Page 8 of Memories By the Shore
“Looks like we’re going to the boardwalk then!” Bodhi exclaims, then turns and starts walking toward the promenade.
“Let’s fucking go,” I call out, ready to see her again.
It’s only a ten-minute drive down the coast toward the other end of town. The guys and I immediately head over to the small shops.
“It’s busy today,” Riley observes, flipping his sunglasses over his eyes.
“I know,” I agree, scanning the crowds. I think of all the missed sales my dad’s surf shop is missing out on, not being located on this end of the shore. I told my dad we needed torelocate the shop a few years ago, but he refuses to give up his coveted spot on the south end of town. We’re flanked by two luxury resorts and are just a short drive from many high-end businesses.
The four of us walk side by side down the boardwalk, where we’ve spent our childhood weekends, high school afternoons, and late nights. I lower my sunglasses to block the bright sun of this late afternoon summer day while simultaneously avoiding bumping shoulders with the tourists on the narrow sidewalk.
“Hey!” Easton calls out to a group of girls about our age standing outside a cafe. They all look over and smile, sipping drinks out of hollowed coconuts.Tourists love those.
“Let’s talk to them,” Riley suggests, pivoting in their direction.
“Yeah, buddy!” Bodhi nudges my arm. “Let’s go.”
I have no interest in those girls. My mind is hyperfocused on getting to know the one I hit in the face with the volleyball. I haven’t stopped thinking about her vibrant green eyes and intense stare. This is my chance to see her again while I’m brave enough. I need to act on this impulse because it might not come again.
“I’ll catch you guys later,” I say, waving them off.
Easton pauses. “Are you still going to talk to Helen’s niece?”
I nod. “I have my mind set on it now. Why not?”
“Good luck, man!” I hear Riley reply behind me. He’s already approaching the group of girls. I feel better without the baggage of having my friends anyway. They would have made the situation more awkward.
When I get to the entrance to Shore’s Bikinis, I don’t go inimmediately. Instead, I peer through the windows to see if I can spot her. After one quick sweep of the small shop, I spot her. Avery is standing in the corner of the store with a black sundress on. She’s wearing the only black clothing in the entire store. I feel my lip curl into a half smile. The strings of what appears to be a matching black bathing suit top peek through the thin straps of her dress. Her long dark hair rests down to the middle of her back.
I catch myself drooling at the sight of her.She’s fucking gorgeous. I can’t talk to her, what am I thinking?
Just then, I see Francesca and a few of her friends walk into the store. I jerk my head back, hiding behind a large bush. Fuck. I hope she didn’t see me. She just graduated from my high school and has been trying to get with me since her freshman year. I hoped she would attend school out of state, but I guess not. Her dad owns a hotel in town, and she likes to flaunt their family’s money every chance she gets.
How could she think anyone would find that attractive?Only tourists and college guys are on spring break because that’s all she seems to hook up with.
I watch as she struts right up to Avery. She glances back at the other two girls with her eyes lowered and a devious smile. The three of them say something and then start laughing, but the look on Avery’s face doesn’t seem like she finds whatever was said funny. A protective surge shoots up my spine, compelling me to step in.
Against my better judgment, I yank the handle on the door and strode in. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins, knowing that Francesca is acting like the pretentious snob she is.As I approach the group of girls, I hear one of them comment about thelack of colorAvery is wearing and that theonlyreason she got this job is because of her aunt Helen.
God, I hate Francesca.I walk right up to Avery and slide my arm around her neck. “Hey, babe. When are you off?”
Avery looks up at me with her eyes wide. “Um, hi.”
I smile at her, then look over at Francesca.
“Hey, Jasper.” She gives me a fake greeting. “Do you two know each other?”
I turn to Avery, appreciating being so close to her.Of course, I take advantage of the situation.“We do.”
Avery’s eyes bore into mine while her eyebrows furrowed with confusion.
“Oh.”
“We’re dating.” I smirk but keep my tone steady with confidence. “This is Avery.”
She turns her nose up in the air. “Yeah, we’ve met.”
“Good,” I reply sarcastically, then turn back to the beautiful girl under my arm, who still looks perplexed. “What time are you off?”
