Page 95 of X My Heart

I put my hands in the pockets of my pants. “So, want to check out the party?”

Sky nods. “That would be nice.”

“Nice,” I mutter. When did we become so polite with each other? I fucking hate this.

Following her onto the beach, I say hello to people I know. Everyone here is either a surfer or a BMX rider. There is a huge bonfire in the middle of the sand, warming my skin. The smell of burning embers fills the cool night air.

“Want a beer?” I ask her, pointing to the keg.

She nods, staring out to the ocean.

“Wait here. I’ll be right back,” I say, turning around, and I pick up a cup for her and a soda for me.

Before I know it, one of the brunettes I’ve slept with is standing next to me.

“Hi, Hunter.”

“Hey, Lydia.” Fuck, I actually know her name. I shake my head. “How are you?”

Her eyes widen in surprise. “Good.” She smiles up at me. “I see you brought a date.” She nods at Sky, who’s talking to Ryan.

Motherfucker. Sky is laughing and he’s smiling too. She motions with her hands, the wind blowing her hair back, and I’m this close to picking her up and taking her home to my place to have her all for myself.

“You’re different,” Lydia says, her voice kind.

“How so?” My eyes are still angrily following Sky and Ryan. The cups shake in my hands.

“I don’t know. It’s like you found the one,” Lydia says, kissing my cheek, taking me by surprise as I watch her head over to Ryan and Sky. Sky introduces herself and my former friend puts his arm over Lydia’s shoulder.

Before I make it back to Sky, I’m stopped by a couple of riders from the circuit. Sky walks by me and I pass her a cup.

I don’t talk to her the whole evening, but keep following her with my eyes, drinking one soda after the other. She is avoiding me, talking to people she doesn’t know when she could be spending time with my grumpy ass. I’m getting angrier as the night progresses, the bonfire becomes larger, and the voices louder.

Drew slams me on my shoulder. “Hey man.” He takes the cup I’m crunching out of my hand. “I think you’ve had enough to drink.”

Timothy is talking to Sky. They are both laughing and he’s explaining something, his hands moving over his buzz cut. She smirks, her head falling back.

“What the fuck is going on, man?” I ask, not looking at Drew.

Drew focuses all his attention on the fire. “I…”

“If you know something, now is the time to tell me. I’ve given her space when I thought it was what she needed. What do I get in return?”

Drew takes a sip from his beer. “She needs to tell you.”

“What the fuck does that mean?” I growl out.

“Like I said.” He pauses. “She needs to tell you.”

“You can’t even look me in the eyes. We’ve always been honest with each other, don’t you forget it,” I warn him.

She says goodbye to Timothy, and turns around, walking to the water’s edge. “Screw this,” I say. I make my way to the surf, not stopping when Drew calls after me.

I flip him off, turning my attention back to Sky. She stops and takes off her shoes, then dips her toes in the water. I grab a Coke from the cooler and keep on walking. She takes a sip from her beer, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“Will you tell me what the fuck is going on?” My voice sounds angry, and I down half the can.

“Nothing is going on,” she murmurs, averting my eyes.

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