“It means beginner. You’re doing really well, Kelsey. I didn’t expect you to take everything I’m teaching and just master it so quick. You’re ready to go out a bit farther. We’re meeting at Threes.”
She blinked. “What’s Threes?”
“There are different beaches out here away from most of the tourists. Threes is right off Kahanamoku Beach. Waves are chill but it’s a step upfor you. Not as soft as Canoes, not as cutthroat as Bowls. It’s the middle ground—like life when you’re figuring your stuff out.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, really? That’s fire! You think my balance is okay?”
“I’m not sure why you’re called clumsy, unless you’re more comfortable on the water. It may be nice to meet some girls closer to your age.”
“Thanks, Rowan. That’s really nice.”
“Call your dad, though. He has to approve.”
Kelsey shrugged. “He will. He’ll want to know I’m doing something since he won’t be home tonight. I saw the look on his face. He’s in that panic mode when he feels like he doesn’t have everything under control.”
Rowan tried to tread through the conversation and avoid the land mines. “I know his job is really important. I’m sure it’s hard for both of you.”
Kelsey’s phone buzzed. She jumped, looking at it like she was a criminal and it was a cop. Her frown grew deeper as she read something on the screen. “Yeah. I’m used to it.”
Rowan cocked her head. “Everything okay?”
Kelsey ripped her gaze away from the device and gave a half smile. “Just social media stuff from back home. It’s stupid.”
Rowan wanted to ask more questions, but it didn’t feel like the right time. Something was going on. Something that was making Kelsey nervous. Maybe she’d have an opportunity later to have more of a heart-to-heart.
Kelsey hung out with her at the store, helping her with easy tasks and playing with Bagel. Everett gave her permission to go with Rowan as long as Kelsey texted updates. They dropped the rabbit off safely at home, getting some major attitude for leaving him alone, and Rowan drove out to Threes.
The wind tore at their hair as the road opened up. Blue water flashed from one side while the towering mountains flanked them on the other. The drive was soothing, and when they pulled to the side of the road and walked toward her old meeting place, it was like coming home.
The beach smelled like salt, grilled mahi, and a memory she hadn’t realized she wanted back.
Someone had set up an old Weber grill beside a driftwood log. Music tangled with the wind—something lazy and familiar, Jack Johnson, of course. Surfboards leaned against coolers and tailgates. Rowan approached the small group of girls with a rapidly beating heart, but Kelsey looked even more nervous, so she tried to act confident.
Everyone stopped when she finally approached. An awkward silence descended, reminding her of how long it had been since she engaged with anyone from her former life. A familiar grief squeezed tight—almost making Rowan mutter an excuse and run.
Lea must’ve known, because she shot up and walked over. “About time your ass showed up,” she said, hip-checking her like she’d used to.
Rowan managed a smile, feeling the heavy gazes from the other women. “Yeah. Guess I’ve missed a few sets.”
Lea snorted. “Girl, you’ve been landlocked for a year. Lucky for you, the tide doesn’t take attendance.”
Laughter rang out, and Rowan was able to join in. Her shoulders relaxed. They’d let her slide without some big apology or trying to figure out why tonight she’d suddenly showed up. Rowan was relieved, because she had no answers and didn’t know how long she’d stay. But Kelsey’s presence behind her gave her courage. They both needed to step outside their comfort zones.
“You must be Kelsey,” Lea said, switching her focus. “Nice to meet you. Rowan said you’re doing amazing.”
A blush rose in her cheeks. “Trying to. I’m mostly falling a lot.”
“If you’re not falling, you’re not learning. Come over and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
They moved closer to the semicircle of women in the sand. More surfboards were laid out amid tangles of towels. Lea pointed out each of them. “This is my sister, Brie. I think you both met at the surf shop. Chelsea—you may be around the same age.”
The girls nodded, their looks judging. Kelsey shifted her weight, obviously nervous. Rowan wished she could hold her hand for support but also knew that teen girls needed to work out their dynamics on their own. Trying to intervene only made it worse.
“Siena, who scored a new sponsorship and is showing off.” Siena rolled her eyes and lifted a hand in greeting. Her bouncy curls were famous on the circuit, along with her petite body that could crest with a ferocious speed no one could match. She owned a potty mouth, a temper, and was a fan favorite for both. “And Dani—who pretends she’s a real surfer but just likes vlogging for clout.”
Dani stuck out her tongue. “Aloha.”
“Aloha,” Kelsey said shyly. Her board looked like armor as she moved it from the side to the front, as if needing to hide.
