“We’re grilling up mahi, and there’s corn, pineapple, salad, and bread. Cooler’s over there. Grab a plate and a seat.”
Rowan jerked her head at Kelsey. “Come on, let’s hit the grill first.”
They filled their plates and sat down on the edge of the circle, cross-legged on a blanket. As they ate, the women fell into the comfortable chatter of long-term friends. They gossiped about the new surfers trying to compete, the politics of sponsorships, and of course, the ocean. Brie and Chelsea were talking quietly by themselves. Kelsey kept glancing over at them but didn’t make an attempt to join in.
Rowan took a breath and allowed her senses to relax, soaking in the old dialogue and playful banter of her crew. There was no hostility, even though each of their attempts to make contact this past year had been rebuffed. She’d been like a wild animal, protective of her space, needing to isolate to lick her wounds. Her knee throbbed but Rowan knew it was phantom pain. She’d done enough mental work for competitions to distinguish between truth and lies.
Too bad the lies were so much easier to believe.
“So, Kelsey, how long are you here for?” Lea asked.
“The summer. My dad is working at one of the hotels, which is opening end of August.”
Dani’s curiosity was piqued. “Which one?”
“Purity.”
Siena whistled. “Niiice. You staying there or another hotel?”
“No, we rented a house near the beach. I’m alone most of the time, so Dad wanted me to have access to things, even though I have a driver.” Her eyes suddenly widened, as if realizing how privileged she sounded, then backtracked. “I mean, he just drives me to places since I can’t drive yet. He’s not our official driver or anything.” More pink flushed her cheeks. “We don’t have a chef, either. I mean, I can cook a little myself, but Dad can only grill.” Kelsey glanced around the circle with horror. “I’m sorry, this sounds terrible.”
Rowan reached over and touched her hand. “We know what you’re trying to say.”
“Don’t apologize for being rich, city girl,” Brie drawled. “We wouldn’t if we had it.”
Lea shot her a look. “Brie means no one’s here to judge. There’s one thing that bonds us together that you have. Surfing.”
Kelsey nodded. “Yeah, it’s addicting. The more lessons I take, the more I want.”
“Maybe it’s time to show us what you learned.” Brie jerked her head at Chelsea, who stood up and offered an encouraging smile to Kelsey. “You brought your board for a reason. Let’s go,” Brie said.
Kelsey froze. Then slowly looked at Rowan. “C-can I go with them?”
Oh, yeah. Brie was testing her, but Rowan knew if Kels stood her ground, there’d be room open for a new type of relationship. But she also had a responsibility to keep her safe. “Go ahead. The waves are soft, so you may do some face-plants.”
“I don’t care.” Kelsey stood up and grabbed her board. “I want to try.”
Rowan swallowed a smile. “Stay near the inside sets. Brie, look out for her. No testing.”
Her warning got her a roll of the eyes, but then the girl nodded. “Sure.”
She watched them stroll down to the water. They paddled out, and Kelsey took her time as she watched Brie and Chelsea catch wave afterwave. Brie yelled something to her and Kels finally went for the next one, immediately tumbling. She tried a few more times but couldn’t seem to find her stance or focus. Yeah, the girl was definitely in her head. Probably worried she had to impress Brie and Chelsea. She couldn’t get balanced, and seemed frustrated as she struggled.
Remember the lesson.Rowan willed the girl to pause and breathe.The freedom is in the body—not the mind.
“You really care.” Lea’s voice was full of surprise. “She matters.”
Rowan swiveled her head and found the group was all staring at her. “Glad someone was able to reach you,” Siena said with an edge. “Too bad it was a stranger.”
“It’s easier with strangers,” Dani said. Her light brown eyes were kind. Her role had always been peacemaker to Siena’s blunter approach. “They don’t know your past. And Kelsey needed her. Snuck right past her barriers.”
“I’m here,” Rowan said lightly. “You don’t have to analyze me like I’m not.”
“You haven’t been,” Siena pointed out.
Rowan flinched. “Do you want the big apology, then? Tell me and I’ll do it. Or let me know you’re pissed and I’ll take off.”
Lea groaned. “Here we go—would you calm down? Siena’s just being truthful, as always. We want you here. We don’t give a crap what brought you back. We’re just happy you’re here. Okay?”
