Chapter Thirteen
“Hey, do you want to hang with me tonight? There’s a small get-together with surfers I know. Some younger girls will be there.”
Rowan didn’t know why she’d suddenly decided to go.
Or why she invited Kelsey. The lesson had been strong, but after Everett left, Kelsey got quiet.
Rowan found her furiously texting and swiping through her phone, a dark cloud replacing the light in her face she’d just had in the water.
She had a sense it was either her father or friends back home bothering her.
“Really?” Kelsey perked up. “Brie will be there with her friends?”
“Yes, and my friend Lea. She’s a big star on the surf circuit. But we’re just going to have some fun and be super casual. I can drive you back.”
“Yeah, that sounds amazing.” She nibbled at her lower lip, unsure. “But I don’t think Brie and those girls like me. I’m different.”
Rowan grinned. “Yep, you’re a kook. And everyone has to start like that.”
Kelsey giggled. “A what?”
“It means beginner. You’re doing really well, Kelsey. I didn’t expect you to take everything I’m teaching and just master it so quick. You’re ready to go out a bit farther. We’re meeting at Threes.”
She blinked. “What’s Threes?”
“There are different beaches out here away from most of the tourists. Threes is right off Kahanamoku Beach. Waves are chill but it’s a step up for you. Not as soft as Canoes, not as cutthroat as Bowls. It’s the middle ground—like life when you’re figuring your stuff out.”
Kelsey’s eyes widened. “Oh my God, really? That’s fire! You think my balance is okay?”
“I’m not sure why you’re called clumsy, unless you’re more comfortable on the water. It may be nice to meet some girls closer to your age.”
“Thanks, Rowan. That’s really nice.”
“Call your dad, though. He has to approve.”
Kelsey shrugged. “He will. He’ll want to know I’m doing something since he won’t be home tonight. I saw the look on his face. He’s in that panic mode when he feels like he doesn’t have everything under control.”
Rowan tried to tread through the conversation and avoid the land mines. “I know his job is really important. I’m sure it’s hard for both of you.”
Kelsey’s phone buzzed. She jumped, looking at it like she was a criminal and it was a cop. Her frown grew deeper as she read something on the screen. “Yeah. I’m used to it.”
Rowan cocked her head. “Everything okay?”
Kelsey ripped her gaze away from the device and gave a half smile. “Just social media stuff from back home. It’s stupid.”
Rowan wanted to ask more questions, but it didn’t feel like the right time. Something was going on. Something that was making Kelsey nervous. Maybe she’d have an opportunity later to have more of a heart-to-heart.
Kelsey hung out with her at the store, helping her with easy tasks and playing with Bagel. Everett gave her permission to go with Rowan as long as Kelsey texted updates. They dropped the rabbit off safely at home, getting some major attitude for leaving him alone, and Rowan drove out to Threes.
The wind tore at their hair as the road opened up. Blue water flashed from one side while the towering mountains flanked them on the other. The drive was soothing, and when they pulled to the side of the road and walked toward her old meeting place, it was like coming home.
The beach smelled like salt, grilled mahi, and a memory she hadn’t realized she wanted back.
Someone had set up an old Weber grill beside a driftwood log.
Music tangled with the wind—something lazy and familiar, Jack Johnson, of course.
Surfboards leaned against coolers and tailgates.
Rowan approached the small group of girls with a rapidly beating heart, but Kelsey looked even more nervous, so she tried to act confident.
Everyone stopped when she finally approached. An awkward silence descended, reminding her of how long it had been since she engaged with anyone from her former life. A familiar grief squeezed tight—almost making Rowan mutter an excuse and run.
Lea must’ve known, because she shot up and walked over. “About time your ass showed up,” she said, hip-checking her like she’d used to.
Rowan managed a smile, feeling the heavy gazes from the other women. “Yeah. Guess I’ve missed a few sets.”
Lea snorted. “Girl, you’ve been landlocked for a year. Lucky for you, the tide doesn’t take attendance.”
Laughter rang out, and Rowan was able to join in.
Her shoulders relaxed. They’d let her slide without some big apology or trying to figure out why tonight she’d suddenly showed up.
Rowan was relieved, because she had no answers and didn’t know how long she’d stay.
But Kelsey’s presence behind her gave her courage.
They both needed to step outside their comfort zones.
“You must be Kelsey,” Lea said, switching her focus. “Nice to meet you. Rowan said you’re doing amazing.”
A blush rose in her cheeks. “Trying to. I’m mostly falling a lot.”
