Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 67398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67398 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
No one was going to mistake me for an actual surfer, but judging by the number of times I was asked for directions, I at least looked more like I knew my way around these days. I watched the ocean on the drive north as much as I could because the December waves truly were as epic as advertised. Perhaps my newfound appreciation for the ocean was Merry rubbing off on me in more than the fun sense.
And there was Merry waiting for the bus, lounging against his car, looking every inch the blond surf god of my dreams. All mine. He smiled as he caught sight of me, wide and easy, like my mere presence was enough to make his day.
“Nice hoodie. Get in.” He opened the passenger door for me. “Turns out I have one more present for you.”
He plopped a bag from his parents’ surf shop in my lap. I opened it to reveal one of those lightweight wetsuits Merry and the boys had worn last time I’d been up here. It was thick enough to provide more warmth than swim trunks but nowhere near a scuba suit.
“It’s a wetsuit.” I frowned at him. “I don’t want to sound ungrateful, but I think standing up on a surfboard is still beyond my skillset.”
“Agreed.” Chuckling, he leaned over to give me a fast peck on the cheek. “This is so your poor, easily chilled body can enjoy boogie boarding. And it will also protect your knees from the sand. The boys and I are going to teach you. In fact, it was mainly their idea.”
“No fair.” I groaned. “You know I can’t say no to them.”
“Yep.” He grinned at me. “You’re a big softie.”
“Guilty as charged.” I set the bag behind us, next to Barney and near a clipboard with papers from the surf lessons Merry did. “Are you going to make me sign a waiver?”
“You’re not gonna drown. Promise.” Merry gave me one last kiss before starting the car and heading farther north. “We’ll stick to shallow water.”
“And do I get to watch you actually surf?” I was more willing to attempt this new sport if it meant seeing Merry wet, sandy, and preferably shirtless.
“That would be the plan.” He winked at me.
“And I get brunch?” My stomach rumbled, reminding me what time I’d had to leave Cara’s neighborhood.
“Yes, Nolan, you get a last meal.” He rolled his eyes at me. “Mom packed a picnic for everyone.”
Brightening at the prospect of food, I enjoyed the short drive to a different beach than I’d been to before. This one had more trees and a long, meandering path to the shoreline. Barney followed along, including when we stopped for me to squeeze into the wetsuit at the public restrooms at the trailhead.
Merry’s whole family was already on the beach, set up with low chairs, a beach umbrella, a couple of coolers, and Grandpa looking like he was taking up residence right there. I was sure he had a first name, and I would have happily used it, but he’d told me to call him Grandpa because “everyone does.”
“Looking good, Nolan.” White hair swept back off his forehead, Grandpa gave me a regal nod.
“Thanks.”
“Nolan!” Merry’s mom graced me with a huge hug. She wore a tie-dye print rash guard over faded denim shorts. “Did Merry tell you about our present to you both yet?”
“Not yet.” Merry also gave his mom a tight hug and ruffled her hair. My mother would likely commit a mortal sin if one of us touched her hair. “I figured that would be his reward for trying the boogie board.”
“What present?” I nudged Merry. “Maybe I’ll be more likely to get on the board if you tell me now.”
“Dad, Mom, and Grandpa are taking the kids to a special show at the Polynesian Cultural Center tonight, leaving us on our own for dinner, and Mom made reservations for you and me at the resort. She wants us to have a date night.”
“I love this idea.” I nodded enthusiastically until I caught sight of Ryder wiping out spectacularly on the very thing Merry wanted me to try. “Assuming I live until then.”
“You’ll live.” He dragged me closer to the water and the boys. Merry’s dad had one of the squatty body boards, which he handed to me. Merry pointed at the water. “Watch the others. Do they look miserable?”
“Well, no.” Up and down the beach, people of all ages were trying the boogie boards, dashing out into the surf and hugging the board close to ride it back to shore. “It does look fun.”
“You’ll see.” After a few more demonstrations from the boys, Merry attached the board’s strap to my wrist. “Your turn.”
Grabbing Ryder’s board, Merry waded out with me, and all went well until I launched myself at the board and ended up with a mouthful of saltwater.