Page 7 of Memories By the Shore
My ears perk up. “Was she shopping?”
He licks his lips, and suddenly, I don’t like the look on my friend’s face. “She was working there.”
Did she get a job already?Interesting. “Do you know much about her?”
“I don’t. You’re interested, aren’t you?”
A smile slipped, and finally, I decided to give in to Riley’s harassment. “She’s fucking hot.”
“Totally.”
“I only spoke to her for a few minutes when I took her back to Helen’s house, but there’s this intense deepness to her that I find fucking sexy.”
“She has this gothic princess vibe.” He beams.I still don’t like that look.
“Nothing like the girls here in town.”
“Aren’t your dad and Helen still hooking up?” he says, moreof an observation than a question. “That’s a good excuse to hang out with her niece.”
I shrug. “They are, and that’s not a bad idea.”
Riley stretches his arms, cracking his knuckles. “Duke’s the man. He’s going to be single forever.”
My father hasn’t been in a real relationship since my mom died when I was young. They were childhood sweethearts, and both grew up in Coconut Grove. Sometimes, the thought of not knowing her causes me deep sadness. Growing up, I tried so hard to remember things about her. I’d use pictures to help create memories that I don’t have.
What I do remember, though, was how hard it was on my dad. Since then, he’s had a string of hookups where none stayed long—until Helen. She’s independent and supportive, and she accepts my dad for being the distant man he is.
“I don’t think he wants anyone in this town. He grew up with all of them, just as we did,” I say.
“But he liked Helen because she was an outsider,” he states, assuming that’s why they’ve stayed in theirrelationshipfor as long as they have. “She’s not a permanent fixture in this place like we all are.”
Bodhi and Easton are waving us down from the shore. Tenting my eyes to get a better look, I notice they’re both holding cardboard boxes, probably filled with tacos.
Riley cups his hands around his mouth. “We’re coming!”
“I’m starving,” I say, flipping onto my stomach.
Riley does the same, and we both paddle to shore.
“It was about this time yesterday when she was working.” He smirks, not even using her name. He knows I’m still thinkingabout her. “Wanna head over there?”
Hell fucking yes.
“Why not?” I roll my shoulders, trying to play it off.
“These are from Joe.” Bodhi handed me a basket with three fish tacos in it. Joe is the owner of Joe’s Taco Shack. He, my dad, and Bodhi’s mom went to high school together. As most of us in this town, our families go way back.
“Thanks. I’m starving,” I say, snatching the food.
“Jasper and I were thinking about going down to the boardwalk,” Riley tells them.
Easton cocks a brow in my direction. “Dude, you hate the boardwalk.”
“Remember that girl I hit with the volleyball last weekend? Helen’s niece?” I begin with my mouth full.
Bodhi and Easton both nod.
“Apparently, she works at Shore’s.” Riley slaps my shoulder, interjecting before I have the chance to continue. “And Jasper here might have a thing for her.”
