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As I demonstrate, Conrad moves in between the grommets, adjusting their position to match me. I do my best to ignore the patience he shows as he repositions their arms, or ensures their knees and feet remain together. I show them where to place their hands on the deck and how to push up into a move similar to the cobra yoga pose.
“Alright,” I say, pushing up off my board. “We have all the basics we’re going to need for today.”
“Don’t we need to learn to pop?” another boy calls.
I shake my head. “Not today. Today we’re just going to practise paddling and riding the waves. I want you to feel the rise and pull of the surf.”
Nora, a brunette girl in the back of the group speaks up in a pout. “So, we’re not going to stand up today?”
Conrad crouches down next to her board. “You can’t rush these things. To get good at something you need to take it step by step. Trust Ivy. She was even younger than you the first time she got on a board. She knows what she’s talking about.”
She nods, but is still clearly disappointed. I don’t realise I’m staring at Conrad until he cocks his head and says, “What?”
I scowl at being caught out, blaming the heat in my cheeks on the sun. “Nothing.” He smirks, but I continue speaking. “When we head down to the water, you’ll be coming in two at a time. Conrad and I will help you catch a few waves. You’ll get used to paddling and timing your push up. Grab your board and follow us.”
* * *
BY THE TIME two o’clock rolls around and the last grommet is picked up, I’m exhausted. Still, I’m completely satisfied at how successful the first two sessions have gone.
“So, that went well,” Conrad says, voicing my thoughts.
“Mmhmm.”
He sighs. “You’re going to be like that?”
I pull a face. “What do you want? Yes, Conrad, that went really well.”
“I washoping we could be mature adults who could work together and have a civil conversation.”
“Did we not just do that?”
He rubs a hand over his face. “You’re really frustrating, you know that?”
“I still don’t get why you’re here. Why didn’t you just tell George the truth? Thereisa problem with us working together: I don’t like you.”
“Why didn’t you tell him?”
He’s got me there. Whydidn’tI say something? I could have told George we couldn’t work together, but the true reason why sounded… childish.
“Look,” Conrad sighs. “I need this to work out. My dad… Well, let’s just say I’m already the family disappointment. I don’t need to give him any more ammunition against me. I promise I’ll do whatever you need me to do. Just let me get through this week.”
Conrad grabs a couple of boards and heads off towards the equipment shed, looking back when he realizes I’m not following him. “A bit of help would be nice, Princess.”
“That stupid nickname just proves you don’t know me at all,” I grumble, grabbing two more boards. “I’m the least ‘princessy’ type person you’ll ever meet.”
“Keep telling yourself that, Princess.”
I let out a frustrated sound. There’s no winning with him. “Let’s just get this gear packed up so I can be rid of you.”
Conrad looks at me over his shoulder, and winks. “Until tomorrow.”
“You just have to have the last word.”
“Yep.” I hate the way his chuckle has me clenching my thighs together.
After the last board has been put away, I close up and lock the shed. When I turn around, Conrad is leaning up against the brick wall of the surf club, watching me intensely. My cheeks flush, but I choose to ignore him completely. I need some space.
“See ya, Conrad.” I grab my beach bag and stalk past him in the direction of the carpark.
