Page 36 of Meet You in the Waves
“I can’t really think of a worse way to spend a day,” Dane answered. “Besides, I already made plans to meet up with Hector today. He’s the guy from last night who I went to school with. He’s studying law you know. We’re meeting up at the Espy Beach Club for a drink. You should come with.”
Ajay’s shoulders dropped. I could see he was torn, clearly wanting a day out on the water but not wanting to disappoint his best friend.
“Up to you, Ajay,” I said, feeling Mateo’s eyes on me. “Offer still stands.”
Ajay glanced up at me, indecision in his eyes before he looked back at Dane.
“Do what you want,” Dane shrugged. I was sure I wasn’t the only one who heard the undercurrent to his words.
“Would you mind if I went out on the boat?” Ajay asked.
“If that’s what you want.” So generous, my little brother. Honestly, how were we even related?
Ajay looked back at me and I could see how much he wanted to spend the day out on the water. It was clear as the day. Andeven if he didn’t want to disappoint my brother, I had no such issues.
“Looks like you’re coming with us, Tassie boy,” I grinned, heart sparking with warmth as he smiled back at me.
We finished breakfast and Ajay ran upstairs for a shower while Mateo headed for the ensuite in my room leaving me and Rob to soak the frying pan.
“You sure you know what you’re doing?” Rob asked, eyeing me sceptically as he leaned up against the island.
“Nope. I have no bloody clue,” I answered cheerfully.
“You think having Mateo and Ajay captive together on a boat out on the water is a good idea?” he pushed.
“Why?” I couldn’t help asking. I knew full well what the potential pitfalls were but I hadn’t thought they would be that obvious to others. Rob wasn’t always the most perceptive but sometimes he noticed things that surprised me.
“Because it’s clear to everyone with a set of eyes how much you like Ajay,” Rob pointed out. “And that explains the nuclear level of hostility Mateo is currently dishing out.”
“Mateo is the one with the girlfriend,” I added helpfully.
“Mate don’t be like that,” Rob sighed. “You know what the deal is with him. Just, try not to parade your pretty new boy around him too much. He’s struggling with seeing you move on.”
“I’m hardly moving on,” I scoffed. “Pretty sure Ajay is straight anyway so it’s kind of hard to parade somebody around when there’s nothing actually going on.”
“Hmm,” Rob mulled. “You two were mighty cosy last night. Kind of convenient that he’s suddenly single, huh?”
“I mean, I’m not upset about that if that’s what you’re asking,” I returned.
Rob just sighed dramatically but the smile on his face showed me he wasn’t too concerned. And neither was I to be perfectly honest. I mean, yeah, I had what was probably best called acrush on Ajay and I knew how that would likely be making Mateo feel.
Was I going to let it get in the way of taking Ajay out on the boat and making sure he had the best day ever?
Why no, it would not.
It was later in the morning than I would have liked before we were ready to set off. We’d loaded up my Wrangler with fishing rods, tackle and the snorkelling gear and stocked the eskies with drinks and food for the day. We’d get the bait and ice at the little shop at the marina where Dad kept our boat.
Ajay looked a lot fresher after his morning shower but way too cute for a day out on the water. He was wearing a pair of black board shorts and a white tee and he’d just planted a black Brooklyn Nets cap over his curls that had me almost crying in despair. Those curls should be free always. There should be a law.
Ajay climbed into the front seat beside me, the sun from the open top roof beaming down on him and making him look like some kind of angel. It was sure looking like it was going to be a warm one today. For a variety of reasons.
The marina was a short ten minute drive from the house, tucked into a natural cove on the northern edge of town. Rob went to organise the bait and ice while Mateo, Ajay and I hauled everything down to the berth where we kept our boat in the most non-awkward grouping of guys you could have picked.
Ajay looked up at the boat with those eyes lit up again and I tried to ignore the burst of pride in my chest. Honestly, I loved this boat. She was pretty as a picture in her crisp metallic blue and white stripes and was plenty big enough for the four of usto sit comfortably. The hard top provided enough shade if we needed to get out of the sun and it came with a swim platform at the back and a bow cockpit for lazing on in the sun.
As soon as we were all aboard, Rob helped me remove the lines securing the boat to the dock. I started her up and we set out to the open sea. The sun was perking up in the morning sky and the water was perfectly calm and still, just a soft rocking motion gentling the boat.
Ajay was seated on the opposite side from Mateo, eyes on the horizon. He turned and caught my eye, the breeze rustling those few curls that were still loose under his cap. I couldn’t rein in my smile as I motioned to him with my head.
