Once Upon A Surf

Chapter Twenty

The bell rang above the door of the Shack and I sighed, peeking out from behind the tower of flip flops I was currently arranging. Drew caught my look and flashed me a thumbs up, saying brightly, "Hi, how can I help you today?"

I was so thankful for him.

I picked up another pair of pink flip flops and put them on the shelf, glancing up at the time. I was out of there in only five minutes, and then I could go check on Abbi before heading out to the beach. The Shack had been completely slammed all day—once people caught word that Drew was working here, a lot of the girls from school had been stopping by for impromptu visits.

Quickly, I finished arranging the shoes before lugging the empty box outside to the recycling bin. The warm air seemed to stick to my skin and I was eager to get in the water. I jogged back into the store, getting behind the counter and grabbing my keys, phone and wallet.

Drew had just finished up with a customer when I grabbed his arm, pecking him on the lips. "Gotta run."

"We're still on for tonight, right?"

I paused, my brow creasing. "Tonight?"

"Please tell me you didn't forget."

"I—" I frowned. "I swear we didn't make plans."

"We were going to go bowling."

I let out a small sigh. "Donna wanted me to stay in tonight and make dinner for a few friends of hers."

"Lindsey—"

"Listen, I'll work something out, okay?" I forced a smile, backing towards the door. "Don't worry. Just pick me up at eight."

Drew opened his mouth to say something but I ducked through the door, getting to my car and jumping in. I made a quick stop at the smoothie shop before heading over to Abbi's, letting myself in the front door.

"You're late."

"Shut it," I slipped my shoes off, walking into the living room and plopping down next to Abbi. She had a blanket over her legs and her head was still wrapped on one side, the TV playing Grey's Anatomy. I handed her the smoothie before stretching my legs out and taking a sip of my own.

"How was work?"

"Awful."

"Typical."

"How was home?"

"Boring."

"Typical."

Abbi grinned. "You excited for your date with lover boy?"

"I—" I shook my head. "I totally forgot, Ab."

"Again?"

"Yeah," I said with a laugh. "I don't know how he doesn't hate me."

Abbi shoved my arm lightly and smirked. "I—"

"Abbi, dear, did you need any more medicine? Has your headache gone away?" Her mom came into the room and smiled when she saw me. "Oh, hi, Lindsey."

"I'm good, Mom," Abbi said, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Are you sure? The doctor said you could take more medication if the headaches get bad like that—"