Chapter 13
CHAPTER
THIRTEEN
CHRISTINE
I just stand there as Mylo walks away.
When he disappears around the bend in the shoreline, leaving sight and earshot, my muscles unlock.
I throw my board at the shallow wave and plop down on the dark sand, growling as I lean my head into my hand.
“What the fuck just happened…”
Right when things were good.
“Shit. Fuck.” I slam a fist into the sand, sending it spraying.
This day has been a fucking roller coaster. Dealing with Mylo’s shit, then we actually found a decent rhythm—oh, despite the distraction of him being shirtless all afternoon, by the way. Mylo looks damn good, and he knows it, all slim muscles built for agility and speed.
It was nice to be getting along.
And now he thinks I don’t care if he dies.
My heart thuds in my chest, and I can’t tell if it’s anger or something else, so I grab my board and paddle back out onto the waves. Once I’m past where they crest, I flip onto my back and stare up at the sky as dusk fades, revealing the stars.
What was I going to say? I haven’t really slept for a month, and I honestly think this is my best shot at being sharp tomorrow?
He’d only be angrier to hear I’m running on such little sleep.
I’m sick of being indoors, sick of being told how many times every surface has been sanitized. Literally sick, I think, like a houseplant without any sunlight. I need dirt and air.
My plan was to unwind on the waves, head back to my trailer, open the windows, and hopefully fall asleep there.
I close my eyes, and the board rocks beneath me like a cradle.
The ocean has always been my refuge.
Mom and Dad both loved the sea. By the end, it was the only thing they had in common. It meant that no matter how tense things got in whatever house we were staying at, I was never far from the water. I could get out onto the ocean, and every fear and doubt would dissolve away into the waves.
I used to love that about LA: setting out with my board, meeting people. It’s been a long time since I could do that; everyone recognizes me now, especially around there.
Boo hoo. Life’s so hard for a famous movie star from a rich family. Avery’s right, I’m a spoiled brat.
Nothing’s ever good enough. Why can’t I just be happy?
The only place I’ve ever felt settled is out on the water like this.
And now I even fucked that up.
I don’t catch any other waves. Doing that feels like proving Mylo right. I wait until I’m sure he’s gone, then paddle back to shore and trudge along the damp sand.
It’s going to be a long night.