Page 15 of Barefoot Chaos
I covered my mouth, eyes wide. My estranged sister was at my house just two days ago and saw my songwriting. Today, I get dared publicly to sing one of my songs. Coincidence? I didn't think so.
Hessa:Very funny stunt you pulled. How about you give me back my hacked account now?
Rainna:??
Tessa:Just be honest. Did you hack my Instabook account?
Rainna:Hell, no. I don't do social media.
And that left me back where I started, if I trusted Rainna when she said she didn't do it. Which I didn't.
I sighed, the inevitable chafing my skin like an ill-fitting, cheap thong. I'd have to call Kai. I dialed the number listed on the City of Huntington Beach website and waited through four rings, reminding me of a rhythmic death march to my humiliation.
"Lifeguard Headquarters. How can I help you?" A perky woman answered the phone and I prayed I could leave a voicemail.
"Hello. I'm trying to reach Kai Kane. Can you help me with that?"
"Sure, let me transfer you. If he's available, he'll answer, otherwise just leave a message."
A peppy Beach Boys song came on while I waited on hold. I'd met the lead singer at a fundraiser one time. I high-fived him...my claim to fame.
Voicemail, voicemail, voicemail... I chanted my wish, throwing it out to the universe to take care of for me.
"Kai Kane, how can I help you?"
Dammit, universe.
"Uh, hi, Kai." Now I was rhyming. This was not starting off well. "This is Hessa Woodland."
There was a pause. I wondered if I should clarify who I was. Would he have forgotten?
"Hessa." He paused. "How did you like that macadamia hot chocolate?" His voice had deepened, gotten more intimate.
Oh, he knew who I was.
"It was quite delicious." Oh Lord, did I really bring that up again? I wanted to forget he'd called me 'ono' even though I'd been reliving that moment for several nights in a row as I went to sleep at night.
He chuckled, the sound warm and friendly. "I'm sure it was delicious. Not that you need a reason, but what are you calling for this lovely Monday?"
"Well, I'm not sure. I had something odd happen today and I think it may be connected to those dares you were talking to me about. It could also just be my semi-criminal sister having a joke on me. But I didn't want to take any chances. I'm on my lunch break right now and have to get back to class shortly. Do you have time to talk later today?" I forced my hands to stop pulling on my sweater. We were simply two professionals talking. No need to flutter around like a scared school girl on her first date.
"It must be serious if you're calling me, admitting there might be some validity to what I was asking you about." I could practically hear the smirk on his face. "How about you come down to the beach after I get off at five. Meet me at Headquarters and wear workout clothes. That work for you?"
I sputtered. "Focus your audio. If I'm wrong, I have no problem saying I'm wrong. I just thought you might be interested in what transpired today because it might be connected. No need to bring the snark." What was it about this guy that made me defensive in two seconds flat?
"Hessa. I meant no offense. I'm going to assume that calling me a week after arguing how there could be no possible connection to your program would be a hard call to make. That makes me think you have something very serious to discuss. There's no time to waste. So. Five o'clock, Headquarters. You good?"
I sighed. Maybe I was a bit defensive. I felt like I needed his help so I'd have to suck it up, buttercup. "Okay. I'll be there. Wait--why am I wearing workout clothes?"
"See you soon, Hessa." Click.
That aggravating man! I needed his help, but this seemed too steep a price to pay.
Even so, my traitorous heart skipped a beat as it counted the minutes until our meeting.
It was a rush, but I stopped by my house to change and still made it to Lifeguard Headquarters in time to meet Kai at five o'clock. I was a stickler for punctuality and he didn't disappoint. He was standing outside the front door, spotting me as I pulled into the parking lot. He came over and opened my car door for me, which spoke to my heart, a sentimental lover of all things chivalrous and old fashioned.
"Kai." I stood, tugging my shirt down, trying to cover the glorious ass that was on display in these tight workout pants. Time to practice my self-love, a' la Beach Squad.
