Page 76 of Baby, It's You
After attempting a nollie heelflip and hitting the pavement multiple times, I decide to take a break. I ride over to a bench and Wes follows. He daps me up and then walks to another vacant metal bench next to mine and picks up a bottle of Gatorade. He chugs the container and wipes his mouth, then walks back towards me.
“How’s it going, buddy?” Wes asks.
“It’s going,” I respond, looking up at him from bench. My board’s resting between my feet and I push it back and forth.
“Nice to see you on the ol’ board, old man.”
“Yeah, I almost broke a hip. I’m rusty.”
Wes sits next to me and nudges me with his shoulder. “Come skate more. It’s good for you.”
“Yeah, I know,” I tell him.
“You’ve been working a lot recently, I feel like I’ve barely heard from you, dude.”
“Yeah, just accepting more jobs now. Staying busy.”
“To block out your feelings for Olive, right?” He raises an eyebrow.
I look over at him. “Right.”
“That’s what I thought.” He nods. “Understandable, man. I could tell you were really into her.”
“Still am,” I say.
“I’m sorry the bar thing didn’t work out for you two, that place was really sweet. I liked the vibe.”
“Yeah, we tried the best we could. I just wanted to help.”
“You're a great dude, Hunter. A way better man than me.”
I tip my head in thanks.
“I meant to ask you, what are you two going to do with all the money now? The money you raised?”
“We talked about it the last night I saw her, after Olive found out she couldn’t buy the bar. She said she wanted to make sure that the money was returned to everyone who donated so I told her I would handle it. I’ve refunded every single person that has donated at this point; so, it’s really over now.” I look down at my hands.
“It’s going to be okay,” Wes says, and puts a hand on my back in support.
“That’s what everyone keeps saying,” I respond. My attitude has been unusually pessimistic since losing her.
“Don’t let this get you down. You will find someone new. Like I always say, ‘The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.’”
“I’m not like you, man,” I tell him.
“I know and that’s why I said you’ll always be better than me.” Wes chuckles and smacks me on the back. “Come on, let's go get some food. I’m paying.”
I nod my head and follow him out of the park.
Chapter 54
Olive
After the news breaks about Tripp having no legal ownership of the bar, I decide to stick around town to see what happens. I know I don’t have the money from the fund anymore, but maybe if the bar goes up for auction at a cheaper price, I can try to work something out with the bank. I feel like this is a second chance and I’m trying to remain optimistic.
I'm heading to the grocery store to grab some food because my fridge is bare. I thought I would be leaving town by now and I’m down to nothing but baked beans in my pantry. I’m halfway to the store when Sonjia calls me.
“Hello?” I sing into the phone.
