Page 71 of Not That Into You

“I know she’d be willing to help you out if she knew about your financial situation.”

Is he for real? “Oh, that’s ironic.”

“How so?”

“First of all, I don’t need anyone’s help. I’m not in a ‘financial situation.’ I’m just not able to save as much money as I’d like. I can still pay my bills.”

“I know. I didn’t mean?—”

“And second of all, it’s ironic that when you first met me, you thought I was a mooch, even though I wasn’t one, and now you know I’m not a mooch, but you want me to be one.”

“But this is different.”

“It’s really not.”

I glance behind me and slide back down onto my belly. “I’m going to try to catch this wave.”

He presses his lips together as if debating what to say next. With a sigh, he shakes his head. “Fine. Don’t forget to look where you’re going, not at your board.”

“Roger that.”

I only get up for a second before I fall again. Frustrated, I try a few more times. After what feels like my hundredth wipeout, I lie prone on my board, closing my eyes in defeat. “I’m done, Cameron.”

“One more, Matthews. There’s a good wave coming. It’s all going to come together for you this time. I can feel it.”

“I can’t feel my toes.”

He glances at my feet. “They’re still attached, so you’re good to go.”

“Do I have to?”

“Yes. One more try, then we’ll go inside, and I’ll make you coffee.”

“Can I have a latte? I think I deserve a latte.”

“A latte it is. Come on.” He pats my rear. “Let’s do it!”

Grumbling, I lift my head and paddle my board into position.

“Okay, here it comes. Get ready. Paddle!”

I paddle toward shore, feeling the wave build behind me.

“Pop up!”

I push up, step my right foot forward, then move my left out front. I keep my hands on the board until I feel steady enough and then stand with knees bent. Lifting my gaze, I focus on where I’m going, riding the wave toward the beach.

Holy shit.

I’m surfing! I give a whoop of joy as Cameron cheers.

I’m so excited, I don’t even think; I straighten and glance behind me to give Cameron a thumbs up.

But my balance wavers, and I start teetering. I lose my footing and fall over the side of the board, a sharp pain hitting my head as I splash into the water.

I hear Cameron yell my name just as everything goes dark.

Chapter 19

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