“If you’re not falling, you’re not learning. Come over and I’ll introduce you to everyone.”
They moved closer to the semicircle of women in the sand. More surfboards were laid out amid tangles of towels. Lea pointed out each of them. “This is my sister, Brie. I think you both met at the surf shop. Chelsea—you may be around the same age.”
The girls nodded, their looks judging. Kelsey shifted her weight, obviously nervous. Rowan wished she could hold her hand for support but also knew that teen girls needed to work out their dynamics on their own. Trying to intervene only made it worse.
“Siena, who scored a new sponsorship and is showing off.” Siena rolled her eyes and lifted a hand in greeting.
Her bouncy curls were famous on the circuit, along with her petite body that could crest with a ferocious speed no one could match.
She owned a potty mouth, a temper, and was a fan favorite for both.
“And Dani—who pretends she’s a real surfer but just likes vlogging for clout. ”
Dani stuck out her tongue. “Aloha.”
“Aloha,” Kelsey said shyly. Her board looked like armor as she moved it from the side to the front, as if needing to hide.
“We’re grilling up mahi, and there’s corn, pineapple, salad, and bread. Cooler’s over there. Grab a plate and a seat.”
Rowan jerked her head at Kelsey. “Come on, let’s hit the grill first.”
They filled their plates and sat down on the edge of the circle, cross-legged on a blanket.
As they ate, the women fell into the comfortable chatter of long-term friends.
They gossiped about the new surfers trying to compete, the politics of sponsorships, and of course, the ocean.
Brie and Chelsea were talking quietly by themselves.
Kelsey kept glancing over at them but didn’t make an attempt to join in.
Rowan took a breath and allowed her senses to relax, soaking in the old dialogue and playful banter of her crew.
There was no hostility, even though each of their attempts to make contact this past year had been rebuffed.
She’d been like a wild animal, protective of her space, needing to isolate to lick her wounds.
Her knee throbbed but Rowan knew it was phantom pain.
She’d done enough mental work for competitions to distinguish between truth and lies.
Too bad the lies were so much easier to believe.
“So, Kelsey, how long are you here for?” Lea asked.
“The summer. My dad is working at one of the hotels, which is opening end of August.”
Dani’s curiosity was piqued. “Which one?”
“Purity.”
Siena whistled. “Niiice. You staying there or another hotel?”
“No, we rented a house near the beach. I’m alone most of the time, so Dad wanted me to have access to things, even though I have a driver.
” Her eyes suddenly widened, as if realizing how privileged she sounded, then backtracked.
“I mean, he just drives me to places since I can’t drive yet.
He’s not our official driver or anything.
” More pink flushed her cheeks. “We don’t have a chef, either.
I mean, I can cook a little myself, but Dad can only grill.
” Kelsey glanced around the circle with horror. “I’m sorry, this sounds terrible.”
Rowan reached over and touched her hand. “We know what you’re trying to say.”
“Don’t apologize for being rich, city girl,” Brie drawled. “We wouldn’t if we had it.”
Lea shot her a look. “Brie means no one’s here to judge. There’s one thing that bonds us together that you have. Surfing.”
Kelsey nodded. “Yeah, it’s addicting. The more lessons I take, the more I want.”
“Maybe it’s time to show us what you learned.” Brie jerked her head at Chelsea, who stood up and offered an encouraging smile to Kelsey. “You brought your board for a reason. Let’s go,” Brie said.
Kelsey froze. Then slowly looked at Rowan. “C-can I go with them?”
Oh, yeah. Brie was testing her, but Rowan knew if Kels stood her ground, there’d be room open for a new type of relationship. But she also had a responsibility to keep her safe. “Go ahead. The waves are soft, so you may do some face-plants.”
“I don’t care.” Kelsey stood up and grabbed her board. “I want to try.”
Rowan swallowed a smile. “Stay near the inside sets. Brie, look out for her. No testing.”
Her warning got her a roll of the eyes, but then the girl nodded. “Sure.”
She watched them stroll down to the water.
They paddled out, and Kelsey took her time as she watched Brie and Chelsea catch wave after wave.
Brie yelled something to her and Kels finally went for the next one, immediately tumbling.
She tried a few more times but couldn’t seem to find her stance or focus.
Yeah, the girl was definitely in her head.
Probably worried she had to impress Brie and Chelsea.
She couldn’t get balanced, and seemed frustrated as she struggled.
Remember the lesson. Rowan willed the girl to pause and breathe. The freedom is in the body—not the mind.
“You really care.” Lea’s voice was full of surprise. “She matters.”