Page 17 of Below the Barrel

“You’re thinking about me?” Koa asks in a flattered tone.

I roll my eyes before I mirror his pose, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Why did you text methatlast night?”

“Text you what?” he asks, brows furrowed. “Sweet dreams?”

Hearing him say those two words out loud sends a bolt of electricity through my body, and I’m left feeling both turned on and pathetic. He studies me, as if he can read my mind, before he reaches across, closing the distance between us, and tucks a loose strand of my hair behind my ear.

“Did it keep you awake, princess?”

I close my eyes at the sound of my nickname. He’s the only person who’s ever called me that and the sound of it breaks my heart all over again.

“Don’t call me that,” I whisper.

“Okay,” he says, simply.

I open my eyes and find that he’s still studying my expressions, head tilted to the side. He turns to look at thepossums before that mischievous smile creeps its way back onto his lips.

“Maybe I should call you possum instead,” he says, nodding in their direction.

I turn my head to look at the hungry possum only to see it’s now puffed up, nearly twice its size, as its back arches like it’s about to pounce. I notice another possum nearby, inching closer to the feeding station.

The first possum opens its mouth, revealing its sharp, pointed teeth as a low, chilling hiss escapes from its mouth. It begins to growl and hiss as the other possum nears closer. I watch as its bushy tail begins to flick aggressively behind it, a clear sign of its agitation.

“Yup, I think possum is a much better nickname for you,” Koa says, nodding as he continues to watch the face-off. “You look just like that when you’re angry.”

I clench my teeth, my lips pulling back, as I turn to glare at him. He glances at me from the corner of his eye before snorting.

“Basically twins. Nearly identical.”

He turns his back to me and walks away, joining the rest of the group, as I seethe behind him.

Orchard and Oakis the most upscale winery I’ve ever been to. The floors are polished oak while the walls are a beautiful, pale stone. With exposed beams, the open concept of the place feels timeless. I sit at the large bar at the back of the room, near the exit doors, on the world’s most comfortable plush bar stools.

“Another top up, miss?” The bartender offers as I place my empty wine glass down on the bar.

“Go for it,” I say, trying my best to sound sober.

He smiles obliviously as he refills my glass for the third time tonight. I glance over my shoulder, watching Koa have the time of his life at his dining table surrounded by the other female surfers. He smiles politely at them as they talk, almost every girl twirling a strand of their hair between their fingers.

It makes me sick.

I grab my glass off the bar and stumble upright as I hop off the barstool. Without another glance his way, to spare my own feelings, I clumsily make my way toward the outdoor seating area. Taking a seat on the wooden bench just outside the dining hall doors, I bring the glass back to my lips for another sip as I admire the carefully manicured gardens of the estate. The neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant coloured flower beds remind me of my father’s home in Portugal. It's been years since I last visited him there.

I push thoughts of him out of my mind, not wanting him to deflate the small buzz I have going on tonight, as I spot a small pond with a rustic wooden bridge in the distance.

The perfect place for a peaceful stroll,I decide.

I’ve been searching for a quiet moment alone all day.

I stand up, and begin walking toward the charming pond, noticing the subtle fragrance of blooming flowers and fresh grass surrounding me on my way. I’m grateful that the cameras have been put away for the night and the microphones removed from my clothing. It would have been so embarrassing to have myself recorded in this state.

I don’t know why two simple words have me so rattled, but I need to figure it out before tomorrow’s competition, or I’m screwed. I need to stay focused for the waves ahead, but I can’t do that with thoughts of Koa running wild in my head.

I make it to the bridge, the wood creaking softly beneath me as I walk to the centre of it. Glancing down at the pond, I notice the water lilies floating around the waters that reflect the surrounding trees. It’s so peaceful and I finally feel like I can think.

Closing my eyes, I focus on the sounds around me. The gentle ripples of the water, the rustling of leaves, and the soft buzzing of insects in the surrounding grass. A feeling of calm finally washing over me, that is until I feel a hand rest over mine and the wine glass is taken from me.

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