“Yeah, had a migraine this morning but it’s all good now.” Shade smiles at Vanesa but when his gaze sweeps over the room, it lands on Parker for longer than feels natural. There’s like a freeze frame moment between them but it’s gone so quickly, I’m convinced I imagined the whole thing.
Dude has been through some shit; the last being a beat down from a group of soon-to-be dead assholes who thought it was a good idea to keep our brother hostage for a few days. Long enough to torture him. Out of all of us, Shade used to be the reasonable one, but lately, he’s been in trouble more often than the other brothers combined.
It’s fine. We’re keeping an eye on him when he’s in the mood for a dancing girl or loud music. Boner and I would never turn down the opportunity for willing pussy and AC/DC cover bands. To be fair, he’s doing a lot better than two years ago. I guess grief is non-linear and, as Vanessa calls them, “the waves” come at unexpected times.
The front door swings open, Mac and Psycho walking in like two tornadoes, and everyone’s attention goes straight to them.
“‘Sup mothertruckers!” Psycho trails in behind Mac, who’s on the phone, waving at us all as she makes a beeline for what I’m guessing is his suite upstairs. She giggles when he slaps her on the ass just before she’s out of reach. “I heard there’s a swell coming in from a storm. Who’s up for freezin’ their balls off and having a good time?”
Fuck that. I like my balls exactly as they are. Plus, I lost my neon speedo and I refuse to go to the beach wearing anything but that. It’s my trademark.
“Shriveled balls are not attractive. I’ll wait for speedo season, fuck you very much.”
Boner then struts in with perfect comedic timing. “I’m pretty sure I burned that shit at the bonfire last summer.”
“Asshole!”
“Wanker!” Parker and I gasp and cry out at the same time and I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face.
“I’ll buy a new one just for you, Stabby.”
“No thank you. The saggy vajayjay look isn’t for me.” Well, isn’t she a mouth full of sass. “But please, you do you and I’ll have my camera ready to shoot!” I knew I liked her.
“I’ll go, yeah. Just give me a minute to grab my wetsuit.” The room goes quiet and everyone stares at Shade. “What? Am I not supposed to go surfing with my brothers?” He shakes his head, a small smile at the corner of his lips.
“Oh, sweetie, no. We’re just happy to see you participate.” Vanessa needs to take the kid gloves off.
“Hey! Beats drinking stale beers and watching the poles getting wetter than our dicks, amiright?” I’m lying, my dick always—fuckingalways—gets action. Shade, however…mostly drinks stale beers and watches.
“That’s not what she said.” At Shade’s quip, the room explodes into an oooh and ahhh like we’re a frat house but cooler and not rapey.
“This is all very confusing.” Parker shakes her head like this whole scene is giving her a migraine. “I’m pretty sure I’m missing something.”
“Come on, I’ll fill you in.” I take her hand and lead her to the bar, where Violet is cleaning up after coffees, teas, and lots of whiskey. “Hey, Vi, can y’all get a picnic set up? Just whatever’s on hand for food and drinks, I’ll grab blankets and shit.” I flash her my signature good boy grin and turn back around so I’m looking at Parker’s soul-deep and a little unhinged blue-green eyes. “The sun’s shinin’, the waves are wavin’, and the good times are about to be gotten.”
“You’re fucking insane, you know that?” Oh, if she only knew.
I lean in, my lips whispering over the shell of her ear. “It’s why we live in a renovated psych hospital. Like finds like.”
Most normal people would back away slowly, actively trying to avoid the crazy train. Parker, though? She does the exact opposite and it’s the most refreshing thing ever.
“Well, then. What are we waiting for?” Her eyes drift over to Sledge, just to our side and without even asking the question aloud, he nods that he, too, will be drinking beer and watching our unfortunate brothers freeze their dicks off.
Sorry for your loss, Mac.
“Fuckin’ A, the more the merrier. Let’s do this!” Psycho takes a shot, then shakes his head before running up the stairs and to his room. I know for a fact that he keeps his wetsuits here because surfing is a group activity and we rarely go alone.
By the time everyone is ready to head out—I managed to swipe the keys of Vanessa’s old junker before anyone else—it’s way past lunchtime and I’m jonesin’ for some food.
“I snuck out a couple of pillows for the beach. Figured you might be tired from the late night.” I frown when I realize I have no idea what she ended up doing last night. “Actually, you probably went to bed earlier than we did…?” I let my statement trail as a question, hoping she’ll fill in the blanks.
“Nah, my place had a great view so I ended up watching the sun rise.”
I may not know her well—at all, really—but I know this: she’s hiding something. No worries, though. I’ll figure it out somehow…and soon.
My dick is like a truth serum. One thrust and they just start spilling.
“You ever been to the beach?” I ask her, not knowing much of her past or where exactly she’s lived.