Chapter 12
Chloe
Irace upstairs to change out of my wetsuit. My thighs burn from all the pop up reps. I’m supposed to pick Benjamin up in thirty minutes, but my brain is functioning in slow motion, trying to process the events of the last hour. Bronson Campbell, the hottest literary agent in the business…literally and professionally, came to Sunshine Shores to see me. He has a handful of impressive clients, but Mitch Landry is the top of them all.
And Mitch Landry wants to work directly with me…and co-write a book with me. I pick up a magazine and fan myself with it. I really need to free myself from this rubber body suit. I mechanically peel it from my skin and jump in the shower.
As water hits my body, I replay seeing Bronson. His presence made me catatonic. Did I black out? I hope I didn’t drool. What did I even say to him? I think I was frozen for the first five minutes. I duck my head under the water stream hoping it will confirm this is real life. Water goes up my nose, choking me. Yep, I’m conscious. I cough up water. This isn’t a dream.
After my speed rinse, I scan over the clothes hanging in my closet. Jeans, a tank top and blazer will have to do. It’s toasty outside, but it’s the most casual clothing in my wardrobe. I slide my feet into my new flip-flops and grin thinking about Leo. These Rainbows might as well be glass slippers because I’m feeling like Cinderella.
Hollywood doesn’t even know it yet, but Prince Charming is real. He’s incognito as a construction working, single dad surfer named Leo Cruz. The craziest part is that he’s interested in me. And he’s not just a far off crush. He’s buying me flip-flops and giving me surfing lessons and kissing me like I’m a princess. If these flip-flops weren’t so comfortable, I might frame them.
I catch a glimpse of my watch, and I realize I need to leave immediately to pick up Benjamin or I’ll be late. I head down the stairs and let out a gasp. Bronson Campbell is sitting at the island, scrolling on his phone. He’s still here…alone…in my aunt’s house, lounging like he’s starring in a Home Goods commercial.
“Sorry, didn’t mean to scare you.” Bronson sounds amused by my shock.
“Oh it’s okay. I’m just heading out…Where’d the other two go?”
“They went for a walk…on the beach.” He draws out the second half of his statement.
My head tilts to the side as I ponder the implications. There’s no way anything…romantic is happening between Bronson’s grandfather and my aunt is there?
Bronson watches me, and I can tell we’re both wondering the same thing. I have no idea how to feel about this potential situation, and I don’t have time to mull it over.
“Interesting…” is all I can think to say. “Sorry to rush off, but I have to get going.”
“See you tomorrow,” Bronson calls.
I put my hand on the door handle and wave.
There is too much happening all at once for my brain to comprehend. How did I get here again? First, I had a surfing lesson with Leo. I met his son. We walked on the beach. We kissed. Eek that’s by far my favorite thing of the morning. Oh, and he asked me out on a dinner date tonight. Then, I arrived home only to find Bronson Campbell in the kitchen.
Crazy. Mind-bending. I still cannot believe it. As if his presence wasn’t enough to completely throw me out of whack…he told me that Mitch Landry wants to hire me directly to edit his manuscript AND CO-WRITE A BOOK with him. What is happening!? And now, my aunt is walking on the beach with Bronson’s grandfather.
I’m not sure how much more I can take. But I need to put it all on the back-burner because I am on my way to pick up Leo’s nine-year-old son, Benjamin. I wish there was an off button on my brain, because I’ll most likely obsess over this situation until it’s resolved or I burn myself out.
I’m really enjoying my first week in Sunshine Shores. Leo has a lot to do with it, but being here with Aunt Val in an amazing beach house has been fun too. I couldn’t ask for a more inspirational place to pursue writing, but investing time into something that might not pay off is a risk. I only have so much in my savings account. I’m going to need to get a job sooner or later.
I should seriously consider Bronson’s offer. Working with Mitch would give me real writing experience…at least after I finish editing his current manuscript.
