Ocean Eyes

Chapter Four

The next day, Ric woke up with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. He hoped that today would bring some clarity to the situation with Theo. He threw on his swim trunks and a t-shirt, grabbed his beach bag, and headed out the door. The warmth of the sun washed over him as he walked to the beach, the sand sticking to his feet and the scent of the ocean a familiar embrace. He set up his towel and chair, the waves whispering their secrets to the shore. Ric pulled a magazine from out of his bag, trying to distract himself from the nervousness in his stomach. But his eyes kept drifting to the horizon, watching for any sign of Theo.

When he finally saw his friend approaching, his heart skipped a beat. Theo looked tired, his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, but he had a tentative smile on his face. Ric's heart swelled with relief.

As Theo approached, Ric stood up, dropping his book and opening his arms. "Bueno acere," he said, giving him a warm, firm hug. It was a silent declaration that no matter what, they were still friends. Theo returned the embrace, his body tense, but his arms wrapped around Ric tightly. They turned back toward the sand, the waves gently lapping at their feet. The breeze played with Ric's hair, and he could feel the heat of the sun on his skin which seemed to be so quickly fading. He took a deep breath, trying to ease the tension that had built up in his chest.

"Look," he began, "about last night, man. We don't have to talk about it. We can sit here, or there's a bar around the corner."

Theo took off his sunglasses, revealing the redness around his eyes. "I don't know, Ric," he said, his voice low. "I've been thinking about it all day, and I still don't know what to say." Ric nodded, understanding. "That's okay," he said, his voice gentle. "But it looks like a storm is rollin' in." Theo took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "I think going to the bar might've been for the best," he admitted. Ric felt his smile flourish. "Okay," he finally managed. "Okay, T. There's open mic tonight, just so ya know. Let's-?" Theo laughed, rolling his head to one side. "Oh, man. I don't know-"

"Oh, we'll be fine! Get a couple drinks in us, and just go up there and start spittin' shit." Ricky laughed, and Theo's chuckling soon after had joined in.

Theo nodded. "Yeah, uh," They stood in silence for a while, the only sounds the waves and the distant laughter of children playing. The warmth of the sun on their skin, the sand between their toes—it was a simple, beautiful moment that felt almost sacred. Then, as if on cue, the clouds rolled in, casting a shadow over the beach. The wind picked up, carrying with it the scent of rain. "Looks like the storm's coming," Ric said, breaking the silence.

Theo glanced up at the sky, a sad smile playing on his lips. "Yeah," he said. "But maybe that's what we needed." Theo smirked. The men turned, watching the storm clouds gather, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. But as the first drops of rain began to fall, Ric reached out and grabbed hold of Theo's hand, giving it a squeeze as he started to run. "Come on! Gotta get to that Bar!" Theo fumbled, nearly falling into the sand but swiftly caught hold of his shades as they began to run toward the roof of the bar. The palm trees started to wave, bending towards them as the world shifted into a birds eye view.

"C'mon, Theodore! You damn turtle!" Ricky teased.

Theo couldn't help but laugh at Ric's playful jab, feeling a weight lift from his chest. They reached the bar just as the rain began to fall in earnest, the sound of the drops on the metal roof a comforting white noise. The bar was dimly lit, with a stage at the back where a few brave souls were already setting up for the open mic night. They found a booth in the corner, the red leather sticking slightly to their damp skin. Theo slid into the booth, his eyes scanning the room. He felt a twinge of nervousness, but Ric's hand on his shoulder brought him back to the present. "You good?" Ric asked, his eyes searching Theo's with a disarming smile. Theo nodded, trying to keep his breathing steady.