Page 140 of We Are Just Us

By the time Rory emerged from the bedroom, board shorts, faded T-shirt, the necklace visible at his collar, Kieran had everything packed. Cooler loaded. Towels folded. Sunscreen in the bag. Dogs fed and watered.

Rory stopped in the doorway, taking it all in.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” he said.

“I know. But I wanted to.”

Rory’s expression eased. He crossed the room and kissed Kieran. Slow. Sweet. Tasting like toothpaste and coffee.

“I’m glad you’re coming today,” Rory said quietly.

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

“Even though you’re going to be bored out of your mind watching a bunch of guys paddle around?”

“I won’t be bored.”

They loaded everything into Rory’s truck. The surfboard was already strapped to the roof from last night.

Rory backed out of the driveway, and they headed toward the coast.

The morning was still cool, fog burning off slowly as the sun climbed higher. The marine layer hung thick over the water, but it would clear. It always did.

Kieran glanced over at Rory. His hands were steady on the wheel. His jaw was set. Focused. But the necklace caught the light every time he moved, glinting silver against his skin.

They drove in comfortable silence for a while, the radio playing quietly in the background.

As they got closer to the beach, traffic picked up. Other surfers heading to the same spot. Crowds gathering for the competition. Vendors setting up tents.

Rory pulled into the parking lot, found a spot near the back. Killed the engine and sat behind the wheel taking a few deep breaths.

“Ready?” Kieran asked.

Rory took another breath. Let it out slowly. Touched the necklace at his chest.

“Yeah,” he said. “I’m ready.”

“Good. Then let’s go win this thing.”

They got out. Unloaded the truck. Rory grabbed his board, tucking it under one arm like it weighed nothing. Kieran grabbed the cooler and the bag.

The beach was already filling up. Tents and canopies dotted the sand. A makeshift announcer’s booth was set up near the water. Judges sat at a long table with clipboards and scoring sheets.

Surfers milled around, waxing boards, stretching, talking strategy.

Kieran was setting up their spot, unfolding the chairs, anchoring the cooler in the sand, when he looked up and saw Meg at the registration table with Rory.

They were mid-conversation when Rory turned and gestured behind him, a casual wave of his hand in Kieran’s general direction.

Meg’s head snapped around. She found Kieran across the sand, and her whole face lit up.

Then she jumped, both feet off the ground, and pointed at him like she’d spotted a celebrity.

Kieran laughed and waved back, his face going hot.

Meg grabbed Rory’s arm, said something Kieran couldn’t hear, and Rory ducked his head in that way he did when he was embarrassed but pleased. She punched him in the shoulder, then waved at Kieran again, big, theatrical, both arms.

Kieran waved back. Smaller. But smiling.