Page 8 of Be Your Anything
On one hand, he’s legitimately famous—a professionally ranked surfer who has won some of the world’s most illustrious and prestigious titles—and definitely fills the role of Hermosa Beach royalty. He’s thrown well-attended ragers since we were in high school and even has his own fan page online, hosted by a group of local girls who went to the public school.
On the other hand, he acts like there is any way in hell he has a modicum of privacy, steering clear of reporters and journalists like the plague, pretending people don’t watch himeverywherehe goes.
I’ve never really understood it, coming frommybackground that doesn’t just consist of local attention but national recognition, but I’ve always chalked it up to that surfer mentality he seems to have, thatdon’t take life too seriouslyvibe he manages to pull off so effortlessly.
“This shit’s gonna be so dope,” Aaron says from the other end of the table, rubbing his hands together. “I’m beyondstoked. I heard the parties he threw back in the ’80s were sick.”
“Who is this guy, again?” Hannah asks.
“Remember, I told you about the guy with all the big white dogs?” Lucas says. Then he sticks his thumb out in the direction of where Paige is folding up the newspaper. “That’s him.”
“He’s lived in Hermosa Beach for a long time and has thrown some of this city’s most killer parties,” Otto interjects. “Hot chicks, booze abundant, live music, cops, craziness, and general debauchery.”
I roll my eyes and look at Hannah. “None of us were even alive during his glory days, and he doesn’t really do anything big anymore.”
“I love his dogs. They’re so fluffy!” Rebecka exclaims.
Otto shudders. “They’re a nuisance. They bark at everyone.”
“No, they bark atyou.” Lucas’ comment has everyone chuckling. “Theyloveme.”
“Our parents used to go to his parties whentheywere around our age,” Wyatt chimes in. “He and my parents are friends. I’m pretty sure he’s calming things down because he wants to run for office.”
Hannah nods.
“If the king is throwing a bash, he’ll probably be hosting the town’s party elite and masses of wannabes. So what’s the plan for us?” Otto asks.
Aaron scoffs, his brow pinched in confusion. “Uh, obviously we’re gonna go to his party.” He looks to Lucas. “Besides, don’t you wanna be there so he can officially hand off the crown?”
Lucas chuckles. “I don’t think he was actually intending on conducting a ceremony, Aaron.” He pauses, taps his fork lightly against his plate. “Besides, I think I’m gonna do something small this year. Just a few friends and family, lounging around, maybe some grilling, and fireworks on the roof.”
Hannah grins at him. “If it’s going to be small, can we invite Ivy and Ben?” she asks, referencing Wyatt’s younger sister and older brother.
Wyatt conceals his smile by lifting his drink to his mouth, but I see him squeeze Hannah affectionately where his other arm wraps around her shoulders.
It’s no secret that Hannah and Ivy have grown close over the past few months since they both speak sign language, but I’m surprised to hear her ask if Ben Calloway can come.
Wyatt’s older brother is her boss—the owner of Bennie’s at the Pier, the best diner and brewery in town—and a complete prick, no matter how handsome he is.
“Absolutely,” Lucas says. “Invite your friends from work, too.”
Hannah laughs. “I don’t really have many friends at work, but I’ll make sure to ask Eleanor if she’s busy. If she’s not working, I’m sure she’d love a chance to watch the fireworks from the roof.”
“So, you’re really just gonna have a super-sleepy non-party?” Aaron interjects, his mouth and eyes wide with confusion and at least a hint of mortification, the idea ofnotpartying hard on the busiest beach holiday of the year clearly too insane to process.
But Lucas just settles back in his chair, elbows on the armrests and hands folded casually against his stomach. “Yeah. I am.”
Aaron shakes his head, bites into a piece of bacon, and then points a finger at Lucas. “Mistake, bro. You miss one event, you’re gonna fall out of touch.”
Otto laughs. “Somehow, I don’t see that happening. It might happen toyou, but definitely not to Lucas Pearson.”
Aaron flips Otto the bird but doesn’t push the subject.
With that topic officially closed, everyone begins to go back to their little conversations from before Paige’s interruption.
Hannah sharing her interest in photography with Rebecka, Wyatt chiming in supportively.
Ji-Eun, her girlfriend Tabitha, and Aaron discussing an upcoming trip to South Korea.
