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THE BAR SHOULD STILLbe packed, but the parking lot is practically empty as I get out of my car. I can remember how hard we all were working on this place. We couldn’t wait for it to open. But unfortunately, I never even got to see it finished.
I knew they got around to opening it. Mali told me. It was a little later than scheduled, but they managed to complete the renovations. And from what I’ve heard, it’s one of the best bars in the area.
Looking up at the sign, it’s so Hayes. Made out of an oversized surfboard, with waves crashing against the name of it. It’s everything I imagined it would be.
Shore Break.
I’ll be honest, I was relieved when Mali told me they decided on a name that isn’t ridiculously stupid. After hearing some of the ideas they tossed back and forth, I wouldn’t be surprised if they made it sound more like a strip club than a bar. But this one I actually like.
I don’t expect this to be a warm welcome, so I give myself a minute to prepare myself. When I feel even just a little ready, I force my legs to move and walk around to the front of the bar. I take in the fire pit they built on the sand in front of the bar, complete with a patio and chairs. I’ve seen it in pictures they’ve all posted, but seeing it in person gives me a chance to admire how good it looks.
Cam must have built it himself—he’s always been good at that stuff.
He’s closing up the bar as I walk in, in awe of how it looks all finished. But the way I immediately recognize the smell of Hayes’s cologne has my eyes falling shut for a second while I catch my breath.
“Hey,” Cam says, still sounding like he’s in disbelief that I’m here.
Well same, bro.“This place looks incredible, Cam. It’s better than I could’ve imagined. I’m really proud of you guys.”
He nods slowly, glancing around the place, but then his gaze locks on me. “Where’ve you been, Lai?”
Fuck. I was waiting for that. “You know…around.”
“Around?” he repeats. “Not going to tell me where?”
My shoulders sag as I sigh. “I’m sorry. I can’t.”
It’s not a lie. Meeting Nolan and getting to live with her was pure luck, and I have a life there, or as much of a life as I can have. My job at the studio and my place with Nolan are things I would trade in a heartbeat if it meant getting to come back here. But that’s not an option. And telling Cam where I’ve been would makethatno longer an option, too.
“You can’t?” he balks. “Are you serious right now?”
“Please don’t yell at me.”
He scoffs. “No, fuck that. I’m going to yell at you. You just vanished, Laiken! Disappeared and couldn’t bother to tell anyone where you were, or if you were even still alive! What the fuck is up with that?”
“I had to,” I choke out. “I didn’t want to, but I had to.”
His hand pushes the hair out of his face as he rolls his eyes. “Oh, that explains it. Thanks for that.”
“Cam.”
“Don’t!” he growls. “I was worried sick about you for weeks, until Mom and Dad finally got that letter. And Hayes? I don’t think he’ll ever fucking recover from what you did to him.”
This is exactly what I was afraid of—him throwing the truth into my face. Mali has been good at only telling me what I need to know. She doesn’t let me in on the things she knows will break me unless it’s absolutely necessary. But Cam? He’s not so nice. But he has no reason to be.
“You know, for someone who fought so damn hard for that relationship, you sure knew how to fuck it up,” he tells me.
My head drops as I look at the ground. “I know.”
As if he can tell his words are getting to me, he takes a deep breath to calm down. “How was it when you saw him?”
I huff sarcastically. “He’s really angry.”
“Did you expect otherwise? I mean, you left in the middle of the night. I don’t think that really warrants a warm welcome.”
“No, I know.”
I think about how if I had just waited a little longer, Mali would’ve let me know that he was all right. I wouldn’t be risking his life by being in the one place I’m not allowed to be. But it’s too late for that now. I just hope I can leave before our anonymous stalker realizes I was here.
