When (he)arts Prevail

21

On the weekend, Kaylee decided to make another photo session on the beach. She went early in the morning, with the sun still shy in the sky. Yet the light and the waves were ideal. A few surfers were already starting their day and Kaylee knew she was up for a good time.

She was on the pier for a couple of hours, until the place started filling out with families and people doing their outdoor, weekend activities and she had to stop. She gathered her equipment and went to her car to drop it off and switch to her beach attire. Then she started for Alyssa's shop. They had agreed to spend the day together at the beach, along with the rest of the guys.

There were a couple of people inside when Kaylee stepped into Alyssa's store, the bell ringing not letting her surprise her friend. Alyssa's head snapped up at the sound and a smile split across her face, before she beelined for Kaylee with arms open.

"There you are!" Alyssa said while she hugged Kaylee.

"Sorry, it took me longer than I expected."

Kaylee followed Alyssa to the cashier.

"Did you fall asleep?" her friend asked with a chortle.

Kaylee hesitated with her answer. However, Alyssa was her best friend and she knew she could trust her and be honest. So Kaylee decided it was time to tell her about her recent activities. "I came for a photo session, actually..."

Alyssa's eyebrows knitted together as she rummaged through things behind the counter, not looking at Kaylee. "A photo session? What do you mean? Like posing for someone?"

At that Kaylee could not help laughing. "No, silly. I'm the one shooting the photos. You know, like old times..."

Alyssa stopped what she was doing as realization hit her. Her eyes widened with excitement. 

"You're back at it?" She asked in a hushed tone yet with the enthusiasm of a five-year old with candy.

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Since when?"

"Why are you whispering?" Kaylee queried, matching Alyssa's tone of voice.

"Because this is exciting!" Alyssa replied, still whispering, banging her fists softly on the counter. Kaylee let out a soft laugh and Alyssa joined her for a moment. Back to a normal voice, Alyssa continued, "Seriously, that is so cool."

Kaylee smiled, leaning her elbows on the counter. "Thank you."

"I'll be waiting for the results."

"I'll show you sometime. It's still too early. I'm still figuring out and relearning."

Alyssa scoffed. "Come on! I bet you still have it. You don't lose touch over something like that."

"Debatable."

Kaylee's friend gave her a deadpan stare.

"Shut up," Kaylee grunted, although her friend had said nothing. "Let's move!"

"Just need to tell Melanie out back I'll leave," Alyssa said and disappeared for a moment before returning with her colleague on her tail and a huge bag on her shoulder. The girl stayed at the cashier and Kaylee and Alyssa left the store, going straight to the beach.

They found a spot big enough for them and their coming friends, a few meters from the water, and lay down on their towels.

Kaylee spared a glance at Alyssa, raising an eyebrow. "Have you been working out?" Surprise laced her words as she did not remember Alyssa being so fit. She's always been thin, but her body appeared different, toned.

Alyssa looked down at herself. "A bit. Mateo goes to the gym, so I decided to tag along. Sometimes."

"It's showing, girl!"

"Good," Alyssa smiled and rested her head, closing her eyes. "Mateo agrees with you."

Kaylee mimicked her friend and relaxed on her towel. "I'm glad someone is having it," she commented playfully.

Alyssa elbowed Kaylee on the side, chuckling. "You talk like you've been dry for years. It's been what? A couple of months since Sebastian?"

Kaylee lifted a shoulder in a shrug. "It's not like he was great."

"No one else in the radar yet?"

"Gosh, no."

"Maybe Mr. B—"

"Shhhut it."

Alyssa cracked up laughing and Kaylee slapped her friend on the side.

"You're never giving up, are you?" Kaylee asked with a laugh of her own. "Good lord."

"I can say from experience that I'm 99% sure Brian is better than Sebastian in bed—"

"No!" Kaylee whined, pretending to cover her ears, yet hearing Alyssa's fit of laughter loud and clear over her hands. "Why are you telling me that?"

Alyssa took her time recovering and it was impossible for Kaylee not to join her, both shaking with laughter. "I thought you'd like to know," Alyssa managed to say after calming down. "For future references."

"My God."