Page 22 of The Surfer

7

RIPLEY

“That’s sogood what you did out there,” Sandy says, jumping in excitement as she closes the front door behind her. I can’t help but match her bubbling energy.

“You think?”

“That’s exactly what Cove needs, someone to kick him up the ass,” Sandy exclaims loudly, throwing her car keys into a ceramic bowl sitting on the kitchen counter. They land with a satisfying ding. She’s giddy, and I think it’s because no one’s stood up to her younger brother in the way I just did outside for quite some time. “Oh, I think I’ve made the right choice bringing you here.”

I smile, happy to see my best friend so happy. I suspect I’ve proven myself to her with my strong reaction to Cove. “I’m happy to be here.”

“And I think you made the right impression on dad.”

“Really?”

“I can tell he likes you, and he doesn’t like many people.”

“Oh, I’m honored.”

I bow extravagantly, and Sandy laughs at my clownish display.

It’s late, and I’m tired, but I’m happy I’ve restored my best friend’s faith in me. The future’s looking bright, and now all I have to do is deal with Cove in the morning.

The bad boy who wrecks hearts and bongs.

That will be the hard part.

Sandy’s brother, however gorgeous he appears to be, seems unrepentant. Yeah, he’s built like a Greek god and is a walking, breathing sex-machine torn straight out of the pages of a teen heartthrob magazine, but he’s too arrogant for my liking and way too cocky. I don’t know what either Sandy or her dad see in me, but after my interactions with Cove, I don’t think anyone can change him now. The guy is on a collision course, a self-made one, and it will only take himself to get out of the mess he’s made for himself.

And what a mess. Drugs and drink and women.

So, what’s made them think some young inexperienced girl like me has what it takes to change the mind of a guy like that?

I’m trustworthy, that’s why. And, most of all, I’m desperate for the money. That’s why Mr Finn likes me. He knows I’ll do anything for my Mom.

“Let’s have some wine,” Sandy says, already heading over to the wine cabinet to pick out a bottle.

“Maybe not tonight, Sandy,” I reply. “I’m still pretty tired from my trip.”

She nods. “I understand. Go and get some sleep, you’ll definitely need it dealing with my brother tomorrow morning.”

I puff out my cheeks. “Tell me about it.”

As I turn towards my room, something vibrates in my pocket.

My phone.

I take it out of my jeans.

MOM.

Her number flashes across the screen. She’s calling me all the way from New York. I do the quick time zone calculation in my head and guess it must be super early back home, like sometime around five in the morning or something. This will be the first time we’ve been able to talk since I’ve landed, so I guess she wants to make sure I’m okay.

And I’ve missed her. I’m glad she’s calling; I want to talk to her.

I need to hear the familiar sound of home after the day I’ve had today.

“It’s Mom,” I softly explain to Sandy. “I’ve got to take this.”