He studied film and television in college and recently decided he was going to write a screenplay and make millions. But since he came from millions, I had to wonder if his perspective was a bit wonky when it came to modes of survival.
“Yeah, working all the time can be brutal, but there’s this crazy phenomenon where I don’t get paid unless I work,” I snarked.
“So unfair,” Rex groused with an exaggerated sigh, hiking his thumb toward the ocean. “Gotta jam. I’m on the tower till noon, and—hey, I almost forgot. Did you know Andy Dugan is back?
I furrowed my brow. “To visit or what?”
“To surf, dummy. He registered for the Pro Com in Huntington next month.”
“Fuck.”
“I know,” Rex commiserated. “He’s fresh off a big win in Hawaii too. That doesn’t mean you can’t beat him, but you need to shred some bigger sets. It’s been too mellow out here. We should go to Surfrider or The Wedge this weekend. We’ll plan something tonight. Do not forget. I’ll text you the info. Later, bro.”
I waved haphazardly, then picked up my board and balanced it on my head, lost in thought as I stared at the horizon.
Andy fucking Dugan.
Ugh. I’d chosen the Pro Com event because I knew I could win it. Most of the pros in the area didn’t bother with this one. It wasn’t as prestigious as the US or Pacific Open. The prize money was negligible in comparison to those bigger events, but it was perfect for me. I’d actually counted on it. But if Andy was in the competition, this was no longer a sure thing.
Fuck.
The Saloon was packed by eight thirty. I tucked myself into a corner of the bar and nursed a beer while I waited for Rex and the guys. This place was a notch above being a true dive. It was dark and musty, but the high tables around the makeshift stage were shiny and new. So was the pendant lighting overhead. No one here cared about the aesthetics. They came to listen to live music…and check out the eye candy.
My gaze wandered to the large group of college-aged friends on the far end of the bar, then to the guitarist plucking an old Bob Dylan song on his acoustic a few feet away. I wasn’t a connoisseur, but I got the feeling his instrument was for show. Thankfully, he had decent pipes.
I bobbed my head to a sweet rendition of “Mr. Tambourine Man” when a pretty blonde with big tits and a low sultry voice sidled next to me and pointed at my glass.
“My friends and I are buying another round. What are you drinking?”
“Uh…” I held my beer up and smiled. “I’m good for now. Thanks for the offer.”
“Sure thing. I’m Eden, by the way.” She extended her manicured hand and stepped a little closer.
“Cal. Nice to meet you.”
“Are you here alone?”
“I’m meeting friends. I’m always late and they’re always giving me hell for it, so I made an effort to beat them here tonight. And I did.” I raised my glass in a mock toast and took a sip.
“Well done. But there’s no need for you to drink alone. I’m happy to join you or…am I coming on a little too strong?”
I chuckled. “A little strong, but that’s okay.”
Eden beamed. “Excellent.”
We made small talk about the local music scene, the venue, and IPAs. It was pleasant enough, but it got harder to hear her when the guitarist wrapped up his act and the already crowded bar filled with thirsty patrons placing their drink orders before the next act took over. I leaned in to tell her fuck knows what just as someone whistled loudly and yelled her name.
“Someone’s looking for you.”
“They’re looking for their drinks,” she snickered, waving the bartender over. “Since you distracted me, it’s only fair that you help me deliver these to Zoe and Luca and—”
“Whoa. Zoe and Luca?”
I narrowed my eyes and scanned the semidark space, aware that my heart was beating overtime. That didn’t make much sense. Harmless flirting with a pretty girl hadn’t raised my pulse, but the idea that Luca was here made me sweat. I didn’t get it. I chalked it up to the fact that I’d been hoping to run into him and mentally resolve that last lesson. Hey, the world worked in mysterious ways, and if Eden’s friend Luca was the same guy I’d been thinking about nonstop for weeks, this might be my chance to get some much-needed resolution.
“Yeah. We’re with a big group. Zoe and I are sorority sisters and…wait!” She pulled at my sleeve when I stepped away from the bar. “The drinks.”
“Oh. Right.”
I drained the last of my beer and followed Eden through the press of bodies, carrying three shot glasses. She bumped hips and parted the crowd like a pro before setting her burden on a high table near the window facing 4th Street, leaving me room to put mine down too. Then she opened her arms, introducing me with a dramatic flourish.