Page 135 of Surfer's Paradise

Isaac ran a hand over his face, exhaling. “Jesus, you all have nothing better to do?”

“Not really,” Shay said, kicking his feet up. “This is the most fun I’ve had all week.”

Isaac flipped him off.

Jesse glanced over. “So what’s the verdict?”

Zach sighed. “Cracked ribs, some minor internal bruising. No collapsed lung, which is honestly a miracle. But no high-impact training, no diving, no work for at least a month.”

Isaac scowled. “That’s excessive.”

Dom gave him a look. “It’s what they told you, so it’s what you’re doing.”

Isaac bit back a response, staring at the ceiling instead.

A month.

A month of no movement.

A month of sitting still.

A month of doing nothing but thinking.

The room felt too small.

His own skin felt too tight.

Zach, sensing his mood, clapped a hand on his good shoulder. “Look, man, it could be worse. You get a few weeks to kick back, relax, maybe get your head on straight.”

Isaac forced a smirk. “My head’s always on straight.”

Shay scoffed. “Yeah, that’s why you almost died today.”

Isaac huffed out a breath, shaking his head.

“Go the fuck home,” he muttered, adjusting against the pillows. “You’re all giving me a headache.”

Zach laughed, standing. “Fine, but don’t get too comfortable. We’re hitting San Onofre again when you’re cleared.”

Isaac smirked. “Good. I owe that ocean a fight.”

Jesse grinned, heading for the door. “Try not to die before then.”

One by one, they filtered out, Dom lingering last.

For a long moment, he didn’t say anything. Just studied Isaac, expression unreadable.

Finally, Isaac said, “Brother, thanks for saving my life.”

“You saved Isabel’s life. I saved yours. Seems like a fair trade.”

Of all the things he expected Dom to say, that wasn’t one of them. His chest tightened slightly.

“…Yeah?”

Dom smirked. “Yeah. Try not to make it a habit, though.”

Isaac chuckled, wincing when it sent another sharp pain through his ribs.

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