Golden Hearts | Rafe Cameron [1]

37

July 6

It's a new day. Rafe dropped me off early this morning since I have to work at the surf shop. At least, that's what I was thinking as I walk towards the small store nestled between my family's place and the Cameron's house.

I open the door, quickly realizing it's unlocked, but I don't dwell on it. Probably someone's been here before me.

As I step into the store and head towards the counter to grab my name tag, my brother pops up, causing me to jump. Why does he have to scare me like that?

"You just scared the life out of me!" I exclaim, giving him a playful slap on the arm, making him hold up his hands in defense.

"You don't need to work today," he says.

"Why?" I ask, surprised.

"There's a storm coming, so it's pointless for us to stay open today or tomorrow," he explains.

"A storm? Again?" I say.

"Yeah, but this one's like twice as bad as the last one, so if it gets really bad, we won't open until Tuesday."

I start heading back towards the door. "Okay, then I'll just go somewhere else," I call out to my brother before hurrying away. Maybe I should try to find Kiara instead.

It takes me a little while to get to Kiara's house, but I'm not there for long before I figure she's probably at her parents' restaurant, The Wreck. So that's where I end up, hoping to spend time with her.

The restaurant is packed with people, likely tourists, and it takes me a moment before I spot Kiara's dad walking towards me with a big smile.

"Long time no see, should I find you a table?" Mr. Carrera says, meeting me with a hug.

"It's okay, I'm here for Kiara. Is she around?" I ask.

"Yeah, she's at the bar. She's working though, but you can go talk to her if you want," Mr. Carrera says before leaving me.

"Kie," I say, smiling as I approach the bar. She looks up and smiles instantly when she sees me.

"Oh, hi Addie!" she says. "I'm sorry I'm working today, but maybe we can do something another day."

"If you want, I can help you. I don't have anything better to do. The surf shop is closed anyway," I offer.

"And Rafe?" she asks with a smirk.

I sigh loudly. She doesn't know about all the drama yet. "I don't know what he's doing today."

"Okay, it's fine," Kiara says.

"I can help you if you want. Free of charge," I insist.

"You really don't have to," she says.

"Come on, I insist. It's not a big deal. It's busy anyway," I say, smiling.

"Okay, okay," Kiara says. "Come around the counter."

I do as she says and stop behind the counter. Kiara hands me a hair clip so I can tie up my hair before she also gives me a shirt with the restaurant's logo. Kiara's dad comes out and looks surprised to see us.

"You're here to help out? That's very kind of you, Adeline. We really appreciate it," he says, giving me a light pat on the shoulder. Lucky he didn't think we were being silly.

"Would you mind serving these plates to table 7?" Kiara asks, pointing to some plates behind me. I nod and carry the plates to table number 7 where a family of five is seated.

If only I had a normal family with not so much power and a dad who could be normal. Who wasn't angry at the slightest mistake and didn't hit his daughter. Who didn't commit any crimes and ruin family relationships. Does my dad even know how my mom is feeling right now? He probably doesn't care. He'd probably call her overly sensitive.