Page 17 of F*ck You

“Yeah. So anyway, I was homeless and really glad when you let me stay here for a while. Although now that you know all of this, I understand if you want me out.”

She scrunched up her eyebrows with confusion. “Why would I want you out? You can still stay here. If anything, I’m cheering you on. Not everyone has the guts to leave and find a better life for themselves, and I applaud you.”

“Really?” That was not at all what I’d expected to hear.

“Really. Look, enjoy your time here. Drink away your pain, but then the moment you see a break in the storm, take it. You’re living in a condo on the beach, and if you’ve met Chase, then I have no doubt you’ve already met Larsen too.” I opened my mouth to say something, but she continued, “They’re good guys and they can show you many adventures here. Go surfing, discover what all the ocean has to offer. Live your life the way you want to.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

Her smile was small, but it was genuine. “Because you remind me of my daughter.” She didn’t say any more than that, and I didn’t want to press in case the reasoning for that wasn’t available to everyone. “I’m glad you’re doing okay, and I wish you the best of luck. I just wanted to see how things were going for you. Honestly, given the circumstances, I think you’re doing quite well.”

I smiled at her compliment. I did nothing but berate myself on the inside, so it was nice that someone actually saw my strength. “Thank you.”

“Keep in touch, and honestly, don’t hesitate to call. If you need anything, I’ll be here.” With a nod, she left, and I watched her round the condo to get back to the parking lot before I shut the door, grateful there was at least one person here who thought I was capable of more than self-sabotage.

* * *

Larsen

“You looklike you’ve had a rough time but also enjoyed it. Everything alright?”

Chase’s gaze shot toward me as he walked up, and he shrugged. “Yeah, I mean it was alright.”

“What were you doing? We were supposed to meet an hour ago.”

“Yeah. You know that new girl?”

I nodded. Despite how much I tried, it had been impossible for me to do anything without her appearing in my mind.

“Long story short, I ended up cooking her a huge meal and we sat down to eat.”

Smiling, I nudged him in the side with my elbow. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah.”

“Is there more to the story?”

He was silent as he looked out at the water, choosing his words carefully. “I don’t know, man. At first, I thought I would just try and help her so she wouldn’t become another Chelsea, but…”

“But?”

“There’s something about her. I can’t put my finger on it. I don’t know what she’s running from, but she’s most definitely been hurt bad. Anyway, now I’m going to throw her on a surfboard in the morning.”

My eyes widened at that. “Do you think that’s a good idea?”

“Probably, and probably not. But I do think it’s the right thing.” He coughed and looked at me. “What’s up?”

I blew out a breath and got started. “Giana isn’t taking no for an answer. She’s going to keep pushing this boat party around until it actually happens. I thought maybe we could get it over with, and maybe even bring someone else to show we’re not interested in her.”

“You mean like the new girl?”

I nodded.

“You do realize Giana is going to immediately target her as a threat and possibly go after her, right?” he asked.

“Yeah, she knows about her. She saw her when she locked herself out, and she’s not a fan. I don’t think it could make things any worse between them than they already are.”

He thought the idea over for a little while, and I could practically see the wheels turning inside his head.

“I don’t think Lee would care about her at all, but I’m not sure if she’ll go. We could mention it to her. But yeah, I do think that could be a way to get Giana off our backs. Or, at least your back, since she rarely pays attention to me anymore,” he said with a smirk.

Waving him off, I responded, “Yeah, yeah, lucky you. So, it’s settled then?”

“Yeah, we can ask her. But I don’t want to just use her.”

I grinned at him. “You really enjoyed your time with her, didn’t you?”

His eyes widened for a split second before going back to normal. “Yeah, actually, I did. She could really liven some things up around here.”

I nodded. Despite the unconventional way I’d met her, something was pushing for me to get to know her some more as well. I glanced toward her condo and saw her walking up the steps to greet Miss Morris. I didn’t realize she was coming back in today.

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