disappeared. All I could hear was lapping water, singing birds, and my own breath.
For the first time all day, I felt at ease. Like I was exactly where I belonged.
If only the feeling could last.
Seven
April
I knocked on the Pfanstiels’bright yellow door to return Heidi from our evening walk. As I waited, I braced myself to tell them that I couldn’t walk Heidi anymore. She had been wild, chasing every seagull she could spot, and I was completely exhausted. Between school and home, I just didn’t have the energy to do this too.
Mr. Pfanstiel, a tall, thin man with wispy white hair welcomed me inside. “How did she do?”
“You know Heidi,” I said, a guilty feeling sweeping over me.
Mr. Pfanstiel chuckled. “I certainly do.” He bent slowly like it hurt him to get that low and undid Heidi’s leash. She sprinted toward the water dish and food bowl, lapping up both in record speed. “I really appreciate this. With my hip and Phyllis’s job, it’s harder to get her the exercise she deserves.”
My heart melted slightly. “Your hip?”
He nodded. “I’m only sixty-two, but my doctor’s saying I’ll need a hip replacement within the year. If we didn’t have you, we might have to rehome her, and that would just...” He shook his head, sadness in his eyes.
The fact that he cared so much about his pet made me like him more. And feel that much guiltier for wanting to give up on Heidi. I couldn’t give up on her. Not when it would hurt the Pfanstiels so much to find another option. Placing a smile on my face, I said, “I’m happy to help. I think my mom just wants me out of the house.”
