When the Tide Rolls In [COMPLETED]

Chapter Eleven: Ego Reduction Surgery

Samantha

Today was the last full day of planning we had until I had to meet the strange caller tomorrow night.

I threw the comforter off of me and sighed. Today I had to work, so Nick would have to accompany me. That would be an awkward conversation to have. In truth, I had no idea what I would tell people.

I heard soft voices talking downstairs as I moved from my room to the upstairs bathroom. I started the shower and then looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like a mess.

My mind was filled to the brim with thoughts.

Who was the caller? What was he going to do? Was it my father?

What was up with Daniel lately? Why was he so hostile?

Once I finished getting ready, I padded down the steps, my flip flops clacking against my feet. I reached the bottom and entered the kitchen. Two pairs of eyes landed on me and their conversation had stopped long before I was in earshot.

"Secrets don't make friends," I smirked, trying to lighten the mood. For some reason, the two men were looking upon me with frowns.

"Where are you going?" Nick asked me, ignoring my comment.

"Work, duh," I said, grabbing a Hot Pocket out of the freezer. Nick stood up from his seat.

"I will be ready in five minutes, do not leave without me," he ordered. Then, he was gone, his feet softly marching up the stairs.

I felt Conner's eyes on me as I cooked my Hot Pocket. I decided to ignore it, knowing I'd be rude if I confronted him.

Five minutes later, Nick reappeared, dressed in his normal full suit. I looked him up and down before laughing. Conner joined in on my chuckling.

"What's so funny?" Nick growled, glancing between the both of us.

"You expect to fit in at a beach dressed like that?" Conner asked, smirking at his boss.

"I do not concern myself with the thoughts of others," Nick argued.

"What if his men are watching her? They'll notice you, and they'll know something is up," Conner spoke, completely serious now.

Nick looked like he always did, ready for an argument. Instead, he turned back around, grumbling to himself.

Ten minutes later, I had finished my Hot Pocket and was on the verge of being late to work. So, I called up to him. A moment later, Nick reemerged downstairs and Conner and I had to hold it together.

He was wearing a pair of palm tree swimming shorts and a similarly patterned tank top. He also had on a hat covered in palm trees.

"Maybe, um, opt for a tee shirt. And lose the hat," Conner said, giggles escaping between his words.

By now, Nick was furious. Another few minutes passed and when he came back downstairs, I felt my chest clench.

He looked normal.

He looked like a different version of Daniel.

I could see his strong arms now that they weren't hidden by a shirt and suit jacket. I could see his muscular legs. I held it together as he walked towards me.

"Let's go," he muttered. He was obviously unhappy that he was dressed in such a way.

"Right," I said, closing the door behind us.

--

Thankfully, I was not on a lifeguard tower with Daniel that day. Nick would've been too much of a distraction for him. I would have to send them to opposite corners of the beach to get them to cooperate.