Page 11 of When We Are Falling

“Alright, let’s get moving,” Patrick says, clapping me on the shoulder. “We’ve got a lot to organize before tonight.”

The day passes in a blur of activity, Bandit supervising with the occasional huff and some well-placed nods. Liam and I spend the morning canceling our boat charters, apologizing to clients, and explaining the situation. Thankfully, most of them understand, offering words of support and promises to reschedule once things are back to normal.

Just after noon, we’re organizing supplies for the cleanup—gloves, masks, absorbent pads, and booms. We drop them off at town hall, which has become the makeshift command center.

It’s late afternoon by the time I drop an exhausted Bandit at home—supervising humans being one of the most tiring activities any dog can undertake—and Liam and I head to the Tidal Tavern. As we approach, we’re met by the sight of people spilling out the front doors onto the boardwalk. It looks like half the town is here, and the place is packed, the usual humof conversation amplified by the sheer number of volunteers who’ve shown up to help.

Liam and I push our way through the crowd, weaving between clusters of people chatting animatedly and comparing notes. The energy is contagious.

We find Patrick near the bar, already in the thick of things. He’s created groups of volunteers, each with a specific task for the cleanup effort. Clipboard in hand, he’s directing people with the ease of someone who’s used to managing chaos.

“Hey,” Liam calls out as we approach.

He looks up. “We’re just about to get started on the main briefing. I’ve put each of you boys in charge of a group of volunteers.”

There’s a long list on the bar where Patrick has separated the volunteers into groups. Liam and I scan the pages, and I quickly spot my name and then Blake’s name in a different group. I glance around to make sure no one else is watching, then take a pen and quietly switch my name with Jake’s, so I’m heading Blake’s group. I figure I may as well enjoy at least one aspect of the cleanup.

Liam raises an eyebrow at me, smirking. “Smooth move.”

“Shut up.”

Patrick calls everyone over, letting them know the plan for the coming week. He continues with his instructions, his voice carrying over the din until he’s gotten across all the important information.

“Alright, folks, listen up! That’s all for now. Check in with your team leaders, and boys, make sure everyone knows their tasks. Safety is our top priority.”

Blake appears by my side. She’s wearing a fitted T-shirt and jeans that hug her perfect body in all the right places, accentuating her curves. Her red hair is pulled back in a highponytail, strands escaping to frame her impossibly beautiful face.

She glances at me and the soft light of the bar casts a glow on her flawless skin, her lips curving into a smile that cuts straight through me. She’s the most stunning woman I’ve ever seen.

After scanning the list of volunteer groups, she focuses on me. “Looks like we’re in the same group.”

“Guess so,” I reply, shrugging.

She looks at the packed bar and volunteers spilling out onto the boardwalk. “It’s amazing, isn’t it? How everyone’s come together like this.”

“Yeah,” I agree, scanning the crowd.

Patrick’s voice cuts through our conversation. “Ethan, you’re leading the beach cleanup crew working around the lighthouse. Make sure everyone’s got the right gear and knows what they’re doing. We’re getting started first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Got it,” I say, giving Patrick a thumbs-up.

Blake stands beside me as the rest of our group gathers around, and I give them a broad outline of the plan tomorrow. Once I’m done, and the others start to drift away, I turn to Blake, grinning at her. “Looks like you’ll be answering to me for the next few weeks. Just call me Mr. Boss Man.”

She raises an eyebrow, a mischievous look spreading across her face. “Unlikely. We both know who really calls the shots around here.”

“We’ll see about that. But for now, how about we grab a drink and work on the plan for tomorrow?”

I shoot a quick glance at Liam, who’s finished with his own group, letting him know in no uncertain terms he’s not invited to join us. He rolls his eyes but doesn’t object—he knows I’ve had a crush on Blake for years.

Her eyes catch mine, a spark lighting them. “Sounds good. I could use a drink after the day we’ve had.”

Chapter 6

Ethan

We makeour way to the back, weaving through the crowd of volunteers. The energy in the Tidal Tavern is alive, and when we get to the bar, Blake holds up a finger, letting me know she’ll be a minute.

She slips behind the bar, helping Lucy pour drinks for those waiting to be served, before waving over one of her glass runners, a stocky young guy who looks like a rugby player. He seems thrilled to be in charge of pulling beers.

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