Page 66 of Corrupt Idol

“Get out of my way!”

“Fuck.”

He lifted his shirt over his head. Before he had his pants off, she sprinted toward the black waves. She dove in and felt instant relief the moment she was engulfed in the chilly water. The underwater white noise filtered out her agony. She broke the surface in time to see Jesse wading toward her. The twinkle of resort lights seemed miles away.

“Don’t go too deep,” Jesse warned.

She ignored him as she swam, desperate to get her emotions out through strenuous exercise. Jesse kept pace with her as she did laps and fought the churning water. When she had exhausted herself, she stopped and stood neck deep as she panted.

“Feel better?” Jesse asked.

Her eyes stung with tears. “No.”

“Let’s go in,” he urged.

“Not yet.”

She bent her knees so she was floating and let her toes skim the sand as the waves moved her back and forth.

“Talk,” she said.

“What?”

“Talk about something. Anything. Distract me.”

“I’ve been doing some research on Japan. Seems like it’s going to be an interesting place to be stationed.”

She relaxed a little. “How long will you be there?”

“At least a year.”

“You… you like being in the military?”

“Yes.”

“You think you’ll be a lifer?”

“Probably. I like the lifestyle, the rules, travel, and brotherhood. I like being a part of something bigger than myself.”

She nodded. “You found something you like. That’s great.”

“What about you? What’s on your agenda?”

“I have no idea.” She shivered. Now that she wasn’t on the move, the cold was getting to her, but she was reluctant to leave the water and go back to the hotel room. Not yet. “I don’t know what life’s going to be like now that I’m home… and what it’ll be like without Mom.” Her voice cracked. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.”

He tugged her into his arms. She was too sad to fight him. She rested her face on his shoulder and wrapped her legs around his waist as they allowed themselves to move with the water.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he said.

“No, it’s not!” she wailed.

“We’re gonna get past this.”

“How?”

“Together.”

She sniffled against his chest. “But you’re such a dick.”

---