Page 67 of Taming Waves

“Twenty-ninth,” I correct, snorting. “It’s twenty-ninth, and you’re older than me, asshole.”

“Right, right. Whatever. You’re ancient regardless.”

“Heads-up!” Lennon shouts, and the football comes hurtling toward me.

I start jogging backward and catch the perfect spiral, pulling it into my chest.

We are enjoying an impromptu game of tag football with Lennon and Wade leading the teams. At the center of it all, the bonfire blazes, orange flames licking at the night sky, logs crackling and popping. The girls, bundled up in warm clothing, hold Solo cups and lean back in folding chairs, cheering us on. A portable speaker blasts a mix of classic rock and whatever playlist Amiya chose as the theme music for the night.

The game gets intense as I catch a long pass from Wade and take off running toward our imaginary end zone. As I focus on my goal, I stumble when I spot Audrey, and Dillon launches himself at me. We both tumble into the sand.

I missed her arrival.

She’s by the fire, sitting cross-legged on a blanket with a glass of wine in hand. She spots me and lifts her glass in a mock toast. “Oh, so close!”

I drop the ball before walking over to her.

“Hey, Park! Where are you going, man? The game’s not over!” Anson shouts.

“He knows when to throw in the towel,” Lennon replies, ruffling Anson’s hair. This prompts the two of them to fall headfirst into the sand, leading to a wrestling match.

“Get him, baby!” Amiya shouts as Lennon puts him in a headlock.

“You made it,” I say, shaking my head, and sand rains down on her.

“Parker!” she shouts, covering her wineglass.

“That’s enough playtime, boys. Come grab some oysters while they’re hot!” Avie shouts.

The group gathers around a makeshift oyster roast setup—a metal sheet placed over hot coals piled high with steaming oysters—filling the crisp night air with a smoky scent. The briny shellfish are my favorite, whether raw or steamed.

Amiya hands me two bowls, a tiny bottle of hot sauce, and a shucking knife. “You’d better load up before the animals eat them all!”

I fill one of the bowls and then return to plop down beside Audrey. “Are you hungry?” I ask as I pop one of the shells open, squeeze a lemon wedge over it, add some hot sauce, and bring it to her lips.

She opens her mouth and slurps the delicate morsel inside. “Mmm,” she moans. “It tastes like the ocean—sweet and salty.”

I lean over and swipe the corner of her mouth with my sleeve. “I know something else that tastes like the ocean. And if you eat enough of these, you’ll be begging me for it later,” I whisper.

Her eyes darken. “You wish, birthday boy.”

I grin. “Oh, that will definitely be my wish when I blow out my candles tonight.”

The night goes on, the laughter growing louder and louder as the fire burns brightly. Wade pulls over a cooler full of beer, and I grab one, sipping it while I watch the chaos unfold. Anson and Dillon start tossing the football again.

“Parker, get over here and help me show this young one a thing or two,” Anson shouts, holding the ball up.

I shake my head, content to sit beside her and soak up the night. “I’m good. You all have fun.”

He frowns and starts shouting a response just as Audrey stands up and jogs toward them, calling over her shoulder, “Come on! Don’t be boring!”

There’s no escaping it now. All the girls, except for Eden, follow her lead, and I find myself lining up across from Audrey, the sand shifting under my feet as I get into position. The air is sharp and cool, the kind that makes your lungs burn when you’re breathing hard.

“You sure you’re ready for this?” I ask.

She smirks. “Show me what you’ve got, birthday boy.”

I roll my eyes, but can’t help grinning. “Find. Don’t cry when we win.”

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