Page 29 of We Are Just Us

This involved staring out the passenger-side window of Rory’s truck with intense, fraudulent interest in the coastline.

He waited until Rory merged onto the highway—committed now, no exits—before pulling his phone out of his pocket and tilting it low, shielded by his thigh.

KIERAN: okay. don’t freak out.

The response came instantly, as if Emory had been waiting her whole life for this moment.

EMORY: too late, already screaming, where are you, what’s happening?

Kieran glanced sideways. Rory was relaxed, one hand on the wheel, music low. Gleefully unaware that Kieran was internally unraveling.

KIERAN: I’m in my neighbor’s truck. He’s driving us to a beach.

EMORY: which beach?

Kieran had asked the same question ten minutes ago.

Rory had glanced over casually. “Black’s. It’s chill. I think you’ll like it.”

And then he’d turned the music up, as if that explained everything.

So Kieran had done what any reasonable person would do and panic-googled it under his phone screen.

KIERAN: I think he might be taking me to...a nude beach? He said “Black’s Beach” and Wikipedia says it’s clothing-optional.

He could feel her scream through the phone.

EMORY: THE NUDE BEACH IN SAN DIEGO? BLACK’S BEACH? ONLY THE MOST FAMOUS NUDE BEACH ON THE WEST COAST!

KIERAN: Testicle-forward it seems. RIP.

Rory laughed at something on the radio, oblivious.

EMORY: TESTICLE FORWARD? I’m putting that on a throw pillow ASAP. WHO IS THIS MAN?

KIERAN: Long story. I’ll tell you soon. I didn’t even know until five minutes ago.

EMORY: STOP. YOU FOUND OUT EN ROUTE?

Kieran shifted in his seat, watching cliffs rise ahead of them.

KIERAN: I’ve never even skinny-dipped. I’m barely comfortable shirtless.

He typed the next one without thinking.

KIERAN: What if I get sunburned…down there?

EMORY: Okay let’s workshop this. You look fine. MORE than fine. did you bring SPF 90 and a hat? if your dick turns red I will bully you forever!

Kieran squeezed his eyes shut.

KIERAN: THIS IS NOT HELPING

EMORY: then why are you still in the truck??

That one landed.

Kieran glanced at Rory again. Rory caught the look, smiled briefly, like he was checking in without pressing.