Page 2 of Redemption

Kelsey

Long Beach, California

Two years later…

The toes of my cowgirlboots crunch under the mounds of peanut shells that litter the concrete floor and “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line blares through the systems speakers as I head off to take the order of my next table.

Gilley’s is one of the few restaurants that still thrives on this deserted block. Cowboy hats line the walls and framed pictures of famous western actors are hung above each booth. It’s a bit dated inside with a hometown country feel and I love it. It’s a pice of history that’s been here for years. The musty smell seeping through the wood-paneled walls is proof of that.

Two years of this and nothing changes. I’m twenty-three years old and all I do is eat, work, sleep, repeat. It’s a steady routine. Something I never thought I’d want. Something I never thought I’d even like.

Here, things are different. No one knows who I am. No one knows what I’ve been through. It’s safe. Safe is good, but sometimes it’s boring as fuck.

“How’s it going, Lorelei? You look tired as hell, dude.” Natalie swings her hips up to the counter and whips her blonde head around to face me. She’s the only “friend” I’ve really managed to make out here. The rest are just acquaintances, nothing more. As far as dating goes, that’s something I’m steering far, far way from. Ever since a blue-eyed, lying asshole with dimples and a smooth southern accent that could set panties on fire ruined my life, I’ve stayed clear of anything with a dick.

“Exhausted is more like it.” I laugh as I slap the ticket order into the metal clip and spin the wheel around.

“A bunch of us are heading down to the beach tomorrow. You should come.” Her brown eyes glance up me with what appears to be hope.

“I don’t know.” Hesitation has become a natural occurrence for me and I hate it. I used to be the one planning all the spontaneous trips for Charlee and me. Now, I’m the one having to be dragged out to have a good time. If only she could see me now.

My heart hurts at the thought of my best friend. On the many nights I’ve spent crying myself to sleep I’ve often wondered how she’s doing. I could have asked my dad, but that would only make my pain so much worse. Sometimes it better not to know that life goes on without you.

“Come on. You’ll have fun.” Natalie hip checks me out of my inner thoughts.

“Bonfires and beer? Count me in.” I smile forcing some of the old Kelsey to shine through, but inside I feel a piece of me is still missing.

“That’s the spirit.” She slaps me on the shoulder and heads off to check on her tables.

I do the same and before long Gilley’s is packed. I’m kept so busy that I don’t have time to dwell on the ghosts of my past or the shit show that has become my life.

When my shift finally ends I’m about dead on my feet. I toss my apron on a hook in the back and head out the door. The salty air blows across my skin causing goosebumps to arise. It’s a cool summer night and I’m kicking myself for forgetting a damn sweater. My arms fold over across my chest at a sad attempt to keep warm.

Natalie’s invite rolls around inside my head the entire five minute walk from Gilley’s to my set of apartments. I’m so tired of breathing, but not really living.

Screams of laughter from the beach skate across the night sky, hitting me in the stomach with envy. I contemplate going back to my cramped apartment alone to pass out, but that’s what Lorelei would do. Kelsey wants to live—to feel the ocean dance along her skin and take chances.

Mind made up, I bypass the alley to my apartment and head towards the beach. My apartment may be a shit hole, but its quick access to the beach is a fancy perk I’m appreciative of right now.

Sand kicks up with each stepping coating my boots. The palms of my hands sweat, but I keep moving forward. I can do this. I need to do this.

Flames flicker higher inside the fire pit the closer to the group I get. A few people give me a nod as I search for a certain familiar face. Lucky for me I don’t have to wait long before I see a flash of blond rushing straight towards me.

“You made it.” Natalie pushes up on her toes to wrap her arms around me in a hug. I bend down and meet her halfway. The glazed over look in her eyes tells me she’s been having fun for a while. “You need a drink.”

“I do.” I exhale a shaky laugh and follow her towards another small group of guys that are hovering around a red ice chest.

“Guys, this is Lorelei.” She waves her hand back and forth between myself and the group. “Lorelei, that’s Alan, Mark, and Steven.” A long pink fingernail points from a blond, to the two brunettes.

“Hi.” I clear my throat and do a small wave back like the dork I am.

All three of them return my lame gesture with a chin lift and we stand in awkward silence for a few seconds. It’s almost like high school all over again.

Natalie hands me a bottle of beer, giving me something to do with my hands. I waste no time cracking that sucker open and let the crisp fluid cool my overheated body. I’m so out of practice with peopling that I suck at it. I swallow so fast I damn near choke.

“Whoa, you might want to slow down on that.” Alan laughs and runs his fingers through his blonde hair and breaks away from his friends. He’s wearing a pair of black board shorts and a white Puka shell necklace, that I’m pretty sure went out of style in the 90s, but it’s his shoes that have me second guessing this guy. Who wears penny loafers to the beach?

“Thanks.” I wipe the back of my hand over my mouth and try to ignore the fact that I just made an ass out of myself. If my lack of etiquette is a turn off, he isn’t letting on because he’s still closing the distance between us.

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