Page 12 of Faking Forever 1
“Race ya?” she exclaims, startling me.
“Huh?”
I heard her, but it’s just in character for me to annoy the shit out of her.
“Race. Me.” she demands, “Back to shore.” she beams.
Thrown off, I take a deep breath, “You’re such a handful sometimes—know that?”
She stays beaming, laying flat on her board.
“Shut up and show me your skills, loser.”
“Oh, we’re playing dirty now? Shit-talking and all, huh?”
“Don’t act like you don’t love my company.” her lips creep into an infectious smile.
How could I not?
How couldanyonenot?
* * *
The wind flies through the gaps of my flannel as I push myself forward on my longboard, flying down the slight hill—Beau on the other side of me. I hold a hand on my head, securing my hat as we get closer to the bottom, where our cars had been parked. We decided to meet at the last minute before it got too humid to function. I always loved the morning air in Jersey. It’s fresh and has that perfect crisp to it, just like a school morning.
I spend most mornings now with my dad. Since leaving surfing camp, I have discovered a lot about my feelings toward the city and how things are run. That includes the cost of living and the state of our environment. That part is especially important to me. I spend a lot of my time enjoying the fruits of the earth, and pretty soon, it won’t be so much of a privilege.
32
HEY LOVER
With my dad running for Mayor, I’ve paid much attention to his routines and leads. What he stands for is all about equality and saving the earth. Even though it sounds a bit corny, I’m proudto admit I’m invested. I’ve gone to all the meetings, met a lot of the connections, and well—in a way—it’s like I’m good at it. I can talkandback up my sources. It’s a bit scary how good I am with a simple argument. It felt natural. The entire election has. The closer it gets, the more nervous I am to know the results.
For once, this morning, I wasn’t shoving my face in a pile of papers or burning my eyes to stay awake during a meeting.
It was just innocent longboarding with my buddy.
We begin to slow down, Beau stopping first, then me second.
Beau places a foot on his board, stopping it as he reaches into his pocket for a withered pack of cigarettes.
“Such a sick ride this morning.” Beau places a cigarette in his mouth, lighting it without hesitation.
“Perfect weather. Too bad everyone has to work.” I say.
“Of courseyoudon’t, surfin’ bird,” Beau laughs, nodding at me, “Barbie’s home, and you’ve got acrucial date.” he teases.
“Okay, chill.” I half smile, attempting to simmer my embarrassment.
“When are you gonna stop pretending you aren’t die-hard in love with her, dude?” he tips my ball cap down.
I smile fully, grabbing it after him to adjust it back in place.
“Never, because I’mnotin love with her.” I shrug, scoffing slightly.
He places a hand on his stomach, holding back laughter.
“Seriously, cool off—we aren’t like that. Come on.” I look at him, reaching into his car trunk for a water bottle.
