“But I bet you know basically everything about surfing, right?”
He digs a blade out from somewhere behind the bar and begins slicing lemon and lime wedges. “I like to think so.”
“How about a trade, then? I tutor you for the GED, because I have a crapload of extra knowledge. And you tutor me in surfing, because I’ve never even touched a board.”
He paused, his knife in the air. “Never?”
“Not even once. Mother said it was unseemly.” I roll my eyes.
“I don’t know,” he says, frowning. He goes back to cutting lemons and limes. “I don’t think Asher would like it.”
“Come on. Asher’s not even talking to you!” I cross my arms. “And I’m serious! I want to learn how to surf.”
And maybe spend a little more time with you, in less clothing, I think.
He just gives his head a tiny shake. “Unh uh.”
“What’s the slope of a line?” I ask. “What is the quadratic formula? Or the Pythagorean theorem?”
The tips of his ears grow red. “I don’t know.”
“That’s why this is perfect!” I declare. “Seriously, you could probably be ready in like a month. And I could use the vitamin D from being on the beach. It’s good for mood elevation. It will be good for both of us!”
I hold my breath, waiting. Jameson hesitates.
“Your brother can’t know about it,” he says. “He already thinks I’m a fuck up. Even without ruining his wedding, which he definitely thinks I did.”
I can’t contain my grin. “Yes! You will not regret this. I promise.”
As if summoned, Asher pulled the door open just then. He doesn’t have the I’ve-just-eaten-a-lemon expression that I expect him to, but he doesn’t look happy either.
I’m just shocked to see him so soon, honestly. I figured he would hide out for a week or so, lick his wounds.
“What?” he barks at me. “Find somewhere else to study. It’s Saturday. We’re going to be busy tonight.”
He storms past Jameson, not even making eye contact with him. I look to Jameson, but he just nods gently.
“He’s right,” Jameson says.
I roll my eyes, then hold up my phone. I mouth I’ll text you.
He glances toward the back, where Asher disappeared. He doesn’t say anything else, so I grab my satchel and head for the door.
I walk the block to the beach, shading my eyes against the brightness of the afternoon sun. The ocean is there, waves crashing on the beach. I am going to teach Jameson. And he’s going to teach me.
Hopefully, if I have anything to say about it, he’ll be tutoring me in a lot more than how to catch a wave. Smiling to myself, I wander down the beach.