The Lines We've Crossed

FIVE

The salty breeze carried the scent of fried seafood and freshly baked bread as we walked into The Wreck, Kiara's family restaurant. The place was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, everyone enjoying their meals and the warm summer evening. We made our way to the corner booth, settling in with a view of the bustling kitchen where Kiara's parents worked hard.

Kiara slid into the booth beside, a tray of iced teas and sodas already in her hands. "Here you go, guys. On the house."

"Thanks, Kie," JJ said, grabbing a soda and taking a long sip. "This place never disappoints."

John B looked around the table, a serious expression on his face. "So, has everyone heard about the hurricane our way?"

"Yeah," Pope said, nodding. "My dad's been talking about it nonstop. It's supposed to hit in the next couple of days."

JJ leaned back, crossing his arms. "I'm planning on staying over at John B's. The Chateau's probably the safest place to be."

Pope shook his head. "I have to stay with my pops. He needs help securing the house and the shop."

"And I'll be with my family too," Kiara added. "My parents are already prepping The Wreck and our house for the storm."

John B turned to me and Sarah. "What about you two? What's the plan?"

I glanced at Sarah, then at John B. "Since Tyler and I's parents are still out of town for business, we'll be spending the night at Sarah and Rafe's."

Sarah nodded, sipping her iced tea. "Yeah, my dad wants to make sure everyone's safe. He's already got the house prepped and everything."

JJ raised an eyebrow, a smirk spreading across his face. "So you're gonna be staying with Rafe, huh?"

I rolled my eyes. "Yes, JJ, I'll be staying with Rafe. But don't worry, I'm not planning on getting hit in the face with another volleyball."

Everyone laughed, the tension easing slightly. Pope said, "Yeah, JJ, try not to make it any worse. Heather's had enough of Rafe for a lifetime."

JJ grinned. "Hey, just saying. There's always a little extra tension when you're around, Heather. Sparks flying and all that."

Kiara nudged JJ with her elbow. "Don't be a jerk, JJ. But seriously, Heather, are you okay with it? Rafe can be...well, Rafe."

I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "It's fine. Tyler and I need somewhere safe, and the Camerons' house is probably the safest place on the island."

"Yeah, safest place with the most drama," John B quipped, earning a round of laughter from everyone.

Just then, Tyler walked in, joining us at the booth. "Hey, what'd I miss?"

"Just discussing hurricane plans," I replied. "We're crashing at the Camerons'."

Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Oh, great. I get to babysit Rafe."

JJ couldn't resist. "Better you than me, man. Heather here's got a knack for turning everything into a soap opera."

I rolled my eyes again but couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, JJ."

Kiara's mom came over, wiping her hands on her apron. "You kids doing okay? Need anything else?"

"We're good, Mrs. Carrera," John B said with a smile. "Thanks for letting us hang out here."

"Anytime, John B," she replied with a warm smile. "Just stay safe, all of you. This storm sounds like it's going to be a big one."

As the evening wore on, the restaurant started to empty, and the reality of the impending hurricane began to sink in. We helped Kiara clean up, stacking chairs and wiping down tables. The usually vibrant and lively atmosphere of The Wreck felt subdued, the anticipation of the storm casting a shadow over everything.

Before we left, Kiara pulled me aside. "Are you really okay with staying at the Camerons' place?"

I shrugged. "I don't have much of a choice. Tyler and I need somewhere safe, and Ward's house is probably the safest place on the island."

"Just be careful," she said, hugging me. "Rafe can be unpredictable."

"I know," I replied, squeezing her back. "But I'll be fine. We'll get through this."

JJ couldn't resist one last comment. "Heather, if Rafe gives you any trouble, just remind him that you've got an army of Pogues ready to take him down."

"Yeah," John B added, grinning. "We'll show up with pitchforks and torches if we have to."

Tyler laughed, shaking his head. "I think Heather can handle herself. But I appreciate the backup."

We all shared a laugh, the tension easing a bit more. As we walked out into the night, the air felt heavy with humidity, the sky darkening with the promise of a storm. I couldn't shake the feeling that the hurricane was more than just a physical threat. It was a test, a challenge that would push all of us to our limits.

Back at the house, Tyler checked to see if he fully secured everything— the windows and doors. "Hey, sis," he called out as I walked in. "How was The Wreck?"

Looking at him confused, "You were there! Or was I just hallucinating the whole time?" He laughed at me. "I mean, how was it before I showed up?"

"It was good," I replied, helping him with the last of the storm shutters. "Everyone's prepping for the hurricane. We'll be heading to the Camerons' tomorrow."

Tyler nodded, his face set in a determined expression. "We'll be ready. We've been through storms before. We can handle this."

I hoped he was right. As I lay in bed that night, listening to the distant rumble of thunder, I couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. The hurricane was coming, and with it, a storm of emotions and challenges that we'd have to face together.