My hands are sweaty as I grip the steering wheel. Do I want to go back to editing? Maybe it would be worth it if it means working with one of the best in the business. I could get valuable feedback. There’s a chance he could help me with my manuscript, which I still need a title for. I’m currently calling it Adelena’s Story…but I’m thinking something along the lines of: Adelena Against the Authority. Is that lame? Mitch Landry might know what to call it.
And then there’s the fact that I’m trying to be a mature adult about, but am failing at…I’d get to work with Bronson Campbell. Gosh that man is as exquisite as always. His hair is perfectly tousled in a way that makes you want to run your hands through it.
Did the car just get hotter? I blast the AC. As the cool air hits my face, I regain my composure. This is not about Bronson Campbell. It can’t be. I have to evaluate this situation based on facts and figures, not crushes and emotions.
I pull into a parking lot, following the directions of my GPS. So far I’ve failed at putting this out of my mind, but now I have no choice. As I’m about to open my door, I see Benjamin appear out of one of the first-floor apartments. He smiles and waves at me, walking toward the car. He’s got a basketball with him, along with a black duffle bag. His dark hair bounces with each step.
Opening the door he says, “Hey, Miss Chloe.”
“Hey!” I smile at his greeting.
“Thanks again for taking me. This is my first year on the traveling team, so I really didn’t want to miss out.”
“No problem.”
“My dad wanted me to tell you thanks too. I know he feels bad that you have to take me.”
I wave away his words. “He shouldn’t. I’m glad to do it.”
Benjamin slinks into the seat and stares at his basketball. “I probably shouldn’t have even asked to go because I know he’s busy trying to start up his construction business. Plus, he had to start working for Miss Val to pay for my basketball fees.”
I look over at him out of the corner of my eye. “I bet your dad loves watching you play.”
He nods his head slowly. “Yeah I think so.”
I want to shift the mood to something happier. “So, what’s paintball?”
“You’ve never heard of paintball?”
“I’ve heard of it, but I don’t know much about it.”
He moves the ball to his side and leans forward. “It’s really simple. You just break up into teams and try to shoot the other team. You also try not to get shot.”
“Does it hurt when you get hit?”
“Sometimes.” He smiles wide. “It’s awesome.”
For the next twenty-five minutes, I get to be immersed in Benjamin’s childhood. I learn about his favorite basketball players and his dream to make it to the NBA. He challenges me to a game of HORSE after I tell him I used to beat my siblings. Now I need to practice as soon as possible to get the rust off. I see the way he lights up when he tells me that his dad shoots hoops with him almost everyday after school.
I’m genuinely enjoying this drive. It doesn’t feel like a chore. I’m invigorated by Ben’s excitement about life.
After turning, Benjamin points out a sign that says “Edgewater Paintball.” I follow the road until we’re in front of a black building with a green camo sign. There’s a group of boys standing in the parking lot, and Benjamin says, “That’s them. Thanks for the ride, Chloe!”
“Do you need someone to pick you up?”
“No, my dad said he could. Thanks again!”
He jumps out of the car and I see him fist bumping his teammates. They head inside the building, and I exhale. Why can’t I have that youthful exuberance? Did I ever?
I think I did at one time…like in elementary school. But, around sixth grade, I became more aware of our financial struggles. My mom is a house cleaner, and my dad is a janitor. With their salaries, it was challenging to make ends meet. In order to alleviate their stress, I made it my goal to get good grades, get a scholarship and land a well-paying job. That way they wouldn’t have to worry about supporting me, and hopefully, I could give back to them.
They never went on a honeymoon, and they still have never been on a vacation together out of state. I would love to fly them here. Whenever I sent them money while working at MVP, they used it for house repairs or gifts for other people.
Leaving my job was the most spontaneous thing I’ve ever done, but I’m suddenly feeling like it was also the most irresponsible. I lost sight of why I work so hard. I got sidetracked by something that should be a hobby and gave up a stable career. Sunshine Shores has been a wonderful vacation, but I think it’s time to return to reality.