Page 32 of Kayak Girl

Weston sighed, a resigned look on his face. “Okay, man. I still think it’s a mistake, but I’ll support you. Just be careful.”

I nodded, grateful for his understanding despite his reservations. “Thanks, man. That means a lot. I know you’re skeptical of Elle, but it would mean the world to me if you made an effort to make her feel more welcome. For my sake,” I said, the pleading in my voice almost bordering on desperation.

Weston’s gaze met mine, a silent conversation passing between us. “Gray,” he started, his tone warning.

“Please,” I interjected, my eyes conveying my plea more intensely than any words could.

He let out a small, conceding breath. “Fine. I’ll try my best,” he said, and I could tell he meant it.

A wave of relief washed over me. “Thank you.”

“By the way, did you hear anything more from the hit-and-run guy?” he asked, changing the subject.

“Yeah, they replied last week. Settled everything a couple of days ago. Weird though, they never gave their name. But at least it’s sorted out.”

“Good.”

We went back to working on the shelf, the tension easing as we fell into our usual dynamic of jokes and light banter. But in the back of my mind, thoughts of Elle lingered.

Chapter 23

ELLE

I’d just stirred from a glorious catnap, feeling like I’d been dragged out of a dreamy cloud. My phone’s alarm had been wailing for my attention, it had already circled through its tune twice, stubbornly refusing to be ignored. Grumbling, I reached out, my hand fumbling for the device, intent on silencing it once and for all. But as I hit cancel, another notification caught my eye. A text from Gray. I tapped on the message icon.

Gray: When can I see you again? I think I’m coming down with a rare case of Elle deficiency.

I smiled involuntarily and typed out a reply.

Elle: We’ve been together most of the day, you goof.

His response was almost immediate, as if he had been waiting, phone in hand.

Gray: Yes, but I had to share you with other people the whole time. Unacceptable.

My heart quickened at his words. My fingers paused mid-air, a playful reply forming in my mind.

Elle: Exclusive Elle time? That sounds suspiciously like a date.

Gray: Date? Sounds formal. I was thinking more along the lines of an impromptu ice cream dinner. Plus, we could work on our plot to take over the world.

I laughed out loud, the sound echoing in the quiet of my room.

Elle: Ice cream and world domination? That’s a dangerously tempting offer. But how do we go anywhere without cars?

Gray: It’s less than two miles away; we can walk. Meet me at the beach café at 6:00 pm. We can walk from there.

Elle: Perfect.

Chapter 24

GRAY

Elle walked toward me, and I tugged at my shirt collar, suddenly nervous. My heart warmed at the sight of her. She was wearing my hoodie, and in a charming way the oversized garment made her seem more delicate and endearing than ever. The weather had turned windy in the late afternoon, so I hoped it would hold long enough for our walk to Scoops. I knew it was ridiculous to want to see her again so soon, but I was greedy for time with the mystery that was Elle.

“Ready for ice cream?” I asked.

“So ready,” Elle replied, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.

---