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“You know, that sounds so romantic, even if it wasn’t for Zennor. It’s like you wanted to come back and find the love you two had all over again.”
I drink my coffee and avoid Tegan’s eyes because there’s a huge fucking part of me that daydreamed about that exact thing. Until I got here and the girl I was in love with for most of my life turned out to be nothing like the girl I remembered.
“If you don’t mind me asking, what are your intentions towards Zen?”
“Intentions?” I nearly cough on my coffee.
“Sorry, it sounds so formal. But you need to realise that Zen changed. The New Year after the summer you two had together was like she turned over a new leaf. A New Year’s resolution, and not a good one. She was cold, isolated herself from everyone and became fanatical about college and leaving Tregethworth. She did. Got amazing grades, and left for uni, and never looked back.”
I piece the information together with the news Zee filled me in on. It makes sense in a fucking stupid kind of way—what she went through and her way of putting it behind her.
“What do you want to hear?” I ask. “I’ve told Zennor how I feel, yet she’s been very clear that she hates me and blames me for a whole heap of shit I had no control over. The ball’s in her court.” There’s a sour taste in my mouth as I say it out loud, but I won’t sugarcoat anything.
“But if she wanted… something to happen between you both, do you want something to happen? I mean, you loved her once, and I know she loved you.”
“Past tense, there,” I point out, even if I’d never really got over her.
“But you’d be open to something?”
“Tegan, look, your sister needs to work out what she wants. She’s not the same girl, and frankly, she’s been a fucking bitch. She and I are very different people now, and the thought of a second chance might have sucked me in, but she’s been pretty bloody clear that’s not what she wants.”
“I know. But I don’t think she’s being honest with herself. She just needs some persuasion.”
“That’s not my style. And believe me, I’ve tried, but I’m not going to run after her. Not after everything that’s been between us now. I’m sorry. If you wanted to hear I’m still in love with her, you won’t. And frankly, I don’t think she’ll stick around.”
“Oh, I’m not so sure. Something’s changed with her, and I’m hopeful.” She grabs my hand over the table. “Don’t give up on her just yet. Thank you for the coffee.” She stands and flees, leaving me with nothing but more questions than before.
Don’t give up on her.
Hell, all of this would be a hell of a lot easier if I could have done that very thing in the first place.
CHAPTER24
JAYCE
Then
Of all the places we’d surfed, Nazaré was the place we all wanted to conquer, and it provided the biggest rush. Ever since the first time we visited, over ten years ago, we were still shocked and in awe of nature’s power when we faced the big swells off the cliff.
With the rise of big wave surfing over the last decade, Finnan and I were able to compete in specialist competitions, being judged across multiple destinations around the world when the swells hit. It put the best of us all in the sea together, and we had some of the most incredible times of our lives.
I took the crown three years ago—the pinnacle of my career—a little over fifteen years since I first left to travel and surf. Much like that first big wave setting me up in this world, finding Nazaré cemented my name, and I found a second home in the town, focussing on riding the waves I wanted and on my own schedule. Nazaré was unlike any other surf destination. The waves were more unpredictable, and the swells lasted for longer stretches thanks to its location on the Atlantic Coast and a submarine trench that stops just offshore, providing for mammoth waves.
The sponsors and paychecks allowed me to live how I wanted, and I chose to stay down the road from the best surf spot I’d ever seen.
I roll over and leave Mary-Anne sleeping in bed. She arrived a few days ago, with Archie and Bear soon after. Finnan gets in later today. He’s been over in Hawaii but wouldn’t miss surfing here with the conditions as they are.
“Hmm, morning,” her sleep-filled voice stops me from sneaking out of the room.
“Morning.”
“Getting an early start?” She sits up in bed and waits for my response.
“Yeah. Want to check the conditions. Get a feel for what it will be like the next few days.”
“It should be big. All the signs are there.”
“Yep. I’m picking Finnan up later, so I’ll probably be out most of the day.” I go to leave.
