Caught in the Riptide

Chapter 2

Blake wrung out the saltwater from her highlighted hair. The sun was just about to come up, making the sky a light pink color. She took in the sight and let out a sigh.

Time to make the donuts.

She carried her longboard under her arm as she walked up the sandy beach to the Daybreak Shack, a small line already forming outside. Her usual customers waiting for their morning coffee before work. She unlocked the doors and held it open for all her customers to stroll in. Balancing her board in the other, she shuffled in, trying not to hit anyone as she balanced her board on the back wall by the bathroom. Cali was already behind the bar warming up the various machines for the morning. 

"Good surf today?" She asked pouring espresso into a to-go cup. Her curls bouncing as she turned her head to Blake. Blake had always envied her natural curls compared to her brown waves that she often had highlighted. This month's edition was caramel. She pulled a dry set of  clothes out from her backpack that she'd left behind the counter earlier that morning. 

"It always is." Blake smiled as she pulled a loose tank top on and shorts over her bikini. She knew she would be back out again after the lunch rush. She clipped her caramel waves up, tied an apron around her waist and began working on orders.

The Daybreak Shack had been a dream of Blake's. She was born and raised on Oahu. Her parents had bought the property when it was worth pennies, and bult the shack. They wanted a place where people could enjoy good food, coffee and waves. The shack was quite literally on the beach. That's were the name came from, Daybreak. Her dad would always say; "The waves are great at Daybreak!"  

People came from all over to try their smoothie bowl creations or freshly grown and brewed coffee. It was Blake's happy place, her peace. She hired Cali, her cousin, as an assistant manager and co-owner when her parents passed away. Blake couldn't keep the place afloat on her own, so she called Cali, who squealed at the offer over the phone.

It was perfect. Until this biker crew began showing their faces too often here. Blake had never wanted any trouble, but they would come and terrorize some of the customers and ruin their tables and chairs. She had tried calling the police before, but all they would do was take a few notes and tell Blake that they would investigate. They did that more times than she could count. She had cameras installed, extra secure locks and hired a security guard to check on the place at night occasionally. She didn't know why they would come around. She had a sneaking suspicion that they worked for the owner that owned all of the other shops around the Shack. 

Across the street from the Shack, there was a strip mall that used to be local shops that were now designer brand stores. One by one, each store couldn't afford rent anymore or something with their contract ended and they left. It made Blake and Cali nervous, but Blake knew her dad bought  part of the land. So no one could pull a rug out from under them. 

She scooped ice from the ice chest and filled an ice coffee to the brim. She prayed the gang wouldn't come today. It was once a week or sometimes three to four times a week. After some time, Blake learned how to stand her ground with the gang. Once she learned that they wouldn't touch her or Cali, she learned how to mouth off to them enough to get them to leave. Cali was surprised she didn't get shot some days. Blake had a way with words, and if you pissed her off, you were in for it. Cali had supported Blake during these events that occurred all too often. She and Blake took self-defense classes too just in case something stupid happened. 

"Did you see the shipment in the back of all the fruits today?" Cali asked, pouring a smoothie.

"Yes, thank you for taking care of that." Blake began frothing milk for a late. "Did you also-